Tag Archives: Star Wars

Sir Christopher Lee Passes Away at 94

The Hollywood Reporter, among other sites, is reporting that actor, WWII veteran, and musician Sir Christopher Lee has passed away at the age of 94.

It is, frankly, hard to tell what he’ll be best known for playing. Maybe it’ll be as Count Dracula in Hammer’s horror films. Maybe it’ll be as Saruman in the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit trilogies. Maybe it will be for his performance in the original The Wicker Man. No matter what particular roles he’ll be remembered for – he was one of film’s most iconic actors, and like other horror legends like Boris Karloff and Vincent Price, his work will stand the test of time long after his passing.

 

RIP Ann “A.C.” Crispin

Known, predominently, for her media tie-in novels, Ann Crispin made a name for herself in mainly male-oriented industry. She wrote original works as well as novels in the Star Trek, Star Wars, and V universes.

While some may look down their noses at tie-in novels, Crispin’s work has often been pointed to as some of the best around. Indeed, her novel, Yesterday’s Son was the first Star Trek novel to break onto the NYT Bestseller list.

On a personal note, I think I can point to her novelization of the original “V” miniseries as one of the first (if not the first) Science Fiction book I ever read.

She passed away today after a long battle with cancer. She did manage to post a farewell message to her friends and fans on Tuesday:

I’ve been hesitant to make this post, but it’s time. I want to thank you all for your good wishes and prayers. I fear my condition is deteriorating. I am doing the best I can to be positive but I probably don’t have an awful lot of time left. I want you all to know that I am receiving excellent care and am surrounded by family and friends.

I wish all aspiring writers the will to finish and a good contract. Please continue to monitor Writer Beware and be careful who you sign with. Victoria Strauss and Richard White are there to help.

I’ve asked Michael to collect and read me your messages. As I don’t know how things will proceed, I don’t know if I’ll have the strength to post on Facebook again.

In addition to her writing, she was the founder and chair of the Science Fiction Writers of America’s committee against scams AKA Writer Beware.

She is survived by her husband and fellow Sci-Fi author, Michael Capobianco.

J.J. Abrams to Direct Star Wars VII

Take it for what it’s worth, since virtually every director under the sun has been rumored to have the coveted job.

When I read the news last night, I just could not seem to fire up enough energy to care. I thought it was the Zyrtec, but this morning I’m the same way (Zyrtec free). I enjoyed what he did for Star Trek, but that was a different (and with a frankly more Star Wars-like spin) Trek than what we’ve grown to love. Is there really an unspoken rule that you can’t cross between the two “big boys” of Sci-Fi? Or is it that we’re heading towards a homogenization of the genre?

It certainly lacks the nerdgasm moment of hearing “Joss Whedon will direct The Avengers.”

What say you, folks? Good? Bad? And who would be your pick to direct?

Speculative Fiction’s Best (and Worst) Politicians

It’s the first Tuesday in November, and for those of us in the States, that means Election Day!

If anyone else is living in a “Battleground State” like I am, you too are probably done with the whole affair. In an attempt to lift the mood here’s a list of the five best and five worst politicians and leaders in Science Fiction and Fantasy. While things could be better, they could also be a lot worse!.

BTW: Don’t find the political figure you think should make the list? Leave a comment and tell us why.

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