It’s fairly obvious that I’ve fallen a bit behind on my book/graphic novel reviews over the summer due to our travelling schedule, and it’s one of the things I plan on catching up with now that we’re well into September.

That said, what have I been reading?

The Change Series, by S.M. Stirling

Beginning with Dies the Fire, this story takes place in ’99 centered around individuals in the Willamette valley as a white flash is felt through the entire world, thus eliminating all technology. Not only that, but hard science itself is changed, with basic concepts no longer functioning as it once did.

The result of this unexplained phenomenon, is America plunged into the dark ages. What happens? Who survives? Who comes out on top?

I’m currently reading the second trilogy that picks up 20 years after the change, and I can say without a doubt that this series has me hooked. Highly recommended.

Farscape: Graphic Novels

Ready for a bold statement?

From where I’m sitting, to date, Farscape ranks as the best science fiction series to ever grace the small screen. I’m not saying it didn’t have its flaws, but the characters, the writing, the universe, the science, the actors, all of it, was simply incredible.

Though it ended far too early in my opinion, I’ve re-watched the series in its entirety several times since it left the air, and my appreciation has only increased.

So it goes without saying, that when Boom! Studios announced they were doing comic books and graphic novels that picked up where the series left off, I was first in line to pick them up. Thus far, I’m rather pleased with where things are going.

I’ll do a more in depth review once a little more time has gone by, but for now, if you’re a Farscape or a Science fiction fan, pick a book up.

More from me in a bit!

- Because I Can.

Please, God, let them forget that the Peacekeeper wars ever existed! A year's worth of plot and randomness senselessly compressed into a miniseries.

Farscape is one of the best Sci-Fi shows that I've ever seen and it has some of the best quotes.

"Why aren't I not afraid?

"Fear accompanies the possibility of death. Calm shepherds it's certainty."

"I love hangin' with you man."

Classic.

I usually check out what you have on your library because we tend to have the same taste in books and comics. I was actually surprised when I saw you openly liked All Star Batman and Robin, I thought I was the only one who enjoyed it.

Anyway, thanks for recommending Song of Fire and Ice, the books were great. Wheel of Time is starting to bore me, but it was good in the beginning, so thanks for that too, I guess.

Hmmm, I do agree on that... FarScape was a brilliant Sci-Fi series. Loved the ending of the original series, but I mean that the PeaceKeeper wars are a little too much of a good thing... But I hope you don't forget the Babylon 5 Series...

I have to admit that I do not know Farscape well enough to judge its quality, but I sure hope you have the way-too-early-ended Firefly series somewhere in your top 5 ranking!

I initially wrote Farscape off as "muppets in space" because of the puppetry and some poor trailers (in the UK) , but daaaamn, what a mistake. Farscape turned out to be just mindblowing, the closest thing to grown up SF before new Battlestar - and yes, I include the overly self-satisfied Babylon 5.

There are so many standout aspects to Farscape that it's hard to pick a single one, but a show that announces 'previously on Farscape' and then shows 88 episodes in 30 seconds to remind you what you were about to start missing... that's ballsy.

Never could get into Farscape. My alltime favorite series was Babylon 5. Excellent character development, especially G'Kar and Londo.

And I definitely wish Firefly had been renewed

Stirling is in my current top 10 favorite authors. Have you caught his related "Island in the Sea of Time" series? Also worth a read is his Drakon series. Now that one will send chills down your back.
Now for something totally off the wall. Did you know that Larry Niven, Jerry Pournell and Robert A. Heinlein were the creators of the original "Star Wars/SDI" concept? Arthur C. Clark was also involved at its inception but quit due to philosophical differences.

Stirling is definitely one of my favorite authors. Just got off ship and was so happy to be able to pick up "The Scourge of God". Also, as some one who owns the entire Farscape series over itunes (and been known to quote it and firefly with my shipmates), I'm definitely going to have to check out the graphic novels.

I'd like to take this moment to add a deeply heartfelt "SQUEEEEEEE!"

So going to amazon these, I miss Moya and the gang. Thanks so much for the heads up!

I adore Farscape. Any show that has a character who farts helium and is deeply poignant gets my vote.

Just a little quote here... It's cute I think:





That would be Rygel XVI. I think he was a emperor or something..

here's hoping that we get an Astrid reference in LFG.

Couldn't agree more about the brilliance of Farscape, I watched it once and was immediately hooked! I always loved the different dynamics of the characters, they were all very distinct and lived in their own little world within the group yet bringing their unique talent and charm to it as well... come to think of it, that reminds me of the companions in this here online comic. Perhaps Lar was inspired (were you?)...?

I second the hopes for an Astrid reference....

If you're looking for suggestions, I enjoyed the Dark Jewels Trilogy. It shows an interesting take on male and female roles
and has a good bit of action.

Personally I'd say "pungent" but that works too.




Goddess, Astrid in LFG? I see 4 things happening: 1) She tries to kiss Cale. 2) She gets slapped by Benny for said kiss attempt. 3)She challenges Richard in a misguided attempt to "Destroy the dark one" and 4) Poor Astrid gets FWOOSHED back to Artemis Creek.

Personally, I'd go with Stargate: SG1, over Farcaspe. Though I do think that "Crackers don't Matter," episode is one of the funniest pieces of sci fi ever written.

That, or Richard would keep her arround because she's a raving, but effective, loon. And so much 'fun'.

I live due south of the Willamette Valley, in the Umpqua Valley, and I can assure you that technology was not eliminated by a white flash originating in central Oregon.

If you like Stirling's Emberverse novels, then I recommend that you read the trilogy that is the 'flip side' of it. In the Emberverse novels, Rudi and his group are heading to the Nantucket Anomaly. In Island in the Sea of Time, Against the Tide of Years, and On the Oceans of Eternity, the island of Nantucket (and the USCG bark Eagle, which happens to be in the affected area) are thrown back to 1250 BC, and have to try to preserve themselves, winding up involved in a number of cultural conflicts in the process.

It's difficult to pin down some of the funniest episodes simply because of the sheer amount of Crichton-isms throughout the series. "Crackers Don't Matter", "Out Of Their Minds", and "Meltdown" all stand out in my mind.



I also recently rewatched the entire series. Didn't make it all the way through the Peacekeeper Wars again though. They tried to hard on that one. But I definitely will pick up the graphic novel.