Hi-Sci-Fi

by Irma Arkus

An unlikely, but really spectacular announcement hit UK media: Red Dwarf, the holy cow of all sci-fi comedies, will return!

The original cast with Craig Charles as Lister, Chris Barrie as Rimmer, Danny John-Jules as Cat and Robert Llewellyn as Kryten are going to be reunited for a two-part special. What is the special? The return of Red Dwarf…to Earth!!!

“Red Dwarf: Back to Earth” will hit the TVs in April, produced to be aired for Easter weekend.

Let’s just say, the fans are excited. Now I’m off to get some fishies.

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by Irma Arkus

Few things are as exciting as the planet we live on. I invite you to take a look at the Big Picture: satellite images of Earth Observatory, run by NASA. This also, by the way, may explain to critics why we should have a civilian-run space program, instead of only a military one.

Check out the images of a great crater in Sahara, or dunes of Iran [link]

by Irma Arkus

First of all, if you haven’t received the news yet, make sure to tune in on this Friday, as the new episode of BSG will premier.

This episode will be so cool that your head might explode. It is also fractionally (and that includes the frak) longer by about 3 minutes.

You will feel exhausted, kicked in the nuts, but more importantly, you will realize that living BSG-sans is no way to go on.

But wait! There is an answer to your problems, as BSG Cylon Wars premier in comic books.

Newsarama reports that Dynamite Entertainment will issue a four-issue comic series that will explain the first of Cylon wars, a sort of Caprica tale.

by Irma Arkus

A more unusual approach by Canada’s Finance Minister is drawing attention, as Jim Flaherty issued a public invitation to all who want to express their opinion for fiscal stimulus, to be included in Budget of 2009.

So, if you know of anyone who already has millions, or billion of dollars, lets all get together and make sure that we give them more money. Alright! Lets go!!!

See link for more information.

by Irma Arkus

The amazing Joss Whedon has finally released a glimpse of his long awaited Dollhouse.

The news of the pilot, finally shown to executives and critics at a conference, featured more than a few funnies.

The long-awaited Dollhouse has been plagued by delays, reshoots, rewrites and grumbling from financiers.

Our favorite Tahmoh Penikett has seemingly landed a great role, only to be in midst of a whilwind disaster.

That, and the lack of Joss Whedon in a midst of a vampire-revival with teens, just seemed impossible to bear for the fans, myself included.

Now, we are assured that Dollhouse will premier in February of 2009.

Moreover, Whedon is considering to make a sequel to his webisodial, Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog.

Double yeey!

by Irma Arkus

You must have been wondering: amongst all remakes, where is the return of Buck Rogers? Well, wonder no more as it has been announced on TrekToday that rights for Buck Rogers have been purchased by James Cawley, known for his fandom productions.

Cawley apparently, very much fell in love with Buck Rogers, the WWI pilot propelled into 25th century, and is very much keen on restoring the image of Buck Rogers found in comic books.

I imagine that the revised Buck Rogers will be grittier, macho experience, and may very much resemble (or attempt to) the dark and CG-laden Sanctuary.

We got to meet C. June Wolf during V-Con and she is not only an incredible author, but an amazing human being to boot! Wolf travels and often work in Haiti, which is of course, why so many of her stories are filled with the myth and voodoo of foreign lands.

Tune in and check out her upcoming book: Finding Creatures & Other Stories

by Irma Arkus

The superheroes have revitalized the dying cinema…or so they say. The recent proliferation of superhero-infused films has been both over and underwhelming.

For one, excuses for stories with superheroes, such as “Hancock” starring Will Smith, the upcoming “Race to Witch Mountain” starring “that guy who used to have a career” Dwayne Johnson (or The Rock), or for that matter, things that marr my memories, such as “Zoom,” Tim Allen’s family offering with some fancy CG action, are equivalently barf-inducing and should not be watched by human beings. Anywhere. Period.

While you may think that I am being cruel, bagging Hancock with Zoom, then please do continue to fret, because both represent films without any backstories, original source material, or prior audience engagement.

In some cases, that would be called bold, inventive, and creative. Ratatouille is one example where such story worked out into a great production. But that is because they did not rely on lazy writing. Ratatouille’s writers did not rely on ripping off stories that resemble familiar pages of comic books which they vaguely remember from their masturbatoriums. Instead, they made an effort to construct a script worth getting a crew together for.

In cases of recent Nicolas Cage films, and the above named suspects, the superhero genre is used and abused, raped and molested by writers who are faking it.

The first superhero films were not much to look at. While Spawn was an awesome thing, it certainly wasn’t the best film ever made. And do not tell me that your Fantastic Four dreams have been fulfilled by those weak attempts at Jessica Alba, invisible, in tights.

It isn’t until this year of 2008 that we finally got to combine all things that make for good films, with subject of superheroes.

Dark Knight and Iron Man have set the bar way higher than their predecessors. Now we expect more. Now we need more. We demand not only people in tights and capes, but great story, amazing script, incredible actors, wonderful action, superb CG graphics, and much, much more.

This is why superhero films are exciting, yet dangerous, as they may sorely disappoint.

Speaking of which, the Wolverine trailer looks amazing. But will it be an incredible film? That is left to be seen.

by Irma Arkus

We’re totally famous now! Earshot Magazine is featuring us, your humble HiSciFi this month. They say we rule! We say, yeah.

This is what they write (article below) or check out the link.

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Programmer Profile: HiSciFi Rules!

Now that geeks are cool, it might be time to accept that science fiction is too. Irma Arkus and HiSciFi lead the charge.

“HiSciFi is dedicated to our inner nerddom,” says host Irma Arkus, “exploring sci-fi in entertainment and the arts, and issues in technology and science.” In grander terms she continues, “I guess if I am to describe it, then HiSciFi is about the fringes of possibilities, the excitement of the new, and the promise of tomorrow.”

Imra and her loose crew of co-hosts, offer up a mix of insider news, interviews, reviews and banter. That might sound like a lot of geeking out for the average listener, but they keep it lively and fast moving and given that science fiction, whether, Lost or Heroes or Star Wars is as big a part of our entertainment culture as cop shows, anyone can keep up. HiSciFi gets the best, the most passionate, and the brightest of authors, activists and industry insiders. “HiSciFi is about things that get people excited. What is better than talking about sexy robots, or how much Michael Bay’s Transformers sucked? Or getting the down-low on an air-compression engine car, a newly discovered planet, and hating the governmental policies on net neutrality and DRM?

“The really amazing thing is that HiSciFi gets the best, the most passionate, and the brightest of authors, activists, and even industry insiders. Damian Kindler is a perfect example of someone who grew up loving horror and science fiction films, and became a creator of Sanctuary, the first independent TV show that used the internet for distribution.” The show has lined up an impressive roster of guests including: Cory Doctorow, Michael Geist, Joana Slonczewsky, Lauren Weinstein, Robert J. Sawyer, Joseph Mallozzi, Cheryl K. Olson and many more. HiSciFi airs on CJSF 90.1 FM in Vancouver on Fridays from 5 P.M. to 6 P.M. You can also listen live online or by podcast at www.cjsf.ca or torrent (Mininova). For more on HiSciFi visit the show’s website at www.HiSciFi.com.

Goblins is considered one of the leading North American internet-based comics, and Tarol has created the comic book out of boredom, love of D&D, and his humorous persona.

Sit back and listen to Tarol Hunt, and learn a little about Goblins!

Of all the amazing people we’ve talked to I can without a doubt name Stanley Hyde as one of my favorite interview victims.

Stanley is not only personable, but amazingly energetic and excited about every single model kit and movie monster ever made. So, for fans out there, listen in to Stanley Hyde, our North American expert on Godzilla and all things boo!

Hey guys it’s me Tarek from the show. Like many people of the internet age I like weird YouTube videos, so here’s a random stir-fry of weird and fun vids that I’ve been exposed to recently. Long live the new flesh.

Check out the sweet special effects and awesome acting in this one.

I heard this is from the director of Ricky-O, so this like just a regular day at the pet store in the director’s head. This is a Kung-Fu fight between a cat and dog with an awesome fatality at the end.

The absurd killer lampshade and blood spewing cats scene from Hausu:

This demonstrates why Captain Kirk is the manliest Starfleet captain - this shows his technique for seducing aliens and making them love him forever.

Vintage Hong Kong cinema with a predecessor to the Chain Chomp.

Muscle March - an awesome game for Wii that just recently started getting distributed in North America. Clearly this started with a grand vision - a vision involving lots of muscles smashing through walls and through space-time itself.

This is funny for about a minute, but it’s a cute joke nonetheless.

That’s it for now. Sorry if they’re old, but they’re new to someone.

Oh, you guys missed us. I know. But happy new year! You may have been wondering what’s going on, so I’ll give you the downlow. We’ve had “snowmageddon” for a few weeks - I am not kidding, that is what they actually called it - for a few weeks, Vancouver has been covered in the white stuff and if was the cause of much panic, and no-show.

So, what did I do? I went for a much deserved, and long awaited vacation.

Don’t ask too many questions. Just know that I’ve missed doing the show, and everyone is antsy to get rolling again. So, show time!!!

Sincerely,
Irma Arkus

Greg Milne pokes questions at Chad Mah of Anime Evolution.

Taped live at VCon, Greg Milne “the Man” interviews Angela Malek.

This week is a bit lonely, so it’s just me, myself and I, bringing you news in SciFi.

Grumbling about Cable TV, introducing new Sam Raimi’s show “The Legend of The Seeker,” and my complaints about Will Smith…that and more!!!

by Irma Arkus

After all my constant whining (it seems that execs actually download and listen to HiSciFi, or so I’d like to believe) it’s official! Aliens are coming back in full force!!!!

Today, announced is the return of Alien franchise, Sigourney Weaver in tow to reprise her unforgettable and unmatched role as Ripley. It may be interesting to note that at first, the role was cast for a male actor, only to hand it to Weaver. It still resonates as one of the major female-centered action films, against one of the most frightening creations ever invented - the highly adaptable, acid, double mouthed predator of all times - Aliens.

That is not even the best part though. Scott Ridley is also joining the production as director and producer.

This will be fantastic!!!!

For more information, check out the article in the Daily Express.

by Irma Arkus

So, that guy, Mohinder Suresh, goes through some kind of Kafka-esque metamorphosis, and attacks Maya, gluing her to the wall for a bit. How long I could not tell you. Though, long enough for Nathan Petrelli and Tracey walk into his lab, and get trapped. Meanwhile, Papa Petrelli gets all superpowered, and dusty Pinehurst gets all gleamy, instantaneously becoming a centre of activity.

But wait! While Suresh is shaking Papa Petrelli’s hand, and Maya is overjoyed at having her powers stripped away, Nathan and Tracey are still in Suresh’s lab, trying to pry loose their bonds.

Meanwhile, Peter is attempting to kill his brother Nathan, then future Peter exchanges place with present Peter, which is supposedly in order to crystallize the events of the future, and emphasize that the end of the world is coming.

Oh, no! There is also H.R.G who dies at end of season II, gets revived by the company, and then walks in to a less than surprised family. He goes back to work, leaving Claire at home, only to have Sylar, who is obviously too busy to trim his brows (what with all those planned killing sprees,) attack her. Two episodes later though, company man H.R.G. calmly accepts working with Sylar.

Sylar believes himself to be a good guy…for about 2 seconds that is. And then quickly has a change of heart. And then again good guy, and family guy, saving Peter even from murderous rage of Papa Petrelli, only to turn all sour again.

We even catch a glimpse of future Sylar, who is, actually, a nice guy with a kid. Single dad and all. His kid calls Peter “uncle.” Peter even gets his power - not by the mere absorption method as in the past, but some more unexplained, strange method.

And then there is Hero, who gets even cuter by becoming literally a man with a brain of a 10-year old. He in fact becomes so cute, that he turns into a giant boring potato.

Hey, don’t despair! There is also a special appearance of Seth Green and Breckin Meyer as two nerdy dudes who sell comics…and read them. A lot.

What does all this mean? Who are all these people? I have no idea. But if you, like myself, have been trying to keep track of Heroes plot lines, then you have my sympathies.

The third season of Heroes is at this point well under way. The 12th episode has broadcast this week, and it finally got the characters under way. Bad guys are finally bad guys, and good guys are finally good guys. Yet, there are so many characters at this point, that it is difficult to sum up the progression of this season’s events.

Let’s face it, even the interruption of the writers strike cannot explain why this show, this monumental show that has captivated geeks and normals alike, went from cool to suck.

The second season was slow-witted, barely-there kind of progression, mostly involving Sylar trying to regain his powers, while in tout with Maya the Murderess and her brother. This is, I can vouch, the most I can remember from less then memorable season II.

The third season hit fast and hard. I guess since writers had time to mull over their complex ideas, drafts, and do those boards with criss-crossed little lines between characters, they threw seemingly everything in the blender, and then added a few more characters to boot.

The editing of both the story, and the video, have been sloppy during third season. That, and the fact is, at some point, nonsensical bits, such as Claire the Cheerleader “proving herself” (whatever that may be) which involved numerous episodes of her kicking ass, seemed to clash against faster-paced stories, mostly involving Sylar & co.

I am not the enemy of non-linear storytelling. No, quite the opposite. But the storytelling of Heroes in its third season feels rushed, the connections between heroes are so random, so heavily interwoven, that the dialogue and storyline progression is seemingly random, heavy and overwhelming.

While having numerous characters allows for complex storytelling, all this time travel, sloppy transitions, lack of taking the time for characters to understand and mull over the overarching events that have the potential to change the entire world, has been hampering the viewership from enjoying this unique television show.

Heroes has brought superheroes into bedrooms and living rooms of people who, until now, could have cared less about men in capes and shiny pages of comic books. That is commendable.

But failing to organize on screen is costly. It unnerves the fans, lowers your ratings, and ultimately gets you cancelled.

Now that we are nearing the end of the half season, Heroes staff has a chance to recoup, reorganize its thoughts and writing.

The truth behind all this is that the writing staff attempted to show that there is no ultimate good vs bad. But do it sloppily, and you will end up with a mass confusion, nooone to cheer for, and overhwelming sensation that the show you loved, just got a little closer to the “i don’t care” zone.

by Irma Arkus

The cover for DVD release of this year’s Doctor Who Christmas special is out, and I am not quite certain what to make of it. Enclosed is the image for your viewing pleasure.

click on above to enlarge.

by Irma Arkus

BBC announced a new science-fiction show, or specifically “Doctor Who-like show,” that will feature Steve Coogan.

The show, Brave Young Men, is described as a time-travelling saga featuring a school caretaker teaming up with a civil servant from future, preventing events that would lead to disasters.

The show will, of course, have a good dose of humour, and is described as mix of existing Doctor Who and Torchwood. First episode is all about beer that is implicated in a future virus.

by Irma Arkus

The Sky Crawlers, Mamoru Oshii’s latest film production, will premier on Dec. 12th in New York.

Based on Hiroki Mori’s novel series, the animated film was released in Japan in August of 2008, followed by appearance at 65th Venice Film Festival, where it won the Future Film Digital Award.

Thus far, the reviews from the festival circuit have been excellent.

The story of The Sky Crawlers involves some of the best motifs of science fiction, as it depicts a civilisation that has abolished physical conflict and war. Instead, to provide a psychological release for humanity’s violent tendencies, concept of corporatized faux conflict is provided in the form of gladiator matches involving teens flying sophisticated, yet nostalgic war planes, the genetically engineered Kildren.

Kildren, or Kirudore, are adolescents who do not age, until that time when they are shot down, dying for the sake of entertainment. Worst is, that many of them have no memories, no origins, and the mystery of their incepeption fuels the story.

One kirudore, Yûichi, arrives to the base, and has superior fighting skills, yet he has no memories of past. Will he reveal the secrets of the kildren?

Oshii’s film promises beautiful and sophisticated animation, in both 2D and 3D, and a kind of pastiche between Top Gun, WWII, and the obligatory anime romance.

Can’t wait to see it!

by Irma Arkus

Live action version of Naoki Urasawa’s famous manga series, 20th Century Boys, was announced earlier in the year. We’ve been promised a biggest cinematic event of its kind, as the project entails over 600 million yen, and has over 300 actors involved. Aside from the size of production, the cinematic treatment of 20th Century Boys will be a trilogy.

Well now, this complex story arch that follows the characters from early childhood into a complex adulthood, (and yes, there are obligatory giant robots involved,) is out in France????

Okay, not quite certain as to its release date in North America. Either way, the lengthy trailer has been released.

by Irma Arkus

We only found out a few days ago that David Tennant is leaving the role of Doctor Who: but who is to replace him? Who is to be the next Doctor?

This morning, UK audiences awoke to their BBC Breakfast television show, only to watch David Morrisey squirm in his seat, avoiding the confirmation of whether he will indeed take the place of the new Doctor.

Morrisey, leaving the audience with only a cryptic hint of his involvement with the upcoming Doctor Who Christmas special, refused to confirm or deny the extent of his involvement, saying: “everyone’s going to be watching, and we don’t wanna spoil it.”

Morrisey has been a serious contender for the role of Doctor Who. His attempt at making a shift to US screens has been a remarkable failure. On the other hand, UK audience has nothing but fondness for the guy who successfully danced and sang his heart out in beloved “Blackpool.”

by Irma Arkus

Jonathan Frakes, or as you may know him, Number #1, visited the sets of new Star Trek, and glanced at the film itself, giving it warm reviews. In the interview with iFMagazine, Frakes reveals his connections to Abrams, as a long time friend of J.J. Abrams’ wife, which is why he was eventually invited to visit the sets of new Star Trek.

The bridge and the new starship is “beautiful,” Frakes says, and he truly does believe that this version of Star Trek has the potential to revive the now defunct franchise.

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ps. I would throw a link as usual, but the article also contains a shameless amount of promotion of Frakes’ new project. So, I won’t bother, ‘kay!

Introducing Robert Robbi Rodriguez, comic book artist known for his amazing art: Haze, Tek Jansen (yes, we are inching closer to deity that is Stephen Colbert), Maintenance, and currently working on writing and illustrating a provocative independent series, Frankie Get Your Gun!

Robbi Rodriguez represents some of the best of the contemporary graphic novel art. I encourage you to check out Maintenanceat OniPress, his blob, and make sure to glance at Frankie (see illustration).

Now, I do have to say that talking to Robbi was great, and you can listen to our conversation below, or download a copy for posterity. However, I have to admit, that I’ve experienced some problems with the earphones in the studio during the recording process, which is why I’m a bit awkward (as in, I could barely hear him :), and sometimes ask twice about the same stuff, all of which is compounded by my heart’s pitter patter at the thought of most handsome man in the universe, Tek Jansen…booo!!! I guess we’ll just have to have Robbi Rodriguez on again! Awwww.

by Irma Arkus

Haven’t heard much about the Large Hadron Collider lately? I guess because it’s broken. The Large Hadron Collider was planned to begin in July of 2009, but now that economy is doing less than brilliant, the required $60 million to repair it will be harder to come by, and may experience a further delay.

Even though the efforts to build it cost around $6 billion, the break in a helium tank damaged the collider only nine days after its activation.

If you know anyone with a few million to spare, please do not let them donate it to GM, or Chase Morgan. I can use the dough, and apparently so can CERN.

by Irma Arkus

New Scientist reports of a ridiculous patent: Constitution Arms in Maplewood, New Jersey, has applied for a “medical device,” which, in reality is a gun for disabled. Palm Pistol is apparently geared at people who cannot operate an actual handgun.

The audacity of the entire process undertaken by Constitution Arms is that the classification of the gun as a medical device would mean that those who purchase it would be reimbursed by the federal government.

I am literally pinching myself while writing this. And I believe that my left eye is twitching.

The best part of this (you mean there are good parts to this?!!!)is that the concept of the palm pistol has been around for over a century, as shown in photos above.

After this, Constitution Arms is reaching out to kids with “candy gun,” shaped like gummy bears, and loaded with explosive bearings. Just kidding. Or am I?