Nexus 6 (22-6-12)

I come across some great science fiction stuff on the internet on in magazines. Often, I’ll see a great article or feature – perhaps even a meme (some people love them, some hate them) – and think that I’d like to keep a link to that or show them to others. People do this already with Twitter and Facebook but they are often fleeting and missed. So I’m introducing a new regular feature called 'Nexus 6', in which I’ll introduce links to other science fiction and fantasy stuff (nexus being a means of connection and six being the number of items introduced each time!) This will probably mean some moving back and forth, so why don’t you do yourself a favour and ‘Favourite’ Rob Sanders Speculative Fiction now – or if you have a blog yourself, add it to your links! I won’t mind.


1. Awesome Books To Replace Your Favourite Cancelled TV Shows


We hate it when our favourite shows are cancelled – and the loss is especially grieving when it’s a science fiction or fantasy show because they seem to get less of a chance than most. I09 provides a helpful solution to such loses by suggesting fiction alternatives to your favourite shows. Check it out here.


2. Total Recall (2012)


I wasn’t the slightest bit interested in the Total Recall remake starring Colin Farrell. I think that the 1990 version still has some charm. Farrell hasn’t been at the top of his game and the addition of Underworld director Len Wiseman doesn’t inspire. I was introduced to the trailer, however, and my interest was ignited. I’m loving the mash of Bourne-style action, Minority Report inspired technology and Bladerunner backdrops. Check out the trailer here and hope for the best!


3. Astronomers Discover A World With a Science Fiction View


I love world building. Character and plot come first, but world building is an oft-neglected aspect of science fiction writing. I hate lazy writing, in this respect. If you take your readers to the other side of the universe, you damn well better be able to help them visualise what they find there. Giant Freakin Robot reports that scientists have recently discovered an actual planet – Kepler 36-b – that they believe has the most spectacular science fiction inspired view. Check out more here.


4. Warhammer 40k Storm Eagle


I write fiction for the Warhammer and Warhammer 40k universes and have to admit to not being much of a player, painter or modeller. New models provide inspiration for my work and some are so cool that it’s tempting not to buy them for the sake of ornament alone. Check out the details of Forge World’s new Storm Eagle gunship here.


5. Six Things That Never Make Sense About Zombie Movies


I love articles about zombies. I used to be a werewolf fan and while vampires have their place, they have suffered of late from over exposure (ha, ha!) Zombies all the way, at the moment – and not just because they are in vogue. Their appeal lies in being the most possible of all the supernatural creatures. Anyway, the ever reliable Cracked has an article here about problems with the popular representation of zombies. Interesting if disgusting reading.


6. Return of the Jedi


What is it about that outfit? : )