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Science Fantasy
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| • Definition • Typical Subject Matter • Key Works and Figures • Sources • | |
| Definition | |
Like its name implies, science fantasy is a hybrid subgenre of both science fiction and fantasy. Science fantasy will generally present science fiction subject matter such as space travel or aliens but will not attempt to place this subject matter in the context of accepted scientific theory. Often science fantasy will contain elements of myth or magic but presented in a science fictional environment. A good example of science fantasy is the film Star Wars and its sequels and prequels. Star Wars has intergalactic travel, spaceships, lightsabers, androids, robots, and aliens, but it also makes no attempt to provide a logical explanation for how intelligent life evolved and began to explore the stars. Although the prequel trilogy explained the ability to channel the Force with reference to elements of blood, the Force remains a mostly mystical concept rather than a scientific one. |
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| Typical Subject Matter | |
| Science fantasy typically can and does use the subject matter of science fiction, but often also includes fantasy elements such as imaginary creatures or magic. | |
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| Key Works and Figures | |
Most writers of science fantasy also write more typical science fiction and/or fantasy as well. Probably the best known writer of science fantasy is Ray Bradbury. Note, for example, how The Martian Chronicles, though telling stories of expeditions to Mars, makes no attempt to realistically describe the planet. The Encyclopedia of Science Fiction mentions the following authors as some of the leading writers of science fantasy:
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For more titles, see
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| Sources | |
| Stableford, Brian. "Science Fantasy." The Encyclopedia of Science Fiction. ed. John Clute and Peter Nicholls. New York: St. Martins Griffin, 1993. | |
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| • Science Fiction Subgenres • Science Fiction Topics • Fantasy Subgenres • Fantasy Topics • | |
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