Confirming it’s status as the science-fiction mecca, Comic-con has completely sold out. As I type, we’re working away here to give con-goers a great panel on Thursday about how great science can inspire great science fiction, with insights from Jaime Paglia (executive producer and creator of Eureka), Kevin Grazier (science advisor to Eureka and Battlestar Galactica) and our very own Phil Plait (creator of the Bad Astronomy blog). The official press release is after the jump, and if you can’t make Comic-con this year, don’t worry, we’ll be blogging all the latest news from the floor.
DISCOVER magazine, the leading general-interest science publication, will host the first ever “Science Behind Science Fiction” panel at Comic Con on July 24, featuring Jaime Paglia (writer and producer of Eureka), Dr. Kevin Grazier (science advisor on Eureka and Battlestar Galactica) and Phil Plait (badastronomy.com).
Since the days of Frankenstein, fiction has looked to science for inspiration, and vice versa from rocket pioneer Wernher Von Braun’s love of Jules Verne to artificial intelligence guru Rodney Brook’s fascination with the HAL computer from “2001: A Space Odyssey.”
But does it work the other way? Does good science lead to good science fiction? With panelists from the scientific and creative realms, DISCOVER investigates how writers, directors, and actors draw inspiration from scientific research, and how they sometimes choose to jettison it in the service of a great story.
The panel will be moderated by Stephen Cass, DISCOVER senior editor and blogger. Stephen’s popular blog, “Science Not Fiction,” follows the latest twists in this wonderfully entertaining, convoluted relationship examining the scientific thinking and creative process behind some of today’s (and yesterday’s) most beloved science fiction shows and movies.
“The Science Behind Science Fiction” panel discussion is at Comic-Con, on Thursday, July 24th, 5.30pm – 6.30pm, Room 6B.
Phil Plait available for media and requests.
July 17th, 2008 at 5:34 pm
Wait. I *am* media. Isn’t that meta?
July 18th, 2008 at 9:56 am
Down with the MSM! …oops, hold on a sec… I work for Discover Magazine. So, yes, I guess we will stick with meta.