(1) FRANKLIN EXPEDITION NEWS. In news that is science fictional only to those of us who have read Kailane Bradley’s The Ministry of Time: “Identification of a senior officer from Sir John Franklin’s Northwest Passage expedition” at ScienceDirect. It’s Captain James Fitzjames.

Arctic Canada’s King William Island and Adelaide Peninsula have preserved the unidentified skeletal remains of many of the 105 sailors who perished while trying to escape the Arctic at the end of the 1845–1848 Franklin Northwest Passage expedition. Over the past decade, we have attempted to identify those individuals through DNA analysis using samples obtained from living descendants. Here we report on comparison of Y-chromosome profiles from a tooth recovered from King William Island and a buccal sample from a donor descended from one of the expedition’s senior officers. The results reveal a genetic distance of one, suggesting that they share a common paternal ancestor. We conclude that DNA and genealogical evidence confirm the identity of the remains as those of Captain James Fitzjames, HMS Erebus.

(2) SHRUNKEN EDS. “Over 30 Years, 40% of Publishing Jobs Disappeared. What Happened?” asks Publishers Weekly. You mean they don’t know?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of people employed in book publishing in the United States fell to 54,822 in 2023, down from 91,100 in 1997. If accurate, that represents a loss of about 40% of traditional publishing jobs in less than 30 years.

The BLS stats are drawn from detailed employment data for book publishers, which, according to the agency, includes businesses that “carry out design, editing, and marketing activities necessary for producing and distributing books,” whether “in print, electronic, or audio form.”…

….While government figures show that full-time employment in book publishing has been in decline since the 1990s, context is key. There have been significant shifts, including new technology and consolidation, that make it difficult to compare today’s publishing industry to the industry that existed three decades ago.

For example, a 1992 report produced by Simba Information listed 20 companies across all publishing segments with sales of at least $200 million. Of those 20 publishers, 10 exist today, having swallowed up the other 10. And with every acquisition comes integration and a consequent net loss of jobs as companies improve their operating efficiencies…

(3) INIGUEZ Q&A. From the British Science Fiction Association’s Vector magazine, “Jean-Paul Garnier interviews Pedro Iniguez”, a Mexican-American horror and SF author, about his poetry collection Mexicans on the Moon: Speculative Poetry From A Possible Future.

JPG – What made you want to take on the themes in Mexicans on the Moon through speculative poetry, and where did specpo take you that other mediums might not have allowed? 

PI – I think there’s a power in the brevity and playfulness of poetry that really worked in my favor with this collection. Speculative poetry allows me to shift gears quickly from poem to poem. For example, in Mexicans on the Moon, you’ll find poems that are heartwarming, funny, sad, chilling, or thought-provoking. It allows the poems to take on their own life, be tonally different, while still feeling thematically coherent in the grand scheme of things….

(4) SPECIAL EFFECTS MAVEN WILL SPEAK. The Los Angeles Breakfast Club Presents: Terri Hardin: Monster Maker on October 2. Tickets at the link.

ABOUT THE PRESENTATION: Join legendary artist and puppeteer Terri Hardin as she reflects on a career spent crafting and puppeteering some of your favorite monsters.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER: Terri Hardin’s vast career spans the special effects renaissance of the ’80s and ’90s, Disney theme parks, the Jim Henson Company, memorable commercials, and amazing sculptures – including jack-o’-lanterns! Terri is a puppeteer and artist who got her start in Hollywood building stillsuits for Dune (1984) and puppeteering the Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man in Ghostbusters (1984). Terri’s film credits also include The Muppet Movie, King Kong (1976), Men in Black, The Flintstones, Mars Attacks!, Team America: World Police, The Country Bears, and cult classic Theodore Rex. 

Terri has worked as an Imagineer and sculptor for Disney, where she’s contributed to attractions including Star Tours, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Splash Mountain, La Taière du Dragon in Disneyland Paris, and Captain EO, where she appeared as Angelica Huston’s stunt double! 

(5) ANDROMEDA AWARD FOR UNPUBLISHED SFF NOVELS. Two agencies, the U.S.-based United Talent Agency and U.K.-based C&W literary agency (part of the Curtis Brown Group), have launched The Andromeda Award for unagented, unpublished full-length adult debut works of science fiction, fantasy, and speculative fiction. Entries opened today, September 25, and close December 18.

The award is open to anyone based in the UK or USA who has a full-length science fiction or fantasy novel. Full information is at the link.

• First Prize – $5,000
• Second Prize – $3,000 + a place on Curtis Brown Creative’s nine-week Writing Fantasy course
• Third Prize – $1,000 + a place on the six-week online Curtis Brown Creative course of their choice (courses include Writing Science Fiction, Writing Gothic & Supernatural Fiction and many others)

The longlist will be announced on March 25, 2025, and the shortlist on April 22. The final winner will be announced by May 6. 

(6) SELF-PUBLISHED SCIENCE FICTION COMPETITION. The fourth edition of the Self-Published Science Fiction Competition (SPSFC) has closed submissions with 188 books entered into the contest. That’s down from 300 in previous contests. The number of judging teams has also been cut to six, versus the original 10.

They are now finalizing the judging teams and dividing the books into six allocations to be given to those teams for the first phase of the contest. Each team will receive 31 or 32 books and use their own methods to determine which novels they read are most deserving of being selected as their semifinalists. We’ll talk more about that as we get started reading in early October.

(7) TINTIN SENDUP. “Futurama’s New Riff On Classic 95-Year-Old Comic Is One Of The Show’s Best Parodies Of All Time” in ScreenRant’s opinion.

…Futurama‘s Tintin parody might be one of the best examples of Futurama‘s ability to poke fun at other properties while staying true to its own bizarre and dark comedy. “The Futurama Mystery Liberry” features distinct parodies of children’s book characters, including Nancy Drew, the Hardy Boys, and Encyclopdia Brown. The most well-executed of these parodies is the riff on Tintin, which recasts the Planet Express Crew as some of Tintin‘s most iconic characters in a word designed to resemble the original Tintin comics….

… The story of the segment sees the group embarks on a trek around the world to reunite Farnsworth with his lost love, this world’s version of Futurama‘s perpetual villain Mom. This reflects the Tintin series’ habit of sending the characters on global adventures, reflecting historical themes and scientific ideas. It’s all filtered through Futurama‘s design and sense of comedy, leading to plenty of dark jokes and silly turns (especially once Bender, Hermes, and Amy appear as the equivalents of Thompson and Thomson). The short goes so far as to directly mimic the art style of Tintin creator, Belgian cartoonist Hergé….

(8) FAN AND OTHER MAIL. Brenton Dickieson undertakes “A Statistical Look at C.S. Lewis’ Letter Writing” at A Pilgrim in Narnia.

…If it is most likely true that Lewis is one of the last of a dying breed of letter writers, it is certainly true that he came to dread the task. Classically, Lewis said that

“it is an essential of the happy life that a man would have almost no mail and never dread the postman’s knock” (Surprised by Joy, 143).

I wrote an entire blog on Lewis’ aversion to writing the letters that he felt duty-bound to write (see here), and how his growing fame meant that he was constantly responding to fan letters and answering the questions of inquisitive Christians. As we will see, there certainly is an increase in letters as Lewis’ fame grows.

… In 1938 Lewis published his first Science Fiction book, Out of the Silent Planet,  and The Problem of Pain, a book defending Christianity, was published the following year, followed closely by The Screwtape Letters and the BBC Broadcasts. It is in this period that we begin to see some of the “fan” correspondence. He dialogues with authors Dorothy Sayers, Arthur C. Clarke, and Evelyn Underhill. He also develops lifelong literary relationships with Sr. Penelope and Mary Neylan (who becomes a Christian largely through Lewis’ letters). As such, we see a spike in the number and length of letters in 1939-1941–it is only at the height of the Narnia series that we see so much paper coming from Lewis’ desk….

(9) ADDING BACK THE WOMEN. At CrimeReads, Steph Post insists “The Women Are There: Re-imagining Classic Adventure Novels”.

… Of course, die-hard fans love to point out that “it doesn’t make sense” for women to be in any of these stories. I’m not going to go down the rabbit-hole of why I think the anachronism argument is meritless—I could be here all day—but in looking at how Terra Incognita would hold up against my beloved adventure novels, I realized that, in all reality, the authors had missed so many opportunities for rich storytelling by excluding or diminishing women…. 

…Of course, I had to start here. Twenty Thousand Leagues has everything—sea monsters, ice barriers, giant squid, a visit to Atlantis, claustrophobia and paranoia, obsession and melodrama, a dark, brooding anti-hero on a blind path of vengeance—except even one female character. Like Penelope to Odysseus, Captain Nemo’s unnamed wife is the motivating force that delivers for us the “archangel of hatred,” but, unfortunately, she’s dead. The image of Nemo crying in front of the portrait of her with their two, also dead, children is deeply haunting in the most tragically romantic way. While the Captain alludes to righteousness and an abhorrence of oppression and imperialism to rationalize his vendetta against civilization, it’s obvious that his family is the true motiving factor for his murderous desires. Perhaps Nemo’s wife has more in common, then, with Helen of Troy.

But aside from the fact that she’d dead—by way of the “oppressor”—and was young at the time the portrait was painted, we know absolutely nothing about the wife whose face doesn’t launch ships, but sinks them. Just think of what Verne could have done with her! Structurally, she could have been the impetus for flashbacks scattered throughout the text. I mean, what kind of woman would have married a man like Captain Nemo? Perhaps she was an adventuress herself, or a revolutionary. She could have been an heiress and an engineer, whose fortunes and talents designed the Nautilus that Nemo retreats to upon her death. Was she faithful to him? And he to her? To throw in some extra drama, Nemo could have discovered with her a lover, cursed her and abandoned her. He vanishes to the high seas and she drowns herself and their children. Nemo then wallows in guilt for the rest of his life and succumbs to the Maelstrom with his wife’s name on his lips. Sound too dramatic? I don’t want to hear it. Jules Verne gave us the everlasting image of Captain Nemo sobbing and playing the organ in the dark—nothing could be too gothic or romantic after that.

(10) GONE NORSE. Animation Magazine sets the frame: “Watch: New Featurette Explores the Norse Myth Origins of ‘Twilight of the Gods’”.

In a new deep-dive featurette, executive producers Zack Snyder and Deborah Snyder explore the figures and fables of Norse mythology that inspired their brutal, bloody new adult animated saga Twilight of the Gods.  The series premiered September 19 on Netflix after sneak peeking the first four minutes of footage for Geeked Week.

The featurette offers a glimpse at character design development as well as more footage from this epic animated world. 

(11) MEMORY LANE.

[Written by Cat Eldridge.]

Anniversary: The Princess Bride (1987).

Thirty-seven years ago today, what might indeed be the sweetest film ever released premiered: The Princess Bride. Yes, I’m biased. Really biased. And the novel is even better. 

Based off the exemplary novel of fourteen years earlier by William Goldman who adapted it for the screen, I need not detail the story here as I know there’s not a single individual here who’s not familiar with it. If there is anyone here with that hole in their film education, why are you reading this instead of going to watch it? You can watch it on Disney + or purchase it as a Meredith Moment off iTunes or Amazon for $4.99, a very good deal indeed. 

It’s a very sweet love story, it’s a send-up of classic adventure tales, it’s a screwball comedy, it’s a, well, it’s a lot of things done absolutely perfectly. Did I mention sword fights? Well, I should. Great swords they are. 

I fell in love with The Princess Bride when Grandfather played by Peter Falk repeated these lines from the novel: “That’s right. When I was your age, television was called books. And this is a special book. It was the book my father used to read to me when I was sick, and I used to read it to your father. And today, I’m gonna read it to you.” A film about a book. Cool!

Yes, they shortened the title of book which was The Princess Bride: S. Morgenstern’s Classic Tale of True Love and High Adventure, The “Good Parts” Version. But unwieldy for a film. Though a stellar book title indeed. Though not to put on the cover I suppose. 

There are very few films that successfully adapt a book exactly as it written. (Not looking at you the first version of Dune or Starship Troopers.) The only one I’ve seen that did was Like Water for Chocolate off the novel by Laura Esquivel. That Goldman wrote the script obviously was essential and the cast which you know by heart, so I’ll not detail here were stellar in their roles certainly made a pitch perfect difference.

Rob Reiner was without doubt the director for it and the interviews with him have indicated his deeply affectionate love for the novel.

That it won a Hugo at Nolacon II was I think was predestined. I won’t say it is just magical as it was intrinsically magical in the way the best uplifting films always are. And I think that it was by far the best film that year. My opinion, yours of course might well be different. 

Only six percent of the audience reviewers at Rotten Tomatoes don’t like it. Were they at the wrong film?

Deluxe one-sixth scale figures of the characters including Westley (Dread Pirate Roberts) are being released. You can stage your own version of the film. 

(12) COMICS SECTION.

• Eek! recalls a wizard’s school days.
• Wannabe has a writing tip.
• Carpe Diem considers long term effects.

(13) SUPER PAINTER. “See how Alex Ross paints Superman in an exclusive clip from upcoming documentary The Legend of Kingdom Come” at GamesRadar+.

Kingdom Come is without doubt one of the greatest DC comics stories of all time, and one that made a lasting impact on how fans and creators approach the publisher’s core characters. The 1996 Elseworlds series by writer Mark Waid and artist Alex Ross was a mindblowing achievement, both in its depiction of a dark possible future for the DC Universe – one that Waid recently revisited in the pages of Batman/Superman: World’s Finest – and with it’s stunning art, fully painted by Ross. 

Now, a new documentary titled The Legend of Kingdom Come is set to delve into this classic story and its creators with original footage and exclusive interviews from a host of big name comics talent including Waid and Ross, as well as Spawn creator Todd McFarlane, Bill Sienkiewicz, Amanda Conner, Paul Dini and more….

(14) GHOST OF YŌTEI. Variety reports “Ghost of Tsushima Sequel Video Game Ghost of Yotei Set at PlayStation”.

…Titled “Ghost of Yōtei,” the game will debut in 2025 and follow a new protagonist, Atsu, with a whole new storyline.

Released in 2020, “Ghost of Tsushima” is an action-adventure game following Jin Sakai, a samurai on a quest to protect Tsushima Island during the first Mongol invasion of Japan. Jin must choose between following the warrior code to fight honorably, or by using practical but dishonorable methods of repelling the Mongols with minimal casualties….

(15) GET YOUR CHARLIE BROWN FIX. Animation Magazines tells you how to see three seasonal classics for free: “Apple TV+ Gifts ‘Peanuts’ Fans with Free Streaming Holiday Specials This Season”.

To brighten the holiday season, Apple TV+ will provide special free streaming windows for nonsubscribers to enjoy the classic Peanuts holiday specials from Mendelson/Melendez Productions and Peanuts Worldwide. (Subscribers can watch these specials anytime, all season long.)

It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown

Stream for Free Saturday October 19 and Sunday October 20, 2024.

Join the Peanuts gang for a timeless adventure as Charlie Brown preps for a party, Snoopy sets his sights on the Red Baron and Linus patiently awaits a pumpkin patch miracle.

 A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving

Stream for Free Saturday November 23 and Sunday November 24, 2024

For over 50 years of this Peanuts classic, Peppermint Patty invites everyone to Charlie Brown’s for Thanksgiving, even though he is already going to celebrate at his grandmother’s. Snoopy decides to cook his own version of a Thanksgiving meal with help from his friends.

A Charlie Brown Christmas

Stream for Free Saturday December 14 and Sunday December 15, 2024

In this beloved Peanuts special, feeling down about the commercialism of Christmas, Lucy recruits Charlie Brown to be the director of the gang’s holiday play. Can he overcome his friends’ preference for dancing over acting, find the “perfect” tree and discover the true meaning of Christmas?

(16) MARS MY DESTINATON. “Musk: SpaceX Will Send 5 Uncrewed Ships to Mars in 2026” according to PC Mag.

SpaceX will send “about five” uncrewed Starships to Mars in two years, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk said Sunday.

“If those all land safely, then crewed missions are possible in four years,” Musk said on X, the social media platform he also owns. “If we encounter challenges, then the crewed missions will be postponed another two years.”

Earlier this month, Musk explained that these first missions will not have humans on board so that SpaceX can test whether or how well it can land its ships “intact” on the red planet’s surface. Mars has more extreme temperatures than Earth, with surface temperatures ranging from -14 to -120 degrees Fahrenheit depending on the location. Dust storms are also possible, and can cover the entire planet.

Global dust storms on Mars occur roughly every five and a half Earth years, so SpaceX will have to factor Mars’ weather into its calculations. But NASA doesn’t believe these global dust storms could destroy equipment because they top out at speeds of 60 miles an hour. Nevertheless, they could impact other parts of the landing process.

When Mars and Earth are aligned at their closest, the red planet is about 38.6 million miles from Earth. NASA estimates it will take spacecraft about nine months to travel to Mars. In July, NASA finished a year-long Mars simulation with human crew to test Mars’ potential impact on human health…

(17) CLOUDY, WITH CHANCE OF ICEBALLS. [Item by Steven French.] I’ve only ever seen noctilucent clouds once in my life and they were truly gob-smacking (people were literally standing in the road looking up at the sky)! “What happens to the climate when Earth passes through interstellar clouds?” – Phys.org has a tentative answer.

Noctilucent clouds were once thought to be a fairly modern phenomenon. A team of researchers recently calculated that Earth and the entire solar system may well have passed through two dense interstellar clouds, causing global noctilucent clouds that may have driven an ice age….

(18) I HAD ONE ONCE BUT THE WHEELS FELL OFF. In this commercial from long ago, when it comes to the VW Beetle vs. the DeLorean: James Bond knows what to choose!

[Thanks to Kathy Sullivan, Teddy Harvia, Mike Kennedy, Andrew Porter, John King Tarpinian, Chris Barkley, Cat Eldridge, SF Concatenation’s Jonathan Cowie, Steven French for some of these stories. Title credit belongs to File 770 contributing editor of the day Paul Weimer.]