Where Stories Come From: TIME LORDS & TRIBBLES, WINCHESTERS & MUGGLES

(Revised 03/09/2024)

I know what you're thinking...Gordon, why are you including something that looks so....academic? And what's the deal with calling it "Where Stories Come From" because they're scholarly papers?

My answer: my blog, my rules. 

I can't talk about my two essays in Time Lords & Tribbles, Winchesters, and Muggles without talking about Paul Booth. Paul and I met at Chicago TARDIS during 2012 (At least, I think it was 2012...either my memory is failing or I drank too much tequila last night) Having run a full-day conference focusing on Doctor Who earlier that year, Paul and I hit it off...of course, what he didn't know at the time was that my father was an alumnus of DePaul University.

(After 2013, I had received marketing certification from DePaul. Small world).

My involvement with DePaul's Pop Culture Conference continued - I sat on a panel on problematic tropes in Joss Whedon's work for Chicago Nerd Social Club, and the third year I sat on a panel on pulp themes in Supernatural. (To prep, I binge-watched eight out of ten seasons of Supernatural...which is seven seasons too many). My last Pop Culture Conference was three years ago, focusing on Star Trek (and running a panel on Deep Space Nine). 

When Paul requested papers for the Time Lords & Tribbles, Winchesters and Muggles collection, my first idea was obvious - a reexamination of Sisko as Star Trek captain. Unlike Kirk or Picard, Sisko was a realist who found himself making ethically challenging decisions in a very murky situation. (Plus, I think Avery Brooks is a very underrated actor). Plus, I already had my notes from the panel (assembled because I had also moderated a screening of Deep Space Nine's Trials and Tribble-ations), so it was easy for me to add that article to my (then) 2017 writing docket...

But then, as things like this tend to happen, Paul needed more articles, and I thought, "OK, there's no way I'm going to write about Supernatural...but do I have notes from the Joss Whedon celebration?"

Short answer: I didn't, but I had come across an old blog post claiming that Serenity/Firefly was better than Star Trek....and then an old idea came to mind.

In that post, I stated that "...Mal Reynolds probably shares more with Raymond Chandler's heroes than Louis L'Amour", and the idea popped in my head: comparing Mal Reynolds (as a character) to Raymond Chandler's "knight errant" as outlined in his essay The Simple Art of Murder....of course, there were two things that prevented me from performing an examination of the entire series.

Time (One ninety-minute and twelve forty-five-minute episodes don't watch themselves, especially with a quick deadline) and word count.

So in that spirit, I limited myself to the ninety-minute pilot and used Chandler's essay as a template. After running some trial titles on Facebook, I chose to name my essay "Neither Shiny Nor Afraid", which reflects the Chandlerian cliche of a hero being "neither tarnished nor afraid". It's one of the best essays I've written, and quite honestly, I enjoy writing the occasional scholarly article...

...especially since proceeds from book sales to Global Girl Media, which is "dedicated to empowering high school age girls from under-served communities around the world through media, leadership and journalistic training to have a voice in the global media universe and their own futures."

(As readers of this blog are also aware, I've contributed to a benefit book focused on creatives and depression, and have also promoted fundraising efforts for Puerto Rico).

If you can't find Time Lords & Tribbles, Winchesters & Muggles via my Amazon author page, you can order it directly via this link.

Various & Sundry Online Shenanigans

Now that I'm starting to get settled, here are some other writings, appearances, and other various things that have kept me busy.

For one thing, I was asked to return to CompleteSet to write about pop culture collectibles. So in that spirit, enjoy some recent pieces focusing on Happy Meal toys and Star Wars action figures.

If you missed it, Sean Taylor interviewed me for his blog. And a side note - for all those authors who said, "Hell, yes, I kill my darlings" in response to my comments...no, you didn't. You're just saying that. You're getting rid of the stuff that doesn't work.

Although I was recently published by Pro Se Productions (and yes, I have a "Where Stories Come From" piece in the works), I was also fortunate enough to have two - yes, two - academic pieces in Time Lords & Tribbles, Winchesters & Muggles: The DePaul Pop Culture Conference. My pieces focus on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and Firefly/Serenity (comparing Mal Reynolds to Phillip Marlowe - yes, really!). Thanks to Paul Booth for having me as a panelist (although I didn't make the Harry Potter conference this year), and if you want a copy (which benefits charity), click on the title link.

Finally, with the publication of Hollywood Mystery, I would like to thank Mr. James Hopwood for shouting me out not once, but twice, in promoting this work. It makes a guy feel appreciated when a fellow author says your name out loud.

Right now, besides some freelance writing (and a need to build my professional profile), I'm finishing a story for Airship 27; will be working on a top secret novel project, and focusing on helping Mom when she comes home. Until then, consider supporting my efforts with Chicago Doctor Who Meetup on Patreon until the release of The Crimson Badge by Last Ember Press.

My 2017 Writing Docket

I'll be honest, with all of the writing I've done this year, I know that my presence on this blog has been....well, minimal.

(It's also affected my work for Chicago Now's One Cause At A Time)

But it's been worth it, if only because I have had several stories published (all available via Amazon.com), and several in the hopper (including one from Pro Se Productions which Tommy Hancock announced on the Arts Reviews podcast, Airship 27 Productions, a four-issue miniseries from Last Ember Press, and a fourth small publisher). So in that spirit, this is going to serve as a list of things that I'll be working on throughout the next few months. Think of this as a teaser for what will be coming down the pike.

First - and this is the most ambitious thing I'm writing - is a small novelette for Airship 27 Productions for an upcoming Masked Rider anthology. I first became acquainted with the character when doing some editing work on Airship 27's Masked Rider: Tales of the Wild West Volume 2 anthology, and really thought the character had possibilities (think pulp-style avenger in the old West, and you're halfway there). Thankfully, I was able to salvage a very early story idea and craft it into a proposal. It was suggested that I expand it into a short novelette, and since I'm looking to write longer works...well, everything fell into place. It's been productive when I've found the time (work has come in fits and starts due to other issues), but I'm finding myself really gearing into getting this done. Hopefully, I should have a completed final draft submitted by April.

In other, slightly related news, I've been involved with DePaul's Pop Culture Celebrations for several years now. (Last year, I was a panelist for their Star Trek celebration; this year, they're focusing on Harry Potter). I've been asked to submit a paper for a special charity collection of articles, and more importantly...I was asked to submit a second article. So I'm writing a really short paper comparing Mal Reynolds of Firefly/Serenity to Raymond Chandler's Phillip Marlowe. Luckily, it's proven to be much easier to outline, so hopefully, I can get that article written and submitted in the next few weeks. (Of course, I'll definitely keep you posted on the status).

Finally, I have a side project that I really can't discuss (non-disclosure agreement), but it's one that I really want to get a heads-up on. This New Year's weekend, I'll be focusing on getting my writing tasks in order, but I also want to do some planning for this blog. Part of it is that I miss cranking out posts, but I'm looking to add some value - sure, I'll continue to do the usual comic/tv reviews, but I'm considering adding a more up-to-date live view of The Prisoner (the show's celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2017, and I think these old reviews could use an updating), as well as weekly reviews of new Doctor Who as well as monthly Mondays with Columbo....

...but I want to get organized enough that I start doing blog posts and reviews of Leverage on a regular basis. Why? Because given the political climate we'll be entering in 2017, it's going to seem very timely. Because it's the TNT drama that's getting a renewed interest, and quite honestly, I think there's much to be said about the show. I'm also going to take a lead from Siskoid, who regularly focuses on regular installments of key franchises (just take a look at an example of Siskoid's perspective on the DC Animated Universe). Let's face it - the show's getting increased exposure via Netflix and Ion Television, and it's about time somebody took the lead in providing information.

(Plus, hey, increased traffic to the blog).

Is all of this doable? Hopefully, if I can score some more freelance work gigs (if you know someone, feel free to forward my LinkedIn profile and my Services page), it should be much easier....and all I'll need to do is manage my time effectively. So 2017 should be a really great year (because it can't get any worse than 206), and it will be especially true if I remember to keep this particular quote in mind:

Review: SERENITY - LEAVES ON THE WIND

(Minor spoilers abound)

One of my biggest pet peeves in fandom is the annoying tendency of Whedon fans to insist that, in some form, Firefly/Serenity returns to television.

Yes, I have stated publicly that I think Firefly/ Serenity is a better franchise than Star Trek....but just because something has merit - and/or is short-lived - does not mean it would necessarily work in the same way. But Serenity: Leaves on the Wind from Dark Horse Comics takes some bold steps forward, using 2005's Serenity as a jumping-off point to tell a very distinctive story.

Taking place after the events of the film, Leaves on the Wind focuses on the aftermath, with a growing rebellion against the Alliance. (Thankfully, Zack Whedon's script clever avoids info-dumping for context building). For Mal Reynolds & his crew, there is a palpable sense of loss - not just for fallen comrades, but we learn that one character has seen their status diminish. Several characters lose themselves in their relationships. One character has seemingly moved on. And within all of this, there is the sense that even when things seem to be turning in a positive direction, it does not necessarily guarantee happiness for all involved.

I'm sure that more hardcore Firefly/Serenity fans will be disappointed - after all, this acknowledges that changes did happen, and kind of cements a kind of "canon." However, this is a really enjoyable read, and has a feel as if it were a great unproduced episode. Part of what seals the deal is Georges Jeanty's artwork - there's a nice, worn quality to it that makes the Serenity-'verse feel very lived in, with great work towards our main characters. (If you're expecting character portraits seemingly traced from professional headshots, you'll be disappointed - Jeanty's art is really good). It's Karl Story's inks and Laura Martin's coloring that helps make this feel like classic Serenity/Firefly, as the interplay of light and shadow - as well as the palate - really make this feel like a great, lost episode. (It also ranks second with Boom Studio's Farscape as a great "next step" for a television series that ended before its time)

At a time when most franchises get criticized for not being like fans remember (and yes, I'm talking Star Trek and Doctor Who), Serenity: Leaves on the Wind goes out of its way to deliver a great continuation of a franchise, making strong creative choices, establishing a strong atmosphere, and providing a great narrative continuation without pandering to fannish tastes.

It's also a damn good comic. It's "shiny", to use Serenity-speak.

Buy this. Now.

Happy Veteran's Day

What do Mal Reynolds, Zoe Washburn, both of my grandfathers, and personal pals Dave & Darcella all have in common?

Like many others, they're veterans, serving our country.

So today, on Veteran's Day, don't complain that I posted a picture of Firefly's cast in an effort to gain traffic.

Remember that others are out there, working hard and sacrificing, so that we can enjoy the freedom of complaining about our favorite tv shows.

Enjoy the holiday!

Oh, Wait, You CAN Take the Sky From Me....

In all honesty, this has been one heckuva busy week - part of it has been focused on finding paid work (my last source of income finished last week, and although I've had some positive leads and great interviews, I'm always open to networking and considering the next best gig - just check out my Linked In profile for more details).

However, thankfully I was able to do a wee bit of networking at a Chicago Now SEO/social media training (and I'll be heading for an outing this Saturday). Thankfully, between blogging about tech and the social good, plus my volunteer work for a state task force, I should be able to generate at least one possible lead to pursue before the holidays.

(Oh, and Mom's moving early next week. She's heading for a smaller place further southeast, and it's accessible by public transportation. So as you can see....things have been a bit hectic).

And this week sees not just a new column for Comic Related, but also a great new episode of Zone 4 for your listening pleasure.

Take Me Where I Cannot Stand: A Review of THE KILLER ANGELS

It's the book that inspired Joss Whedon to create Firefly, and in many ways, Michael Shaara's The Killer Angels shares a similar tone with the show in many ways....but first and foremost, it's one of the best reads not just in the historical fiction genre, but as a solid, literary read in its own rite.

Most of the action takes place during the Battle of Gettysburg, which was a great turning point in the war. However, the novel's perspective is with the generals of the South in the days before the major battle. Shaara provides us with near-insider's view of the Southern leaders, providing multiple insights into just exactly what principles the South was fighting for and about. Interestingly, there are one or two unique takes on states' rights, but ultimately, the novel seems to suggest two major philosophical approaches around respecting past history versus the perception of abandoning the "old ways."

Ultimately, it's the idea not just about being on the "losing side" of history - but of respecting the past versus embracing a "new way - that underlies much of Firefly/Serenity. It is easy to see why this novel was so influential on Whedon's writing - the dialogue is very literate and intelligent, reflecting refinement amongst the "common people." Much of Whedon's skill in crafting characters who are sympathetic despite being on the "wrong side" easily reveal similarities with Shaara's skill in portraying soldiers of the south. When the end comes, even though we "know" it was inevitable, there is a palpable sense of tragedy, with the feeling that these characters deserved much better than they received.

It would be easy to claim that The Killer Angels had as much of an influence on Firefly/Serenity as, say, H.G. Welles' The Time Machine had on Doctor Who. But it's much more than that - it's not just a great novel for fans of Whedon's show.

It's a great novel, period.

Read it. Now.

Help A Comic Get Published

As everyone knows, I've been expanding my writing parameters and have been working on a short, seven page story for the collected Zone 4 webcomic, to be published (hopefully) in the late summer/early fall. However, given that several of my pals are very highly connected, I'm hoping that I can receive some guidance and insight from you, the readers of this fine blog.

I need to put together an art team for this story, which is kind of like Firefly as written and performed by the Marx Brothers.This would be a full-color comic which would be available for purchase online (and could be purchased at cost by participants for signings, portfolio, etc).

Bad news - this is not a paid gig. The only concrete rewards I can offer is that this book will be made available via IndyPlanet. However, I believe in paying it forward, and would love to see what I can put together. (I've submitted a post via Digital Webbing, and have gotten some nibbles, but nothing major).

So what am I looking for? Here goes:

• Penciller/Artist - someone who can draw in a cartoon/slightly anime style (this is a comedy - with some science fiction and Western elements. Let that be your guide). I can provide samples of character design to make it easier.
• Inker - someone with a deft touch who can bring out the best in any artist
• Letterer - my Zone 4 cohort Brant Fowler will be handling the lettering. He does really good work.
• Colorist - yes, this is going to be a full color book, but I would love to work with someone who can bring nuance to colors, and has a strong vibrant approach

So if you can, I'm asking if you know anyone who can perform any of the above tasks, who has talent and is looking for an opportunity for exposure and publication, please have them drop me a line. The only thing I will promise is to give them a fair shake. (Trust me, this script is a pretty fun piece of work. You'll laugh out loud.)

Thanks, and looking forward to all your assistance.

Another Very Important Philosophical Question

Based on a recent Facebook conversation, I thought I would throw this out there: Who is cooler, more badass, and more morally upright?

Captain Mal Reynolds, or....

Secret Service Agent James West?

(No bonus points offered if you discuss the sublime genius of Artemus Gordon, but please don't let that stop you).

Taking the Sky - A New Appreciation of FIREFLY

I've written about Joss Whedon's Firefly before...in fact, I've received criticism for suggesting that it's a much better franchise than another, better known science fiction television franchise.

But I've been watching the original series on DVD (it was an Amazon Deal of the Day, and I needed something to meet its Free Super Saver Shipping....and yes, I was Christmas shopping for family online), and an interesting thought occurred to me. So please, dear reader, bear with me as I try to articulate my thinking.


Firefly's premise is that, as people went out into space, they were....well, they didn't exactly end up in the best of situations. Often, they were dropped onto worlds with minimal supplies and support, living under a regime that seemed regimented, authoritarian, and with a focus on law & order.

Our intrepid crew operates under the guise of "freedom" - not freedom in the traditional, my country-right-or-wrong sense, but in the sense of being independent, of working outside of other social contexts, of being willing to fight back...even if that "fighting back" isn't an organized rebellion, but a willingness to relate to human beings where they're at.

It's a kind of grassroots, person-centered approach that, right now, we're seeing in our country. At a time of great economic stress, where people are feeling (and in many situations, actually are) disenfranchised, many are standing up and relating to human beings as they are, and they're helping....

In short, Firefly came 10 years too early.

And if the above doesn't make sense, well....it made perfect sense in my head earlier this morning....

5 Reasons Firefly/Serenity is Better Than Star Trek

Recently, I rewatched the film Serenity, based on Joss Whedon's late, lamented Firefly series. Not only did I strongly dig it a second time, I began resenting the fact that this show never really became a great franchise...and that now, the focus is on Trek. In that regard, here is another edition of this blog's semi-regular feature (stolen from another, better blog) discussion five reasons why Firefly is better than Trek.

1. A much healthier, more realistic perception of the "final frontier" - Trek came of age in the 1960s, when the possibilities seemed endless, and that there was a dire need for optimism amongst international strife. Firefly/Serenity came of age during a much similar time - only there was a greater cynicism due to events like Watergate, Iran Contra, and many others. Firefly/Serenity reassures us that although we will make it through tough times, it doesn't pretend to be utopian - more frequently, it's practical.
2. The Hero of Canton, the Man They Call Jayne - When you're in a firefight, who do you want at your back: a pointy eared guy spouting obscure statistics...or a practical, soldier-of-fortune who is in it for his own reasons. (Plus, this takes the idea of a science fiction western literally - many of the crew on board the ship consists of archetypes from traditional Westerns). None of the main characters are simple - when the most spiritual man on the ship (in one episode) openly declares that "kneecapping" cannot be found in the Bible...that is a far cry from the spit-polished perfection of Trek.
   
3. It's Not A Black and White World - Trek, at its worst, tends to divide its good guys and bad guys - usually, human = good, alien = bad. (Deep Space 9, which approached a more morally complex Federation, is the franchise entry often reviled in Trek's revisionist history). Firefly/Serenity takes place in the "Alliance", caused (presumably) by a unified American/Chinese state - although there are hints of malevolence (especially in the Serenity movie), nothing is totally what it seems. Much like Blake's 7, our crew traffics in a morally ambiguous universe - unlike B7, they clearly are criminals, often looking out for the little guy. (Hey, isn't that more of a noir quality ? If it works, so be it)
4. Captain Mal Reynolds Can Kick Kirk's Butt - there, I said it out loud. Mal Reynolds probably shares more with Raymond Chandler's heroes than Louis L'Amour - he's a man who understands that the world is rough - but is not too rough himself. While Kirk would wait until his shirt was torn to fight back, Reynolds would more than likely draw and shoot. No "Greedo shot first" business - Reynolds combines a world-weariness with a sharply-drawn moral line. (Plus, I don't see Nathan Fillion whining and moaning when Serenity is rebooted in 2047).
5. There's a lot less to love, but it's more lovable - The original Star Trek series has 79 episodes - add TNG, DS9, Voyager, and Enterprise, and you are well on your way to burnout. Too many hours, clunky episodes...but although Firefly/Serenity isn't perfect, the fact that there are only 13 episodes (plus the movie) makes it that much more valuable. Plus, it is of a more recent vintage, and it resonates more fully with audiences.

But don't take my word for it - both are available for purchase from our new online store. Or simply borrow a friend's copy. Trust me, watch, and you'll love it.

Although not as much as you'll love Doctor Who.