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Trek Nation- World Premiere- 11/30 on SCIENCE

Posted on November 29, 2011 by Brett

Official Press Release

WORLD PREMIERE OF TREK NATION

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30 @ 8PM ONLY ON SCIENCE

SCIENCE EXPLORES THE LEGACY OF THE STAR TREK PHENOMENON WITH THE DEFINITIVE

TWO-HOUR TELEVISION EVENT: TREK NATION

— George Lucas, J.J. Abrams and Seth MacFarlane join Eugene “Rod” Roddenberry Jr. on the journey of a lifetime featuring never-before-seen footage in TREK NATION premiering Wednesday, November 30, at 8PM ET/PT on SCIENCE–

SCIENCE celebrates the 45^th anniversary of one of the greatest television franchises of all time, Star Trek, with the world-premiere two-hour event, TREK NATION. This tribute follows Gene Roddenberry’s son, Rod, as he explores the deep impact of his father’s singular vision for the future. Through interviews with fans, including George Lucas, J.J. Abrams, Seth MacFarlane, and many notable Star Trek alums, TREK NATION chronicles a son’s journey to discover his father’s work that helped defined science fiction. TREK NATION premieres on SCIENCE on Wednesday, November 30 at 8PM ET/PT.

TREK NATION draws on hours of exclusive footage, including never-before-seen home movies from the Roddenberry family collection and the first-ever Star Trek convention. This film demonstrates that Roddenberry’s work has not only inspired legions of fans across the globe, but generated a cultural movement. Star Trek is a phenomenon that goes beyond entertainment; it has influenced politics, space travel, social morality and much more. Star Trek was a catalyst which has fostered an enhanced understanding of the human condition, capturing man’s constant search for a better world.

Science Presents Trek Nation on 11/30/11

Posted on November 14, 2011 by Brett

Official Press Release

SCIENCE EXPLORES THE LEGACY OF THE STAR TREK PHENOMENON WITH THE DEFINITIVE

TWO-HOUR TELEVISION EVENT: TREK NATION

— George Lucas, J.J. Abrams and Seth MacFarlane join Eugene “Rod” Roddenberry Jr. on the journey of a lifetime featuring never-before-seen footage in TREK NATION premiering Wednesday, November 30, at 8PM ET/PT on SCIENCE–

(Silver Spring, Md.)—SCIENCE celebrates the 45^th anniversary of one of the greatest television franchises of all time, Star Trek, with the world-premiere two-hour event, TREK NATION. This tribute follows Gene Roddenberry’s son, Rod, as he explores the deep impact of his father’s singular vision for the future. Through interviews with fans, including George Lucas, J.J. Abrams, Seth MacFarlane, and many notable Star Trek alums, TREK NATION chronicles a son’s journey to discover his father’s work that helped defined science fiction. TREK NATION premieres on SCIENCE on Wednesday, November 30 at 8PM ET/PT.

“Gene Roddenberry is the original thought-provocateur; the rebel-genius who was not afraid to push the boundaries of what science can accomplish,” said Debbie Myers, general manager and executive vice president of SCIENCE. “Star Trek used science fiction to hold a mirror to society, leveraging its storylines as a platform for social commentary touching on topics such as racism, sexism, the economy, war, peace and religion. Working with Rod, and showing footage never shared on television is what makes TREK NATION truly inspiring.”

“I am so glad TREK NATION found its home at SCIENCE,” says Rod Roddenberry, Executive producer of Trek Nation and son of Star Trek creator, Gene Roddenberry. “They understood that, as personal as the film was for me, TREK NATION is really a universal story of a son coming to understand his father. The experience allowed me to learn more about the man behind this incredible science fiction phenomenon as well as the man I knew as ‘Dad.’ I think it’s something that Star Trek fans and those less familiar with the franchise will enjoy.”

Star Trek was a revolution that would define an era. When it first premiered on NBC in 1966, it often was described as a western set in space. However, the series provided a much deeper commentary that created a devoted and loyal fan base which continues to grow, even today. With a then-virtually-unknown cast, each week Roddenberry told tales of humans and aliens who lived side by side and served the Starfleet, the peacekeeping armada of the universe.

TREK NATION is produced for SCIENCE by Roddenberry Entertainment and New Animal Productions. For Roddenberry Entertainment, Rod Roddenberry and Trevor Roth are executive producers. Executive producer Nicole Rittenmeyer represents New Animal. Bernadette McDaid is the executive producer and vice president of production for SCIENCE. Lindsay Foster is associate producer for SCIENCE and Debbie Adler Myers is general manager and executive vice president of SCIENCE.

About SCIENCE:

SCIENCE, a division of Discovery Communications, Inc. (Nasdaq: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK), is home for the thought provocateur, the individual who is unafraid to ask the killer questions of “how” and “why not.” The network is a playground for those with audacious intellects and features programming willing to go beyond imagination to explore the unknown. Guided by curiosity, SCIENCE looks for innovation in mysterious new worlds as well as in its own backyard. SCIENCE and the SCIENCE HD simulcast reach more than 68 million U.S. households. The network also features high-traffic online and social media destinations, including ScienceChannel.com, facebook.com/Science Channel and twitter.com/Science Channel.

About Discovery Communications

Discovery Communications (Nasdaq: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK) is the world’s #1 nonfiction media company reaching more than 1.5 billion cumulative subscribers in 210 countries and territories. Discovery is dedicated to satisfying curiosity through 130-plus worldwide television networks, led by Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, Science and Investigation Discovery, as well as US joint venture networks OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network, The Hub and 3net, the first 24-hour 3D network. Discovery also is a leading provider of educational products and services to schools and owns and operates a diversified portfolio of digital media services, including HowStuffWorks.com. For more information, please visit www.discoverycommunications.com.

About Roddenberry Entertainment

Roddenberry Entertainment is a science-fiction leader with a tradition of groundbreaking entertainment. Originally founded in 1967 by Gene Roddenberry, the company has since led a steady stable of science-fiction successes including Gene Roddenberry’s Earth: Final Conflict, Gene Roddenberry’s Andromeda and, most notably, Star Trek. Roddenberry Entertainment continues to produce entertainment for all audiences, employing a viewer-centric creative process and resulting in insightful explorations of humanity. The company’s mission is to make good on its namesake’s promise of superior science-fiction while utilizing new and varied vehicles of delivery. Building on its television roots, this entertainment pioneer has also successfully ventured into graphic novels, documentaries, and comic strips, all the while continuing a long and unique tradition in quality merchandising. Roddenberry Entertainment has set itself apart by creating content that surpasses mere entertainment; it challenges its audiences to think, question and explore the world, as well as those beyond. For more information on Roddenberry Entertainment please visit www.Roddenberry.com. Roddenberry Entertainment can also be found on Facebook (facebook.com/roddenberrycom) and Twitter (twitter.com/roddenberry).

RP Comics Review – Science #1, Jack Hammer: Political Science #3, Reasonable Priced Comics #2 and #3

Posted on October 29, 2011 by Brett

Science #1

RP Comic’s latest entry into their anthologies, the comic lives up to its name and focuses on science fiction. Five stories all too varying quality but overall a solid collection.

Surefire Means follows a crashed spaceship’s two remaining members and the one way to escape. The story telling is great and the ending just caught me off guard.

Yours, Mine and Ours is the second entry and follows a squabbling couple on a remote base in space. There’s some great humor here and has a nice Twilight Zone feel to it.

A Place in History, two explorers are caught underground in a cave. The story is ok, and the twist is somewhat M. Night Shamalan. I’m not quite sure it fits into the theme, but is a decent short story.

R-Net is another good Twilight Zone type story following a man who wants to take down a corporation. He has a device that’ll allow him to do it over and over if he fails. So what happens when he confronts the evil corporate head?

Lateral Murder is a murder mystery with detectives trying to figure out how someone was killed in a society that doesn’t allow murders.

All of the stories are good, some are in fact great. RP Comics is a company that should definitely get your attention, as this issue shows, they do quality.

Writer: Brandon Barrows, Ted Woods, Jay Townsend, Martin Brandt II Art: Joel Cotejar, Ted Woods, Rowel Roque, Jay Townsend, Ionic Publisher: Reasonably Priced Comics

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8 Recommendation: Buy

Jack Hammer: Political Science #3

The third in a four part limited series. The protagonist Jack Hammer is still on the trail of the murder and winds up going against a villain from his past. The series is good. It’s an entertaining mix of super heroes and a crime story and the dialogue of the characters, action of the story are all great. There’s great flow to the story.

There’s also been a lot of growth over the three issues as far as the look and style of the characters. It’s grown into its own and the style has grown on me. Hair stands out a bit more which adds a bit of depth to the characters (this was a problem in earlier issues). The angles and use of panels is solid as well.

But with one more issue to go, we’ll see how the overall story holds up. The third is just one chapter, but, it’s a pretty decent one.

Writer: Brandon Barrows Art: Ionic Publisher: Reasonably Priced Comics

Story: 7.5 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.5 Recommendation: Buy

Reasonably Priced Comics #2 and #3

The original anthology from Reasonably Priced Comics shows off some of what it does best. Each issue has three stories in it, all by some talented folks. This is a good group of folks coming together to put out some fun reads.

Voyaga continues in both issues following our stranded NASA pilot and the future world he’s wound up on. It’s very Planet of the Apes but stands up on its own. It’s a very entertaining story that’s almost worth picking up the three issues on its own.

My Way an extraterrestrial Rat Packer has to ditch the mob. It’s a funny story that has its moments.

The Communicators, two individuals sit across from each other working for their entire lives. Then the ending just comes up and hits you in the gut.

In the third issue along with Voyaga we have two more entries.

Kidthulhu has a following and you can see why. A really funny comic that involves Kidthulhu playing fetch with his dog. It got me to laugh a few times throughout it.

Western Addition – “Dinner Guests” is a western shoot out that just comes out of nowhere. Lots of bullets fly around and then it just kind of wraps up. I’m not the biggest western fan but this was decent with a feel that fits the genre.

These two issues are just solid examples of what this company does. All of those involved are talented writers and artists and I have them on my radar to expect some solid work in the future, because what they’re doing now is pretty damn good.

Writer: Brandon Barrows, Alex De-Gruchy, Michael Nichols, Martin Brandt II Artist: Ionic, Robert Durham, Joshua Calloway, Jason Stephens, Leandro Panganiban Publisher: Reasonably Priced Comics

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8 Recommendation: Buy

Reasonably Priced Comics provided Graphic Policy with FREE copies for review

Reviews

Smithsonian Celebrates Women Scientists With Comic Books

Posted on March 7, 2011 by Brett

In March the Smithsonian is putting some of the greatest female scientists under the microscope whose “passion the save the planet as made them today’s superheroes.” In the special Women in Science website the Smithsonian has also created comic books to introduce people as to why these women are so special.

Scientists highlighted include Elisabeth Blackburn, JoGayle Howard, Nan Hauser, Elisabeth Kalko, Gudrun Pfleuger. You have the option to download the comics or read them right in your browser.

The Smithsonian is also running ads for the site on websites such as Facebook. There hasn’t been a day I haven’t seen the ad at least once. Overall, a great use of comic books and a website.

Comic Books Used for TB Vaccine Trial

Posted on October 14, 2010 by Brett

The South African Tuberculosis Vaccine Initiative (SATVI) is using comic books to explain to participants who might not be familiar with tuberculosis vaccine clinical trials. The group has published a 12 page booklet to explain it. The story focuses on a woman and her choice or enroll her infant in a TB trial.

Science research is still no understood by many in the country. Myths and superstitions still spread about them. The hope is to increase knowledge and understanding about the process.

The booklet is available in Afrikaans, Xhosa and English.

Iraqi Science Fiction

Posted on September 27, 2010 by Brett

Over at The Comics Journal, Kent Worcester has a fascinating look at Iraqi science fiction imagery. The Children’s Culture House of Iraq in the 1980’s published pamphlets to teach astronomy, space exploration, the frontiers of science, etc. The pamphlets were in the clear if they steered clear of political themes and focused on the science.

The article goes on further to cover Salih Habeeb who was involved with the project as well as shows off imagery from the pamphlets and Habeeb’s work. Below is one example of what you can find. Pretty interesting stuff.

Scientists Teach Us What Marvel Has Already Told Us

Posted on June 7, 2010 by Brett

Scientist have announced there are signs that methane-based life may exist on the Saturn moon Titan. The evidence is that hydrogen gas flowing through the planet’s atmosphere disappears on the surface, pointing to the possibility something is consuming it, and that something could very well be life.

Lets just hope that there’s no mad beings with a god complex living on the surface.

Comic Book Characters Help Explain Scientific Ideas

Posted on March 2, 2010 by Brett

Thank you Google Reader for giving us interesting things to check out and report on. We suggest you check out the short podcasts at the Web site of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Some are quite entertaining:

“The Science of Superheroes,” for instance, is an interview with University of Minnesota physicist James Kakalios, who uses comic books to teach introductory physics. He explains that there are good scientific explanations for why the Flash is able to run across the ocean and why Spider-Man’s girlfriend died after being pushed from a bridge by the Green Goblin, even though Spider-Man managed to catch her in his web midfall.

Check out the podcasts at http://www.sciencemag.org/multimedia/podcast.