Sci-Fi Storm

The author of a popular children’s fantasy series has been approached to write a sixth Hitchhiker’s Guide To The Galaxy novel. Eoin Colfer, author of the Artemis Fowl book series, will take the task to write the new book, currently titled And Another Thing… and due for release next October. Jane Belson, Douglas Adams’ widow, approved of the project, and Adams himself has said he planned to do a sixth book, but passed away before it could be done.

I found out about this late last night, but was too tired to post: The 70s SF spoof Quark came out on DVD two weeks ago. This is one of those shows I remember from my childhood, and naturally the memories were better than the reality by today’s standards, but it was still a humorous take on the state of SF at the time. Created by Buck Henry (Get Smart), it starred Richard Benjamin as the title character who is captain of a space trash ship. Other characters included Gene/Jean (Tim Thomerson, Trancers), a “transmute” – sort of a dual male/female personality; Betty and Betty (Doublemint twins Cyb and Trish Barnstable), clones who argue which one is the clone; Ficus (Richard Kelton, in his biggest on-screen role), a humanoid emotionless plant; and Otto Palindrome (Conrad Janis, Mork and Mindy), the station commander. Episodes would often start with two other commanders being given prestigious assignments, while Quark would inevitably “take out the trash” somewhere, yet still end up embroiled in some sort of galactic issue.

Kate Davids writes “Mesa-The Phoenix Comicon has added actors Marina Sirtis, ‘Deanna Troi’ from ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation,’ Tiffany Grant, known for her role as ‘Asuka’ from anime ‘Neon Genesis Evangelion,’ Erin Gray, known as ‘Commander Wilma’ from ‘Buck Rogers in the 25th Century,’ and Gil Gerard, ‘Buck Rogers’ himself.” Read More for the details. The Phoenix Comicon takes place January 23-25, 2009.

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Building on a previous news story, there are apparently negotiations taking place for David Tennant to continue his role of the Doctor – in a feature film. He is currently only contracted for 5 more episodes (a seemingly odd number, but British TV doesn’t follow U.S “rules”), but is apparently interested in moving on to movies. A BBC source said, “Part of David’s conundrum is that he wants to do films, so this looks like it would solve both issues.” Russell T. Davies pick for a companion in the film? Catherin Zeta Jones. I’ll note the error at the end of the article: there were THREE films made previously – Peter Cushing was in two. My only fear about this project is that it could provide an appropriate vehicle for a highly emotional ending – either to the 10th Doctor, or the Doctor in general.

The second season of Torchwood comes out on DVD on September 16th, and here is a review of what you can expect in it. I’ve also given Torchwood its own section in the Sci-Fi TV Store.

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Warner Brothers is planning a re-release of The Dark Knight for January, in an effort to remind the public – and the Academy – of the movie come Oscar time. And what’s a few extra dollars in the process? Although the DVD is scheduled for release around December.

Sorry for the lack of…well, anything. Due to the after effects of tropical storm Hanna, we had a tree land on our house at 3am in the morning Sunday. Fortunately the damage was limited to the roof and the structure was OK, but I’ve been running around this week dealing with work and insurance issues. Hopefully back on track now, and there will be some worthwhile news. At least they were able to turn on the Large Hadron Collider without ending the world…

The highly anticipated game Spore came out yesterday, but is there a scientific basis to the game? Just how did we evolve to have two arms, two legs, and walk upright? The National Geographic Channel’s How to Build a Better Being (Tuesday, Sept. 9th, 10pm ET) explores just that, and uses Spore to visualize it. Read More for the press release, and catch the first ten minutes here at MSN.

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I missed this, but the DVD set for the first series of The Sarah Jane Adventures, comes out tomorrow. In addition, the fourth series of Doctor Who has been announced for release on November 18th. And for those on Captain Jack watch, a reminder that Series 2 of Torchwood) is out next week, and I should have a review of the DVD set in a couple of days.

The Thunder Child writes “The Chicken Heart is one of the most famous horror radio episodes of all time, from Arch Oboler’s Lights Out series. Comedian Bill Cosby has a famous monologue about the Chicken Heart, and you can listen to an excerpt of it at http://dailyspace.blogspot.com/2008/09/chicken-heart-that-ate-new-york-city.html.” This is the one mentioned before. I grew up with this Bill Cosby album…it was hilarious…