Most stories don’t need a modern reboot, at least not in the manner that Hollywood has been constantly remaking any semi-notable IP the last several years. But I’m partway through the fourth season of SyFy’s 2003-2009 reboot of Battlestar Galactica, and I’m thoroughly impressed with what they made. I don’t feel the need to go watch the original 1978 series, but I’m very happy with what they made for modern audiences. Of course, that story ended, and a few spin-offs not withstanding, its story has come to a close. Guess it’s time to reboot it again! Read more…
At last weekend’s WonderCon in Anaheim, fans were treated to a short trailer for Battlestar Galactica: Blood & Chrome — a proposed prequel to the recent series, taking place during the first Cylon war. A 90 minute pilot had been filmed with the intent of pitching the series to Syfy, but just yesterday the network announced they would be passing on the series. Although it won’t air on a regular basis, Syfy’s Mark Stern did confirm that they intend to air the 90 pilot as a TV movie at a later date, with the rest of the series produced as webisodes. At least a webseries is better than no series, but I can’t imagine what kind of budget cuts they’ll have to make as a result.
Ever wonder how twelve habitable planets could exist in the same solar system? So did Jane Espenson, showrunner for Caprica, the Battlestar Galactica prequel series. So she and science advisor Kevin Grazier went to work on a star map where it would all fit. In the end, they settled on a double-double-binary star system, giving each planet a home with a few other local planets to keep them company while still falling under the “solar system” category. Also on the map (above, click to embiggen): lore tidbits for each planet, some information on the spacefaring history of the Kobol colonists, even what colonies support universal health care. No, really. Check it out. Read more…
Following on the heels of the dubiously successful Caprica, SyFy has greenlit another Battlestar Galactica prequel, this one titled Blood and Chrome. The series is set to explore the career of William Adama as a Viper pilot in the first Cylon War. While we’re pretty excited for more BSG, or at least more kind-of-BSG, experts have indicated that we may be running out of Adama family background to mine in television shows. Read more…
Yes I know that everyone thinks the new Galactica (which isn’t so new at this point!) is so much cooler than the old series. But you see what I liked about the original series was that it wasn’t cool — the point of the show that it was deeper (in a bad mystical sort of way) and more geeky than Star Wars. A good example of this were the Cylons — unlike Stormtroopers who were idiots in armor, the Cylons were sort of kinder more gentle version of the Daleks if you think about it. And the above Battlestar Galactica Little Frakkin’ Toasters Classic Cylon sort of sums up that spirit nicely.
I think what I like about the design of the new Galactica is that the exterior reminds me much more of Blade Runner than Star Wars. This Battlestar Galactica Model Kit won’t be out until September, but given the nice detailing on it I think it’d be worth the wait as it features moveable hanger bays and is huge (over 14 inches long). Read more…
The late 70s wasn’t the best of time for the comic book biz so Marvel took a look at Dynamite magazine and Starlog magazine and created their own youth culture magazine called Pizzazz. The magazine was an amazing mirror of pop culture during the disco era of 1977 until 1979 and lasted a total of 16 issues. The inside of the publication featured articles on popular films, a Star Wars comic and even a one pager by Harvey Kurtzman. Read more…
Galactica to me was always a Diet Coke to a Star Wars chocolate shake. Not only was it a bad rip off, but it wasn’t even in the same category. But like a chubby kid with a sweet tooth for sci fi I drank it by the gallon back in the day and watched every damn episode. But even with a sweet tooth you hit a limit and for me that was the travesty called Galactica: 1980. Now those fancy producers who reimagined Galactica knew this; so they beat every bit of cheese out of the show they could find. Suddenly Galactica seemed to have more in common with Blade Runner. But like a dork trying to act cool, sooner or later the inner lame will manifest — and I’m proud to announce that with issue #2 of the Galactica: 1980 the franchise has jumped the shark for good: Read more…
Temple7e has made my fanboy heart happy again with these wonderful Battlestar Galactica Kokeshi dolls! For those not in the know Kokeshi are traditional Japanese wooden dolls, however in this case artist Craig Galentine has updated the themes of the dolls with a sci fi touch: Read more…
I for one didn’t mind the original Battlestar Galactica series, there was s little sci fi on television (and so few choices in retrospect) that a fanboy had to be grateful for what he got. In fact looking back at it there was a high level of craftsmanship given that Galactica was a TV show and not a film. The Cylons are a good example of this: They’re clearly lifted from the Star Wars stormtroopers, but there’s been enough added to make it different. Even the red light swaying back and forth is a nice little touch, they could have just have easily skipped that given the budget. Read more…
Battlestar Galactica: The Face of the Enemy is a ten part online webisode series that has gone live today. Episode #1 The Face of the Enemy is currently playing, and new episode will appear every few days until January 10th.
The SciFi Channel just started airing a new promo for the second half of the final season of Battlestar Galactica. The beginning of the end of the series will go on the air January 16th next year.
