The science fiction genre contains some of the most iconic pieces of media. From “Star Wars” to “The Matrix” to “Dune,” when thinking of larger-than-life books, shows or movies, something of the science fiction genre will most certainly come to mind. But how did this now popular genre start out?
Mary Shelley, the “mother of science fiction,” published “Frankenstein” in 1818. This novel is widely regarded as the first true science fiction novel. With a scientist who reanimates a corpse as a protagonist, “Frankenstein” has some scientific plausibility due to its use of galvanic electricity and vivisection. Although this novel was written before the genre of science fiction existed, it includes the blueprints of what makes science fiction so provocative.
Flashing forward, Hugo Gernsback played a major role in the formation of the science fiction genre. In his science magazines, he promoted radio as a technology that would strengthen communities and contribute to a participatory democracy. He also reprinted the proto-science fiction and utopian writings of the 19th century. He found that his readers enjoyed speculative fiction, what he called “scientifiction,” about technologically advanced future societies. This led him to spin off a series of pulp magazines devoted to this new genre. Amazing Stories, one of these magazines, provided the groundwork for many early science fiction writers. Gernsback saw science fiction as a way to educate readers about science, technology and change. For his contributions to science fiction, the annual literary award for the best science fiction or fantasy work was named after him, the Hugo Award.
Following World War II, science fiction spread from the United States across the world due to the staggering scientific feats, from the development of atomic bombs to space travel to the possibility of cloning. By the 21st century, science fiction expanded from a literary genre to also include movies, shows, video games, magazines, comics and conventions.
Today, some of the most well-recognized science fiction media combines the genre’s basis in scientific fact with elements of other genres. For example, “Star Wars” has fantasy elements with strange creatures and distant planets. “The Matrix” combines science fiction with action to increase tension. A more niche pick, “Companion,” combines dark comedy with thriller elements as well as science fiction to make a fresh take on robots’ place in society. Genre combinations such as these allow for more creativity than what would be possible with a true science fiction.
Science fiction has come a long way from Amazing Stories, evolving and spreading throughout the world as its appeal shifted from people interested in scientific facts to a more broad audience who want to explore space, robots and the possibilities of technology and science. Science fiction has always been a way to creatively indulge in what might happen in the future from a technological lens and as the genre continues to morph, this remains at the heart of the genre.
