GEEK Edition 1

Edition 1

2020

Guide to Elves and Extraterrestrial Kismet

Fantasy And Science Fiction Appreciation SocietyÂ

FICTION

FANTASY AND SCIENCE

FASFAS

APPRECIATION SOCIETY

Logo by Nellie Seale

TABLE OF CONTENTS

5 1 Who we are What we do

2 Meet the Committee

4

The Great Captain Debate

13

by Millie Taylor

The Cave

by Jasvit Singh

7 Sandman

19

review

Guess The

by Elijah

Sci-Fi Fandom

Dracarys

by Jasvit Singh

12 Jedi A Pharrell Williams "Happy" Parody

by Lydia Gould

by Millie Taylor

Who we areÂ

Hi! We are the Fantasy And Science Fiction Appreciation Society, and I, the write of this page, human name, Sura, am the current President of the club. FAS2 (we know it's a mouthful, that's why we abbreviated it) has existed for some 27 odd years. Our club's aim is to promote and celebrate fantasy and sci-fi culture among university students and beyond.

Our committee is made up amazingly dedicated people who love everything fantasy and

sci-fi

(our

committee

meetings

often

boil

down

to

intense

debates

about

ridiculous topics like making a sword our of pennies, I'm seriously not kidding). Last year was a really good year for us, thanks to you, our members and readers. We really hope you stick around this year as well and if you are new welcome!, we have so many exciting things planned for you!

GEEK is a young magazine, it's only our second year of publication, your support and contributions means a lot to us. Everything in this edition of GEEK was sent in by our members. And for that I'd like to thank all our contributors.

I also want thank my entire committee for all their hard work in the past and going forward. 2020 is shaping to be a good year!

- Sura FASFAS Overlord

What we do

Aside from our regular screenings which happen every Tuesday from 12 to 2 PM, where we screen shows old and new, known and unknown, we host several events. There is the Debate Night coming up soon and the Trivia Night later in the semester. We will also be collaborating on big events throughout the semester with different club (If you like us,

chances are you might also love the people we usually collaborate with, check the back cover of the magazine for other clubs like ours).

One of our biggest events last year was a premier screening of Avengers Endgame and we hope to host similar events for you this year as well. Pictured below, the Masquerade Cosplay Party with the Harry Potter club (@MUPH), will also be happening in Semester 2.

Start working on your costume, seriously, it was heaps of fun with costume parades, prizes and lots of food.

Masqu erade Party Cosplay 2019

1

Meet The Committee r ffice O t s r Fi

Saige

Artist, scientist, lifelong whovian and a complete and total nerd. I was born and raised in America, supplied with an early education in scifi from my family through our favourite TV shows: Star Trek and Stargate. Now I enjoy and appreciate all things science fiction and fantasy in all their many forms. Always happy to find new friends to geek out with.

Karl

Comms Officer

I’m the person that sends you all the emails! I tend to lean a little more to the fantasy side of what we offer, such as ATLA, Steven Universe and any Disney film that lets me briefly escape this reality and live vicariously through the main characters as a magic princess.

(They/them).

Matt

Chronicler

If I, Chronicler Matt, could live in a Fantasy/Sci-Fi universe I would choose the Detective Pikachu world because the uncanny valley becomes reality and I like Pokémon.

My nerd cred is that I have read Homestuck. No further questions...

Erica

Master of Coin

As a third year arts student, Erica loves the escapism and comradeship found at Fas. Her goals for this year are 1. Keeping the club in the green, 2.

Getting them to show her favourite nerdy stuff (twilight zone), 3.

Finishing her bachelors

Ilisha

Scribe

Scribe Ilisha re-porting for duty! My hobbies include spending hours and eye health writing phrases out in Galifreyan according to Loren Sherman’s method, and fantasising about having one of those tiny dragons that fit in the palm of your hand. Would they look like giant fire-breathing bugs when they fly? Absolutely. Am I very okay with that? Heck yeah! If I could live in any universe I'd choose Steven Universe because it's pretty and it's gay and that's the dream, y'all.

Jestre

Elijah

Guitarist, gamer, surfer, dungeon master and self-diagnosed geek. I think this might be because I spent weekends watching Doctor Who with my family, and my love for all things fantasy/sci-fi has continued thanks to things like Avatar: The Last Airbender, Black Mirror and Neil Gaiman's The Sandman.

2

"..science fiction is something that could happen - but usually you wouldn't want it to.

Fantasy is something that couldn't happen - though often you only wish that it could."

3

Arthur C. Clarke

Dracarys The mad king had a daughter Born on a stormy night Fearing for her life too soon She and her brother took flight The mad king had a daughter She grew up in strange lands Stranger were the people That crowned her with their hands She rode her silver horse Through the great grass sea With her khal at her side She finally felt free Happiness was not to stay When she played the wrong games She lost her husband and her crown And walked into the flames The mad king had a daughter Walked unburned from the pyre Dragons nipping at ears She was reborn from fire

by Jasvit Singh (@Jast.Witt)

Love was within her grasp again Mother who freed the slaves Just and fair she was The crowds chanted her name The mad king had a daughter Who was nothing like him And was everyone glad She did not burn people on a whim Fate had other plans When she lost all she held dear Betrayed and alone in the world She learned to rule by fear Red filled her vision She did not heed advice Looked down on the city With nothing but vice Madness consumed her whole On dark wings she arrived Bells rang, and people screamed As she burned them alive The mad king had a daughter with no hint of shame she sat on the same throne and had now earned her name.

4

The Great Captain Debate (aka Kirk VS Picard VS Janeway) I know this is a tough debate In fact, divides the fans “Next Gen-ians” all just love Picard With Voyager lovers he’s canned Those baby boomers hang onto Kirk As their first teenage-y crush So I’m laying out the arguments And I’m not gonna rush Sit back, relax and read on through Make sure you take your time And hopefully by the end of this You will make up your mind Personality Strengths First up – that intrepid adventurer That classic James T. Kirk So confident, cheeky, risky that

Deaths Though under Kirk old Spock got killed

“Next Gen-ians” think he’s a jerk

Kirk wasn’t quite to blame And Spock came back for Star Trek III So Kirk we can’t defame

Then dear Picard, so serious So moral and so kind

Who loves his crew and gets them through But under Picard, Jack Crusher was killed

And leaves no-one behind

And we can’t forget Tasha Yar And Kirk died in the movies, too When working with Picard

And Janeway, where do I start?

A leader like none before So stoic and strategic

Ensign Wildman was tragically killed While under Janeway’s care Leaving Naomi an orphaned child!

That wasn’t a nice affair

5

With that drive to go explore!

Impact We can’t forget how Janeway Made sure her crew got back, Helped Seven out along the way And fought off all attack!

And how many millions Picard must’ve saved In all those years of command And though he had no children Was, in essence, Wesley’s dad And Kirk – talk of the final frontier You’ve got to say his name Inspiring generations, Topping all the rest in fame!

Conclusion So what can we conclude From all these paragraphs of rhymes?

Each Captain did their best Under the pressures of their times, While Kirk fought off the Klingons, And Romulans shot at Picard, Janeway battled Cardassians These all seem just as hard!

I suppose it all comes down To our connection to each one What have they taught us, inspired us with?

In that sense they’ve all won\ Whether it’s morals, or courage, or strength Or the hope that they’ve given to us They’ll all live on in our hearts and minds So I’d say there’s no more to discuss!

by Millie Taylor

So, what do you think?

Who’s your favourite captain?

6

read

a

few

comics

in

my

spare

time.

Y:

The

Last

Man,

Preacher,

namdnaS

I’ve

Watchmen… The last one in particular holds a special place in my heart, since it's the story that made me want to write reviews. But Neil Gaiman’s

“The Sandman” was a comic that kept getting recommended to me. I had

read the first two volumes and didn't care to read more. The main character wasn't that likable, some of the stories led nowhere and I didn’t have a clue where it was going. But now that I had some free time over the summer, I

decided to stick with it and try to see what all the fuss was about.... And I really think it’s worth your time!

A review of Neil Gaiman's riveting series What’s

“The

traditional

Sandman”

structure,

about?

Well,

continually

it’s

hard

hopping

to

say.

around

its

It

doesn't

timeline,

follow

a

changing

perspectives between many diverse characters and their stories. This format

was jarring at first, but soon grew on me, since a new setting ensured that the

storylines

always

felt

fresh.

Will

the

next

one

be

in

Ancient

Rome?

Shakespearean England? The French Revolution? It’s an exciting collection of

vastly

different

tales,

all

connected

by

Morpheus,

A

member

of

The

Endless that oversees the dreams of every living thing. I mentioned that Morpheus isn’t likable, and I still think that’s true at first. But as his journey continues, he’s forced to make difficult choices, inspire dreamers and occasionally prevent supernatural threats, that he grows into a sympathetic character who acts with kindness at key moments and justified cruelty in others. Also, seeing Morpheus at different times means that you can’t always get a grasp on him, and you’ll always wonder what he’ll do next, keeping him intriguing for the duration of the long storyline. Other characters vary in quality. Some simply don’t have time for their characters to be fleshed out while others (like Rose Walker from “The Doll’s House”) have little impact and aren’t that fun to read. Thankfully, characters like the musical Orpheus, the charming Gilbert and the mischievous Lucifer are absorbing characters who, while not present for long, greatly affect the story and pressure Morpheus in interesting ways.

Themes

of

and

dreams,

wishes

responsibility

explored stories

through

as

plotlines

well (like

are

the as

short longer

Season

of

Mists). Morpheus isn’t always the protagonist of the story, since

Gaiman

supporting how

his

will

focus

characters

influence

on

and

changes

the world around them. The struggles of these characters lead to fascinating situations,

7

from a man that believes himself to be the Emperor of

the United States, to a magical rendition of "A Midsummer Night's Dream", to a meeting of oppressed house cats. Some of these stories resonate more than others, but all of them are unique, mature and sometimes raise interesting questions. The fiercely imaginative writing makes them feel like mature fairy tales that stay engraved in your mind.

There higher

are

longer

stakes.

This

plotlines includes

which (but

have is

not

limited to) saving a fantasy land from a powerful being, finding magical artifacts and taking over Hell. They don’t last longer than a single volume, but this prevents the series from stretching its ideas thin, telling more stories without being constrained by an overarching narrative.

Characters

in

this

series

are

brilliantly

designed, from brightly coloured cartoon characters

to

grotesque

demons

to

The

Endless. Especially Morpheus, whose dark wardrobe, pale physical appearance and black and white word bubbles make him especially otherworldly.

mysterious,

imposing

The

locations

are

brilliantly

drawn,

too.

Often

filled with small details or creative creatures that make the world come to life.

and Throughout the saga, the artwork style can subtly change depending on the story. An example that springs to mind is the mesmerizing tale of “Ramadan”. P. Craig Russel uses border panels similar to Islamic art

and

colours the

utilises to

setting

“Arabian

a

wide

range

of

the

beauty

of

enhance while

Nights”

giving

it

feel.

Subtle

an

differences in the artwork exemplify that

a

wide

range

of

writers

and

artists made this series a reality. And just

like

the

Sandman”

dreamers

they

all

of

have

“The

magical

worlds to bring to the pages.

It

has

a

Sandman” imaginative, series dozens

with of

rocky

start,

quickly diverse

but

becomes and

colourful memorable

“The an

magical

characters, stories

and

gorgeous artwork. If you enjoy comic books or fantasy, this is a series you can’t afford to miss.

8

A QUICK REVIEW OF EACH VOLUME

Preludes & Nocturnes: A decent introduction to Morpheus and some of the story's themes, but it can be hard to follow

due

Batman

to

some

villains

feel

unclear out

of

artwork. place.

Also,

the

However,

inclusion

the

final

of

Martian

issue,

"The

Manhunter

Sound

of

Her

and

some

Wings"

is

beautiful, and a better indication of what to expect from the series.

The Doll's House: A small step in the right direction. The short stories are memorable, and set up future plotlines well. The main narrative involves a twisted, erm… Let’s call it a “Cereal Convention”.

And has some truly depraved moments that will shock you. I personally didn’t care for the protagonist, Rose. She was much less interesting than the characters around her and doesn’t affect the story in a meaningful way.

Dream Country: The length of this volume is almost laughable. Only four issues? Really? Thankfully, quality makes up for quantity as this is when the series finally kicks into gear. The stories are well drawn

(especially

“A

Midsummer

Night’s

Dream”,

an

endlessly

colourful

reimagining

of

Shakespeare’s play) while tales of inspiration, the price of greatness and the power to change the world? They’ll stick with you long after the book is closed.

Season of Mists: The best extended story that mixes horror, dark humour and fantasy brilliantly. It’s thoughtful and

gripping

tale

that

highlights

Morpheus'

growth

as

a

character

while

displaying

the

enormous scope of the universe and its characters.

A Game of You: Leaving Morpheus in the background for a while, this story focuses on a group of women forced to overcome threats from the dream world. The setting is creative in its character design, almost like a nightmarish children's book. The lead character here is more memorable than Rose mainly because she actually furthers the plot and makes meaningful decisions that affect the story. I should mention Gaiman received some flak for his portrayal of a trans woman in this volume. Yet, I have seen some trans people praise this character and personally found her story moving.

Fables & Reflections: A collection of nine short stories makes this one of the longest volumes, almost like “Dream Country”

but

with

more

stories

to

pad

the

pages.

Some

issues

are

only

passable,

but

"Orpheus" and "Ramadan" contain some of the best artwork in the series and are ones that you should definitely read.

*The Sandman is a big series with many potential points to start reading. I've been reading Volumes 1-6 for this review; in roughly the order they were published.

9

by Elijah Gemmill

“Sometimes you go through things that seem huge at the time, like a mysterious glowing cloud devouring your entire community. While they're happening, they feel like the only thing that matters and you can hardly imagine that there's a world out there that might have anything else going on. And then the glow cloud moves on. And you move on. And the event is behind you. And you may find, as time passes, that you remember it less and less. Or absolutely not at all, in my case.” ― Welcome to Night Vale

Artwork by Claudia

10

“Probably went swimming and got eaten by a pineapple.”

11

Terry Pratchett

Jedi (Pharrell Williams "Happy" Parody) Verse 1: Well it might seem crazy what I’m about to say But I’m desperate for a holiday!

All this running, flying, shooting in space No-one cares that it’s not fair I never get a break

Chorus: (BecauseI’m a Jedi) Well I love my job but you know it’s hard to keep up what I do (Because I’m a Jedi) Mytryna kill me and turn me, but why I haven’t got a clue (Because I’m a Jedi) Obi-Wan’s like keep your calm coz the rebellion looks to you (Because I’m a Jedi) He turned my dad with his nag-nag-nag and he might just turn me too!

Verse 2: You know that lately Yoda’s been on my back Like “Use the force you must” and all this other crap!

I should probably tell him I’d be just fine If he only gave me annual leave time Here’s why Chorus: (Because I’m a Jedi) Well I love my job but you know it’s hard to keep up what I do (Because I’m a Jedi) My father’s tryna kill me and turn me, but why I haven’t got a clue (Because I’m a Jedi) Obi-Wan’s like keep your calm coz the rebellion looks to you (Because I’m a Jedi) He turned my dad with his nag-nag-nag and he might just turn me too!

Bridge: Shoot me down, can’t no-one, shoot me down Last of the Jedi, can’t shoot me down Can’t no-one shoot me down I said Because I’m Jedi, Jedi, Jedi Jedi, Jedi, Jedi, Jedi, Jedi, Jedi, Jedi, Jedi, Jedi, Jedi , Jedi, Jedi!

Chorus: (Because I’m a Jedi) Well I love my job but you know it’s hard to keep up what I do (Because I’m a Jedi) My father’s tryna kill me and turn me, but why I haven’t got a clue (Because I’m a Jedi) Obi-Wan’s like keep your calm coz the rebellion looks to you (Because I’m a Jedi) He turned my dad with his nag-nag-nag and he might just turn me too!

by Lydia Gould

12

THE CAVE The flickering torch cast gloomy shadows on the rough cave walls.

It was dark outside, and darker still in the cave, barely illuminated by the fire. But the weary man didn’t need the light, he knew the cave like it was his home. He limped inside, slowly, he was in no hurry, nor was he in pain. A smile played on his lips, as he remembered the first time he had been here, the first time he saw her, and the first time he had lost his honour.

He was an honourable man, or so everyone said, but he had killed many men and women, he had executed children and broken his vows. Everything was forgotten now, and he was a broken man.

He reached the spot where she had said the words, and let his body drop on rounded stone. Removing his sword from its sheath he looked at the blade. The light danced across the steel, a melancholy dance. Many a man had fallen to his sword. He fought

13

for what he thought was right, lived through many battles, all the killing, all the blood, and for what? All the power in the world couldn’t bring her back, and for all his strength he could not save her.

He had held her as she died in his arms, blood all over her, as red as her hair. She was a warrior, so she would not cry, but he could see the pain in her eyes, and deeper still the sorrow she had held for so long.

He had betrayed her, and he had hurt her, she had loved him all the same, and all the words left his mouth, as he saw the light leave those eyes. She whispered something with the last of her strength, the tension left her body with her life, and she was limp in his arms. He sat there clutching her, afraid to let go, he sat in the snow and dirt as the battle raged around him. People were screaming and dying, calling for their mothers and fathers, but he could hear none of that. His ears were filled with only her last words.

It had been ages since that day, and ages since they had spent the night in this cave. He was home now, as he lay his sword down and closed his eyes, her voice as clear as day. Resting on the jagged stone he whispered to himself as a tear rolled down his cheek, the words she had said with her dying breath, “we should have stayed in the cave.”

From the diary of Aegon Targaryen Jon Snow.

by Jasvit Singh (Jast.Witt)

14

15

Artwork by Kat Ware

Yoda? Yoda.

"THE GREATEST TEACHER, FAILURE IS.

GUESS THE SCI-FI FANDOM 2

1 Lightning striking Hoverboards Paradoxes line my way

Tardis vanished Sonic glow Ancient guilt of Galifrey

4

3 3P D2 Wheezing breath Grating sabers framed in black

Red shirts, phasers New frontiers Bracing for the Borg attack

6

5 Iceland, Sneffels Saknussemm Ancient caverns, dark and cold

Iris, Wormhole Hieroglyphs Pyramids and Goa’uld

7 Roxton, rifles Dinosaurs Treehouse under ancient stars

8 Martian spaceship Mrs Brown Antennae, and return to Mars

.naitraM etirovaF yM .8 ,dlroW tsoL ehT .7 ,etagratS .6 ,htraE eht fo ertneC eht ot yenruoJ .5 ,kerT ratS .4 ,sraW ratS .3 ,ohW rotcoD .2 ,erutuF eht ot kcaB .1 : ) r e d r o ni ( s r e w s n A

by Millie Taylor

16

SU DNIF

facebook.com/FAS2.UMSU/

Ke e p an e y e on more excit our FB for ing events! fas2.committee@gmail.com

:SU EKIL SBULC EROM

FOUL: Friends of Unnatural Llama SEE: Society for Electronic Entertainment POKEN: Pokemon Observation, Knowledge and Education Nation TGS: Tabletop Gaming Society MUPH: Melbourne University Potter Heads CHAS: Cosmic Hitchhiker's Appreciation Society MUFS: Melbourne Unviversity Film Society