Alien invasion, hard science, space opera, and time travel are just some of the subgenres of science-fiction books and movies. What is your favorite sci-fi subgenre? Science fiction is like a river. Some science fiction run straight and true, but there are also shallows, rapids, and holes that suck a person in for hours.
Hard science fiction
These stories conform to the scientific knowledge of the day
- Alternate history
- Apocalyptic
- Cyberpunk
- Horror
- Mystery
- Space opera
- Soft science fiction – technology exists but it could be confused with fantasy elements
- It’s just one of those things
Steampunk
Steampunk refers to an advanced technological level achieved through 19th century means.
- Superhero (or metahuman): These stories range from the heroes with superpowers like Superman and Spider-Man to those with super-toys like Batman and Iron Man.
Time travel: We have the forward down pretty good, unfortunately the ability to reverse, fast forward, and pause is currently beyond us.
Who among us wouldn’t like to send a message to ourselves in the past?
- Western: Think Firefly or The Wild Wild West (the series).
