Know your science-fiction subgenres

Know your science-fiction subgenres
Know your science-fiction subgenres

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).

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