Space opera

:For other meanings of this term see Space Opera (disambiguation).

History

"Space opera" was originally a derogatory term, a variant of "horse opera" and "soap opera". Wilson Tucker suggested the term in 1941. It meant an action-oriented tale of space adventure instead of "respectable" science fiction story that concentrated on effects of technological progress and inventions. However there is no sharp dividing line and many authors manage to combine the space adventure and the supposedly 'respectable' elements, ensuring that the best written space opera is represented among the best of science fiction generally.

Related Topics:
Horse opera - Soap opera - Wilson Tucker - Science fiction

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Originators of the first space opera stories were E. E. Smith, with his Skylark and Lensman series; Edmond Hamilton; Jack Williamson; John W. Campbell; and later Leigh Brackett and A.E. van Vogt.

Related Topics:
E. E. Smith - Skylark - Lensman - Edmond Hamilton - Jack Williamson - John W. Campbell - Leigh Brackett - A.E. van Vogt

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In recent years, a resurgence in space opera has resulted in what some consider to be a sub-subgenre often called "new space opera." Typically, new space opera combines the interstellar scale and grandeur of traditional space opera with elements of hard science fiction. New space opera is therefore scientifically rigorous while ambitious in scope.

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Among the practitioners of the new space opera are Dan Simmons, John Varley, David Brin, Iain Banks, John Clute, Charles Stross, J. Michael Straczynski, Peter F. Hamilton, Lois McMaster Bujold, M. John Harrison, David Weber, Ken MacLeod, Alastair Reynolds, and C. J. Cherryh.

Related Topics:
Dan Simmons - John Varley - David Brin - Iain Banks - John Clute - Charles Stross - J. Michael Straczynski - Peter F. Hamilton - Lois McMaster Bujold - M. John Harrison - David Weber - Ken MacLeod - Alastair Reynolds - C. J. Cherryh

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Anime has now become one of space opera's main television contributors. Series such as Cowboy Bebop, Gundam series, Dirty Pair (Original and Flash), Crest of the Stars, Legend of Galactic Heroes, the Five Star Stories and Martian Successor Nadesico are increasing in popularity and to a certain extent influence the genre.

Related Topics:
Anime - Television - Cowboy Bebop - Gundam - Dirty Pair - Crest of the Stars - Legend of Galactic Heroes - Five Star Stories - Martian Successor Nadesico

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Space opera forms a central part of the belief system of Scientology, whose founder L. Ron Hubbard was originally a pulp science fiction writer. The story of Xenu illustrates space opera themes in Scientology, which regards science fictional space opera as being an unconscious recollection of real events which occurred in the distant past. For a more detailed overview, see Space opera in Scientology doctrine.

Related Topics:
Scientology - L. Ron Hubbard - Xenu - Space opera in Scientology doctrine

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