After the release of the third and final album in the “Metropolis” trilogy, Janelle Monáe was at a creative crossroads. Where do you go once you’ve finished the story that has defined your entire professional output? Who are you when you put your alter ego to bed? For […]
I know this should be the thrilling conclusion to the “American Cool” trilogy, but…come on! It’s Halloween. And when the barrier is thinnest between the worlds, I like to poke through the veil and explore the places where science fiction and horror mingle in an unholy coupling. And […]
Author’s note: In April 2022, Monáe stated in an interview that their preferred pronouns are they/them. This article has been updated to reflect Janelle’s identity. As it turned out, the success of extravagant films like Metropolis had no bearing on the continued production of such opulent films in […]
Keith Allison is taking the month to resume his life of derring-do and crime-fighting. He’ll be back next month with another groovy article on science fiction. In the meantime, enjoy this hip piece on Adam Adamant from the Archives! ~~~ I don’t remember how it was I first […]
Preamble: This started out as a simple article about science fiction’s influence on the music of Janelle Monáe. Then it became a fiery little article about championing “the other,” opposing toxic fandom, and celebrating diversity in science fiction. And then, one thing led to another, and, well…if Fritz […]
The second half of the third season (TV seasons are weird these days) of The Expanse, which wrapped in late June (thanks, Amazon, for making sure it was a season finale instead of a series finale), begins with a seemingly innocuous detail about one of its characters. It’s […]
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The Cultural Gutter 