Imaginary Worlds Politics of The Expanse
Dec 14, 2017
Ty Franck, co-author of The Expanse novels under the pseudonym James S.A. Corey, discusses the journey of transforming a game concept into a beloved sci-fi franchise. He explores the intricate political dynamics within the series, drawing parallels to real-world conflicts and the complexities of human relationships. The conversation also touches on the blend of optimism and cynicism in storytelling, emphasizing humanity's potential for grace amidst dystopian challenges. Their insights reveal why the themes resonate with today's audiences.
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Realistic Human Future
- The Expanse rejects utopian futures like Star Trek where humans evolve beyond primal instincts.
- It instead portrays a realistic future where humans remain motivated by self-interest and conflict.
From RPG To Novel
- The Expanse began as a role-playing game created by Ty Franck and Daniel Abraham.
- They developed characters and currency systems before transforming the story into novels.
Earth-Mars Political Analogy
- Earth's future is imagined as a unified government due to existential threats like climate change.
- Mars is likened to American colonies growing away from Earth's imperial control, reflecting historical colonial tensions.
