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In my Science Fiction and Fantasy course at the University of Toledo, we debate the key differences between science-fiction and fantasy. The genres, though related, are indeed quite different. The key differences between the two genres will be discussed in a future column; this one concerned with the current state of the science fiction genre.

Works that contain a scientific component or are based on principles that govern the natural world can be considered science-fiction. Works that rely on imaginary places or creatures, or that use magic or other unexplained phenomena (i.e. ghosts) can be considered fantasy. Such definitions, though basic, certainly provide a context for the following discussion.

Book stores, television critics, and even members of the science-fiction community themselves interchange science-fiction and fantasy. While it cannot be argued that a connection to fantasy and science-fiction does indeed exist, the move toward a fantasy-dominant culture began in the 1990s on Privet Drive.

Yes, I do believe the phenomenon that is Harry Potter has created a cultural seismic shift that has led to the proliferation of a wealth of fantasy based works, and they have come at the expense of science-fiction.

Along with Harry Potter, Peter Jackson?s ?The Lord of the Rings? trilogy has cemented fantasy?s place in history as the dominant genre during the first decade of the new millennium. ?The Chronicles of Narnia,? fueled by Disney?s popularity and wealth, threaten to make the last third of this decade a slam dunk for fantasy. Even if we choose to ignore the lesser fantasy works of the decade, such as "Eragon,? "The Last Mimzy,? or ?The Bridge to Terabithia," science-fiction fans need to concede this first decade of the 21st century to the fantasy genre.

I?ve always been a fan of both genres, but growing up in the 1970s, I was very much a science-fiction fan. I grew up on reruns of ?Lost in Space,? was obsessed with ?Planet of the Apes,? and followed NASA launches like some people follow their favorite sports teams. Science-fiction was my first passion.

My attraction to fantasy really came on during the early 1990s, at the height of the popularity of Dungeons & Dragons. Movies like ?Excalibur,? ?Legend,? and ?Dragonslayer? started to be my focus, but I still made time for ?The Terminator,? ?Back to the Future? and other classic science-fiction fare.

During the late 1990s I fell in love with George R.R. Martin?s ?Song of Ice and Fire? fantasy book series. Naturally, I did what any other literary minded person would do ? I looked up his older works. It turns out Martin was a prolific science-fiction writer before becoming a writer for the Linda Hamilton series ?Beauty and the Beast.?

Martin is not alone in making a move toward fantasy. Orson Scott Card, author of the famous novel ?Ender?s Game? has moved almost exclusively toward fantasy of late. Even Ursula K. LeGuin, celebrated author of such modern science-fiction classics like ?The Lathe of Heaven? and ?The Left Hand of Darkness? has taken to fantasy. Her newest novel ?Lavina? has a decidedly mythological and fantastical flair.

The entertainment industry has churned out a multitude of fantasy novels, films, and video games. Television seems to be the only place where science fiction enjoys somewhat of an edge. Several science-fiction series, like ?Surface,? ?Invasion,? ?Jericho,? ?Journeyman? and ?Flash Gordon? have been given a chance, while surprisingly few fantasy-themed programs, like ?Pushing Daisies? or ?The Dresden Files? ever get a look.

The results are usually similar though ? fantasy and science-fiction programming usually attracts a loyal following, but limited ratings. Even high quality programming like ?Battlestar Galactica? survives with such a small audience because it is broadcast on cable. The only way that genre programming can seem to attract a mass audience is to take on a decidedly mainstream focus.

As a result, certain works that really should not be considered science fiction are being categorized as such. In all honesty, should ?Lost? be considered science-fiction? While there are indeed anomalous events that occur in ?Lost,? it really does not fit the traditional mold of science-fiction. While Daniel Faraday could be considered a modern day mad scientist, the writers seem to focus as much on relationship and human drama as they do the actual science elements.

?Heroes,? too, seemed to forsake science-fiction elements in Season 2 in order to make sure Hiro, Claire and Peter Petrelli secured love interests. Undoubtedly, programs like ?Heroes? and ?Lost?, which rely heavily on genre fans to get their high Nielsen numbers, slip in ratings when their storylines begin to resemble daytime soap operas instead of the science-fiction elements for which most of us actually tune in.

I do feel that science-fiction is poised for a major comeback. The recent film adaptations ?I Am Legend? and ?War of the Worlds? appears to be a good start. A film adaption of ?Journey to the Center of the Earth? is scheduled for a summer release. It proves that even in a fantasy dominant culture, science-fiction with a literary lineage is still viable.

The relative success or programs like ?Battlestar Galactica? and ?Eureka? are equally encouraging. But perhaps the best sign of sci-fi?s imminent comeback is the popularity of shows like ?Lost? and ?Heroes," which proves that mainstream viewers are willing to suspend belief for a while, provided a quality story is told.

Homework

?The Lathe of Heaven? by Ursula K. LeGuin?
Ender?s Game? by Orson Scott Card

Dan Compora is an associate professor at the University of Toledo, and contributes SciFi 101 twice monthly for Airlock Alpha. He can be reached at drdan@airlockalpha.com.