John W. Campbell's classic novella of Golden Age science fiction and John Carpenter's modern horror masterpiece - both absorb new meanings in the age of Covid, identity politics and generative AI
What an AMAZING post! I already had Campbell's novella on my reading list (as well as Carpenter's movie on my watch-again list). But after reading your assessment, I'm interested in reading and watching all the other stuff you talked about as well. I love how you thoughtfully showed all the connections. (And, perhaps oddly, your discussion of Campbell's flaws makes me even more intrigued to see for myself how all these pieces fit together.)
Did you know that the guy who manages the estate for Campbell is writing a new trilogy based on the original short story? His first one is already out, 'The Things From Another World'.
Wrote a short story and script myself based on the two modern movie versions for a sequel that ties them together.
I can see now why Campbell bought H.P. Lovecraft's "At The Mountains of Madness" to run in "Astounding". Not so much for the similar story and themes, but for the fact that they clearly shared attitudes about crafting fiction out of science (and, unfortunately, many unfavorable political beliefs). Had Lovecraft not died in 1937, Campbell might have aided him in developing fiction beyond the particular mythos he crafted in "Weird Tales".
Cheers, David. I think it was actually the previous editor who bought Mountains, back when it was still called 'Astounding Stories.' But, yeah, that would have been interesting to see how the two might have gelled...
Alec..... I'm speechless, but feel compelled to comment on your wonderfully worded piece. I'll hunt down your other works like a penniless merc.
Thanks so much, Dan. : )
How long did it take u to write this - it’s awesome
Haha! A little while. Thanks, Andrew.
What an AMAZING post! I already had Campbell's novella on my reading list (as well as Carpenter's movie on my watch-again list). But after reading your assessment, I'm interested in reading and watching all the other stuff you talked about as well. I love how you thoughtfully showed all the connections. (And, perhaps oddly, your discussion of Campbell's flaws makes me even more intrigued to see for myself how all these pieces fit together.)
Thanks so much, Chris! Hope the post wasn't too spoiler-y. Happy reading!
Did you know that the guy who manages the estate for Campbell is writing a new trilogy based on the original short story? His first one is already out, 'The Things From Another World'.
Wrote a short story and script myself based on the two modern movie versions for a sequel that ties them together.
Is that in the 'Short Things' collection, the really popular Kickstarter one?
That Kickstarter was the start of it, yes.
That involved published SF authors to write about The Thing.
John had a separate one for his own ideas;
(https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/wildsidepress/the-things-from-another-world)
And congrats on getting your own project in there!
Oh no, misunderstanding, my fault. I wrote a little story from years ago, and the script I wrote back during the pandemic.
You can read it on my substack, it's called "Chess". Nothing to do with the Kickstarter.
Ah! No worries, Theo. :D
Looks terrific. Love the Bob Eggleton cover!
I can see now why Campbell bought H.P. Lovecraft's "At The Mountains of Madness" to run in "Astounding". Not so much for the similar story and themes, but for the fact that they clearly shared attitudes about crafting fiction out of science (and, unfortunately, many unfavorable political beliefs). Had Lovecraft not died in 1937, Campbell might have aided him in developing fiction beyond the particular mythos he crafted in "Weird Tales".
Cheers, David. I think it was actually the previous editor who bought Mountains, back when it was still called 'Astounding Stories.' But, yeah, that would have been interesting to see how the two might have gelled...
Campbell at least might have known Lovecraft had also set a story among scientists in Antarctica before he began work on "Who Goes...".
DUDE! Best piece on every layer of this pivotal path through THINGstory ever! THANKS!!!
Thanks so much, John! :D
Blimey, this is mammoth!
Or ‘mammuff’ as we say in Lahndun.
You're 'avvin' a larffff.
Incredible article! Well done.
Thanks, Maura. X
A tour de force Alec, absolutely loved every line of this