The Anglicization of Middle-earth
A study of anglophile and ethnocentric narratives, given perceptions of racism in Arda, the setting of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth, as seen in Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, and The Simarillion.
Fandom: Fantasy
Our assortment of commentary on tales from “Once upon a time” and the Edda-inspired works of Tolkien, to Avatar Korra’s Republic City and all points in between.
Play it Loud—Series Conspectus
Fandoms haven’t always been the most welcoming to outsiders, ironically enough—given their history in Americana. Join us on an exploratory tour of this inter-sectional paradox, through the various demographics and their respective welcome (or lack thereof) to the LGBTQ community, through the eyes of one who traverses both worlds. From board and tabletop gaming, to pop culture and new media, this exposition strives to be comprehensive, yet digestible.
An Algebra of Archons—Series Conspectus
Join philosophy student and avid gamer Ben Steiz in his examination of the various ethics, world views and metaphysics encoded across much of pop culture. This will include both a broad survey and robust analysis of the numerous speculative fiction works and franchises.
Cracking the Cipher—Series Conspectus
A trained linguist and sci-fi/fantasy enthusiast guides us through an examination of the various languages and surrounding cultural effects of numerous ‘constructed’ societies throughout speculative fiction, from Dothraki to Klingon, with a side of Fus Roh Da!
Emerald Cities and Scarlet Queens
Hayao Miyazaki’s Spirited Away is largely regarded as a modern classic, but the influences from the works of Lewis Carroll and L. Frank Baum cannot be ignored. Here we see which characters are takes on memorable figures from Wonderland and the Land of Oz, and we discern which themes carry through between the stories.
Some Assembly Required
Having poured over the “who,” “what” and “why” of this endeavor, we shift focus inward a bit towards the training, recruitment, revision of process which comprise “how.”
“The Last War” and The Great War
War: the very thought of it brings to minds untold horrors. War is unique in the history of man primarily because of its duality. At no time have so many men died for so little accomplishment.
Mutants and Metahumans, Part 1
Our scientific observations of mutation, evolution, adaptation, sensation, perception, and ability can greatly inform our understanding of fictional universes.
Unraveling Silken Threads–Series Conspectus
It’s about far more than merely the swords and sorcery that make up your favorite fictional universe. Join us for our inaugural look into the motives, tropes and ethics of various controversial speculative fictions, and the historic context of their presentation.
Nuts and Bolts on the USS Defiant
An editorial blog “behind the scenes” of The Unconventional. A look at the sweat, blood and tears, techniques and ethos behind this journey. The raison d’être, DNA and agenda of this intellectual Mecha.