Kick-worthy: Space Command
Remember the days when science fiction was held in high regard? When stories about the stars and humanity’s future were created from a place of bettering humanity and coexisting with the greater, expansive galaxy just beyond our atmosphere? When discovery was vital and the unknown wasn’t scary or horrific (okay, perhaps at times it was) but fascinating and awe-inspiring? If your nostalgia meter just went through the roof, then you’re probably much like me: the Ray Bradbury, Robert Heinlein, Issac Asimov, Babylon 5, Forbidden Planet, 2001 a Space Odyssey, The Day the Earth Stood Still, etc. kind of Sci-fi fan who just feels betrayed by what Sci-fi has turned into today. In fact, you might go so far as to say what Sci-fi was from the 50s to the 90s is no more, replaced by the dark, cold, sinister, and unfriendly spaces of shows like Battlestar Galactica (which I actually enjoyed) and Stargate Universe (which I thought was Stargate in name only).
With that in mind, I have got a Kickstarter for you that you just have to check out. Space Command, with a logo inspired by the 50′s classic ‘Space Patrol’, is a classic Sci-fi series for the modern age, and it’s being produced with the intent of reclaiming that old-fashion, exciting, adventurous style of Sci-fi that’s been missing since the days of Lost in Space, Star Trek, Babylon 5, and Stargate. While this is not exactly video game related, is, it’s a project that seems to have some of the best of the best in Sci-fi film and TV creation throwing their weight behind it. Names like Mark Zicree (Writer and Producer on Sliders/Star Trek/Babylon 5 and many other shows you’ve heard of), Doug Drexler (CG and VFX artist for Battlestar Galactica/Caprica) and Michael Okuda (Long time technical adviser for the Star Trek franchise) as well as some much-loved science fiction actors including Armin Shimerman (Quark – DS9), George Takei (Sulu – ST:TOS), and Bill Mumy (Lost in Space / Babylon 5).
Something else worth noting is that Mark Zicree recently teamed up with the Star Trek New Voyages team back in 2007 to create a Star Trek episode for under $100,000 called World Enough and Time, which also guest-stared George Takei. At the time it was a huge success on the internet and was nominate for a Hugo and a Nebula award. Not to mention the episode played as if the Star Trek show from the 60′s magically back to life. So this team knows how to put a small budget to good use. And with just about 50+ hours left to go on Kickstarter, Space Command has raised almost three-times that of its original $70,000 goal. But as with any Kickstarter project, more money pledged means more money towards the final result. And I have a feeling this project could be very special.
If you don’t believe me, take a listen to this interview with Marc Zicree during a recent interview on Coast to Coast AM Radio.
It may take a year or two before the Space Command tree bares fruit, but from the passion and dedication present in the voices of the people invested in this project, Space Command could truly be a Kick-worthy project that succeeds in reaching the stars.
Be sure to head to Space Command’s Kickstarter page to find out more information.
Leave a Reply