The Adelaide Fan Review

The September Nova Mob meeting will be a shared general discussion about the WorldCon experiences for all members, especially those who travelled to Glasgow and including those who plugged in, to share stories, insights, and highlights from the convention.

 That’ll be on Wednesday, 4 September.

4 Sep 2024 – Nova Mob discussion: Glasgow Worldcon

Mob discussion in person and on Zoom, recapping the Glasgow WorldCon by some who were there and others who followed events from afar.

Hoping some of the Mob members still travelling after WorldCon and Eurocon can dial in too.

Invitation – Nova Mob discussion recapping the 2024 WorldCon

Please share this invitation with like-minded friends and fans

Face to face : You are invited to an in-person Nova Mob meeting at: Wednesday 4 September 2024
8.00pm – 9.15pm Melbopurne or so (7:30pm Adelaide time), first floor Conference Room
Kensington Town Hall 30 – 34 Bellair St, Kensington Melbourne VIC 3031

 By Zoom – simulcast
For those who prefer not to travel or are unable to attend face-to-face.  Zoom session broadcast from the Kensington Town Hall. 
Questions or comments typed into the Zoom chat will be discussed and you’ll have as much airtime as the other Mob members at the venue.
Wednesday 4 September 2024
8.00pm – 9.30 pm Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney time
7.30pm – 9.00pm Adelaide time
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4177583193?pwd=VjdPL1BhSTBNclN2YnRsejN3Y1hlUT09
Passcode: nova
Meeting ID: 417 758 3193

Pre-Mob dining – at the Doutta Galla Hotel 

The usual pre-Mob location in Newmarket
Doutta Galla Hotel, 339 Racecourse Road, Melbourne, Victoria 3031, Australia

Table for 8 booked under the name of the Nova Mob Book Discussion group also Murray,
6.15pm for 6.30, through to 8.00pm

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Reflections on the August meeting

Terry Frost’s talk on the Marvel Cinematic Universe had 15 people at the discussion, 7 in person and 8 in the Zoom videoconference mode. Terry had full notes because he’s decided to re-use his talk at a forthcoming Terry Talks Movies. For those who missed it or want to re-live the experience, here’s the link to Terry’s Youtube channel at which his talk will appear Real Soon Now: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG3hwNZQ6FyrJVyE50fUqRQ

With 34 movies in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Terry’s Honourable Mentions included Thor, and the Guardians of the Galaxy, and it turns out each of the various phases has a “strongly recommended” movie, and across the MCU are found films of most genres and styles. Thanks again Terry!

On technical matters, we tried a different room layout – which worked well – and the new audio system also worked well, it was a much more pleasant listening experience. 

SF Commentary 

Bruce Gillespie reports – “The response to SF Commentaries 115 to 117 has been so satisfactory that I’ve received five new articles in the last two weeks, with another promised (but probably not for a while). With incoming letters of comment and a packed reviews column from Colin and Anna Steele, I really should produce the next issue right now. I had been hoping for a fan-editor’s holiday!”

https://efanzines.com/SFC/

F&SF back issues

The Internet Archive has several collections of pulp and other magazines. Here is a link to their collection of F&SF, which has almost 600 items. Why is 1959’s Vol 17 No 2 the most-read issue?

https://archive.org/details/fantasyandsciencefiction?tab=collection

Nova Mob About and Contact Us
Email address is: nova@aussiebb.com.au
Nova Mob on social media
We’re on Mastodon and I must make more than one post.
https://mastodonbooks.net/@NovaMob
https://mastodonbooks.net/invite/YECXVBUk

Friends, out-of-town guests, and new arrivals – you are always welcome and have an open invitation to the Mob’s face-to-face and Zoom meetings. First time arrivals – free. Otherwise a $5 donation for expenses please.
Face-to-face meetings are at the Kensington Town Hall:
https://activemelbourne.ymca.org.au/venues/kensington-town-hall
Face to face, the Kensington Town Hall has ample parking and excellent disability access. Newmarket Railway Station is 15 minutes travel from Flinders St Station on the Craigieburn line. By tram it’s via the Route 57 and by bus it’s the #83. Other bus routes via Metlink Journey Planner. 
Please don’t attend if you have symptoms that could be SARS-2 COVID 19. Our COVID-safe Plan is available, please email me for a copy.

Murray MacLachlan
Convenor

Murray writes:

Books by Janeen Webb & Andrew Enstice

You might recall the offer from our June guest Janeen Webb for book sales. I purchased Five Star Republic, it’s 500 pages, and it came with a thank-you which I believe is to the entire Mob.

We are charging $25 for Five Star Republic p/b; $25 for the new Aliens & Savages p/b; I also have copies at $35 for Gold-Jade Dragon hardcover, artwork etc; and $25 for Dragon’s Child h/c (these are more expensive because of the cost for postage from the UK). They will all come signed (individually if I know who wants them). I’m happy to send individually if required and use PayPal for payment . Otherwise, I can bring some books to Melbourne and drop them off for the Mob.
Janeen Webb janeenwebb@dcsi.net.au

Janeen also reports she is at copy edit and cover art stage for her next book, Scorpion Girl.

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Magazines received

With thanks, Van Ikin in Perth has sent us two issues of Science Fiction.

Issue #53 (2023)  – The Mists of Avalon, SF and the Puppies, Bruce Shaw on Jet Morgan, Alan Stewart interviews Neal Stephenson, Stephan Dedman interviews Damine Broderick.

Issue #24 (2023) – Catherine Gillard on Aging in SF, Farzaneh Pishro on M. Barnard Eldershaw, Alan Stewart talks with Ben Bova, Colin Yeo on Stephen King

As always, superbly packaged and a delight to receive. Recommended end enduring.
$20.00 per issue.paypal: van@ikin.net, also the contact email.

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Martin MacInnes Wins Arthur C. Clarke Award for ‘Intense Trip’ of a Novel

The winner of the 2024 Arthur Clarke Award has been announced: In Ascension by Martin MacInnes.
MacInnes has previously written Infinite Ground (2016) and Gathering Evidence (2020). In Ascension was also longlisted for the 2023 Booker Prize.

We are told that In Ascension, MacInnes’s third novel, “has captivated both judges and readers alike with its compelling narrative that transitions seamlessly from the ocean’s depths to the vastness of outer space. The story follows marine biologist Leigh as she embarks on a mission to explore a newly discovered trench in the Atlantic Ocean. The novel has been praised for its rich, atmospheric writing and its ability to evoke vivid detail while exploring profound themes about life.

In Ascension was shortlisted alongside notable works such as Chain-Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah, The Ten Percent Thief by Lavanya Lakshminarayan, The Mountain in the Sea by Ray Nayler, Some Desperate Glory by Emily Tesh, and Corey Fah Does Social Mobility by Isabel Waidner.

About the Clarke Award

The Arthur C. Clarke Award was established in 1987 by Clarke himself, known for co-writing the screenplay for the iconic 1968 film 2001: A Space Odyssey and authoring nearly 100 works of science fiction and nonfiction. The award has a rich history of recognizing groundbreaking works, with past winners including The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood, The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead, and Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel. Last year’s award went to Ned Beauman for Venomous Lumpsucker.

MacInnes will receive £2,024 as the prize money, a tradition that reflects the current year and has been incremented by a pound annually since 2001.

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Sean Williams, Steve Roach, Nick Stathopolous in tune

Sean has expressed his gratitude to everyone who supported the release, saying, “It’s been an amazing journey. I’m so thrilled to be working with one of my absolute heroes and inspirations!” Sean has shared a promo video for one of his favorite tracks from the album, which you can watch here.

Murray reports on Nova Mob activities:

We are chuffed to announce that Terry Frost, renowned film critic, host of the YouTube channel Terry Talks Movies, and Nova Mob member, will be our speaker at August’s Nova Mob meeting on Wednesday, 7 August!
For the many people travelling to Glasgow WorldCon, we wish you safe travels and hope you enjoy every moment of the convention – panels, workshops, friends, authors, events, and whatever extracurricular events bring you joy.  
The September Nova Mob meeting will be a shared general discussion about the WorldCon experiences for all members, especially those who travelled to Glasgow and including those who plugged in, to share stories, insights, and highlights from the convention. That’ll be on Wednesday, 4 September.

Terry Frost – The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU): August Nova Mob

Terry Frost is widely known and respected in the film criticism community for his insightful analyses and engaging commentary on a wide range of films, particularly those that may fly under the mainstream radar. His YouTube channel, Terry Talks Movies, has a large, growing, dedicated following for its deep dives into cinematic history and hidden gems.
In our August Nova Mob meeting, Terry will delve into the expansive and captivating realm of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). He will explore how the MCU has revolutionized modern cinema with its interconnected storytelling, groundbreaking special effects, and Marvel comics^TMcharacters. You’ll hear his expert perspective on the impact and future of this cinematic juggernaut, from its inception with Iron Man (2008) to the latest release Deadpool & Wolverine, which is #34 in the series and is doing great box office and yet Ansible tells us:

“RYAN REYNOLDS, co-star with Hugh Jackman of the superhero movie Deadpool & Wolverine, issued a brutally honest disclaimer: ‘This film is as paper thin as a sequel to Battlefield Earth.” (IMDb, 21 May)

The MCU has earned $30 billion to date.

Terry Frost – invite to The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU)

Please share this invitation with like-minded friends and fans

Face to face : You are invited to an in-person Nova Mob meeting at: 
Wednesday 7 August 2024 8.00pm – 9.15pm or so,
first floor Conference Room, Kensington Town Hall
30 – 34 Bellair St, Kensington Melbourne VIC 3031

 By Zoom – simulcast
For those who prefer not to travel or are unable to attend face-to-face.  Zoom session broadcast from the Kensington Town Hall. Questions or comments typed into the Zoom chat will be discussed as the opportunity permits, and you’ll have as much airtime as the other Mob members at the venue.
Zoom meeting details:
Wednesday 7 August 2024 8.00pm – 9.30 pm Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney time
7.30pm – 9.00pm Adelaide time
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4177583193?pwd=VjdPL1BhSTBNclN2YnRsejN3Y1hlUT09
Passcode: nova
Meeting ID: 417 758 3193

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What Makes the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) Special?

We asked ChatGPT. 

• How has the MCU maintained its popularity and critical acclaim over more than a decade?
• What are the unique storytelling techniques used in the MCU?
• How do the films balance individual character arcs with the overarching narrative of the universe?

Whether you’re a die-hard Marvel fan or a casual moviegoer, this is an opportunity to gain new insights into one of the most influential film franchises of our time. 

The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is an extensive American media franchise and shared universe that revolves around a series of superhero films produced by Marvel Studios. The films draw inspiration from characters appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. This franchise also encompasses television series, short films, digital series, and literature, creating a broad and interconnected universe similar to the original Marvel Universe in comic books. The shared universe is crafted through common plot elements, settings, cast, and characters that cross over into various productions.

Marvel Studios organizes its films into “Phases.” The first three phases are collectively known as “The Infinity Saga,” while the subsequent three phases are termed “The Multiverse Saga.”

• Phase One began with Iron Man (2008) and culminated in the crossover film The Avengers (2012).
• Phase Two started with Iron Man 3 (2013) and concluded with Ant-Man (2015).
• Phase Three commenced with Captain America: Civil War (2016) and ended with Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019).
• Phase Four kicked off with Black Widow (2021) and wrapped up with Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022).
• Phase Five began with Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023) and is set to conclude with Thunderbolts (2025).
• Phase Six will launch with The Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025) and will conclude with Avengers: Doomsday (2026) and Avengers: Secret Wars (2027).

A special shout-out for the first Guardians of the Galaxy movie, released in 2014, described as “a standout in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Directed by James Gunn, it introduced audiences to a quirky and diverse group of characters including Peter Quill (Star-Lord), Gamora, Drax the Destroyer, Rocket Raccoon, and Groot. The film is celebrated for its humour, heart, and soundtrack featuring classic hits from the ’70s and ’80s. It’s blend of action, comedy, and compelling story about friendship and redemption made it a fan favourite.”

About Terry Frost

Terry Frost’s extensive knowledge and passion for cinema have made him a respected voice in the film community. In addition to his YouTube channel, Terry also hosts the Paleo-Cinema Podcast, where he discusses a wide array of films, often spotlighting older and lesser-known movies.

You can find more about Terry Frost and his work through the following links:

• YouTube Channel: Terry Talks Movies
• Paleo-Cinema Podcast