CoNZealand is Here!

Almost two years after it was first announced, and despite the significant impact of COVID-19, the 78th World Science Fiction Convention is about to arrive on the (digital) shores of Wellington! The virtual convention will include special guests Mercedes Lackey, Larry Dixon, Greg Broadmore and toastmaster George R.R. Martin, and will be hosting a range of fantastic sci-fi related events — including the Hugo Awards! To get you in the CoNZealand spirit, we’ve selected titles covering everything from fandom and cosplay to cooking and short stories. Enjoy!

The fangirl’s guide to the galaxy : a handbook for geek girls / Maggs, Sam
The Fangirl’s Guide to the Galaxy is the ultimate handbook for ladies living the nerdy life, a fun and feminist take on the often male-dominated world of geekdom. With a love for all the in(ternet)s and outs of geek culture, this book is packed with tips, playthroughs, and cheat codes for everything from starting an online fan community to planning a convention visit to supporting fellow female geeks in the wild.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

Fandom : fic writers, vidders, gamers, artists, and cosplayers / DiPiazza, Francesca
“Have you ever finished a book or TV series and wished for more? Created stories, art, or videos based on a game? If so, you’ve entered fandom. Fan writers expand and mix up stories, sending the Star Trek crew to Hogwarts. They also enrich invented worlds with greater diversity, creating female and multiracial avatars for games peopled only with white male characters.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

Kindred : a graphic novel adaptation / Duffy, Damian
More than 35 years after its release, Kindred continues to draw in new readers with its deep exploration of the violence and loss of humanity caused by slavery in the United States, and its complex and lasting impact on the present day. Adapted by celebrated academics and comics artists Damian Duffy and John Jennings, this graphic novel powerfully renders Butler’s mysterious and moving story, which spans racial and gender divides in the antebellum South through the 20th century.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

Stolen sharpie revolution / Wrekk, Alex
“Since 2002, Stolen Sharpie Revolution: a DIY Resource for Zines and Zine Culture has been the go-to guide for all things zine-related. This little red book is stuffed with information about zines. Things you may know, stuff you don’t know and even stuff you didn’t know you didn’t know! Stolen Sharpie Revolution contains a cornucopia of information about zines and zine culture for everyone from the zine newbie to the experienced zinester to the academic researcher.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

How long ’til black future month? / Jemisin, N. K
“Hugo-winning and New York Times-bestselling author Jemisin sharply examines modern society in her first short story collection.” (Catalogue)

Cosplay crash course : a complete guide to designing cosplay wigs, makeup and accessories / Petrović, Mina
“True to the cosplay spirit of collaboration, Cosplay Crash Course shares favorite techniques from some of the community’s most imaginative artists. Step by step, you’ll learn how to turn ordinary fabrics, toys, thermoplastics, wigs and other humble materials into original costumes. Whether you’re making fabulous feathers, metallic armor, wicked horns, lifelike claws or form-fitting boots, this book puts it all within your reach.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

The feast of fiction kitchen : recipes inspired by TV, movies, games & books / Wong, Jimmy
Recipes from Feast of Fiction, the innovative YouTube show featuring fantastical and fictional recipes inspired by books, movies, comics, video games, and more. With 55 unique and awesome dishes, this long-awaited cookbook will help inspire a pop culture dinner party, a fun night at home with family and friends, or an evening on the couch thinking about what you could be cooking.” (Catalogue)

Overdrive cover Monster, She Wrote by Lisa Kröger (ebook)
“Everyone knows about Mary Shelley, creator of Frankenstein, who was rumored to keep her late husband’s heart in her desk drawer. But have you heard of Margaret “Mad Madge” Cavendish, who wrote a science-fiction epic 150 years earlier (and liked to wear topless gowns to the theater)? Part biography, part reader’s guide, the engaging write-ups and reading lists will introduce you to more than 100 authors and over 200 of their mysterious and spooky works!” (Adapted from Overdrive description)

I find your lack of faith disturbing : Star Wars and the triumph of geek culture / Jameson, A. D.
“A. D. Jameson takes geeks and non-geeks alike on a surprising and insightful journey through the science fiction, fantasy, and superhero franchises that now dominate pop culture. A lifelong geek, Jameson shines a new light on beloved classics, explaining the enormous love (and hate) they are capable of inspiring in fan and non-fan alike, while exploding misconceptions as to how and why they were made.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

Hugo nominees for Best Dramatic Presentation, Short Form

In every generation there is a chosen one. She alone will stand against the vampires, the demons and the forces of darkness. She is the slayer. ― Joss Whedon, Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Whilst the Hugo’s have long recognised dramatic presentations–indeed an award has been given since 1958–it was only in 2003 that the category was split into short form (less than 90 minutes) and long form (longer than 90 minutes) presentations. The first short form winner in 2003 was an episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer called “Conversations with Dead People”.

Since its introduction, the short form presentation has attracted loads of attention as it often features some of the best TV and online series out there, as well as other forms. This year’s shortlist is no exception, with a range of exceptional series that highlight the rich diversity in this field. Many of the shortlisted presentations also originate from literary backgrounds. Below we list the nominees and related items in our collection. Enjoy!


Doctor Who: “Resolution”

Season: Eight
Director: Nathaniel Wayne

Doctor Who has won more short form awards (six) than any other science fiction series. We have a wide selection of Doctor Who material in our libraries, in fact over 500 items. Click here for availability!

Discover More:

Overdrive: Did you know Doctor Who has her own short story collection? It’s called Star Tales, and it’s available here!


The Expanse: “Cibola Burn”

Season: Four
Director: Breck Eisner

This series is based on the exceptional books by James S. A. Corey. James S. A. Corey is in turn the pen name used by collaborators Daniel Abraham and Ty Franck. Click here for the availability of Season One!

Discover More:

Catalogue: We also have all the books currently in print in The Expanse series.


The Good Place: “The Answer”

Season: Four
Director: Valeria Migliassi Collins

“The Answer” is one of the episodes from the fourth series of the fantasy comedy series. Click here to check the availability of the fourth season of The Good Place

Discover More:

RBdigital: Did you know that RBdigital has several great film and television magazines, including Empire and Total Film? Download them for free–and keep them forever!


The Mandalorian: “Redemption”

Season: One
Director: Taika Waititi

One of the fabulous episodes from the Star Wars spin off series, this particular episode is directed by New Zealander Taika Waititi. Again we have a vast range of Star Wars-related items available to borrow from our branches, as well as Taika Waititi’s other films such as Boy, Hunt for the Wilderpeople and Thor: Ragnarok

Ultimate Star Wars / Barr, Patricia
“This comprehensive and wonderfully-detailed encyclopedia explores the characters, creatures, locations, vehicles, technology, and more found throughout the entire Star Wars galaxy. Ultimate Star Wars is an in-depth visual guide that details storylines and players from the complete Star Wars galaxy, including Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Star Wars Rebels.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

 


Watchmen: “A God Walks into a Bar” and “This Extraordinary Being”

Season: One
Directors: Nicole Kassell and Stephen Williams

These two nominations are from the same series which is loosely based on graphic novel legend Alan Moore’s work of the same name. Watchmen is often cited as one of the finest literary works published in the last 100 years. The BBC’s Nicholas Barber described it as “the moment comic books grew up”. The TV Mini series of Watchmen is on order and will be available soon.

Watchmen / Moore, Alan
“Exceptional graphic artwork brings to life the story of the Watchmen as they race against time to find a killer, with the fate of the world hanging in the balance.” (Catalogue)