Cozy science fiction is one of the newest corners of the genre, and it’s still finding its identity. After reading Automatic Noodle and revisiting A Psalm for the Wild-Built, I’ve been exploring what makes a story “cozy,” how it connects with the philosophy of hopepunk, and why readers are increasingly drawn to optimistic, character-driven futures.
Cozy Science Fiction: A Genre That’s Still Finding Itself Read More »
The new Dune 3 trailer should have filled me with anticipation. Instead, it left me uneasy. Not because Denis Villeneuve lacks skill as a filmmaker—far from it—but because the films seem determined to undercut Paul Atreides’ triumph before it ever truly lands. Which raises a larger question: Have modern storytellers become afraid of heroic endings? From Dune to grimdark fantasy to prestige science fiction, modern stories increasingly distrust hope, sincerity, and unapologetic victory. But is that really what audiences want—or simply what the industry keeps giving them?
Are Modern Storytellers Afraid of Happy Endings? Read More »