Star Wars: Science Fiction or Fantasy
Is Star Wars sci-fi or fantasy?
Probably SyFy, but I digress.
This minimally vexing question will bring out the nerd in all of us. I believe it’s fantasy but am too lazy here to do more than make a list of common straw-man arguments and poke fun at them.
For reference, there is a 12 page thread from 2001 on the same topic. I can’t bring myself to read past the first page.
Star Wars happens in the future!
You’re kidding, right?
But there are no dwarfs and mages and stuff
True, but they have ewoks. And don’t forget Jar Jar Binks whose race would never have survived even the most forgiving of natural selection.
The Force is basically advanced telekinesis
Some science fiction novels have fantastical or unexplained elements like telekinesis and things. Arthur C. Clarke once said “Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.” That’s cool. However, The Force brings back dead people and makes them see-through.
In some cases, it can even go back and switch heads around, totally screwing over the dude on the left.
Magic.
Parting Thoughts
I love Star Wars. It’s got a kickass universe and has some awesome adventurous stories.
If I could be any Star Wars characters I would have trouble choosing. Probably Jango Fett because beheading by Samuel L. Jackson beats the hell out of losing control of your jet pack. And there’s an entire army of buffoons patterned after him.
