Jason P. Vest
Jason P. Vest is professor of English in the University of Guam’s Division of English & Applied Linguistics. He is the author of four books: Future Imperfect: Philip K. Dick at the Movies (Praeger Press, 2007 and Bison Books, 2009); The Postmodern Humanism of Philip K. Dick (2009, Scarecrow Press); The Wire, Deadwood, Homicide, and NYPD Blue: Violence is Power (2010, Praeger Press); and Spike Lee: Finding the Story and Forcing the Issue (2014, Praeger Press). He lives and works in Mangilao, Guam.
By Jason P. Vest
The Ten Most Notable Science-Fiction Novels of the Past Ten Years
Given how busy we all are, particularly as the pandemic recedes, perhaps we should thank these lists (and their makers) for not wasting our time or abusing our goodwill, but instead helping us hack our way through that ever-growing thicket of anime, books, films, podcasts, manga, radio shows, stage plays, television series, video games, and the endless number of other cultural productions we feel honor-bound to track despite this impulse being a forever-frustrated wish that, to switch metaphors, cultural capital’s always-hungry maw ensures will never be satisfied.
Pharewell, Phil: Philip K. Dick (1928-1982)
On this day, the fortieth anniversary of his untimely death, I come to praise Philip K. Dick, not to bury him.
Ringmaster: Peter Jackson’s Hits and Misses and Hits
My esteem for Peter Jackson has limits even if, in my judgment, he remains a remarkable poet-director. Commemorating his birthday calls forth warm feelings and happy memories, but, to understand his artistic strengths, we must also acknowledge his weaknesses.
The Re-Possessed
Ursula K. Le Guin storms the Library of America.
Now Appearing, the Great Cicely Tyson
The woman who began her career as a fashion model for Ebony and Jet magazines, who married (and divorced) jazz trumpeter Miles Davis, and whose love of Black people, especially Black women, made her into an activist for most of her long, long life developed her craft so exactingly that she reigns as one of the greatest artists America has ever produced (or ever will produce).
Remembering Octavia E. Butler
Make no mistake, Octavia E. Butler was among the greatest American authors of the twentieth century. The intervening years have seen Butler’s work reclaimed by literary critics, scholars, and the reading public at large, but the fact remains: She was always terrific, even when too few people affirmed this judgment in the public square.
The New Who: Best of Enemies
Doctor Who, “Resolution” New Year’s Special 2019 Written by Chris Chibnall Directed by Wayne Yip Starring Jodie Whittaker, Tosin Cole, Mandip Gill, and Bradley Walsh Guest Starring Daniel Adegboyega, Nicholas Briggs, Nikesh Patel, and Charlotte Ritchie Original Broadcast 1 January 2019 (60 minutes) Doctor Thirteen faces her oldest…
The New Who: The Last Battle
Doctor Who, “The Battle of Ranskoor Av Kolos” Series 11, Episode 10 Written by Chris Chibnall Directed by Jamie Childs Starring Jodie Whittaker, Tosin Cole, Mandip Gill, and Bradley Walsh Guest Starring Mark Addy, Percelle Ascott, Phyllis Logan, and Samuel Oatley Original Broadcast 9 December 2018 (49 minutes) …
The New Who: When Worlds Elide
Doctor Who, “It Takes You Away” Series 11, Episode 9 Written by Ed Himes Directed by Jamie Childs Starring Jodie Whittaker, Tosin Cole, Mandip Gill, and Bradley Walsh Guest Starring Sharon D. Clarke, Kevin Eldon, Christian Rubeck, Lisa Stokke, and Eleanor Wallworks Original Broadcast 2 December 2018 (49 minutes) …