Way back when I was a child in a mythical land called the 1970s – Yes it really did exist; Farrah Fawcett’s hair is proof enough of that – there was a cheesy sci-fi show called Battlestar Galactica that nevertheless held me utterly enraptured.
There was something about humanity’s creation, The Cylons, rising up to destroy their creators, with a relentless, merciless passion that came through even through the often hilarious theatrics, that kept my attention, helped along by the fact of course that it all took place against a galaxy-spanning tableau.
Here was underlying drama writ large – humanity in peril! The search for Earth! The legendary 13th colony! – and behold, it was good, very, very good. (Well good enough; there was, as I noted, enough cheese to launch a stall at a French market and keep it stocked for years.)
Years later, in 2004, the TV series was revived, this time as a deeply existential, powerfully-written and acted drama that explored what it meant to be human and whether there might be some way for creator and creation, deep though the enmity might be, to come together in some way, however unlikely the prospect.
It is this inherent existential musing that has attracted so many people to Battlestar Galactica and helps explain why writer Cullen Bunn (Uncanny X-Men, Micronauts) artist Alex Sanchez (Mad Max: Ride, 30 Days of Night: Spreading the Disease) and colour artist Daniela Miwa have come together to breathe new life into this epic tale, this time in comic book form.
As Bleeding Cool reports, the show in all its iterations has had a profound effect on them both as Bunn notes:
“Battlestar Galactica is a franchise that meant a lot to me in my formative years, and now I have the opportunity to build on the cosmic mythology that was left behind when the television series ended. I’ve been given the chance to write characters that I love (and a few characters that I love to hate) within the universe (and following the rules) of the classic series. At the same time, I’m going to be doing something a little different, taking the story in a new direction that will provide fresh stories but will also honor everything that came before. I’m using some of the most mind-blowing aspects of the TV show to fuel a new story that I think old and new fans alike will enjoy.”
And less you think the ’70s series has nothing to contribute to this revival, think again says Sanchez:
“The thing that most excites me about working on Battlestar Galactica is the chance to draw the characters, ships, and concepts that Ralph McQuarrie created for the original series. He’s one of my art heroes. I hope to do the material justice and give it a late 70’s, early 80’s feel, and hope that fans will react positively and enjoy the story and my art. With the creative team assembled, I know that they will!”
Exciting stuff all around! Adama, Apollo and Starbuck will fly again! With the Cylons in hot vengeful pursuit as is right and proper.
My inner child can’t wait to settle down and see what happens next …
