Space opera facts for kids
Space opera is adventure science fiction in outer space or on distant planets. Action is more important than the science or characters. There is usually a strong hero and a very big conflict. The action often moves to many different places. The best-selling science fiction book of all time is a space opera. It is Dune by Frank Herbert.
Some people have a negative opinion of Space opera. They use the name as an snsult. They do not like these stories because they have several problems. The action may be impossible to believe. The science may be silly. The characters may be simple and boring.
But, other people have a feeling of nostalgia for space opera. They think these stories from the golden age of science fiction have a special feeling of wonder and excitement. Edward E. (Doc) Smith may be the first important writer of this type of SF. He wrote two series called Skylark and Lensman. These are important early examples of space opera novels. Flash Gordon is an early example of this genre from radio, TV, and film.
Modern examples include: Alastair Reynolds' Revelation Space series, Peter F. Hamilton's The Dreaming Void, The Night's Dawn, and Pandora's Star series. The very popular Star Wars movies and books are also examples of this sort of SF.
Images for kids
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Cover of sci-fi magazine Imagination, June 1956
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Back cover of the premier issue of Galaxy Magazine
See also
In Spanish: Space opera para niños
