Comic Poll #2 (Patreon)

I'm actually surprised there was so much interest in hard sci-fi, but I want to be sure it's what people actually want. So, here's another poll with the top options. This one will be much quicker, as I want to do a couple more polls before starting, and I want to start ASAP.

Hard sci-fi typically refers to science fiction that has an overwhelming basis in established science. It's sort of like the sci-fi equivalent of low fantasy, not quite historical medieval, but almost that, just set in an alternate world. I can't think of any video media that is truly hard sci-fi. The Expanse is largely hard sci-fi, but then is more generic sci-fi or even sci-fi fantasy when it comes to the Proto Molecule and the ring gates. In a FMG comic context, this would mean a very grounded, slow-burn story set in a futuristic setting where growth would be based on working out and likely using theoretical supplements to enhance the growth, But, again, it would be a slow-burn thing. You can't do hard sci-fi and hand-wave away biology and physics.

In generic sci-fi you can. With generic sci-fi you can justify just about anything so long as you have a science-y sounding McGuffin. Tachyon beams, and warp cores, and proto molecules. Whatever the story needs to advance but can't be explained by science. Element Zero from the Mass Effect series is an incredible McGuffin. It allows for the manipulation of an object's mass. That simple statement allows for nearly endless possibilities in science fiction, and Mass Effect does it with a single McGuffin.

Sci-Fi fantasy basically covers everything else. When a character has magical abilities, but they're in a sci-fi setting, then their tech is just more advanced than can be conceivable. Again, the Asgardians from the MCU. How does Mjolnir fly, or have nearly infinite mass? Magic, er no, super advanced technology. You can have a lot of fun with sci-fi fantasy. The Force from Star Wars is another good example. "That's not how the Force works" is a pretty bold statement to make in Star Wars, since the Force can do basically anything within the setting, but the story has a wrapper of science fiction with space ships and aliens.

This poll is 1 pick per person, so choose wisely.