Archive for February 2012

Space Opera

Wednesday 15 February 2012
Posted by Faqihin
     Alhamdulillah! Finally! I can use my printer again and now I can post my sketches! :')
     I've had this idea for weeks now and so here it goes...


For the general audiences, most of them don't know that Space Opera is a sub-genre in science fiction.  What's Space Opera and what's the difference? Well, there's no definite definition for it but based on my understanding; Space Opera is somewhat a classic medieval story with nations and empires at war but it's held in space in instead.  Most importantly, it emphasizes romance.  Examples for this genre are, of course, Star Wars, Andromeda and so on.  Now, there's loads more of sub-genres in science fiction (Steampunk, Military science fiction etc.) and quite frankly, I'm not sure if Star Wars could be defined as a Space Opera in overall.  It focuses more on--well, war.  Though within the six films, there is one or few that could be categorized as Space Opera; the relationship between Padme and Anakin is the clearest example.  Like I said, there's no definite definition.  My point is, I want to write about those Science Fiction films that focuses on intergalactic empires, spaceship dog fights and so on.  Let's just refer them as Space Operas shall we? Even though they don't emphasize on romance :)



Why do I bring up this topic? Well, it's because I'm trying to open my options of writing to numerous genres and to be honest, I'm really not a fan of Science Fiction.  Spaceships and aliens does not impress me at all.  The other day, I googled Star Wars; to do some research and fascinatingly, I've found out where George Lucas got the idea of making these iconic films.  There's a novel called Princess of Mars; a perfect example of a Space Opera.  A classic tale of saving a damsel in distress but with a different twist; you have to save her from giant aliens and stuffs.  The novel has a lot of volumes.  So, feel free to google them to know more :)

Even more fascinating, Disney has turned it into a film! It's called John Carter and I assume that it is a whole new plot.  You know, to make it a little fresher for a new generation of audience.  And from what I've seen from the trailer, I think that this is going to be a romance film thus officially making it a Space Opera film.  It's been a while since we've seen a Space Opera film.  Maybe it wouldn't be a romance film but hey, it still promises a lot of good action.  So, this could be really interesting.  I mean, it's really--how you say, intriguing to find out how the audience will react to John Carter.  Will it be the next phenomenon like Star Wars or will it be another overused commercialized film like Pirates of the Caribbean? Yeah, we all love Jack--I mean, Captain Jack Sparrow but somehow, a forth film with a somewhat an ending plot from the previous film just makes it lost it's excitement or X-factor.  It can't become as successful as it's previous three.  I'm not saying that it's bad! It's a good film nonetheless but it can't be one of the greats.









So, finally moving mo to my sketches!  =3




And for the first time, an inked sketch! Hahahahah :D 



I had to fix and change a lot of things from the original sketch :/
He's wearing an armor underneath that robe.
Still needs a lot of improvement  :'/



I tried to bring out a Sahara dessert-warrior look.  I didn't want it to be too mechanical.  So, what could he be? A space gladiator who falls in love with the king's daughter? A treasure hunter who' wanted by five planets or could he be a prince? A prince who wishes to marry the most desired princess in the whole galaxy and to do so, he needs to compete with dozens of other aliens in a race for a rare diamond.  Well, like I always say; ideas always expand within time.

So, that's all I have to write about  :)
Salam and have a good day everybody!  

It ain't easy. It never was.

Friday 10 February 2012
Posted by Faqihin


Have you seen this movie? It called The Pursuit of Happiness.  You should see it.  It's about a man's struggle to achieve-well--happiness.  This is the last part of the film.  I admit, at certain days I sit back and relax; not caring or doing anything to achieve what I want.  And at some days, I keep feeling sorry for myself; asking why do I have these problems? Why can't I be good looking or why can't I write something amazing instantly? Why can't I be loved and find my soul mate? We all should know by now that it was never easy.  I often forget that.  This clip reminds me of it.  It keeps me going.  It inspires me to go on.  It makes me want to get up and do something for myself; to help those whom I love.  It gets me out of my comfort zone and makes me stop feeling sorry for myself.  This part of my life...this very moment...is called realizing.   
 

Random videos

Thursday 9 February 2012
Posted by Faqihin
     My computer is broken! Something wrong with the pc, I think.  So, I can't use my printer to scan my sketches.  It would take a while for me to fix this problem.  Sigh, so much problem but so little time.  I wanted to post something regarding science fiction.  I've already sketch something about it but the thing is, I wan't to ink it :p

I figured that I should post some inked works to, you know, show you my progress.  But alas, I can't.  So, here are some random videos that, well, inspired me to write or to just pass my time.



  I became a huge fan of home made stop motion videos after Transformers film came out.  I love the idea of making your own version of the saga with toys.  I respect them for posting their videos because they're doing what they love which is Transformers and story telling.  The above video is just a short one.  If you want to view a whole saga; try searching Nightslash 2020 on Youtube.




This is not a stop motion.  It's just a  guy playing with toys and does a voice over afterwards.  However, I didn't straight away conclude this video as pathetic when I first saw it.  No, I instantly loved it! Because it's funny and it shows what the DC and Marvel fans think of the latest superhero films in Hollywood.  Again, this is a home made video.  I did found a professional one; better stop motion with green screen backgrounds and what not.  But I still prefer this one.





The latest music video from Coldplay! I love this band! How would I describe their song? Well, this is just a theory but I think Coldplay's songs are mostly about anything, I guess.  For their first few albums, they sang mostly about love while Viva La vida or Death and all his friends was more to world peace.  This is the unique part about Coldplay, they're always changing their gimmicks and sounds.  Not many dare to do so; especially when you're successful as Coldplay.  Most bands who were successful with their first and second album, they tend to stick with that gimmick to the very end of their careers.






I was never a huge fan of this band.  I didn't hate them.  I just didn't bothered to follow them.  But I gotta admit, this video is awesome! And the song is just the kind of song I love!




Finally! A studio version of this song! I've posted a live performance video of this song before but hey, everybody prefers to listen to a studio recorded song in their mp3 right? So, how would I describe Mumford and Sons music? Well, most of their songs to me, screams out pride.  Marcus's often screams really gets me pumped up; realizing me that I can't just sit down and whine about my problems.  Their songs makes want to get up and achieve something.




And lastly, Maher Zain! What I love about this fellow Muslim is that he dares to try something new.  I admit, most Malaysians just listen to his songs; saying "Oh, it's good", not knowing the genius and bravery of Maher Zain.  Honestly, how many tried to collaborate Pop and Islam? Heck, I think many dare not to try it because they think it wouldn't work or Religion, specifically Islam, shouldn't be associated with Pop.  I truly respect to my fellow Muslims who try to spread the words of our prophet through music and films because it is not an easy task to execute.  May Allah help you in your journey, Maher Zain; Insya Allah.  




Have a nice day everybody, Salam!