Remember when the future was a wonderful thing? Well, it was in the 1960s in the world of The Jetsons.

The future was all about push buttons which could improve our lives and create new efficiency. Meals came at the push of a button. Music came at the push of a button. Cars came at the push of a button. Raincoats came at the push of a button. However, what even push buttons couldn’t do was recreate the human being.

To wit: Meet George Jetson. Space Age Everyman. Atom Age John Doe. Post-Modern Schlub.

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On the heels of the recent Bat-week here at tor.com, I felt compelled to offer a dissenting opinion about Batman’s best friend/greatest enemy, Superman, the Man of Steel. Of course, the Superman v. Batman debate has been going on for centuries (or so) and there are many facets to this important social issue. I will present several of those facets, although not necessarily the most important or coherent.

First of all, I admit that I AM A SUPERMAN GUY. Leading scientists have long recognized that there are two fundamental species of humans: Superman people and Batman people. I don’t say they cannot coexist; they can. In fact, Susan, my wife and co-author, is a Batman person. That’s why she’s not co-authoring this blog, because this blog isn’t a debate. It’s here to lay out facts (as I see them) as to why Superman is super awesome, and Batman isn’t. If Susan wants to argue, she knows where to find me.

[Enter the Fortress of Solitude]

When you think of steampunk, do you think of Africa?

Most likely, you do not.

However, we hope to convince you (if you need convincing) that Africa has much to offer steampunk fiction. One stereotypical overview of steampunk is that it exists only to celebrate Victorian British society, including the cultural superiority of imperialism. However, there are also many loud voices inside the genre community who speak for cultural and geographical diversity, and that includes African influence. We hope to add to that clamor.

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