This webcomic is based on a real conversation I had with someone. For this comic to work, you need a crash course in opera, Silly Daddy style:
"Opera" is a melodramatic story sung with vocal music.
"Space opera" is a melodramatic story told with outer space action.
"Rock opera" is a melodramatic story sung with rock and roll music.
Now that your education is complete, on with the comic...
While promoting my novel "
Star Chosen," I asked an old-time rocker a question; "Have you seen my new book? It's a space opera."
He replied, "Dude, that's awesome. Is that like a rock opera? Count me in! Yeah... The Who."
Digital comic by Joe Chiappetta 2010, drawn in Google Docs Drawing application, edited in Adobe Illustrator.
Regarding the space opera definition, there is actually little agreement in the literary sci-fi community on the exact definition of space opera. Some people think a work of science fiction is not a space opera if the plot is too dark; yet others are fine with dark space opera. Because of all that debate, I can imagine a parody short story written wherein the two camps differing on the "space opera" definition have a heated argument at a science fiction convention. In turn, this becomes a physical fight--a brawl that sweeps through the whole convention hall. Mind you, all the fighters are in costume, since it is a sci-fi convention. Meanwhile in orbit around the planet, aliens, who were about to invade the Earth, decide against it, concluding that the Earthlings are too flamboyant and hostile.
Space Opera Definition
The Difference between Space Opera and Other Kinds of Science Fiction
Space Opera = A relationship-focused science fiction story within a universe where some of the drama involves futuristic concepts.
Space opera stories are heavy on interpersonal drama and action. Therefore, the definition of a Space Opera = A relationship-focused science fiction story within a universe where some of the drama involves futuristic concepts.
In a space opera storyline, the character-to-character interactions within a futuristic or speculative setting are the primary focus. Typically, these character interactions are central to the story and involve close relationships between family, friends, or love interests. Often a space opera storyline can easily be adapted into another genre, such as a Western, and with minor changes, still work as a story.
In science fiction stories that are NOT space operas, while there may be some relationship drama, the primary focus is on futuristic or speculative concepts. In NON-space opera stories that are science fiction, the futuristic concepts drive the story. In space opera stories, the character interaction drives the story. For example, "2001: A Space Odyssey" is science fiction, but NOT a space opera because the futuristic concept of a rogue computer and the acceleration of human development by aliens was the main focus. By contrast, Star Wars is a space opera because of the interpersonal drama between Luke Skywalker, his mysterious father, and the captured princess.
As another example, the cover illustration from the sci-fi space opera novel, "Star Chosen," has engaging futuristic action, but the real story is how the characters interact, bond, and conflict during the adventure.
Illustration from the Star Chosen cover is futuristic, but much drama lies in how two of the characters are secretly related. Space opera strikes again!
Steps to Create an Original Space Opera
You too can write a space opera. Here's how in three easy steps.
1) Understand the definition of space opera. As stated earlier, I define it as a melodramatic story told with outer space action.
2) Write in a direction that covers uncharted concepts, process, or characters.
3) Inject those original elements into a melodramatic, outer space setting that includes a healthy dose of action.
For an example of space opera, get my book, Star Chosen!
