his page is a home on the Web for all things Robocop, a cozy spot where fans can get acquainted and discuss the 1987 film and its sequels, spinoffs, video games and associated lore.
Database is a misleading term for the site, which lacks anything resembling an index devoted to the Robocop franchise. Visitors should not expect to find a handily searchable source on Robocop's creative talents, plot points or anything else dealing with the nuts and bolts of who made the films or when they were put together. Instead, what can be found here is a vibrant community of fans: lively discussion forums with topics covering the similarities between Robocop and Airwolf, or speculation about which real-world corporations may have inspired the predatory company, OCP, from the film series. There is Robocop-related artwork, a short column which discusses the use of Christian imagery in the original film (as well as an analysis of its anti-business subtext) and, of course, plenty of links to related sites.
The fans behind the Robocop Database are also clearly excited about the U.S. debut of the miniseries Prime Directives, and the site features updated links and information which coincide with its release. Particular gems include a mini-interview with co-writer Joseph O'Brien, who discusses Peter Murphy's past in some detail. O'Brien and his writing partner, Brad Abraham, will also be appearing in a moderated chat on this site on July 19.
The Database is well organized, efficient and ruthless in its pursuit of the newest Robocop data, an excellent place for interested fans to learn developments, read reviews and generally whet their appetites for the coming small-screen return of the indestructible cop from Detroit.
-- A.M. Dellamonica
Site of the Week -- July 2, 2001
his page covers the Grande Dame of SF and fantasy in detail, with a biography, bibliography and essays sure to please fans of the Witch World and Forerunner novels, plus a great deal more.
Loved by readers young and old, Norton has provided everything a visitor might expect from the Web page of a well-established author. The site offers photographs, information on hard-to-find books, images from book covers and exclusive data on the ideas that spawned Norton's various SF and fantasy universes. There are extra features, too, which bring the page alive. A particular highlight is a series of essays by Irene Harrison, which gives readers the inside scoop on every aspect of book collecting. There is also extensive coverage of the creation of High Hallack, a library and retreat for writers of genre literature.
Finally, this site offers access to the Andre Norton Message Board and Andre Norton Mailing List, two simple ways to keep track of all the latest news on Norton and her work. Visitors, whether die-hard fans or readers who have just discovered Norton's fiction, will be gratified by the opportunity to keep up on the doings of this influential author.
-- A.M. Dellamonica
Site of the Week -- June 25, 2001
reative anarchy rules at Broad Universe, a group dedicated to promoting and encouraging women writers and illustrators of speculative fiction.
Realizing that male geeks dominate most people's minds when they think of science fiction (and to a lesser extent fantasy and horror), the group promotes published works by women while simultaneously supporting fledging writers. The group is free and open to all--men, women and (if they exist) Martians are welcome to join. It's led by an advisory group, but prides itself on being a free-form organization that lets members play an active role.
The group's Web site is a major tool in its efforts. Its newsletter--Broad Sheet--is published on the site and includes advice, commentary and more, mostly written by established writers. The online catalog of "broad" fiction is an excellent data mine. Each book includes its ISBN number, publisher, author and a short description, as well as links to related Web sites. It's a great resource for those looking to expand their reading horizons.
Rounding out Broad Universe's online offerings is its e-mail discussion group. Hosted by Yahoo, this group sees hundreds of messages a month. It's a cordial group that serves as a good source of news about women in speculative fiction, and a great place for folks to talk about--and sometimes with--their favorite female authors.
-- Kenneth Newquist
Back to the top.
