Despite the SAG-AFTRA strike that prevented actors from promoting their works, the 2019 New York Comic Con, hosted by ReedPop at the Jacob K Javits Convention Center, was a resounding success. It drew an enormous crowd, perhaps even larger than in previous years. The event was not short of creative talent and exciting upcoming projects that celebrate the world of nerd culture.
This year, the spotlight was on authors, with comic creators such as Scott Snyder’s ARCBOUND and Geoff Johns’ GHOST MACHINE taking center stage. There were also numerous panels featuring authors from various genres, highlighting the increasing popularity of the intersection between fantasy, mystery, and science fiction.
One author who thrives in this intersection is Mur Lafferty, known for her works like “Six Wakes”, “The Shambling Guides” series, and the novelization of “SOLO: A STAR WARS STORY”. Her latest series, “The Midsolar Murders”, introduces readers to an amateur sleuth who seems to attract murder wherever she goes. It’s as if her mere existence invites the specter of death.
The protagonist, Mallory Viridian, takes drastic measures to combat this deadly phenomenon. Much like how one might feel when listening to a particularly grating song, Mallory decides to leave Earth. Her motivation, however, is far more noble: she hopes that by distancing herself from humanity, fewer people will die.
In this universe, aliens have made their existence known to humans and live in sentient space stations in distant orbit. They’re not exactly rolling out the welcome mat for human tourists. However, humans, like ants at a picnic, always manage to show up where they’re not wanted. This sets the stage for chaos at Station Eternity, the setting for the first book in the series.
“Station Eternity” is a brilliant blend of humor, intelligence, imagination, and humanity. It’s a delightful read, with Mallory Viridian proving to be a courageous protagonist, despite her own doubts. The diverse cast of characters, both human and alien, create a warm sense of camaraderie that is reminiscent of “STAND BY ME” and “BABYLON 5”. It’s the perfect cozy murder mystery for those who love a dash of Agatha Christie in their Arthur C. Clarke or who think Columbo would be even more charming if he solved crimes in space.
In an interview during the Con, Lafferty shared her thoughts on her book and her influences. When asked about the human names of her alien characters, she admitted that she didn’t want to worry about names. Instead, she created a device similar to the Babel Fish from “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” that translates alien names into something humans can understand.
As for her influences, Lafferty was a voracious reader in her youth. She never thought she could write until she discovered science fiction stories about women written by women. Anne McCaffrey’s “Dragonflight” and Madeleine L’Engle’s “A Wrinkle in Time” were her first major inspirations. Later, she was influenced by Ursula K Le Guin and her novel “Lathe of Heaven”. While she doesn’t write like Le Guin, she was certainly inspired by her works. Lafferty tends to lean towards science fiction written by women featuring female heroes.
In conclusion, New York Comic Con 2019 was a testament to the power and appeal of authors in the world of nerd culture. Despite the SAG-AFTRA strike, it brought together creators and fans alike to celebrate their shared love for comics, fantasy, mystery, and science fiction. And for fans of cozy murder mystery books or those seeking new female detective titles, authors like Mur Lafferty provided a glimpse into the future of the genre.