Challenge 298

Conquest Too Late

Dramatization and characterization can often be made effective with small details rather than large scenes. What examples can you find in Fiona Davis’ “The Far Side of the Moon”?
How does O. J. Anderson’s “Die Already, II” differ markedly from his other Jack Creed stories?

The fungal mutant von Brink outlines a plan of world conquest. Even if Jack Creed had not already arranged for an air strike, why might he remain unperturbed — and perhaps even amused — by the maniac’s plans?
In Slawomir Rapala’s “Redefinition,” how does the tavern scene both differ from and resemble the one in “Birth of Vengeance”?
How does John W. Steele’s “The Achiever” differ from his “Superstition Rock,” in issue 203?

Some of John’s stories depict a character pursuing a fixation to the point of tragedy. What fixed ideas do his other tragic heroes have? How is their hubris punished?

Are the consequences of the heroes’ excesses emphasized or weakened by being magical? What realistic resolutions might be possible?

In “The Achiever,” what is Todd’s tragic flaw? Hint: it’s more than his monomania.

How does “The Achiever” resemble O. J. Anderson’s “Die Already, II”? What is the most important difference?