A science fiction & fantasy quiz—covering books, comics, film, etc etc–for SF enthusiasts by TG Shenoy (@theBekku)

2. — One-member team i.e. one physical entity per team
— Most questions have clues and hints hidden in them.
Look for it. Read the questions carefully.
— 5 rounds of 5 questions each = 25 questions + 1
Lottery Round. Some questions have multiple parts. 1
point for every correct answer. Part points available
unless stated otherwise.
— The blanks correspond to exact number of letters in
blanked out words.

3. ROUND 1:
GENERALLY
RANDOM

4. This structure was first described in a 1937 science
fiction novel. An English-American physicist,
mathematician and astronomer read it in 1945, and
inspired by it wrote a highly-influential two-page
paper in 1960 titled, ‘Search for
Artificial Stellar Sources of
Infrared Radiation’ in which he
explored a certain idea. This
paper proved to be so popular
that these structures came to be
named after him. But in his own
words, the correct nomenclature
for these structures should not
bar his name but to call them
_________ _______ would be more
accurate (the first blank is the
surname of the author). 4 points
to be made here: 1 each for Book,
Author, Scientist & Popular Name
of the Structure(s).

5. The Aubrey–Maturin series consists of 20 historical,
high-seas novels (set during the Napoleonic wars) by
Patrick O'Brian, starting with Master and Commander,
the basis for the 2003 Petr Wier film.
One of the people who saw it was an author,
who then read all the novels (in 2 weeks)
and started writing fanfic. In the authors
own words, “I had just gotten into a naval
adventure Napoleonic phase because I'd seen
the movie Master and Commander and read all
the books. I thought, now how can I add to
it? Zombies or dragons or magic?”. This led
to a popular series of 9 novels, often
referred to as ‘Master and Commander with
_______’ which has now been optioned for a
series by Peter Jackson. 1 point each for
name of author and series (named after one
of the two chief protagonists in the
series)

6. The ________ _____ of
Science Fiction is a
collection of exactly 118
short stories (500 words
or less) written
periodically by Michael
Swanwick and later
collected into book-form.
You can either tell me
the theme of the
collection, or the
subject of these stories
or just fill in the
blanks.

7. In humour magazine National Lampoon’s parody of a very
famous sci-fi novel (which closely follows the novel’s
style) there exists a powerful organisation called
‘Neutralis Organizational Abba Mercantile Condominium
Havatampa Orthonovum Minnehaha Shostakovich Kategorial
Imperative’. 3 points to be made here:
a. Name the science fiction novel or the author
b. The name of the organisation above – apart from
lampooning a similar organisation in the original
novel – is also a nod to a famous linguist. Who?

8. According to Shammi Kapoor, what is the best (&
only) way to welcome King Robert to Winterfell and
why?

9. ANSWERS
FOLLOW

10. This structure was first described in a 1937 science
fiction novel. An English-American physicist,
mathematician and astronomer read it in 1945, and
inspired by it wrote a highly-influential two-page
paper in 1960 titled, ‘Search for
Artificial Stellar Sources of
Infrared Radiation’ in which he
explored a certain idea. This
paper proved to be so popular
that these structures came to be
named after him. But in his own
words, the correct nomenclature
for these structures should not
bar his name but to call them
_________ ______* would be more
accurate (the first blank is the
surname of the author). 4 points
to be made here: 1 each for Book,
Author, Scientist & Popular Name
of the Structure(s).
*singular

11. - Star Maker
- Olaf Stapledon
- Freeman Dyson
- Dyson Sphere (which Dyson said should actually have
bene called Stapledon Spheres)

12. The Aubrey–Maturin series consists of 20 historical,
high-seas novels (set during the Napoleonic wars) by
Patrick O'Brian, starting with Master and Commander,
the basis for the 2003 Petr Wier film.
One of the people who saw it was an author,
who then read all the novels (in 2 weeks)
and started writing fanfic. In the authors
own words, “I had just gotten into a naval
adventure Napoleonic phase because I'd seen
the movie Master and Commander and read all
the books. I thought, now how can I add to
it? Zombies or dragons or magic?”. This led
to a popular series of 9 novels, often
referred to as ‘Master and Commander with
_______’ which has now been optioned for a
series by Peter Jackson. 1 point each for
name of author and series (named after one
of the two chief protagonists in the
series)

13. - Naomi Novik
- Temeraire series

14. The ________ _____ of
Science Fiction is a
collection of exactly 118
short stories (500 words
or less) written
periodically by Michael
Swanwick and later
collected into book-form.
You can either tell me
the theme of the
collection, or the
subject of these stories
or just fill in the
blanks.

15. Elements of the PERIODIC
TABLE

16. In humour magazine National Lampoon’s parody of a very
famous sci-fi novel (which closely follows the novel’s
style) there exists a powerful organisation called
‘Neutralis Organizational Abba Mercantile Condominium
Havatampa Orthonovum Minnehaha Shostakovich Kategorial
Imperative’. 3 points to be made here:
a. Name the science fiction novel or the author
b. The name of the organisation above – apart from
lampooning a similar organisation in the original
novel – is also a nod to a famous linguist. Who?

17. - Dune / Frank Herbert
- Noam Chomsky

18. According to Shammi Kapoor, what is the best (&
only) way to welcome King Robert to Winterfell and
why?

19. - Pan Parag!
- Because “Baratheon ka swagat sirf Pan Parag se
karte hain”

20. ROUND 2:
COMICS

21. The Escapist (real name: Tim
Mayflower) is a long-running
superhero from the Golden Age of
Comics and the ‘creation’ of two
cousins, Joe & Sam and inspired by
Harry Houdini, Robin Hood and
Albert Schweitzer.
His primary antagonist
is the evil criminal
network, the Iron Chain
and he is often aided
in this by the equally
mysterious League of the
Golden Key.
Which Pulitzer-prize
winning novel do we have
to thank for making the
Escapist famous?

22. Fan art by Stjepan Šejić.
What is Batman’s reply?

23. Since everyone here appreciates good comics and
will not trample them underneath their feet,
identify the strip and the artist(s). 3 points
overall.

24. In Christian legend, the Wandering Jew is a person
doomed to live until the second coming of Christ, a
punishment given to him because he taunted Jesus on
the way to the Crucifixion. He’s said to still roam
the earth under various names and guises. Over the
centuries, many tales have grown up around him and
he’s been featured in comics, films, music,
literature etc. across the world.
In India, his most prominent appearance is as the
Jewish merchant called Abravanel Ben Obadiah Ben
Aharon Kabariti who journals the scandals of the
British in 18th century Calcutta in a book called
___ ____ ___’_ ________ ______. Filling in the
blanks will also give you the name of an Indian
comic whose story about the narrator’s attempts to
find said book.

25. Many think that the panel on the left below should
be considered this character’s first appearance
(even though its not explicitly mentioned that its
him and neither does he appear beyond this panel or
say/do anything).
The panel on the right is this character’s first
‘official’ appearance. 1/2

26. Speaking about the character in a 1993 interview,
the writer said, “One of those early notes was they
both wanted to do a character that looked like
_____. I can state categorically that the character
only existed because Steve and John wanted to do a
character that looked like _____. Having been given
that challenge, how could I fit _____ into _____
_____?”
Starting off thus, as a minor member of the
supporting cast, this character would later go on
to have his own individual run as a central
character under a separate title. But in a case of
being Mila-18’d the original title had to be
changed at the last minute because of a Clive
Barker film.
4 points up for grabs: Name of character, who he’s
based on, original title, changed title.

27. ANSWERS
FOLLOW

28. The Escapist (real name: Tim
Mayflower) is a long-running
superhero from the Golden Age of
Comics and the ‘creation’ of two
cousins, Joe & Sam and inspired by
Harry Houdini, Robin Hood and
Albert Schweitzer.
His primary antagonist
is the evil criminal
network, the Iron Chain
and he is often aided
in this by the equally
mysterious League of the
Golden Key.
Which Pulitzer-prize
winning novel do we have
to thank for making the
Escapist famous?

29. The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier &
Clay by Michael Chabon

30. Fan art by Stjepan Šejić.
What is Batman’s reply?

31. Got ham!

32. Since everyone here appreciates good comics and
will not trample them underneath their feet,
identify the strip and the artist(s). 3 points
overall.

33. - Pearls Before Swine
- Stephan Pastis
- Bill Watterson

34. In Christian legend, the Wandering Jew is a person
doomed to live until the second coming of Christ, a
punishment given to him because he taunted Jesus on
the way to the Crucifixion. He’s said to still roam
the earth under various names and guises. Over the
centuries, many tales have grown up around him and
he’s been featured in comics, films, music,
literature etc. across the world.
In India, his most prominent appearance is as the
Jewish merchant called Abravanel Ben Obadiah Ben
Aharon Kabariti who journals the scandals of the
British in 18th century Calcutta in a book called
___ ____ ___’_ ________ ______. Filling in the
blanks will also give you the name of an Indian
comic whose story about the narrator’s attempts to
find said book.

35. The Barn Owl’s Wondrous Capers by Sarnath Banerjee

36. Many think that the panel on the left below should
be considered this character’s first appearance
(even though its not explicitly mentioned that its
him and neither does he appear beyond this panel or
say/do anything).
The panel on the right is this character’s first
‘official’ appearance. 1/2

37. Speaking about the character in a 1993 interview,
the writer said, “One of those early notes was they
both wanted to do a character that looked like
_____. I can state categorically that the character
only existed because Steve and John wanted to do a
character that looked like _____. Having been given
that challenge, how could I fit _____ into _____
_____?”
Starting off thus, as a minor member of the
supporting cast, this character would later go on
to have his own individual run as a central
character under a separate title. But in a case of
being Mila-18’d the original title had to be
changed at the last minute because of a Clive
Barker film.
4 points up for grabs: Name of character, who he’s
based on, original title, changed title.

38. - John Constantine
- Sting
- Hellraiser
- Hellblazer

39. ROUND 3:
SOUTH
ASIAN SF/F

40. Every year in February, Locus magazine comes out with
its much-awaited list of recommended reading from the
previous year. This year, the list had 7 South Asians
in the last (the highest for any year thus far). Name
them for a point each.

41. The first Indian film to feature aliens coming to
Earth and an off-world planet. Basic plot as follows:
Aliens from a technologically advanced planet come to
Earth in search of an artiste who can teach their
people music & dance. They kidnap the heroine and
later the hero hides in thee alien spacecraft and
makes his way to the alien planet to try and rescue
his love, which of course he does because he’s MGR.
Name the film.

42. If you found yourself living in Apex City (previously
known as Bangalore) under the control of the Bell
Corporation, which book would you be in?

43. 3 covers of 3 South Asian SF books I’d recommend. A
pint for each blank.

44. Speaking of covers. Identify the author of this much-
awaited release.

45. ANSWERS
FOLLOW

46. Every year in February, Locus magazine comes out with
its much-awaited list of recommended reading from the
previous year. This year, the list had 7 South Asians
in the last (the highest for any year thus far). Name
them for a point each.

47. - Indrapramit Das (3 entries)
- Vandana Singh
- Anil Menon
- Tarun Saint (for editing Gollancz book of SASF)
- Mimi Mondal
- Nibedita Sen
- Saad Z Hossain

48. The first Indian film to feature aliens coming to
Earth and an off-world planet. Basic plot as follows:
Aliens from a technologically advanced planet come to
Earth in search of an artiste who can teach their
people music & dance. They kidnap the heroine and
later the hero hides in thee alien spacecraft and
makes his way to the alien planet to try and rescue
his love, which of course he does because he’s MGR.
Name the film.

49. Kalai Arasi

50. If you found yourself living in Apex City (previously
known as Bangalore) under the control of the Bell
Corporation, which book would you be in?

51. Analog/Virtual: And Other Simulations of Your Future.
by Lavanya Lakshminarayan

52. 3 covers of 3 South Asian SF books I’d recommend. A
pint for each blank.

53. Here you go!

54. Speaking of covers. Identify the author of this much-
awaited release.

55. Samit Basu

56. LOTTERY
ROUND:
RAJ KARO

57. Identify ALL the superheroes you see in this group
photo of Raj Comics characters (except for
Bankelal). 12 points up for grabs!

58. ANSWERS
FOLLOW

59. Tiranga Inspector
Steel
BhokalDoga
Shakti
Bheriya/Kobi
Parmanu
Fighter
Toads
Anthony
Super Commando
Dhruv
Nagraj

60. ROUND 4:
SCREEN
TIME

61. Actors being made-up for which programme?
If want big clue, ask.

62. Ophiocordyceps unilateralis is a kind of fungus
blessed with all the gifts a parasite could ask for.
Found mostly in tropical forests, it’s the reason
behind ‘zombie ants’. This is because ants infected by
the fungus find themselves compelled to seek out the
highest point they can reach, attach themselves to the
underside of a leaf, and spend the last of their days
there and die thus helping the spores of O.
Unilaterlis to spread and spread further.
The question is this: This parasite is the reason
behind well-received two portrayals we’ve seen of
late. Name both.

63. Silent Running is a classic sci-fi film directed by
Douglas Trumbull (of 2001: A Space Odyssey fame) and
perhaps the first eco-sf movie. The fundamental
premise of the film is that many species of plants
have been preserved in a greenhouse on a spaceship and
meant for Earth’s re-forestation, and which due to
certain events are ordered to be destroyed.
Apart from the botanist/ecologist who ducks these
orders and tries to save the plants, three service
robots pay a big role in the film. These are named
after arguably the most famous triplets to be seen on
screen. Name all (no part points!)

64. Speaking of 2001: A Space Odyssey, here’s an interview
with Stanley Kubrick from the book The Making of 2001:
A Space Odyssey (Ed. by Stephanie Schwam).
What did the cryptographer notice? (it’s quite the
part of 2001 lore)

65. What is this freedom fighter from Karnataka doing in
the ‘screen time’ section of a scifi quiz???

66. ANSWERS
FOLLOW

67. Actors being made-up for which programme?
If want big clue, ask.

68. Space City Sigma

69. Ophiocordyceps unilateralis is a kind of fungus
blessed with all the gifts a parasite could ask for.
Found mostly in tropical forests, it’s the reason
behind ‘zombie ants’. This is because ants infected by
the fungus find themselves compelled to seek out the
highest point they can reach, attach themselves to the
underside of a leaf, and spend the last of their days
there and die thus helping the spores of O.
Unilaterlis to spread and spread further.
The question is this: This parasite is the reason
behind well-received two portrayals we’ve seen of
late. Name both.

70. - The Girl with all the Gifts
- The Last of Us
Based on MR Carey’s book of the
same name

71. Silent Running is a classic sci-fi film directed by
Douglas Trumbull (of 2001: A Space Odyssey fame) and
perhaps the first eco-sf movie. The fundamental
premise of the film is that many species of plants
have been preserved in a greenhouse on a spaceship and
meant for Earth’s re-forestation, and which due to
certain events are ordered to be destroyed.
Apart from the botanist/ecologist who ducks these
orders and tries to save the plants, three service
robots pay a big role in the film. These are named
after arguably the most famous triplets to be seen on
screen. Name all (no part points!)

72. Huey, Louie and Dewey

73. Speaking of 2001: A Space Odyssey, here’s an interview
with Stanley Kubrick from the book The Making of 2001:
A Space Odyssey (Ed. by Stephanie Schwam).
What did the cryptographer notice? (it’s quite the
part of 2001 lore)

74. That HAL is a swipe at IBM

75. What is this freedom fighter from Karnataka doing in
the ‘screen time’ section of a scifi quiz???

76. MCRN Kittur Chennamma from The Expanse

77. ROUND 5:
ART
ATTACK

78. Below (& in next slide) are some concept sketches done
by a late, great artist for the film adaptation of a
classic sci-fi novel inspired by Indian mythology.
These sets were them planned to be turned into a
permanent amusement park called Science Fiction Land™.
Name the artist

80. In 2009, he became the first living artist be inducted
into the Science Fiction Hall of Fame for his work on
science fiction and fantasy covers and interior
illustrations, and taking them away from the pulpy
look of the previous era.

82. These are a few paintings depicting the artist’s
childhood memories of growing up in small-town Sweden
in the 80s. Name the artist. If you’re up to date with
currently sunning sci-fi series, you’ll be in the loop
on this one.

83. Amongst the most prolific and most influential of
artists, he’s in fact referred to as the Godfather of
Indian Comics Art. He’s worked on many of the more
famous ACK covers & issues, the first 50 issues of
Nagraj, worked on all Supremo comics, Tinkle, and lots
more. Name him. (there’s a big clue if you know where
to look in this slide)

84. His first
published cartoon
– submitted by
his father – was
in Ripley’s
magazine when he
was just 14 (in
1937). Who?

85. ANSWERS
FOLLOW

86. Below (& in next slide) are some concept sketches done
by a late, great artist for the film adaptation of a
classic sci-fi novel inspired by Indian mythology.
These sets were them planned to be turned into a
permanent amusement park called Science Fiction Land™.
Name the artist and the novel.

87. - Jack Kirby
- Lord of Light by Roger Zelazny

88. In 2009, he became the first living artist be inducted
into the Science Fiction Hall of Fame for his work on
science fiction and fantasy covers and interior
illustrations, and taking them away from the pulpy
look of the previous era.

89. Michael Whelan

90. These are a few paintings depicting the artist’s
childhood memories of growing up in small-town Sweden
in the 80s. Name the artist. If you’re up to date with
currently sunning sci-fi series, you’ll be in the loop
on this one.

91. Simon Stålenhag

92. Amongst the most prolific and most influential of
artists, he’s in fact referred to as the Godfather of
Indian Comics Art. He’s worked on many of the more
famous ACK covers & issues, the first 50 issues of
Nagraj, worked on all Supremo comics, Tinkle, and lots
more. Name him. (there’s a big clue if you know where
to look in this slide)

93. Pratap Mullick

94. His first
published cartoon
– submitted by
his father – was
in Ripley’s
magazine when he
was just 14 (in
1937). Who?

95. Charles Shulz
whose nickname
was ‘Sparky’

96. THANK YOU FOR COMING! HOPE YOU HAD FUN.