Prince Sirki Summons a Science-Fiction Scribe

Earlier today, upon hearing the news, I tweeted the following:

“The stars of heaven are now burning 451 degrees hotter & Mars has become a little more barren today. Godspeed, Ray Bradbury.”

I first became aware of Mr. Bradbury’s work after watching THE BEAST FROM 20,000 FATHOMS (1953) and seeing it was based on a short story of his. I then saw THE MARTIAN CHRONICLES TV mini-series and read FAHRENHEIT 451 in High School. Then of course, like so many others, watched the adaptations of SOMETHING WICKED THIS WAY COMES (1983) and THE ILLUSTRATED MAN (1969) and then went back and read them. I thought it was awesome that when legendary special effects wizard Ray Harryhausen got his lifetime achievement Oscar, that it was his lifelong friend, and fellow ‘King Kong Baby’*, Ray Bradbury that presented it to him.

He brought so much to so many, and it will be there for us to enjoy forever. Now begins the next phase of his journey, and somehow I think, he’s very excited to start it. Be at peace, good Scribe.