A Parallel Universe … also known as a parallel dimension, alternate universe, or alternate reality, is a hypothetical plane of existence, co-existing with our own. The sum of all potential parallel universes that constitute Reality is often called a “Multiverse”.
SCIENCE FICTION has explored this concept for centuries. In modern times, it often appears in movies, television and comic books. The idea was perhaps first popularized in comic books with publication of The Flash #123, “Flash of Two Worlds” in 1961.
On screen, recent examples abound.
STAR TREK
Star Trek featured the recurring “Mirror Universe”, a dark reflection of the normal universe in which the regular characters are twisted, self-serving and more than willing to resort to torture and murder to achieve their goals. Star Trek episodes featuring parallel universes outside the Mirror Universe include “Parallels” and “The Alternative Factor”.
FRINGE
Fringe follows a Federal Bureau of Investigation “Fringe Division” team based in Boston. The team uses unorthodox “fringe” science and FBI investigative techniques to investigate a series of unexplained, often ghastly occurrences, some of which are related to mysteries surrounding a parallel universe.
THE MAN IN THE HIGH CASTLE
The Man in the High Castle is an American dystopian alternate history TV series (based on the 1962 novel by Philip K. Dick) depicting a parallel universe where the Axis powers of Nazi Germany and the Empire of Japan rule the world (dividing the United States of America into East and West regions, separated by a “Neutral Zone”) after their victory in World War II.
THE OA
Part I — Prairie Johnson, an adopted young woman who resurfaces after having been missing for seven years, calls herself “the OA” (for “original angel”), has scars on her back, and can see, despite having been blind when she disappeared. The OA refuses to tell the FBI and her adoptive parents where she has been and how her eyesight was restored, and instead quickly assembles a team of five locals (four high school students and a teacher) to whom she reveals that information, also explaining her life story. Finally, she asks for their help to save the other missing people whom she claims she can rescue by opening a portal to another dimension.
Part II — Follows the OA as she traverses to another dimension and ends up in San Francisco to continue her search for her former captor Hap and her fellow captives. Prairie crosses paths with private eye Karim Washington and assists in his investigation of the surreal disappearance of a missing girl that involves an abandoned house with a supernatural history and an online puzzle game. Meanwhile, in the original dimension, a series of unfortunate events propels the OA’s five companions to embark on a road trip across America to assist the OA on her journey.
MIDNIGHT SPECIAL
Alton Meyer is a boy unlike any other in the world with bizarrely powerful abilities and strange weaknesses. In the middle of the night, his father, Roy, spirits him away from the isolated cult that practically worships him and is determined to regain him at all costs. At the same time, Alton’s abilities have been noticed by the US government as well and they are equally insistent on getting to the bottom of this mystery with Paul Sevier of the National Security Agency leading the Federal pursuit with his own questions. These rival hunts force father and son into a desperate run towards a looming date with destiny that could change everything.
THE SURVIVAL TRILOGY
Book 1 A GLEAM OF LIGHT explores Native American Mythology as the protagonist, UNA WATERS, half-Hopi government agent from D.C., is summoned to the land of her birth when the U.S. Army invades the Sacred Peaks of Hopiland. (There she discovers a direct link to a Parallel Dimension — inhabited by Alien Intelligence.)
Book 2 THE DRAGON’S GLARE explores Asian American Mythology as UNA finds herself on special assignment to investigate unexplained violence in Chinatown, New York City, where she discovers a deep-seated connection with Tibetan immigrants. (During an episode of “Missing Time”, Una receives Extraterrestrial Enlightenment.)
Book 3 BEYOND THE WORLD explores African American Mythology as UNA, briefly stranded on her honeymoon adventure in Yosemite, uncovers a UFO mystery (with help from Explorer Club members of the Kikuyu Tribe) that leads to an Alien Conspiracy. (Una’s personal connection with the Alien Dimension holds the Key to our fate.)
SCI-FI and REALITY are converging toward the same path … one that offers enlightenment about Parallel Worlds … and leads to the TRUTH about Human Destiny.
Stay Tuned.
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