As paths always are, mine has begun to twist as I face my 50s. But I do not see it as a door closing: another door is opening. And for Strange Horizons, my same wish too: May more doors open and may more join us, because collectives shift, change and expand.

This / young man has bombs for / hands—

Winged Quetzalcōātl, sister to wind—I found a version etched in stone

Ultimately, while Classic is beloved in German science fiction for being long-running and well-established in its tradition of science fiction, it suffers from being a product of both its time and environment. It is not the first work that reads poorly in light of the world of today, and most certainly not the first in pulp fiction. Even its intent and ideology is sound, if misguided and colored by the environment and upbringing of its authors. What we see in NEO is a manifestation of Perry’s written intention but updated to a modern sensibility, an alignment that sees it running parallel to the current run of Classic. Perry Rhodan’s universes ask us to believe in one astronaut and his allies as they strive to make the galaxy a better, kinder place, while also grappling with the difficulties of doing so.