The science fiction (sci-fi) genre is as expansive as any other, perhaps even more so with the infinite potential possibilities that it boasts. From Star Wars to Star Trek, Stargate to Battlestar Galactica, Warhammer 40,000 to Babylon 5, Red Dwarf to Doctor Who, there’s something for everyone of all ages.

So, what about our very own Malaysia? Are there any Malaysian sci-fi properties that fans of the genre can delve into?

In fact, there is, and it’s called the Unity Macroverse. The first-ever story in this universe was the Marooned graphic novel/comic, which was published back in April 2019, and it continued from there.

These stories are being told in the form of graphic novels, comics, short stories, novels, tabletop board games, miniature collectible models, and other mediums via community input.

We had the folks behind the Unity Macroverse to answer a few questions we had, so check them out below:

1. Can you tell us more about how and why you started the Unity Macroverse?

“The group started UNITY Macroverse back in 2019, with our initial series of graphic novels Marooned #1, #2 and #3. Each A4-sized publication included a model figure that could be assembled into a shuttle model which features in the pages.

As to the why? To us, it’s an effort to address multiple issues at once, some including:

• Giving a platform for anyone to participate in the development of a local Intellectual Property (IP).
• Encourage not just reading, but more significantly the value of ideas from creativity and how to mobilize those ideas.
• As a community participant, earn from the sales revenue of your contributions.”

2. What do you think is the main appeal of what makes the Unity Macroverse unique compared to other sci-fi?

“When people think sci-fi, the biggest references for it are either American or Anime. There’s little originating from our side of the planet, and we take a very different approach to expanding our content. Specifically, what we do is encourage people or community members to collaborate with other members and to submit ideas individually; then we curate and incorporate into the setting. So UNITY isn’t just a title it is a reflection of both our story on page AND our process that encourages cooperative activity.

Akin to an open source or AI type process, whereby we take inputs from all over and process them into various outputs for the out there. Be it models, characters, stories, games and much else. We don’t say no to submissions, we just figure how it can plug in to our setting. As we call it a “macroverse” those dimensions can range from location, or events in the chronology or characters. Amalgamating ideas from many different people into making its own unique world.”

3. Were you ever inspired by any other sci-fi IP while building the Unity Macroverse?

“Our biggest inspirations are of course, Star Trek and other classic science fiction writers like Isaac Asimov, Frank Herbert, Arthur C. Clark and many others.”

4. We know that you have a tabletop game set in the Unity Macroverse, but do you have any aspirations or maybe even ideas/plans of one day having video games?

“It’s hard to say what plans we may have because we’re not software people. However we are open to the idea for one, just as we have ideas for film, our first series encapsulated in a five novel series. Just that as a small team coordinating to enable many community members, I guess it would be a matter of timing before such a project gets started.”

5. How can someone join or contribute to the Unity Macroverse?

“If anyone has ideas an wish to see something happen with us, you can either visit our website at www.unitymacroverse.com (or through socmed) . We don’t put up a barrier to participate, because it’s an open invite to all who want. It’s just a matter of getting in touch with us and having a chat about how you’d like to participate with us.”

There you have it, folks. You can keep learning more about the Unity Macroverse and keep up to them with them via the social media channels below:

• Official Website
• Facebook
• YouTube
• Instagram