Solaris Magazine: A Pillar of Francophone Science Fiction and Fantasy
In the landscape of speculative fiction, Solaris stands as a beacon for French-language creativity. Primarily published and distributed in Québec, this influential publication has expanded its reach into anglophone Canada, the United States, and Europe, earning a reputation as one of the most significant francophone magazines in its field.
Solaris is dedicated to the breadth of imaginative storytelling, covering all forms of science fiction and fantasy, including horror and weird fiction—a subgenre that blends elements of supernatural, psychological, and cosmic horror. The magazine serves as a comprehensive hub, publishing original short stories and illustrations alongside critical essays, interviews, and analytical articles.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]
Key Facts
- Primary Focus: Science fiction, fantasy, horror, and weird fiction.
- Regional Influence: Based in Québec, with international recognition in Europe and North America.
- Literary Support: Fosters young creators through strong editorial direction and the annual Prix Solaris contest.
- Accolades: The magazine has won 11 Prix Aurora awards, with its published stories winning nearly a dozen more.
- Format Evolution: Transitioned from a magazine size to a book size in 2000, leading to the end of its graphic novel publications.
Editorial Vision and Literary Contribution
While the global popularity of speculative fiction is often driven by audio-visual media, Solaris remains steadfast in its commitment to literary creation and intellectual reflection. The magazine aims to document the existing richness of the genre while actively examining emerging tendencies and innovative narrative approaches.
The editorial team has historically consisted of esteemed authors, including Joël Champetier (author of The Dragon's Eye), Yves Meynard (author of The Books of Knights), and Élisabeth Vonarburg (author of In the Mother's Land, Reluctant Voyagers, and The Silent City). The publication has been edited over the years by Vonarburg, Luc Pomerleau, and Hugues Morin, with Champetier serving as managing editor until 2015.
Supporting New Talent
To encourage the next generation of writers, Solaris sponsors the Prix Solaris, an annual literary contest open exclusively to Canadian authors. Between 1981 and 2000, this competition featured two distinct categories: literature and graphic novels.
A Legacy of Awards and Artistry
With over twenty-five years of activity, Solaris has published nearly every significant French-Canadian writer in the science fiction and fantasy genres. This commitment to quality is reflected in its trophy cabinet; in addition to the 11 Prix Aurora awards won by the magazine itself, stories debuting in its pages have secured nearly a dozen Auroras, numerous Prix Boréal awards, and a significant portion of the Grand Prix de la Science-Fiction et du Fantastique Québécois.
For English-speaking readers, several of these acclaimed stories are available in the anthology Tesseracts, published by Tesseracts Books.
The Era of Graphic Novels and Illustration
From 1981 to 2000, Solaris was a vital outlet for bandes dessinées (graphic novels and comic strips). However, the publication of these works ceased in 2000 when the magazine's format shifted from a traditional magazine size to a book size. During its comic era, the magazine featured prominent Québec creators such as André-Philippe Côté, Benoît Joly, Mario Giguère, Julien Poitras, Marc Pageau, Robert Julien, Laurine Spehner, Christian Vadeboncoeur, and Éric Lacasse.
The visual identity of Solaris has been shaped by talented illustrators who contributed to both covers and interior art, including Bernard Duchesne, Mario Giguère, Pierre D. Lacroix, Guy England, Jean-Pierre Normand, Marc Pageau, Paul Roux, and Laurine Spehner.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Genres Covered | Science Fiction, Fantasy, Horror, Weird Fiction |
| Primary Region | Québec, Canada |
| Key Awards | Prix Aurora, Prix Boréal, Grand Prix de la Science-Fiction et du Fantastique Québécois |
| Literary Contest | Prix Solaris (for Canadian authors) |
| Format Change | Shifted from magazine to book size in 2000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What genres does Solaris magazine publish?
Solaris publishes a wide array of speculative fiction, including science fiction, fantasy, horror, and weird fiction.
Who is eligible to enter the Prix Solaris contest?
The Prix Solaris is an annual literary contest open exclusively to Canadian authors.
Why did Solaris stop publishing graphic novels?
The magazine stopped publishing bandes dessinées in 2000 because it changed its physical format from a magazine size to a book size.
Where can English speakers find stories from Solaris?
Several stories originally published in Solaris can be found in the English-language anthology titled Tesseracts, published by Tesseracts Books.
Which awards has the magazine won?
Solaris has won 11 Prix Aurora awards, and its published authors have won nearly a dozen additional Auroras, as well as numerous Prix Boréal and Grand Prix de la Science-Fiction et du Fantastique Québécois awards.