Introduction
Mexico’s science fiction scene is experiencing a surge, with over 1,400 titles published in 2023 and 1,110 in 2024. This growth is marked by an increase in authors, diverse works, and visibility, transforming science fiction from a peripheral anomaly to an expanding genre.
Historical Context
Though often viewed as marginal within Mexican literature, science fiction’s roots trace back to the 17th century, with authors like Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz. The 20th century saw significant milestones, including the launch of the revista Umbrales and the establishment of the Asociación Mexicana de Ciencia Ficción y Fantasía, along with the creation of the Premio Puebla de Ciencia Ficción in 1984.
Key figures from that era were Héctor Chavarría, Mauricio José Schwarz, José Luis Zárate, and Gerardo Horacio Porcayo. Porcayo’s La primera calle de la soledad is recognized as the first cyberpunk novel in Hispanoamérica.
Current Scene
José Luis Ramírez, a writer and anthologist, notes the current moment as more intense than the initial boom in the 1980s. In 2023, over 700 authors contributed to more than 1,400 titles. Ramírez curates an annual anthology, Lo mejor de la ciencia ficción mexicana, featuring ten standout texts from numerous candidates.
Emerging Ecosystem
The editorial ecosystem supporting this boom is unique, with new magazines like Espejo Humeante, Rocambolesca, Sarape de Neón, and Colectivero. Anthologies such as Liminales (Casa Futura) and A Larger Reality (Odo Ediciones) have also emerged, fostering new voices, especially women. Forty percent of the texts considered for Ramírez’s 2023 anthology were penned by female authors, including Andrea Chapela, Elisa de Gortari, Lidia Brenda, and Gabriela Damián Miravete.
Challenges and Opportunities
One challenge for the genre’s consolidation is its insertion into the publishing industry. Large publishers show interest but primarily focus on “literary fiction.” There’s a lack of commercial publishing houses releasing science fiction with a more commercial approach, like sagas or adventures similar to Dune or Foundation but Mexican.
The current moment’s geographical and digital distribution is another distinctive feature. Unlike the 1990s when Umbrales was printed in Nuevo Laredo and only reached a few regions, today’s publications circulate widely online. This has lowered barriers to entry and allowed participation from authors across Mexico.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the current state of science fiction in Mexico? The genre is experiencing a boom, with over 1,400 titles published in 2023 and 1,110 in 2024. There’s an increase in authors, diverse works, and visibility.
- Who are some key figures in Mexican science fiction? Notable authors include Héctor Chavarría, Mauricio José Schwarz, José Luis Zárate, Gerardo Horacio Porcayo, and contemporary authors like Andrea Chapela, Elisa de Gortari, Lidia Brenda, and Gabriela Damián Miravete.
- What challenges does Mexican science fiction face? The genre struggles with industry insertion, as large publishers focus on literary fiction rather than science fiction. There’s also a lack of commercial publishing houses releasing Mexican science fiction with a more commercial approach.
- How has the distribution of science fiction in Mexico evolved? Unlike the 1990s, today’s publications circulate widely online. This has lowered barriers to entry and allowed participation from authors across Mexico.
