This work explores the global culture of science fiction cinema, and in particular its representation of contemporary images of the Other. The contributors examine the science fiction genre as an international, populist form of social analysis.

"Aliens R Us" explores the global culture of science fiction cinema, and in particular its presentation of contemporary images of the Other. Taking as a starting point the popularity of international forms such as Japanese Manga and Hong Kong sci-fi, in addition to the success of films such as "The Matrix" and television series such as "Deep Space Nine", the contributors examine the science fiction genre as an international, populist form of social analysis. In doing so, they discuss issues such as Orientalism, technology, apocalyptic futures, xenophobia, militarism and the role of women. Most contemporary studies look at the generic characteristics of science fiction, with its allegorical rendering of contemporary life, usually in relation to America. This book moves beyond a purely generic study, assessing European and Asian film work, discussing their varying representations of the Other, and what this reveals about popular perceptions of global culture and society. Case studies include "Independence Day", "Star Trek: First Contact" and "Until the End of the World", in addition to chapters on eco-Apocalypse and new French sci-fi and New Manchester Ecstasy sci-fi.

Introduction, Ziauddin Sardar
eco-apocalypse and new French SF, Sean Cubitt
wicked city - the Other in Hong Kong science fiction, Gregory B. Lee and Sunny Lam
Japanese animation and techno-orientalism, Toshiya Ueno
saying "yours" and "mine" in "Deep Space Nine", Kirk W. Junker and Robert Duffy
"Till the End of the World" - Wenders and Eurocentric futures, Dimitris Eleftheriotis
rewriting the "American Dream" - postmodernism and otherness in "Independence Day", Jan Mair
new Manchester Ecstasy SF, Nickianne Moody
false consciousness and double consciousness - race, virtual reality and the assimilation of Hong Kong cinema in "The Matrix", Peter X. Feng
"Star Trek - First Contact" - the hybrid, the whore and the machine, Christine Warthiem.