Trantor Publishing

Trantor Publishing, through the collected articles and stories of Isaac Young, explores the impact of modern culture, digital worlds, and societal changes on youth, entertainment, and storytelling. It interrogates cultural and political narratives, delves into science fiction and horror as mediums of speculative and transformative storytelling, and critiques contemporary entertainment while pondering the future of art and literature.

Modern Culture and Society Digital Worlds and Video Games Science Fiction and Speculative Fiction Horror Literature and Cultural Critique Entertainment Industry Trends Storytelling and Narrative Analysis Youth and Generational Dynamics Political Narratives in Art Superheroes and Power Dynamics Future of Publishing and Art

The hottest Substack posts of Trantor Publishing

And their main takeaways

The Domes of Calrathia

139 implied HN points • 10 Oct 23
⚔ Fiction Adventure Fantasy Storytelling Characters
  1. An Astronomer embarks on a dangerous journey to Calrathia with a historic manuscript, facing deadly obstacles and making a life-and-death decision to continue.
  2. The Astronomer encounters a fierce wolf and engages in a brutal struggle, showcasing resilience and determination to survive in a harsh, unforgiving environment.
  3. Hope emerges as the Astronomer discovers fresh footprints in the snow, leading him to a mysterious metal door and a potential chance for salvation.

The Mandate of Heaven in Fallout: New Vegas

119 implied HN points • 20 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Gaming Narratives Power Dynamics Fantasy
  1. Fallout: New Vegas presents a gameplay where the player's persuasive argument decides the victor, not might.
  2. The game emphasizes the power of narratives in securing control and the player being central in these narratives.
  3. None of the factions in the game are strong enough to create a lasting society, showcasing a flaw in the power dynamics.

The Domes of Calrathia

79 implied HN points • 02 Dec 23
⚔ Fiction Fantasy Drama Adventure Mystery Romance
  1. The protagonist encounters a mysterious and unique mannequin-like figure named Charon, adding an element of intrigue and mystery to the story.
  2. The story delves into themes of identity and existence, questioning the nature of life and purpose through the dialogue between the protagonist and Charon.
  3. The conversation at the dinner table between the characters highlights differing perspectives on topics like duty, honor, family, and sacrifice.

The Mystics of Progress

119 implied HN points • 09 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Sci-fi Progressivism Religion Humanity Fiction
  1. Progressive ideologies in the modern world are intertwined with religious and mythical elements to create a more engaging narrative.
  2. Science fiction often incorporates concepts like evolution, destiny, and indistinct higher beings to provide meaning and purpose in a world that can seem bleak and indifferent.
  3. Stories reflect the beliefs and aspirations of society, offering insights into the fears, hopes, and dreams of a culture.

The Turquoise Serpent

79 implied HN points • 20 Nov 23
📚 Literature Review Analysis Themes Comparison Storytelling
  1. The story explores the contrasting characteristics of a seasoned warrior and an insecure wizard, reflecting on the theme of the warrior versus the wizard in sword and sorcery tales.
  2. It delves into how the modern world seems to value intellect and science over physical strength and competence, raising questions about the imbalance between mental and physical development.
  3. The narrative highlights the importance of humility, forgiveness, and finding common ground in order to navigate complex challenges and conflicts, emphasizing the need for unity and collaboration among different generations for a better future.
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The Domes of Calrathia

79 implied HN points • 18 Nov 23
📚 Literature Fantasy Fiction Adventure Characters Storytelling
  1. Messalina shows gratitude by offering the protagonists food and shelter.
  2. Berenice's loyalty to her father's dying hound Argos demonstrates the theme of faithfulness.
  3. The description of the city Terminus and its inhabitants provides stark contrasts to the protagonist's previous experiences.

The Matrioshka Divide PDF

39 implied HN points • 07 Jan 24
📚 Literature Subscription
  1. The post offers a PDF of The Matrioshka Divide to paying subscribers.
  2. The PDF file size is 2.57MB.
  3. Readers can access a 7-day free trial to continue reading posts from Trantor Publishing.

The Domes of Calrathia

39 implied HN points • 05 Jan 24
📚 Literature Fiction
  1. Messalina had a deceptive plan to keep the protagonist from leaving by offering an alternative that required him to break his oath, showing the complex moral dilemmas faced by the characters.
  2. The intense sword fight between the protagonist and the mannequin Charon demonstrates the theme of honor and determination in the face of impossible odds.
  3. The story concludes with a symbolic moment where the protagonist faces death with acceptance and a sense of fulfillment, highlighting themes of destiny and the inevitability of fate.

Where Are We Escaping To?

119 implied HN points • 03 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Media Art
  1. The concept of escapism in modern entertainment is different from the idea envisioned by famous authors like Tolkien. It's vital to be aware of the type of escapism we engage in and ensure it's actually helping us escape rather than consuming us.
  2. Many forms of media and entertainment today can act as distractions that keep us busy rather than truly freeing our minds and souls. It's necessary to be mindful of how we consume art and ensure it doesn't end up consuming us.
  3. It's important to recognize how commercial interests can manipulate escapism to keep individuals complacent and dependent. Being conscious of how we engage with entertainment can help break free from this cycle and seek true, enriching escapism.

Why You Should Read Sci-Fi

299 implied HN points • 11 Feb 23
📚 Literature Sci-fi Genre Technology Future Humanity
  1. Sci-Fi is a genre that explores humanity's relationship with technology, showing how it can radically change human experience and impact society.
  2. Sci-Fi authors use the genre to examine potential futures, from utopias to dystopias, reflecting the times we live in and societal concerns.
  3. As technology evolves, Sci-Fi will become increasingly important, serving as a tool to set boundaries on technological progress and explore the impact on humanity.

No Country and the Slow Collapse

99 implied HN points • 09 Sep 23
📚 Literature Analysis Character Study
  1. The book 'No Country for Old Men' is a reflection on the weakness of those who refuse to fight malice and the slow collapse of society due to men giving up on maintaining civilization.
  2. The story emphasizes the importance of strong, honest, and faithful individuals maintaining the barriers of civilization to prevent chaos from slipping through and causing damage.
  3. The gradual collapse of society is depicted as a result of men growing lazy and weak during good times, neglecting their responsibilities and allowing the foundation of civilization to slowly deteriorate.

In the Grim Darkness of 2024, There is Only War

2 HN points • 18 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture Entertainment Politics Ideology Social Commentary Fiction
  1. Wokeness has been impacting various entertainment franchises, pushing for diversity and representation, often leading to controversies and changes in beloved IPs.
  2. The Left utilize tactics like gaslighting, representation demands, and creating unnecessary problems to sway companies and control the narrative in the entertainment industry.
  3. Creating entertainment properties grounded in truthful depictions of humanity can resist Leftist influences and provide spaces for storytelling that align with right-leaning perspectives.

Here Was Tolkien, When Shall We Expect Another?

239 implied HN points • 29 Nov 22
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Politics Values Community
  1. The Right Wing faces challenges in producing art compared to the Left due to lack of cohesion and support.
  2. The cultural impact of media on shaping values and beliefs is significant, reflecting the importance of art with Right Wing values.
  3. Creating a unified brand and fostering artistic communities are crucial steps for the Right Wing to produce impactful literature and art.

Weaponized Hate Watching

199 implied HN points • 12 Dec 22
🎭️ Culture Media Criticism Content creation Cultural impact
  1. Hate watching involves critiquing or mocking media online, portraying mixed emotions towards mainstream content.
  2. Different types of hate watchers include YouTube critics, nostalgia-driven viewers, and those drawn to woke elements in modern productions.
  3. Hate watching can be leveraged by independent creators to build audiences and redirect attention towards their own content.

The Plight of Zoomers: An Empty Tradition

139 implied HN points • 06 Dec 22
📚 Literature Classics
  1. Understanding the meaning of a text requires cultural context and background knowledge.
  2. Classic literary works like Ancient Greek Literature and Shakespeare may become inaccessible or forgotten by younger generations.
  3. The transmission of traditional cultural knowledge to the Zoomer generation seems to be lacking, raising questions about what will be preserved for the future.

The Hard Truths of Writing

119 implied HN points • 02 Nov 22
📚 Literature Writing Authors Creative Process Criticism
  1. Writing is hard work that requires consistency and dedication over time to improve and complete projects.
  2. It's important to finish your work and put it out to an audience for feedback and building a fanbase.
  3. World building is essential but should not overshadow the storytelling aspect; focus on story first and use world building to enhance it.

Reflections on 2022 and Looking Forward

79 implied HN points • 01 Jan 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Reflections God Future Opportunity Belief
  1. The year 2022 was a time of transition after Covid lockdowns, with people realizing the need for change and rejecting compromise.
  2. 2023 holds opportunities for creators in the indie community despite expected hardships, with new content and collaborations emerging.
  3. It's important to face fears and take action in times of uncertainty, making the most of opportunities for personal growth and positive change.

Why the Right Wing Needs to Abandon the Term "Mary Sue"

99 implied HN points • 25 Oct 22
🎭️ Culture Criticism Narrative Fiction Politics Art
  1. The concept of a 'Mary Sue' in storytelling is complex and can't be defined solely by a list of traits.
  2. The focus should be on evaluating the overall narrative and meaning of a story, rather than nitpicking character traits.
  3. Trying to label characters as 'Mary Sues' can sometimes overlook the importance of understanding the author's beliefs and intentions behind the story.

The High Realm Trilogy

39 implied HN points • 07 Apr 23
📚 Literature Review Children's Books Storytelling
  1. When choosing books to review, focus on those that are enjoyable, not well-known, and offer something interesting to discuss.
  2. Creating children's literature with conservative values is important to provide alternatives to modern ideological narratives.
  3. In storytelling, it's crucial to balance delivering moral lessons with engaging and entertaining narratives.

Jiao Tu's Endeavour

19 implied HN points • 11 Nov 22
📚 Literature Review Fantasy Adventure Science fiction Character
  1. The story of Jiao Tu's Endeavour is a unique blend of science fiction and fantasy/adventure, featuring a generation ship with humans in stasis and animals running the show, developing complex societies.
  2. Jiao Tu, an uplifted rabbit character, embarks on a quest to rescue a kidnapped mousling, encountering dangers, allies, and a cult, showcasing a strict code of ethics and manners inspired by Eastern traditions.
  3. The narrative focuses more on action and adventure rather than hard science fiction elements, with world-building sprinkled throughout the story, catering to reader preference for a patient detailing of setting.

In the Palm of Metal

19 implied HN points • 26 Oct 22
⚔ Fiction Short Stories Sci-fi Fantasy Dystopian Technology
  1. People in this story are deeply immersed in a virtual reality world called the VirtNet, aspiring for a more fulfilling life in this digital realm.
  2. The consequences of illegal access to the VirtNet are portrayed, showcasing the severe physical and legal aftermath faced by those who exploit the system.
  3. The story unfolds as a detective and his partner plan a deception to grant one of them a chance at finally plugging into the simulated paradise.

The Culture of Progress

0 implied HN points • 20 Aug 22
📚 Literature Short Stories Fiction History
  1. In the pursuit of progress, dissent is handled through reeducation or reassessment before resorting to more aggressive measures
  2. The concept of history is deemed problematic by Progress, leading to extreme measures to abolish the past to ensure a perfect future
  3. Even the most guarded treasures, like the past's knowledge, may be disregarded if deemed useless or unlearned by future generations

Intro to Progress

0 implied HN points • 20 Aug 22
⚔ Fiction Short Story
  1. Progress has always existed as a beacon amidst darkness, willing to let go of the past.
  2. The city of Progress operates uniquely, where laws are not enforced, but abundance and equality reign.
  3. In Progress, every person receives according to their needs and desires, eradicating inequality.

The People of Progress

0 implied HN points • 20 Aug 22
⚔ Fiction Short Story Science fiction Philosophical Experimental Dystopian
  1. Man may not fully comprehend his own potential and nature, choosing to remain ignorant of his true capabilities and responsibilities.
  2. In the pursuit of perfection, there were efforts to create the perfect body and perfect mind through advanced technologies and simulations.
  3. The core driving force behind human progress could potentially be a deep-rooted self-hatred, leading humanity towards advancement and exploration as a means to escape its current state.

The Art of Progress

0 implied HN points • 16 Sep 22
🎨 Art & Illustration Gallery Progress Expression Creativity
  1. In the city of Progress, the protagonist finds it challenging to connect with his own identity and history, reflecting on his past as an artist.
  2. The protagonist explores various forms of art in Progress, including primitive depictions of humanity, grand civilizations, and abstract, boundary-pushing artworks that challenge conventional norms.
  3. Ultimately, the protagonist and his companion, Adonis, become disillusioned with the purpose and relevance of art in Progress, feeling that it no longer holds significance or value in their advanced world.

The Road of Progress

0 implied HN points • 20 Aug 22
⚔ Fiction Short Story Character Study
  1. In the city of Progress, striving for perfection is a never-ending task, from fixing infrastructure to reimagining traditional concepts for a flawless society.
  2. The narrative explores the idea of ownership and sentimentality in a world where abundance eliminates the need for material possessions, highlighting the struggle to find meaning beyond possessions.
  3. The story delves into the concept of progress and the complexity of human emotions within a setting where the boundaries of space, time, and reality are blurred, posing intriguing questions about purpose and existence.

The Salesman

0 implied HN points • 18 Mar 22
⚔ Fiction Short Story
  1. In modern times, sales involve selecting customers and offering tailored products. Algorithms play a big role in determining customer choices.
  2. Customers often prefer limited choices and trust brands to provide the best option. In this story, the couple trusts the salesman's selection process and only makes minor inquiries.
  3. Sales tactics can include special deals, warranties, and personalized service to ease customer concerns and ensure satisfaction. This approach helps build trust and loyalty.

Progress Report for Paid Subscribers #1

0 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
💼 Business Reports Subscription Publishing
  1. The author has only two paying subscribers for Trantor Publishing so far, despite hoping for more.
  2. The author is committed to delivering on promises for those who have generously funded Trantor Publishing.
  3. There's a 7-day free trial available for readers who want to access the full post archives at Trantor Publishing.