Straczynski's professional name is J. Michael Straczynski, although informally he goes by "Joe". In print, notably on USENET, he is often referred to by his initials JMS.
Straczynski is a graduate of San Diego State University, having earned degrees in psychology and sociology (with minors in philosophy and literature). While at SDSU, he wrote prolifically for the student newspaper, at times penning so many articles that the paper was jokingly referred to as the "Daily Joe."
He is a friend and collaborator with speculative fiction author Harlan Ellison, a student and friend of Norman Corwin and an outspoken admirer of the work of Rod Serling.
Straczynski currently resides in the Los Angeles area with his wife, fellow writer Kathryn M. Drennan
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2 Novels 3 Comic books 4 Other work 5 Trivia 6 External Links |
Straczynski's most famous television work is Babylon 5, a 1990s science fiction series concerning the development of humanity about 250 years in the future, and how it finds its place in the universe alongside various alien races. It is essentially a character-driven space opera which occurs on a space station and is also notable for its extensive use of CGI for its special effects.
Straczynski has also worked on the series Jake and the Fatman, Murder, She Wrote, The New Twilight Zone, Captain Power, The Real Ghostbusters, Crusade (an aborted sequel series to Babylon 5), and Jeremiah.
Straczynski is the author of three horror novels - Othersyde, Demon Knight, and Tribulations - and a compilation of short stories, Tales from the New Twilight Zone.
Straczynski has been the writer for many comic books, including Midnight Nation (Top Cow Productions) and Rising Stars (Top Cow), both of which he created, and The Amazing Spider-Man (Marvel Comics). In 2003 he was hired by Marvel to reboot the Squadron Supreme characters in a new series entitled Supreme Power.
Upcoming Marvel comic book work reportedly will include a Doctor Strange miniseries.
Straczynski has also written the book The Complete Book of Scriptwriting, often used as a text in introductory sreenwriting courses, and now in its third edition. In the book Straczynski cites Mignon McLaughlin: "Anyone can write. The trouble with writers is that they can't do anything else." Throughout the book it becomes clear that he perceives himself as one of these hopeless writers.
Television
Novels
Comic books
Other work
Trivia
External Links