Dr. S. David Martin

Arthur Conan Doyle born 167 years ago today. Created Sherlock Holmes and Watson. Arguably the most influential mystery writer ever. Every detective story since owes him something.

Empire Strikes Back released 46 years ago today. I am your father. Darker, deeper and more complex. It proved a sequel could surpass what came before. The greatest Star Wars film.

Willow came out 38 years ago today. Lucas produced, Howard directed. Davis and Kilmer. An underappreciated 80s fantasy gem. Kilmer's Madmartigan is a great roguish performance.

Pete Townshend turns 81 today. Creative force behind The Who. Pioneered the rock opera. Tommy and Quadrophenia wouldn't exist without his vision.

Andre the Giant would have been 80 today. The gentle giant of The Princess Bride. His warmth came through in every scene. Anybody want a peanut?

Deadpool 2 came out eight years ago today. Reynolds doubled down. Brolin as Cable was inspired. It proved the first film wasn't a fluke.

Chris Cornell died nine years ago today at 52. Soundgarden, Audioslave, Temple of the Dog. That voice had a range and power that was almost supernatural. Gone too soon.

Lloyd Alexander died 19 years ago today. Chronicles of Prydain. Newbery Medal winner. His books shaped how a generation thought about heroism and sacrifice. Taran's journey still resonates.

Into Darkness came out 13 years ago today. Cumberbatch brought intensity. Solid spectacle in the Kelvin Timeline even if the reveal divided fans.

Attack of the Clones came out 24 years ago today. Prequel Episode II. The Geonosis arena and first Clone Army glimpse were genuinely thrilling moments.

Jim Henson died 36 years ago today at 53. The Muppets, Labyrinth, The Dark Crystal. An irreplaceable creative force. Fantasy filmmaking never fully recovered from his loss.

Fury Road came out 11 years ago today. Six Oscars. George Miller was 70 when he made what many call the greatest action film ever. One long chase that never lets go.

Cate Blanchett turns 57 today. Two-time Oscar winner. Her Galadriel in Lord of the Rings made you believe in elves. One of the finest actors of her generation.

Conan the Barbarian came out 44 years ago today. Milius's sword-and-sorcery epic launched Schwarzenegger. Basil Poledouris' score alone is worth revisiting.

George Lucas turns 82 today. Created Star Wars and Indiana Jones. Changed movies forever. Billions have lived in his worlds for decades. Happy birthday, George.

Max is one of the protagonists in Old Friends, Just Met - my free intro story to the Senchureyan Frontier. Story's almost done. Working on illustrations, now. Free to anyone who signs up: drsdavidmartin.com

Watchmen #1 on sale 40 years ago today. Moore and Gibbons changed comics history. Won the Hugo. Deconstructed the superhero. Arguably the most important comic ever published. 40 years.

Roger Zelazny born 89 years ago today. Chronicles of Amber, Lord of Light. Six Hugos, three Nebulas. He wrote with a mythic quality that felt both ancient and immediate.

Exile on Main St. released 54 years ago today. Recorded at Keith's villa in France. Initially polarizing, now among the greatest rock albums ever. A basement and unlimited time.

Are You Experienced UK release, 59 years ago today. Hendrix's debut revolutionized electric guitar. He heard things in the instrument nobody else could find. One of the greatest albums ever.