Skip to content

Las Vegas on Mars?

Intrigued by the title? If you’re looking for a new platform to enjoy a story, this article is for you.
First, let’s assume not everyone is completely on board with podcasts at first. Do any of these questions apply to you? I know that I’ve definitely made the excuse that I don’t have enough time to read.
Well, look no further. With podcasts, one no longer has the excuse of not having enough time to read. I’ve listened to podcasts while running, doing chores, and doing math homework. It allows me to be productive while enjoying a story. Podcasts aren’t just true crime or documentaries. They can also be fictional, like the Penumbra, comedy, and even improv podcasts. Since creators aren’t trying to reach as large of an audience, they have the creative freedom to introduce ideas that they care about, not ones they think the audience cares about.
If you’re interested in a podcast to watch, the Penumbra is a fascinating story. The three concepts I’m using to recommend it are its accessibility, character diversity, and believable world building.
Accessibility is important because to enjoy a story, one must be able to understand it. Creators have to keep in mind that certain people may need extra resources, and be able to provide them.
On Spotify, the site I use to listen to the Penumbra, there is a link to a Google Drive with transcripts of every episode. If someone is Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or wishes to read along while listening, they can easily access these scripts. There are also trigger warnings to warn the listener about any sensitive subjects.
The first three main characters introduced in the first episode clearly contrast each other to make them understandable to the listener.
Juno Steel and his partner Rex Glass juxtapose each other in that Juno Rex is elegant and poised, while Juno is disheveled and blunt. The writing of them together results in sarcastic banter that is hilarious to listen to. Rita, Juno’s assistant, is cheerful and easily distracted, while Juno is pessimistic and denounces everything not directly in front of him. Rita and Rex’s contrasting views on life affect Juno as he begins a character arc of being more trusting and open to those he cares about.
What makes a fictional story really great is how believable the creator makes each world seem, no matter how absurd the concept. How do you make a city on Mars believable? Simply add small details to give normalcy to the situation.
The Penumbra excels at adding details to make its story believable. First, it adds to the idea that it is breathable to live on Mars, but if one stays outdoors without protection they risk radiation poisoning. Later in the story, it is explained that those who owe debts must labor in deserts where radiation is high, and the majority become sick from radiation, to the ignorance of those they owe labor to. The city on Mars which this podcast is centered in is Iberion City. It is extremely similar to Las Vegas in that it is a beautiful, glowing place from the outside, but inside, everyone is devoid of morals and motivated by money.
Now, if you’re still not sure about listening to podcasts for stories, you may be hesitant at being able to actually like this new media.
This question is posed to the individual; why should you specifically listen to this story?
No matter what type of story you enjoy, there’s parts everyone can enjoy. Penumbra contains many genres, including horror, romance, mystery, drama, sci-fi, action, and comedy. While it can be a lighthearted mystery, it has very heartfelt moments that catch one by surprise.
One also might wonder why the Penumbra isn’t from a more easily recognized media, like a book or a movie.
When reading, one has the freedom to imagine their own version of each character and environment in the scene, which can be very cathartic. However, with certain books, the reader may struggle with a particularly long paragraph that makes the scene seem longer than the author intended. With movies, the pacing is perfectly shown, but gives the audience no imagination. Podcasts use the best of both worlds to create an immersive experience; one that gives the audience the freedom to imagine each character while having the correct pacing.
There is one more core reason why this particular story matters, as it differs from other stories.
The Penumbra Podcast has a great deal of representation, more than a vast majority of the media I’ve consumed. In addition, all of these characters are considered the “norm,” and there is no additional reaction added to each reveal. The main character is disabled, bisexual, and nonbinary (which may be why the Penumbra’s colors are that of the nonbinary flag). Other representation within main characters, with more than just a throwaway line, includes lesbian couples and characters with an artificial heart, limb, or eye. Most of these minorities don’t see themselves reflected positively in media, and every character helps.
In conclusion, if you want a story that makes you laugh, cry, and become inspired, I highly recommend the Penumbra. You won’t be disappointed.

Leave a comment

Being Adequate's avatar

By
On
Leave a comment

Thoughts