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Babylon 5: Episode Novelizations and Scriptbooks
Babylon 5: In the Beginning
The Battle of the Line is infamous in Earth history as the climactic campaign in a long and bloody war between Humankind and the alien Minbari race. But how did this apocalyptic conflict erupt? And how did this fateful clash of two civilizations ultimately lead to the creation of the Babylon 5 space station? Here, at last, the great space epic unfolds--in a new novel based on the first full-length Babylon 5 television movie.
Eager to expand their trade with other worlds, the people of planet Earth attempt to make contact with the mysterious Minbari, a race of proud and powerful warriors. But when communication turns to violence, Earth becomes the target of a latter-day holy war, waged by a civilization possessing vastly superior numbers and firepower.
And the Minbari will stop at nothing short of the total extermination of its the Human race . . .
From the Paperback edition.
Eager to expand their trade with other worlds, the people of planet Earth attempt to make contact with the mysterious Minbari, a race of proud and powerful warriors. But when communication turns to violence, Earth becomes the target of a latter-day holy war, waged by a civilization possessing vastly superior numbers and firepower.
And the Minbari will stop at nothing short of the total extermination of its the Human race . . .
From the Paperback edition.
272 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 1995
3 people are currently reading
282 people want to read
About the author
Peter David
3,576 books1,368 followersaka David Peters
Peter Allen David, often abbreviated PAD, was an American writer of comic books, novels, television, films, and video games. His notable comic book work includes an award-winning 12-year run on The Incredible Hulk, as well as runs on Aquaman, Young Justice, SpyBoy, Supergirl, Fallen Angel, Spider-Man, Spider-Man 2099, Captain Marvel, and X-Factor.
His Star Trek work included comic books and novels such as the New Frontier book series. His other novels included film adaptations, media tie-ins, and original works, such as the Apropos of Nothing and Knight Life series. His television work includes series such as Babylon 5, Young Justice, Ben 10: Alien Force and Nickelodeon's Space Cases, which he co-created with Bill Mumy.
David often jokingly described his occupation as "Writer of Stuff", and he was noted for his prolific writing, characterized by its mingling of real-world issues with humor and references to popular culture, as well as elements of metafiction and self-reference.
David earned multiple awards for his work, including a 1992 Eisner Award, a 1993 Wizard Fan Award, a 1996 Haxtur Award, a 2007 Julie Award and a 2011 GLAAD Media Award.
Peter Allen David, often abbreviated PAD, was an American writer of comic books, novels, television, films, and video games. His notable comic book work includes an award-winning 12-year run on The Incredible Hulk, as well as runs on Aquaman, Young Justice, SpyBoy, Supergirl, Fallen Angel, Spider-Man, Spider-Man 2099, Captain Marvel, and X-Factor.
His Star Trek work included comic books and novels such as the New Frontier book series. His other novels included film adaptations, media tie-ins, and original works, such as the Apropos of Nothing and Knight Life series. His television work includes series such as Babylon 5, Young Justice, Ben 10: Alien Force and Nickelodeon's Space Cases, which he co-created with Bill Mumy.
David often jokingly described his occupation as "Writer of Stuff", and he was noted for his prolific writing, characterized by its mingling of real-world issues with humor and references to popular culture, as well as elements of metafiction and self-reference.
David earned multiple awards for his work, including a 1992 Eisner Award, a 1993 Wizard Fan Award, a 1996 Haxtur Award, a 2007 Julie Award and a 2011 GLAAD Media Award.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
December 12, 2020
Rewatch: the kid reminds me of a little kid in The princess Bride film:
"when does it get good?!"
A young Susan Ivanova! :-)
...
And then we see and hear Ganya die...
"... at my age...to serve...I die... with joy."
Beautiful tension, foreshadowing, and reminder of Julian from El Ministerio del Tiempo: 'I save lives...'
Knowing the symbolism of the candle flame, it's telling and shocking to see Delenn blow out the candle as she leaves to oversee the final ...
"when does it get good?!"
A young Susan Ivanova! :-)
...
And then we see and hear Ganya die...
"... at my age...to serve...I die... with joy."
Beautiful tension, foreshadowing, and reminder of Julian from El Ministerio del Tiempo: 'I save lives...'
Knowing the symbolism of the candle flame, it's telling and shocking to see Delenn blow out the candle as she leaves to oversee the final ...
March 27, 2011
I'm not a Peter David fan. Oh, I've read a few of his books, but I consider him to be a workmanlike author rather than an artist. Of course, I also consider him to be a newcomer, since I respect very few post-1980 authors (exactly three, in fact: Brust, Brin, and Watt-Evans).
But In the Beginning is surprisingly well-written. It was shot in the dark for me, quite literally; I don't remember where I'd originally picked it up, but I'm sure I didn't buy it new (the pencil marking inside says $2.95). It was late at night, I desperately needed something to read, and I'd just turned off the light in the den; it was pitch-black. So for a lark, I pushed aside the books in the outer layer of one of my bookshelves (I'm terribly short of shelf space), and pulled out a book at random from the row of books behind.
Now, I must admit up front that I was a big fan of Babylon 5. In fact, it was the last show that I would call myself a "fan" of; I think I got too old for the fan phenomenon after that. But from seasons 1-4 I was a big fan, and even wrote a one-shot zine for a Babylon 5 APA (amateur press association, a collection of zines on a topic).*
Anyway, I have to say that Peter David captured the voice of the narrator, Londo Mollari, extremely well. I could hear the voice just as Peter Jurasik performed it while I was reading it. I don't know if someone who isn't familiar with the show itself would get the same enjoyment out of the book, therefore.
In any case, I'd call it a successful novelization; it captured the plot and essence of the broadcast show extremely well. There was only one jarring note. On page 75, there's a line:
Perhaps Peter David only meant to say that planets have a steady rotation, but it certainly seems as if he's saying that centrifugal (or is it centripetal?) force is the source of gravitation on planets - and of course, that's absolutely wrong! If planetary gravity was caused by rotation, everything not fastened to the planetary crust would be flung into space. Could a modern science fiction author really be that ignorant of basic physics? I have to wonder!
All in all, though, an enjoyable read. I was tempted to give it four stars. But if you're not a B5 fan, you're probably more likely to consider it a 3-star work.
----------
* - I'm not sure if this link will work, but if it does here's a link to that zine: http://www.maranci.net/babble-on5.pdf . It has been annotated from a years-later perspective.
But In the Beginning is surprisingly well-written. It was shot in the dark for me, quite literally; I don't remember where I'd originally picked it up, but I'm sure I didn't buy it new (the pencil marking inside says $2.95). It was late at night, I desperately needed something to read, and I'd just turned off the light in the den; it was pitch-black. So for a lark, I pushed aside the books in the outer layer of one of my bookshelves (I'm terribly short of shelf space), and pulled out a book at random from the row of books behind.
Now, I must admit up front that I was a big fan of Babylon 5. In fact, it was the last show that I would call myself a "fan" of; I think I got too old for the fan phenomenon after that. But from seasons 1-4 I was a big fan, and even wrote a one-shot zine for a Babylon 5 APA (amateur press association, a collection of zines on a topic).*
Anyway, I have to say that Peter David captured the voice of the narrator, Londo Mollari, extremely well. I could hear the voice just as Peter Jurasik performed it while I was reading it. I don't know if someone who isn't familiar with the show itself would get the same enjoyment out of the book, therefore.
In any case, I'd call it a successful novelization; it captured the plot and essence of the broadcast show extremely well. There was only one jarring note. On page 75, there's a line:
Indeed, the gravity on the Babylon 5 space station was achieved entirely through a steady rotation, the same as that on any planet.
Perhaps Peter David only meant to say that planets have a steady rotation, but it certainly seems as if he's saying that centrifugal (or is it centripetal?) force is the source of gravitation on planets - and of course, that's absolutely wrong! If planetary gravity was caused by rotation, everything not fastened to the planetary crust would be flung into space. Could a modern science fiction author really be that ignorant of basic physics? I have to wonder!
All in all, though, an enjoyable read. I was tempted to give it four stars. But if you're not a B5 fan, you're probably more likely to consider it a 3-star work.
----------
* - I'm not sure if this link will work, but if it does here's a link to that zine: http://www.maranci.net/babble-on5.pdf . It has been annotated from a years-later perspective.
August 1, 2012
From the screenplay by J Michael Straczynski. Everything the ardent Babylon 5 fan could want. An Earth ship sent to investigate the Minbari fires on the Grey Council's ship and starts a war. The Minbari want to wipe out all humans until they find out humans have Minbari souls. They never reveal why they surrendered.
June 30, 2021
A must read for Babylon 5 fans. Also fans of author Peter David.
May 12, 2017
While Peter David writes copiously, he does get the heart of most material he attempts. This was successful in this case. He obtains and holds the voice of the Actor who held the character of Londo Mollari and danced a delightful part on the deck of a mythical space station far in the future of an earth that we can only dream at. This book is as all good Science Fiction is - we are taken to places, people and situations that illuminate how we might react if we ourselves were at that place and at that time.
I give it 4 stars and only hesitate on giving it 5 because the topic was one not of his own creation and not of his own illumination. IT is taken from the flawed yet still powerful work of those who created Babylon 5 at the start of the millennium.
The plot weaves the history leading up to Babylon 5, the TV series, very well. Elements that are integral are shown, given their appropriate weight, and then left to be pondered. Heroes that are villains are given their awkwardness. Villains that are heros are given their time to be both evil and heroic. One questions the shades of grey that all who walk through the series, and the very black are implacable indeed. The writing is characterised well, and the plot moves competently.
The flaws are with the design of the Mimbari, they resolve their spiritual yet warlike race awkwardly, and while we know from the TV series that they are powerful, blind and incredibly proud, we cannot see how their flaws create a whole species and culture to appreciate. They are as bland as clotted cheese. Here and in the TV series. the Mimbari are a weak creation. This book does some work to fill in the weaknesses, and really should have done more if possible. But this was not done, and the Mimbari remain weak. Narns are flavoured well, and ever more satisfyingly, the humans who were there at the Dawn of the Third Age (we know who they are based on don't we) are done quite well.
I give it 4 stars and only hesitate on giving it 5 because the topic was one not of his own creation and not of his own illumination. IT is taken from the flawed yet still powerful work of those who created Babylon 5 at the start of the millennium.
The plot weaves the history leading up to Babylon 5, the TV series, very well. Elements that are integral are shown, given their appropriate weight, and then left to be pondered. Heroes that are villains are given their awkwardness. Villains that are heros are given their time to be both evil and heroic. One questions the shades of grey that all who walk through the series, and the very black are implacable indeed. The writing is characterised well, and the plot moves competently.
The flaws are with the design of the Mimbari, they resolve their spiritual yet warlike race awkwardly, and while we know from the TV series that they are powerful, blind and incredibly proud, we cannot see how their flaws create a whole species and culture to appreciate. They are as bland as clotted cheese. Here and in the TV series. the Mimbari are a weak creation. This book does some work to fill in the weaknesses, and really should have done more if possible. But this was not done, and the Mimbari remain weak. Narns are flavoured well, and ever more satisfyingly, the humans who were there at the Dawn of the Third Age (we know who they are based on don't we) are done quite well.
September 5, 2023
This was really, really, well written. Much more well written than I was expecting for a novelization of a television show. The one thing I didn't like about it was that it showed many of the characters meeting years earlier than they did in the show and that means that they would have known each other. But then again, that could just be the ramblings of an old man the way that this particular plot unfolds.
August 27, 2023
Go for it if you want the full story, I've warned you
January 8, 2012
by Peter David, published in 1998.
Babylon 5, our last best chance for peace . . . But, how did the building of the Babylon stations come to be? Well, sit right back and sink your mind into “In The Beginning” and let Londo Mollari, aging Emperor and confidant, tell you all about it.
If you enjoy great science fiction and you have not already watched the five television seasons of Babylon 5, stop reading this, go buy them now and enjoy. Truly one of TV’s greats and not to be missed.
This novel by Peter David is the retelling of the catastrophic meeting between the Humans and Minbari and the events which unfold afterwards commencing with the battle of the line. It is based on the Babylon 5 TV movie of the same name and, (minus geek points) I can’t off the top of my head give you a direct comparison between the text and the show . . .
. . . however, I can tell you the novel is worth the read and goes through all the events which shaped the Babylon 5 universe created by J. Michael Straczynski. Wonderful stuff. We see Sinclair, Delenn, Sheridan, Franklin, Mollari and G’Kar playing out their parts in the years before the Babylon stations were conceived of and constructed.
And one part I really enjoyed was the toss-in of a ship crewman’s name. And the name was - Staite! Yes, as in Jewel Staite, which is not too surprising since Peter David wrote for a show called Space Cases in which Jewel played a part in the mid-eighties. (Do I recoup any geek points for that?)
As well the voices of the characters in this novel are spot on, and again not too surprising since Peter David wrote (two I think) scripts for the Babylon 5 TV show.
It is a fast read and a fun read and should leave you satisfied, but if you are not familiar with the Babylon 5 universe you may get a bit lost.
And, what would a Babylon 5 novel be without some mention of the enigmatic Vorlons?
Yup, everything you love about the show shines in this novel as well.
So, don’t hesitate to read it and don’t be surprised if you are itching to watch theTV show again as well. I know I am now.
Babylon 5, our last best chance for peace . . . But, how did the building of the Babylon stations come to be? Well, sit right back and sink your mind into “In The Beginning” and let Londo Mollari, aging Emperor and confidant, tell you all about it.
If you enjoy great science fiction and you have not already watched the five television seasons of Babylon 5, stop reading this, go buy them now and enjoy. Truly one of TV’s greats and not to be missed.
This novel by Peter David is the retelling of the catastrophic meeting between the Humans and Minbari and the events which unfold afterwards commencing with the battle of the line. It is based on the Babylon 5 TV movie of the same name and, (minus geek points) I can’t off the top of my head give you a direct comparison between the text and the show . . .
. . . however, I can tell you the novel is worth the read and goes through all the events which shaped the Babylon 5 universe created by J. Michael Straczynski. Wonderful stuff. We see Sinclair, Delenn, Sheridan, Franklin, Mollari and G’Kar playing out their parts in the years before the Babylon stations were conceived of and constructed.
And one part I really enjoyed was the toss-in of a ship crewman’s name. And the name was - Staite! Yes, as in Jewel Staite, which is not too surprising since Peter David wrote for a show called Space Cases in which Jewel played a part in the mid-eighties. (Do I recoup any geek points for that?)
As well the voices of the characters in this novel are spot on, and again not too surprising since Peter David wrote (two I think) scripts for the Babylon 5 TV show.
It is a fast read and a fun read and should leave you satisfied, but if you are not familiar with the Babylon 5 universe you may get a bit lost.
And, what would a Babylon 5 novel be without some mention of the enigmatic Vorlons?
Yup, everything you love about the show shines in this novel as well.
So, don’t hesitate to read it and don’t be surprised if you are itching to watch theTV show again as well. I know I am now.
January 24, 2008
An incredible novel, which fleshes out the incredible Babylon 5 movie. We see the events preceeding the construction of Babylon 5 through the eyes of an aging and bitter Emperor Mollari. Fans of the movie should make this a must-read.
February 5, 2012
No matter how hard he tries, Peter David can't elminiate the "same old/same old" feel of JMS's first TV movie script. That said, he certainly milks all the inherent gravitas and tragedy available to him. Overall, it's much more effective than the TV version.
September 6, 2012
Fantastic series :)
April 29, 2012
I love this book. Absolutely love it, and the tv movie it is based upon. Peter David did a fantastic job in Londo's voice telling the pre-history of Babylon 5. Have read this multiple times.
October 13, 2018
I miss this tv show so much! Thank goodness for books.
January 16, 2010
I felt like I was part of the story, great writer.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews