Sci-fi and Heroic Fantasy discussion

Maybe this question is redundant to the title of this group, but I'm curious who else out there gravitates to this genre because it explores the upper limits of human potential... both in terms of creating of a better society, and also as when we trust our instincts ("Use the force, Luke!"... ok, maybe not a book, but still a pristine example) we succeed, and the power of belief (Luke: "I don't believe it". Yoda: "And that is why you fail").

And, as a follow on, do you have any favorite stories/scenes/character arcs etc that capture these?

OK, I will get this going.
I often find myself around this area, but for different reasons. I like 'weak magic' - magic or superhuman powers that are not far outside the mundane world - because I appreciate the challenge of how far an author can get with severely limited magic. Forget the wands and shouted spells, forget the invocation of demons, or whatever - just allow one minor extra ability - and see how powerfully it can play out, if you're clever.
Comments??

Limited use of magic.... that's an interesting take. I read a lot of historical accounts of *anomolous* human abilities, and I'm reminded of St. Joseph of Cupertino, who was witnessed from levitating to downright flying over 77 times, and even skeptics ended up attesting to the truth of what they witnessed to the Catholic Church. Which makes me wonder: how much *magic* could be real?

In Science fiction, I really like the character of Hosteen Storm, the Native American warrior in the Beastmaster series. No home, people all gone, new world, only his beasts. He still perserveres. Starman Jones is another one. A beaten down individual who stowsaway on a space ship and manages to rise in the ranks due to determination and grit and a bit of luck. I like those kinds of characters and that's what I write.

I wasn't familiar so I looked up Beastmaster and found this awesome vintage image.

Looks like you've written quite a bit... very cool! Do you consider your story arcs heroic?