Genetic engineering is a popular subject of fiction, especially science fiction.

Discussion

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During the early twentieth century, science fiction writers began to consider the possible alteration of human beings and other species, either through the natural alteration of genes or by the use of deliberate genetic engineering. Stories of mutated humans first became common in the 1930s pulp magazines and in the British scientific romances of the time, mutation often providing the justification for stories of supermen. Such narratives provide scientifically rationalized accounts of the transformation of human beings and nature, a theme of timeless fascination, as shown by the many examples in ancient mythology and earlier forms of fiction.

While narratives that depict unexpected and uncontrolled mutation (e.g. as a result of radioactivity from nuclear tests) are usually often pessimistic in their attitudes to science and technology, more optimistic (or at least ambiguous) attitudes are sometimes found in narratives that deal with the deliberate alteration of human or other beings. In many comic book series, genetic engineering is sometimes used as a "plausible" explanation for superhuman powers or abilities.

Examples

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Stargate SG-1

In the show Stargate SG-1, the DNA Resequencer was a device built by the Ancients, designed to make extreme upgrades to humans by realigning their DNA and upgrading their brain activity. The machine gave them superhuman abilities, such as telekensis, telepathy, precognition, superhuman senses, strength, and intellect, the power to heal at an incredible rate, and the power to heal others by touch.

Gene Roddenberry’s Andromeda

In the television series Andromeda, the Nietzscheans (Homo sapiens invictus in Latin) are a race of genetically engineered humans who quite religiously follow the works of Friedrich Nietzsche, Social Darwinism and Dawkinite genetic competitiveness. They claim to be physically perfect and are distinguished by bone blades protruding outwards from the wrist area.

• Nietzscheans pride themselves on their attractiveness, strength, cunning and treachery. Charlemagne Bolivar, when asked what he wanted, replied:

The usual; hundreds of grandchildren, total dominion of the known worlds, and the satisfaction of knowing that all my enemies have died in unfortunate accidents that cannot be traced to me.

• However, the alternate timeline Gaheris Rhade had an idealistic view and was thoroughly disgusted with the reality:

Our people were meant to be living gods, warrior-poets who roamed the stars bringing civilization, not cowards and bullies who prey on the weak and kill each other for sport. I never imagined they'd prove themselves so inferior. I didn't betray our people — they betrayed themselves. Gaheris Rhade-(The Unconquerable Man, Episode 310)

Biohazard/Resident Evil Series

The video game series Resident Evil involves the illegal creation of genetically engineered viruses which turn humans and animals into organisms such as the Tyrants or Hunters by a world-wide pharmaceutical company called the Umbrella Corporation.

Beggars in Spain (Nancy Kress)

This novel and its sequels are widely recognized by science fiction critics as among the most sophisticated fictional treatments of genetic engineering. They portray genetically-engineered characters whose abilities are far greater than those of ordinary humans (e.g. they are effectively immortal and they function without needing to sleep). At issue is what responsibility they have to use their abilities to help "normal" human beings. Kress explores libertarian and more collectivist philosophies, attempting to define the extent of people's mutual responsibility for each other's welfare.

Battletech

In the Science Fiction series, The Clans have developed a genetic engineering program for their warriors, consisting of eugenics and the use of artificial wombs.

Crest/Banner of the Stars

In the Science fiction series, the Abh are a race of genetically engineered humans, who contiune to practice the technology. All Abh have been adapted to live in zero-gravity environments, with the same features such as beauty, long life, lifelong youthful appearance, blue hair, and a "space sensory organ".

Exosquad

In military science fiction series Exosquad, the plot revolves around the conflict between Terrans (baseline humans) and Neosapiens, a race of genetically enginieered sentient (and sterile) humanoids, who were originally bred for slave labour but revolted under the leadership of Phaeton and captured the Homeworlds (Earth, Venus and Mars). During the war, various sub-broods of Neosapiens were invented, such as, Neo Megas (intellectually superior to almost any being in the Solar System), Neo Warriors (cross-breeds with various animals) and Neo Lords (the ultimate supersoldiers).

Gundam SEED

Genetic modification is also found in the anime series Gundam SEED in coordinators, who were created from ordinary humans by GM.

Guardians of the Galaxy

In Marvel Comics, the 31st century adventurers called the Guardians of the Galaxy are genetically engineered residents of Mercury, Jupiter, and Pluto.

Gattaca

The film Gattaca deals with the idea of genetic engineering and eugenics as it projects what class relations would look like in a future society after a few generations of the possibility of genetic engineering.

Jerry Pournelle's CoDominium/Empire of Man

In the series, the planet Sauron develops a supersoldier program. The result were the Sauron Cyborgs or Supermen. Despite being called Cyborgs, the Sauron's supermen were the result of genetic engineering. The Sauron soldiers had a varitey of physical charateristics and abilities that made the soldiers the best in combat and survival in many hostile environments.

The alien Moties also have used genetic enginnering.

Metal Gear Solid series

In Metal Gear Solid, the Genome Army were given gene therapy enhancements.

Also in the series, the Les Enfants Terribles project involved genetic engineering.

Quake 2 and Quake 4

These games contain genetically-engineered Stroggs

The Moreau Series

The Moreau Series by S. Andrew Swann has as the central premise the proliferation of humanoid genetically-engineered animals. The name of the series (and of the creatures themselves) comes from the H. G. Wells novel The Island of Dr. Moreau. In the Wells novel, humanoid animals were created surgically, though this detail has been changed to be genetic manipulation in most film adaptations.

The Neanderthal Parallax

The The Neanderthal Parallax by Robert J. Sawyer depicts a society that has benefitted immensely from the sterilization of dangerous criminals.

Neon Genesis Evangelion

The character Rei Ayanami is implied to be a lab-created being combining human and angelic DNA. (compare to the Biblical Nephilim)

Olaf Stapledon

Genetic engineering (or something very like it) features prominently in Last and First Men, a 1930 novel by Olaf Stapledon.

The Seedling Stars (James Blish)

James Blish's The Seedling Stars (1956) is the classic story of controlled mutation for adaptability. In this novel (originally a series of short stories) the Adapted Men are reshaped human beings, designed for life on a variety of other planets. This is one of science fiction's most unreservedly optimistic accounts to date of technological efforts to reshape human beings.

Star Trek

In the Star Trek universe, genetic engineering has featured in a couple of films, and a number of television episodes.

The Breen, the Dominion, Species 8472, the Xindi, and the Federation use technology with organic components.

Khan Noonien Singh, who appeared in Space Seed and The Wrath of Khan, was a product of genetic engineering. His physical structure was modified to make him stronger and to give him greater stamina than a regular human. His mind was also enhanced. However, the creation of Khan would have serious consequences because the superior abilities given to him created superior ambition. Along with other enhanced individuals, they tried to take over the planet. When they were reawakened by the Enterprise, Khan set himself to taking over the universe. Later, he became consumed by grief and rage, and set himself on the goal of destroying Kirk.

Because of the experiences with genetic engineering, the Federation had banned it except to correct genetic birth defects, but a number of parents still illegally subjected their children to genetic engineering for a variety of reasons. This often created brilliant but unstable individuals. Such children are not allowed to serve in Starfleet or practice medicine. Despite the ban, the Federation allowed the Darwin station to conduct human genetic engeenering, which resulted in a telepathic, telekentic humans with a very effective immune system.

Star Wars

In the Star Wars universe, genetic engineering was also used.

In Attack of the Clones, the Kamino cloners who created the clone army for the Galactic Republic had used engineering to enhance their clones. They modified the genetic structure of all but one to accelerate their growth rate, make them less independent, and make them better suited to combat operations.

Later, the Yuuzhan Vong are a race who exclusively use organic technology and regard mechanical technology as heresy. Everything from starships to communications devices to weapons are bred and grown to suit their needs.

Sonic the Hedgehog Series

The Ultimate Life Form project, that produced Shadow the Hedgehog and Biolizard was a genetic engineering project.

Warhammer 40,000

In the futuristic game series, the Imperium of Man's Space Marines are genetically modifed to become superhuman soldiers.

The Champion Maker

In The Champion Maker, a track coach and teenage phenom stumble upon a dark conspiracy involving genetic engineering while pursuing Olympic gold.

Genetic engineering | Science fiction themes