Starry Eyed Press is proud to present our latest major release: Starhyke: A Dark Future Past by A.S. Charly.
A licensed piece of space opera based upon a short-lived television series, A Dark Future Past boasts the distinction of being based on the unaired second season of the program and was written using the original production notes.
We sat down with the book’s editor Jason Russell and author A.S. Charly to get the inside scoop on the creation process.
How did this book come to be?
JR: We’ve been really turning our attention on using the literary medium to breathe new life into classic science fiction properties. When the time came to consider our next major release, the Starhyke IP began to appeal based on a hunch. It had always seemed like six episodes hadn’t scratched the surface of the story’s potential.
We reached out to series creator Andrew Dymond to discuss the possibility of telling original tales in the show’s universe and he confirmed what we’d long suspected – there was more story to be told that never made it to air.
He was kind enough to pass along original production notes, sketches, episode arcs and the like and we quickly got to work on turning the second season into a book.
How did Anja end up being tasked with turning the material to prose?
JR: She wrote up a small sample that really nailed the feel, tone and humor of the original production. There was really never any question that she was the right author for the project.
Anja, what was the most difficult part of adapting the second season into book form?
AS: The most challenging aspect of adapting the second season into book form was finding the right balance between description, dialogue, and pacing. What works seamlessly on screen—where visual and auditory cues can convey mood, tension, and movement instantaneously—doesn’t always translate the same way on the page. In a novel, the reader relies entirely on the prose to experience the story, so I had to carefully consider how to build momentum without over-explaining or losing the immersive flow. 
Action scenes, in particular, required extra attention. On screen, they can unfold quickly with sharp cuts and dynamic choreography, but in a book, I had to ensure that the pacing felt just as engaging without overwhelming the reader with too much detail or losing the emotional core of the moment. Ultimately, my goal was ensure that the story felt natural and engaging in its new format.
Where did you draw inspiration in further developing the unique cast of characters we meet along the way?
AS: As always, my inspiration comes from the vast amount of space opera and sci-fi I immerse myself in every year. I’m a huge fan of the genre, with series like Star Trek holding a special place in my heart, so naturally, those influences shape my storytelling. However, for this project, I made a conscious effort to stay as close as possible to creator Andrew Dymond’s original vision. I followed his personal notes closely for the season’s development and rewatched Starhyke season one multiple times—so much so that the crew started to feel like family.
My goal was to ensure that each character’s voice, growth, and interactions remained authentic to the foundation laid in the first season while also allowing room for new layers of complexity. I hope I’ve done the characters justice and that both longtime fans and those who were directly involved—actors, creators, and crew alike—will appreciate and enjoy the continuation of their journey.
What makes Starhyke different from most other space opera?
AS: One of the aspects that sets Starhyke apart from other space operas is its unique premise. Unlike many stories in the genre where humanity is portrayed as the underdog or a force for good, Starhyke initially presents humans as the dominant, more ruthless power. However, through the Reptid attack and its unexpected consequences, the crew begins to realize that there are alternative ways of thinking and living—ones that challenge their deeply ingrained beliefs. This shift in perspective adds a compelling layer to the story, making it not just about interstellar conflict, but also about personal and philosophical evolution.
Another distinctive element is the tonal progression between seasons. While the first season leans heavily into comedy—particularly in its exploration of the crew’s sudden reintroduction to emotions—the second season takes a more neutral and measured approach. It allows for deeper character development and a broader exploration of the consequences of their experiences, striking a balance between humor, drama and introspection.
Starhyke: A Dark Future Past is available now on Amazon:
Starry Eyed Press 
One thought on “Starhyke: A Dark Future Past Creators Interview”