Step into the laugh-out-loud universe of Space Team, where a small-time conman becomes an unlikely galactic hero! Barry J. Hutchison’s Space Team series is a rollicking science fiction adventure bursting with humor, heart, and cosmic chaos. Perfect for fans of Guardians of the Galaxy and The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, this series follows Cal Carver and his misfit crew as they stumble through space, saving civilizations while dodging assassins and cracking witty one-liners.
With its blend of fast-paced action, snarky dialogue, and absurd situations—like a shapeshifting blob with Tobey Maguire’s face—Space Team delivers a fresh, irreverent take on the space opera genre. Ready to blast off into a world where the stakes are high and the laughs are higher? Let’s explore this interstellar gem!
How Space Team Began
Barry J. Hutchison, a Scottish author with a knack for comedy, launched Space Team in 2016 after writing over 70 children’s books. Inspired by sci-fi classics like Red Dwarf and Douglas Adams’ works, Hutchison wanted to craft an adult series that mixed high-stakes adventure with gut-busting humor. The result was Space Team, a story born from his love of quirky characters and chaotic plots. His background in screenwriting and comics helped shape the series’ vivid dialogue and cinematic pacing, earning him comparisons to Terry Pratchett.
The Heart of Space Team
The series kicks off with Space Team (2016), where Cal Carver, imprisoned on Earth, is mistakenly abducted by aliens after two-thirds of humanity is wiped out. Thrust into a team of galactic outcasts, Cal must deliver a package to a warlord’s system, only to find himself saving an alien civilization from annihilation. In The Wrath of Vajazzle (2016), the crew faces a deadly assassin, Lady Vajazzle, and a zombie virus threatening a star system. The Search for Splurt (2016) sees Cal hunting for his shapeshifting friend Splurt while battling bizarre foes, and The King of Space Must Die (2018) tackles time travel and a war against the universe’s most dangerous man, Geronimus Krone.
Space Team’s themes revolve around found family, resilience, and the absurdity of life. The series’ setting—a sprawling galaxy filled with alien gangsters, space bears, and interdimensional chaos—provides a vibrant backdrop for its sitcom-style humor. Hutchison’s sharp wit and knack for blending heartfelt moments with ridiculous scenarios (think epic space battles interrupted by arguments over snacks) make each book a page-turner. Fans praise the series for its balance of action, comedy, and character-driven storytelling.
Why Space Team Resonates
Space Team has carved a niche in the sci-fi comedy genre, delighting readers with its relentless humor and lovable characters. Its influence lies in its ability to make the vastness of space feel like a cozy, chaotic hangout with friends. Fans on Goodreads and Amazon rave about laughing out loud, with some calling it a worthy successor to Douglas Adams. The series’ audiobooks, narrated with comedic flair, have also built a loyal following, especially among those craving lighthearted escapism.
Despite its niche status, Space Team’s universal themes of camaraderie and defying the odds resonate widely. Hutchison’s ongoing work on the series (with 12 novels and counting) and his engagement with fans through newsletters and social media keep the universe alive, proving that even a ragtag crew can leave a lasting mark on sci-fi.
- First Book Published: 2016
- Number of Books: 12 novels, plus short stories and comics
- Genres: Science Fiction, Comedy, Space Opera
- Notable Praise: Compared to Douglas Adams and Terry Pratchett
Grab Space Team and dive into a hilarious sci-fi adventure where the galaxy’s fate rests on the shoulders of a wisecracking conman and his delightfully dysfunctional crew!