Alumni Book Nook: Rhett Stevenson (BA’17)

University of Saskatchewan (USask) graduate Rhett Stevenson (BA’17) developed his appreciation for nature and the outdoors while growing up in Carrot River, Sask. That led to his affection for the night skies and the stars, from which he often draws inspiration for his work as a science fiction writer.

Stevenson, who is of English, Scottish, German, and Plains Cree descent, enjoys learning about the rich history of various cultures. He studied at USask’s College of Arts and Science and earned a Bachelor of Arts (honours) degree in political studies in 2017 before teaching in Okazaki, Japan, for two years, in Creighton, Sask., for another two years, and in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, where he currently resides.

Through a collaboration with Pete’s Press, in December 2025 Stevenson released the first volume of SOKOS, a science fiction graphic novel. The book, which was illustrated by Erick Reyes, is a collection of Stevenson’s SOKOS comics, which were originally published by Living Skies Comics. The Green&White asked Stevenson about the focus of his new book and what inspired him to publish it.

What have you been doing since you graduated from USask?

I taught for two years in Japan before returning to Canada and receiving my education degree at the University of Regina. I then taught two years in northern Saskatchewan before teaching in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. I have been enjoying my time travelling the world and taking part in marathons. I plan to return and settle down in Saskatchewan and continue my teaching profession while taking my book on the road.

What is the focus of your new book?

Volume 1 of SOKOS is a collection of the first four chapters/issues of the graphic novel series. It is set in the near distant future, where humanity had to flee on an interstellar spaceship called the New Hope. From there, humanity encounters an alien species called the Omamoko.

What inspired you to write this book?

Science fiction stories long inspired me in Western and Japanese media. I often thought about writing stories that included politics. The main inspiration was through the grief of losing my young brother in the tragic accident of May 2015, which started my journey in creating this book. He was a kind and caring brother whose smile would brighten everyone’s day. The impact of losing him before I started my third year at USask was immense. It is for that reason why I wrote this book. Although the book is science fiction, and does incorporate politics, it deals with themes of grief and resilience.

Did your education at USask play a role in researching and/or writing this book? If so, how?

Studying at the University of Saskatchewan helped me create the solid framework for the story, especially the world-building. I took the knowledge I learned from my political studies degree to create the political structure for the two main opposing factions in the story. This then influenced my writing on how I wrote some characters.

What are five adjectives that you would use to describe your book?

Revengeful, tragedy, hope, resilience, and forgiveness.

Why would you recommend your book to USask alumni?

This is a book (for you) if you enjoy incredible illustrations by a fellow Canadian, Erick Reyes, and if you enjoy a compelling storyline with in-depth character arcs. Although it is a science fiction story featuring aliens, it explores raw human emotions with the ups and downs of life. It won’t hurt if you like science fiction, ha ha.

Is there anything else that you would like to add?

I want to express my gratitude for the support I received from my professors and friends during my time at USask.