Just over a year ago, Ariell Johnson made local news as the first black woman to open and manage a comic shop on the East Coast. In an industry that too often has pushed back against diversity, Philadelphia’s Amalgam Comics & Coffeehouse, Inc. has made diversity the foundation that it is built on. “We think that comics…
Eat Your Geek: An Interview with Sam Anderson of Cakes Cove
Cakes Cove has been exhibiting at various events and convention for a while, but I first had the pleasure of meeting the bakery’s proprietor, Sam Anderson, this summer in the Fan Expo Canada green room. I was immediately struck by the obvious: her incredible talent for crafting sweet treats with a geeky flare, but more than that,…
The Local: The Creative Women’s Conference
When it comes to many conventions and conferences—even really great ones—there is often something missing: women. Creative women are often relegated to “Women in Comics” panels and left off of the main stage. The founder of the Creative Women’s Conference, David Doub, recently gave a wonderful breakdown of the problem in an article for BleedingCool. The…
Interview with Dan Merritt of Green Brain Comics: “We’re Breaking All of the Stereotypes!”
There’s no place out there quite like Green Brain Comics. This gem is nestled in downtown Dearborn, Michigan and is bursting with comics. Their sections are eclectic, often showcasing difficult to find titles you’d typically have to order online. The store itself is an optical treat with its bright green aesthetic and versatile displays. The…
Hey, Paris! Where To Buy Comics On Your Sophisticated, Continental Weekend Break
I was lucky enough to score a work trip to the south of France a few weeks ago and, naturally, I used the opportunity to nip up to Paris — and check out their major comics shops. I was staying with a friend whose flatmate is also into comics — French, Japanese, American, whatever. He…
Top 5 Local Geeky Crafters in Jacksonville, Florida
One of my favorite aspects about conventions is the exclusive merchandise you can find. When I went to a local convention called Collective Con in Jacksonville—Florida’s first “big” convention—I had an absolute blast. I met with Vic Mignogna (Full Metal Alchemist) and one of my voice actor idols Todd Haberkorn. I saw a bunch of…
The Local: Doctor Who Day in Denton, TX
I have talked a lot about the awesomeness of my hometown Denton, TX here and here. But now I have yet another line to add to the “Denton, TX is Awesome List.” We have an official—official as in government recognized—Doctor Who Day.
Dragons of Tarkir Prerelease Overview
It was with heavy heart that I donned my Abzan clan shirt and pins as an act of defiance towards the events of the Tarkir block in Magic: The Gathering’s latest series of expansions. Dragons have returned from extinction to the plane of Tarkir thanks to a time traveling meddler named Sarkhan Vol, and while…
Comic Book & Toy Show: Get Your Fifty Cent Comics Here!
Walking into the small Ramada Hotel ballroom, you have to stop and stare in awe at the sheer amount of product the minds behind the Comic Book and Toy Show have packed tightly, yet completely organized, in. Boxes upon white boxes are lined all around the room, framing the walls, and marked with shiny clear…
Zlumber Party: Quimby’s All Night Zine-Making Event
Last weekend I went to a sleepover. As an adult I don’t get to enjoy many of these sorts of activities anymore, so it was a real delight. Particularly because it was a sleepover with a purpose: zine-making. Quimby’s is a great comic shop in Chicago that organizes all sorts of interesting events, including the “Zlumber…
The Local: Freaks and Geeks, the “YMCA for nerds”
You know when you just meet some people and your geeky sense just goes all tingly? That’s how I felt meeting the owners, Beth Baalman and Alec Featherstone, of Denton’s newest geek haven Freaks and Geeks. Seriously, I live in the best town, y’all. I mean if you can get past the redness and…hubris of…
The Local: Geeks and Burlesque Unite in Dallas, Texas (NSFW)
On December 30, 2014, we ran a feature on Viva Dallas Burlesque and their upcoming show DC vs. Marvel. Producer Shoshana Portnoy grew up on X-men comics and, knowing many burlesque performers with similar geek interests, has run many geek-themed shows from video games to superheroes. The DC vs. Marvel show was the last live…