One of the geekolutions (geeky resolutions) we’ve seen has been folks wanting to start reading comics, and since today is New Comic Wednesday, it seemed like a perfect time to get y’all started on at least one of your resolutions! We know that sixty years of back-story can be daunting, so we put together a list of our suggestions for getting started without getting overwhelmed, broken down by publishing company:
DC Comics
Batman
Swamp Thing
Animal Man
Earth 2
Wonder Woman
Vertigo Imprint
Fables
Marvel Comics
Superior Spider-Man
Superior Foes of Spider-Man
Hawkeye
Young Avengers
Captain Marvel
Image Comics
Walking Dead
Sandman
Invincible
Saga
Take our list with you to your local comic shop, and they’ll be able to get you set up! Enjoy!
The Evolve Project and Geek Media Expo Offer Inspiration to Students
Nashville, TN – November 18, 2013: A recent nationwide study by the National Center for Education Statistics and Bureau of Justice Statistics showed that 48% of students in grades 6–12 have experienced bullying. However, The Evolve Project, a local non-profit, is making strides to stop this harmful behavior in the Middle-Tennessee area. The organization will be hosting their next anti-bullying event, sponsored by Geek Media Expo (GMX), for the students of Dupont Tyler Middle School in Hermitage, TN on December 6, 2013 at 2 pm CST.
The Evolve Project program, developed by Nashville’s own Child Care Alliance, is an anti-bullying and positive self-esteem initiative that reaches out to middle-school-aged children through performance arts. They are currently working with schools, their boards, and sponsors to allow them to travel to schools across the state and the nation making presentations which include dancers, singers, actors, and various performing artists along with a powerful message of tolerance and respect for self and others. They also are in the process of building an interactive website, theevolveproject.org, that will provide educators, parents, and children a forum to network, empower, learn, and problem solve.
“We are excited that we will be able to share this very important message with almost 700 children,” notes The Evolve Project founder Cleta Paige-Davis. “This school visit was made possible thanks to the support of the staff and attendees of the Geek Media Expo event. It’s through the sponsorship of partners such as Geek Media Expo that allows us to positively impact lives.”
Geek Media Expo, the Nashville area’s Next Generation Multi-Fandom Exposition, worked to raise awareness and money for this important program through the sale of custom GMX hockey jerseys, a PS4 raffle provided by GameStop, a Doctor Who themed fundraiser called Exterminate Bullying, a Marble Hornets auction, and other happenings throughout the weekend-long event earlier this month. “GMX strives to create a welcoming environment where everyone feels comfortable to be themselves without the fear of judgement. So it was a natural fit to work with The Evolve Program as a partner charity,” adds Steven Unverzagt, the vice president and executive director of Geek Media Expo. “Our team is honored to have helped to bring the anti-bullying message to more children in our local community.”
ABOUT GMX:
The Geek Media Expo is an annual exposition and social conference relating primarily to the popular arts, sciences, technology, engineering, mathematics, and relevant cultural/lifestyle themes, presented as an educational and multi-media entertainment showcase. The event serves as a major revenue driver for the ArtsCubed organization. ArtsCubed is a Nashville-based not-for-profit corporation. The mission of ArtsCubed is to advance popular visual, performing and literary arts – along with related cultural experiences central to the lives of the community – through events, outreach, education and associated initiatives. Current events include Geek Media Expo (GMX), Middle Tennessee Anime Convention (MTAC), and the Nashville Zombie Walk. ArtsCubed is operated entirely by a volunteer staff.
ABOUT ARTSCUBED:
ArtsCubed is a not-for-profit corporation with the mission to “Advance popular visual, performing and literary arts – along with related cultural experiences central to the lives of the community – through events, outreach, education and associated initiatives.” Since 1999, the group has produced the Middle TN Anime Convention, an annual celebration of Japanese animation and pop culture. In 2009, an additional convention was added: the Geek Media Expo (which takes place this Nov. 1-3 this year). This event expanded the scope of their work to include the larger pop media and arts realm. In addition to reaching collective attendance of over 10,000 patrons to their 2102 events, the organization supports and assists the Nashville Mini-Maker Faire, Nashville Cherry Blossom Festival, and Atlanta’s JapanFest. ArtsCubed recently assumed control of the Nashville Zombie Walk, an annual gathering of costumed walkers which raised one ton of food in 2012 for the Second Harvest Food Bank. Other charitable beneficiaries have included The Red Cross, Locks of Love, Out of the Darkness, St. Jude, and various smaller local initiatives. Currently awaiting 501(c)(3) application approval, ArtsCubed aims to be the first federally recognized “geek arts” non-profit.
Atlanta based show provides mentoring life planning with a geeky twist
Cartersville, GA, November 19, 2013– Seriously, Dan is a transmedia project that focuses on providing lifestyle content primarily to the fan-based or “geek” community. Focusing on love, encouragement, and practical advice–Seriously, Dan has developed a following on the internet and has presented live seminars at several fan-based conventions. November 30, 2013 Seriously, Dan will move to the radio with a new weekly show on AM 1270 WYXC-AM, serving Northern Metro Atlanta out of Cartersville, GA.
“This move represents a new and exciting evolution in the Seriously, Dan project as we move to live radio. Since I have started Seriously, Dan I have had one purpose: to entertain and uplift as many people as possible. Our unique message of planning and execution to achieve life goals comes out of my personal experience and also my professional training as a project manager and planning expert.” Dan Carroll, Seriously Dan
“I meet many brilliant, talented folks who have dreams and no maps to achieve those dreams,” explained Carroll, “I understand these people in a lot of ways because I had dreams that were too vague and distant. I had forgotten that wonderful is just recognizing the wonderful world we live in. I have been without a plan and wasted so much energy accomplishing nothing.”
Seriously, Dan considers itself to be a project for sharing acceptance, patience, planning skills, and joy for life. The program provides direct advice to requests, interviews with experts in life skills, and conversations with those who have overcome adversity to achieve dreams.
Seriously, Dan started an Indiegogo fundraiser to help cover expenses for the move to radio. “This Indiegogo gives the community a chance to support change and love for people that need change in their lives.” For more information about the Indiegogo fundraiser: http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/seriously-dan-on-the-air/x/5075249
What do others think about Seriously, Dan’s efforts?
“Dan is an ally to all geeks, a ferocious defender of the fans, an inspirational leader, and one of the kindest guys I know.” Jen Yates, Cakewrecks.com
Dan Carroll, the “Dan” of Seriously, Dan is a certified Project Manager Professional (PMP), an IT project manager, and a public relations/media relations expert for arts and cultural events. He has been a motivational speaker for disabled citizens looking to enter the workspace, a mentor for at risk youth, and a certified hospice counselor. Within the convention/geek community he is known for his work with Dragon Con, MomoCon, and The Artifice Club; which are among other activities throughout the Southeast.
Now that Jen has a few Dragon Con‘s under her belt, she wanted to share her tips for how to plan and survive Dragon Con 2014:
1. Eat! There’s so much to see and do, it can be overwhelming, especially if it’s your first Dragon Con. Schedule time for proper meals, and bring snacks. There’s nothing worse than sitting in a five-hour gaming session or a great panel, only to be distracted by the rumblings in your stomach.
2. Drink water! Dragon Con is often called “Mardi Gras for nerds”, and is unlike any other convention I’ve been to. It’s a 24-hour experience, and there’s always a party somewhere. Hydration is important, whether you’re drinking or not. No one wants to be sick and hung over for half the weekend!
3. Don’t overbook yourself! I like to make a list of my absolute must-sees, and then build a schedule around it. There are many panels that go on at the same time, and you simply can’t see them all. Prioritizing (and including meals in your schedule) will help you see what you really want to see, and still give you time to enjoy your weekend. And don’t forget to schedule in line-waiting! Especially with panels, there is almost always a line. Showing up thirty minutes early to the John Barrowman panel probably won’t be enough time for you to be able to get in. Use your best judgement to decide which panels will probably be the most popular, and scope out the waiting area beforehand.
4. Bring a camera with extra film/batteries/SD cards! The costumes at Dragon Con are top-notch, and many costumers have different sets of costumes depending on the time of day. Outlets for charging phones and cameras can be scarce, so bringing some backup batteries just to make sure you don’t miss the amazing costumes or fantastic makeup as the night goes on.
5. Get cash! The ATM machines around the convention hotels tend to run out of cash early in the weekend. Most vendors, and all the restaurants in the food court, take plastic, but nobody turns down cash.
6. Stand in the lobby of each host hotel for at least ten minutes. That’s it, just stand there, at any time of day. You’re bound to see something incredible and different in each one.
Got any more tips? Let us know, and we’ll see you all next year!
This week’s Seriously, Dan! article is all about being true to yourself and what you love. And how to keep old comics in excellent condition. Check it out here.
Starting this week, we’ll be publishing Seriously, Dan. Follow each week as Dan gives advice and answers your questions. This week – how to balance your geek with the rest of your life. Check out the post here.
3. Don’t overbook yourself! I like to make a list of my absolute must-sees, and then build a schedule around it. There are many panels that go on at the same time, and you simply can’t see them all. Prioritizing (and including meals in your schedule) will help you see what you really want to see, and still give you time to enjoy your weekend. And don’t forget to schedule in line-waiting! Especially with panels, there is almost always a line. Showing up thirty minutes early to the John Barrowman panel probably won’t be enough time for you to be able to get in. Use your best judgement to decide which panels will probably be the most popular, and scope out the waiting area beforehand.
5. Get cash! The ATM machines around the convention hotels tend to run out of cash early in the weekend. Most vendors, and all the restaurants in the food court, take plastic, but nobody turns down cash.
This week’s Seriously, Dan! article is all about perseverance and loving what you do. Check it out 