Being Geek Chic is a blog about one woman navigating the male-dominated industries of production and tech. It's written by Elizabeth Giorgi, Founder, CEO and Director of Mighteor - one of the world's first internet video production companies. Learn more about Mighteor here.
So Halloween is upon us and I’ve been sucking down Caramel Apple Pops like I got hired to check out the evenness of the caramel to apple ratio. In fact, I am not being paid. I just have a problem. Or an obsession. Whatever. Point is, you don’t have to go the candy route! You can totally go DIY on your Halloween costume AND your treats.
Here’s some really fun ones:
Make Veronica Mars themed Marshmallow treats! Add some food coloring to make them a little more festive if you like. Or don’t. White is fun too. Recipe here!
Make Star Wars themed Death Star Popcorn Balls! I love me a popcorn ball. And while they were a hot item on the grocery shelves during my trick or treating years, they are much more uncommon now. So, you’ll just have go get the kernels and the butter and the syrup and do it yourself. So worth it. Recipe here!
Cook up Harry Potter’s favorite pumpkin desert! Everyone loves Harry Potter, even the newest readers of the series. I love the pasties because they are so good fresh, but they’re even better cold. Shhh. I know it’s weird. But yum. Recipe here!
Let’s bake some Iron Man Arc Reactor Cookies for all those Marvel themed customed kiddos! I’m expecting to see at least 10 tiny Thors, 6 adorable Hulks and 5 itty bitty Iron Mans on Friday. It only makes sense that I’d delight them with Arc Reactor cookies. Come on now! So cute. Recipe here!
Comics are truly great. But they can be a little intimidating, there’s no denying. Issue numbers in the hundreds and beyond. Comic book stores with wall-to-wall selection staring down at you. What’s an average Joe or Jane to do? “Like This/Read That!” is your semi-recurring comic book breakdown, sending out fresh reading recommendations that are simple, sensible, and positively super.
It seems like only yesterday that Marvel Studios first announced Guardians of the Galaxy. An adaptation of one of their more obscure properties, it was initially met with surprise and billed as one of the company’s biggest creative risks yet. But here we are on the day of the film’s release, with marketing hype, critical acclaim and viewer anticipation all at a fever pitch. Guardians is poised to be the latest smash hit for Marvel, and as a sign of things to come, its sequel is already announced for 2017.
If you find yourself instantly charmed with the Guardians’ cinematic turn this weekend, you might feel inclined to jump into the pages of their comic adventures. Because this is one of Marvel’s more obscure and varied properties, it can be a bit difficult to unpack it all, but once you get started, there’s a lot of great stuff to get hooked on. So take that first small step, with these recommendations:
Read This: Guardians of the Galaxy (2008-2010) (Digital, Print)
The Guardians of the Galaxy that first appeared in the pages of Marvel Comics in the 1960s and 70s actually look completely different from the Guardians of today, seen in both the comics and the film. They had names like Starhawk, Vance Astrovik and Charlie-27 (you can read those originals in a separate collection of comics available in digital and print formats). For the Guardians you know, you should start with this 2008 series that established the team’s current lineup – Star-Lord, Gamora, Drax, Groot and Rocket Raccoon. While the story of the Guardians film doesn’t directly mirror these issues, the characters and tone take a lot of inspiration. While I find that this run gets a little bogged down in tying its stories to big Marvel Comics “events” – making it difficult to understand and appreciate the whole story unless you commit to reading many other associated series – it is a well regarded run and a great place to start.
Read This: Guardians of the Galaxy (2013) Volume 1: Cosmic Avengers (Digital, Print)
Fast forwarding a few years bring us here: Around the same time that Marvel announced their Guardians film, they kicked off this brand new comic series, putting the Guardians back into the rotation after a few years off. This first volume includes a special “0.1 issue” covering the origins of Star-Lord, in-addition to four one-off stories that introduce each of the Guardians – I’m particularly fond of the Groot-focused story. When the introductions are done, you get a simple little arc to kick things off, providing a taste of both the cosmic scope of the universe these characters inhabit and the team dynamics that drive their space-faring adventures.
Read This: Annihilation Omnibus (Digital, Print) and Thanos Imperative (Digital, Print)
As mentioned above, the 2008 Guardians run is connected to many various Marvel Comics events. And in fact, the event Annihilation, spanning numerous Marvel comics series, put into motion the creation of Star-Lord’s team and is alluded to often throughout the issues of Guardians that followed. In that way, Annihilation acts as a prologue or prequel of sorts. What’s more, it’s a great place to get introduced to Ronan the Accuser and the Nova Corps, two key players in the Guardians film. Meanwhile, Thanos Imperative was the event that followed at the conclusion of the Guardians run of 2008 to 2010 and it acts as a bridge between that series and the one that is running today. Neither of these titles have Guardians in the title, but they still hold an important place in the universe the Guardians inhabit.
Read This: Rocket Raccoon and Groot Complete Collection (Digital, Print) and Rocket Raccoon (2014) (Digital, Print)
My personal favorite members of the Guardians of the Galaxy are Groot and Rocket Raccoon, and I suspect I’m not alone in that position. If you share this sentiment, here’s something old and something new for you to enjoy. Marvel has gathered up a number of Rocket and Groot’s original appearances in a handy little collection, helping you take a look back. Pair that with the brand new Rocket Raccoon series, which just launched its #1 issue in July. As you might guess, this one focuses on Rocket, but Groot is in the mix too. The art and the tone here are silly and fun, and for a free taste, don’t miss the preview the series received for Free Comic Book Day 2014.
Read This: Star-Lord: Guardian of the Galaxy (Digital, Print) and Legendary Star-Lord (Digital, Print)
The Guardians film is already being hailed as a star-making turn for Chris Pratt, and with that, the character Star-Lord is sure to get some more attention, working his way up the ranks of Marvel’s most iconic heroes. Anticipating this, Marvel has given Star-Lord the same treatment as Rocket and Groot: a collection featuring a number of his old, original comic stories and a brand new series just kicking off this summer. Check these out if you’d like to get further acquainted with the leader at the core of the Guardians of the Galaxy.
And with that, you’re all set to keep your Guardians of the Galaxy excitement going long after the credits roll at the cinema. Be sure to drop your thoughts and recommendations in the comments, and join me in ending this post in the only way that seems right… I am Groot.
Guest post by Adam Giorgi, who also happens to be my brother. He’s a writer, gamer, reader and Potter head. He also makes cool comics from time to time. Check out his blog: Geek-Attack. Follow him on twitter: @adamgiorgi
She’s geek and she’s très chic. She has a BFA in Women’s Sportswear from the Fashion Institute of Technology, she’s interned for Michael Kors, studied knitwear abroad at the Politecnico di Milano, been mentored by Carolina Herrera, and blogs about the relationship between geekery and couture over at Fashion + Geekery. Meet Yissel Ayala (@TheDesignerGeek).
When she’s not celebrating geek-inspired high fashion, Ayala can be found hosting brunch for fellow lady geeks, as a founding member of Geek Girl Brunch, an NYC-based meetup group of ladies who geek out together. Mimosas are usually always involved. Each month has a theme, and August’s is Marvel. Sign up here.
While you wait to discuss the tragedy of Gwen Stacy or a feminist critique of Captain America, check out Ayala’s interview with Being Geek Chic!
Q: Why and how did Geek Girl Brunch become a reality?
A: An excited Twitter convo between geek girls wanting to see each other and hang out IRL led to our inaugural brunch. After all the fun we had, it was natural for some of us to want to spread the joy and invite others into the fold. At that first brunch, Jamila and I briefly mentioned this to each other because: great minds. When Rachel joined us for the first time, she echoed our sentiments, our passion and our commitment. For a group of talented bloggers who enjoy networking, drinking, and meeting new people to geek out with, growth was eminent. Who isn’t a fan of socializing with like-minded folk in a casual, relaxed setting? Finding those girls was the logical next step. That brunch became our first planning meeting for expansion.
Now we’re hosting NYCC’s Fan Girls’ Night Out (they actually came to us), and plans are underway to grow our network internationally. We’re very grateful to have each other, and to have support from our newly appointed Officers Leslie and Melissa. Somehow they find the time between running the International Geek Girl Pen Pal Club, and writing a remarkable YA trilogy (soon to be best seller, just wait) to help out from time to time. A great organization attracts great people.
Q: What geeky fashion trends can we look forward to in the fall?
A: Excuse me while I run back to my blog for reference! Fall has no shortage of geeky trends. That’s due in part to the Advertising geniuses at Disney, that have actively been reaching out to and partnering with designers. Star Wars ruled the runways at fashion week, appearing in NYC and London, and that was by no means a coincidence. That was genius marketing. Even Red Valentino’s fall collection is a Disney collaboration. Entirely inspired by Snow White, it features apple motifs and dresses and accessories emblazoned with the princesses’ face.
This fall also marks the debut collection from the newly rebranded MBMJ (Marc by Marc Jacobs). That collection, inspired by Power Rangers, ninjas, samurai and BMX, harmoniously blended those influences together to bring us… Akira. I watched it and thought… this is a very Akira-esque fashion show. It’s a collection for a tough, strong girl with attitude and it was brilliantly executed.
Along this same vein, the McQ Alexander McQueen fall collection features prints by Manga artist Yoshiyasu Tamura (Fudegami). Prepare to see a lot of cheap copy cat looks of these high-end collections make their way into mass-market chains .
Along with the obviously geeky, I’m really looking forward to a not-so-geeky, but happy trend: COLOR. Drab and dark this fall/winter ain’t. from color blocked fur coats (thank you Prada), to bold graphics and painterly prints, this coming season will be more saturated than cell animation. Matter of fact, cartoons do make an appearance in some of these prints. Rest assured there will still be plenty of black and grey if you’re anti color. But plenty of metallics for you to work into your wardrobe too.
Expect fantasy too. Fairytales a la the aforementioned Snow White collection. Precious motifs like roses, stars, hearts, cute woodland creatures… show up in cocktail and evening dresses. Every girl can be a princess this season.
Oh, and the fellas? They’ll be Knights and Princess.
Q: When did you discover you were “geeky”?
A: You know, when I was camping out for a midnight Harry Potter release in a hooded cloak, brandishing a wand and a drawn on lightning bolt scar (directly over my real one)… I thought nothing of it. I think you realize when someone actually tells you. The moment you wax poetic about a character/book/film that someone else couldn’t care less about, and they respond in kind with a roll of the eyes. I don’t remember having that moment. I do vaguely remember my first trips to the Way Station. Developing friendships with people who identified as geeks and having them welcome me into the fold is probably what helped me accept the label. Attending Wasabassco burlesque shows and becoming a part of that sexy geek family didn’t hurt either!
Q: If you could take any fictional character out for a drink, whom would you choose and what would you drink?
A: I wont even attempt to give some haughty contrived answer here. Harry Potter and I are splitting a bottle of merlot and I’m hoping for a hook-up here. Ginny be damned.
Q: What would you tell your 13-year-old self?
A: If I may be so candid here… I grew up with an abusive father who took every opportunity to remind me that, I was fat, I was ugly, I would never find love, and I would never achieve anything. I wish I could go back and warn myself not to listen, and refuse to be broken. Because he was wrong…..He was so wrong.
Emma Bauer is a Being Geek Chic Contributor. Clearly, she’s got great taste. She is a PR enthusiast, dog lover, tea drinker, art appreciator, and of course, aspires to Be Geek Chic. Follow her on Twitter: @emmalynnbauer
Comics are truly great. But they can be a little intimidating, there’s no denying. Issue numbers in the hundreds and beyond. Comic book stores with wall-to-wall selection staring down at you. What’s an average Joe or Jane to do? “Like This/Read That!” is your semi-recurring comic book breakdown, sending out fresh reading recommendations that are simple, sensible, and positively super.
As far as weekends go, the first weekend in May is always a special one, typically filled to the brim with geeky goodness. As May 2014’s first weekend gets underway, that holds especially true this year. Today Friday, May 2, a significant new comic book movie hits screens (as is often the case this time each year) with the release of The Amazing Spider-Man 2. Two days later, on Sunday, May 4, fans around the world will celebrate “Star Wars Day,” surely one of the coolest unofficial holidays around (Ahem, May the Fourth be with you). And wedged in between on Saturday, May 3, perhaps most importantly, is Free Comic Book Day, taking place each year on the first Saturday in May. As the name implies, the day celebrates comic book culture and more specifically, the independent comic book store by, how else, giving away free comic books!
In this flurry of activity, there has perhaps never been a better weekend to jump into the world of comics! We’re here to help you partake in the festivities, with these timely comic book recommendations:
Read this: Various Free Comic Book Day 2014 Special Issues (Preview)
On Free Comic Book Day, the best things in life are indeed free. Come Saturday, you’ll have a little bit of everything to choose from. Some publishers do sneak previews of their upcoming titles. Want to see what this Guardians of the Galaxy buzz is all about before the August film? Marvel’s freebies have got you covered. Other publishers do commemorative issues, celebrating past classics. Did you love Archie, Betty and Veronica when you were young? There’s a special Archie Comics Digest on offer just for you. Whatever the case may be, you can get prepped by looking at all of the special issues online.
Each comic book shop marks the occasion in its own way. Typically, every store will have a slightly different selection, with some stores doing random grab bags, some letting you take your pick of four or five issues, and others even channeling their inner Oprah with other sales and giveaways too (“You get a free comic, you get a free comic!”). And fear not if there’s no local comic store near you or your store runs out of the freebie you want: Most of the Free Comic Book Day issues will be available on digital storefronts like Comixology as well. It may not be as fun as partaking in person, but it’s just as free!
Read this: Amazing Spider-Man #1 (Digital)
If you’re not a die-hard comic book fan who races to the store each week to buy the latest and greatest issues, you might be surprised to learn that for much of the past year and a half, there has not been a major Spider-Man comic starring Peter Parker in publication. Indeed, the most recent mainline Spider-Man title, Superior Spider-Man starred the long-time villain Doctor Otto Octavius, who injected his consciousness into Peter Parker’s body through the wacky wonders of comic book science (Really.). But that story recently reached its finale, and Peter Parker made his triumphant return with a new #1 issue earlier this week (What conveniently wonderful timing you have, Marvel.). So if you want to get on-board with the newest adventures of the classic Spidey you know – facing off with Electro of all villains – then this comic is worth a look. Why not give it a download or pick up a copy at your local comic book store on Free Comic Book Day?
Read this: Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (Digital, Print) and Star Wars: Dark Empire (Digital, Print)
With the cast for Star Wars Episode VII revealed earlier this week, Star Wars Day 2014 may be one of the most jubilant in a long time (again, conveniently wonderful timing, eh?). It seems Star Wars fans have some reason to be excited once more. One casualty of all this excitement however, has been the “Star Wars Expanded Universe,” which encompassed all of the Star Wars characters and stories that sprang to life outside of the films – in novels, comic books, video games and other various media through the years.
To both honor the passing of the Expanded Universe, and to stoke your excitement for the impending return of Star Wars to cinemas, you might like to pick up some Star Wars comic books this weekend. There have been many, and you can take your picks whether you have a preference for Jedi’s or Bounty Hunters. But here are a couple very well-regarded titles to get you started, one focusing on the beginnings of the Star Wars saga and another telling a story intended to directly follow the ending of Return of the Jedi (which could provide some fun food for thought with regards to the new post-Jedi story J.J. Abrams and crew are shaping now). In any case, let the anticipation for that scrolling text and the booming John Williams score begin…
And there you have it! I hope these recommendations help supplement a weekend of geeky delights. Happy Free Comic Book Day to one and all! Now if you’ll excuse me, I shall return to my attempts to map out Saturday’s ideal route between all my favorite local comic shops.
Guest post by Adam Giorgi, who also happens to be my brother. He’s a writer, gamer, reader and Potter head. He also makes cool comics from time to time. Check out his blog: Geek-Attack. Follow him on twitter: @adamgiorgi
Comics are truly great. But they can be a little intimidating, there’s no denying. Issue numbers in the hundreds and beyond. Comic book stores with wall-to-wall selection staring down at you. What’s an average Joe or Jane to do? “Like This/Read That!” is your semi-recurring comic book breakdown here at Being Geek Chic, sending out fresh reading recommendations that are simple, sensible, and positively super.
Like Captain America himself, frozen away for years in cold, suspended animation, I’ve been missing-in-action from my comic recommending duties over these past few months. But there’s nothing like a new movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe to wake me from my blogging slumber!
Captain America: The Winter Soldier hits theaters in just a matter of days, and in honor of that exciting occasion, I’m back in action with some comic book recommendations, focused squarely on the First Avenger’s return to the screen. Whether you’re building your excitement before heading to the cinema, or you want to dive deeper after the credits roll, these recommendations have got you covered.
You want to explore the original inspirations for the movie
Read This: Captain America: The Winter Soldier Vol. 1 (Digital, Print) and Vol. 2 (Digital, Print)
Captain America’s newest film doesn’t just borrow its name from this mid-2000s story arc; in the pages of these issues, you’ll find much of the direct inspiration for the story being told in the Captain America sequel. So it only makes sense to start your reading list here. Written by Ed Brubaker, this is amongst the most well regarded modern Captain America stories. Give it a look to explore the roots that inspired the filmmakers.
You’re searching for a topical, modern Captain America story
Read Captain America: The New Deal (2002-2004) (Digital, Print).
I’ve always found the “man out of time” hook to be the most compelling thing about Captain America. How does a soldier birthed in an era of national unity, when lines between ally and enemy were apparent and clear, adjust suddenly to a world of complex geo-political tensions, compromises and ever-present shades of gray? How does an icon of patriotism rally and reflect the people’s will in an age of cynicism, hyper-partisanship and bitter political divides? I’ve yet to find the story that completely satisfies on these fronts, but here’s one that scratches the surface. Imagining the actions of Steve Rogers in the wake of the September 11 attacks and the ensuing War on Terror, this series treads sensitive ground, but is filled with strong art and some thought-provoking moments.
You enjoy Black Widow’s increasing role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe
Read Black Widow (2014) (Digital, Print).
The marketing and promotion campaign leading up to the release of Captain America: The Winter Soldier has put a large focus on the Black Widow and her relationship with Steve Rogers. If this and some recent rumors of a standalone Black Widow film are to your liking, you’ve got to check out the brand new Marvel NOW! series starring Black Widow. It just kicked off with issue #1 in January 2014, and early buzz is strong. Get in on the ground floor with these early issues to explore the life of Natasha Romanoff and her past as a KGB assassin.
You’d like to see more of Cap’s newest partner-in-heroics, the Falcon
Read Captain America and Falcon (Digital) and Ultimate Nightmare (Digital, Print)
While Captain America isn’t known for his sidekicks to the same extent that some other heroes are (cough, Batman, cough), he has definitely had a few. There’s been Bucky Barnes, Sub-Mariner and the Invaders, and perhaps most prominently, the Falcon. Falcon has been a mainstay in the pages of Captain America comics over the years (including a couple of the ones I’ve recommended above), and now he’s set to make his cinematic debut. Want an intro to the Falcon? I recommend these two comics as a start. The one-off Captain American and Falcon issue provides a more classic look at the character, while Ultimate Nightmare sees the character’s first appearance in the more contemporary Ultimate Marvel universe – where you can expect to see a Falcon that more closely reflects the film’s take on the character.
You’re pondering the possibilities for Captain America 3 and beyond
Read Winter Soldier (Digital, Print)
It has been unclear to me whether the identity and role of the Winter Soldier falls into movie spoiler territory for non-comic book readers, but ever mindful, I’m offering this final recommendation as something to be read only after seeing Captain America: The Winter Soldier. The Winter Soldier may or may not have a further role to play in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (a la our friend Loki), but in either case, this series bearing his name will give you an outlet to explore more of his background, and to join along in his continuing misadventures, whatever may come of his on-screen counterpart.
So there you have it friends, there are five fresh comic book recommendations that should pair quite nicely with the latest slice of Marvel cinematic goodness, Captain America: The Winter Soldier. Enjoy the movie, enjoy the comics, and as always, be sure to share your own thoughts and recommendations in the comments below.
Guest post by Adam Giorgi, who also happens to be my brother. He’s a writer, gamer, reader and Potter head. He also makes cool comics from time to time. Check out his blog: Geek-Attack. Follow him on twitter: @adamgiorgi
