Adventures of a New (and clueless) Comic Fan

Guest Post by Pirate Jenny

I always knew that one day, I'd want to do it.

I figured, if I was going to go through with it, I needed to do it sooner rather than later.

But what if I don't know what to do? What if I make a fool of myself? The concerns raced on.

Finally, I couldn't take it anymore, the wondering was getting to me. I had to just get on with it, if I truly wanted to know what it was like. I had to see for myself.

I had to bite the bullet, and visit a comic book store.

I've heard and read about these great experiences that others have had about hanging out at their local comic store, that it's a place they value that brings fun and connection for them. I've wanted to experience that for myself, and I've had a daydream or ten about what these visits look like. I imagine the regulars mosey in and peruse the aisles, loudly swapping banter with the employees. Because I had yet to visit a comic store, I had no real concept of what was discussed, but my imagination suggested discourse that was heady, reflective of a deep fervor for all things illustrative, or tech, or...well, how the hell should I know, I’d yet to go there.

I feel pretty confident that I’ve been completely romanticizing this experience (as I tend to do with most things), and that in fact, I would probably just come across a very boring old store that had folks trying to get the latest issues and be on their way. Or worse, find nothing but irritation as I completely made a fool of myself trying to maneuver that space. Nevertheless, I was still excited to carry out my goal.

A sunny Saturday arrived. After a quick Google search, I found the nearest store in my area, and headed over. Pulled into the parking lot, and walked in. A gentleman was standing in the nearest aisle, a few comics in tow as he checked out the selections. He quickly glanced at me, then returned to his search. Strange, I thought. He’s supposed to be giving me the stink eye. I continued on. I end up near two guys deep in conversation about Marvel-something-or-other. I quickly try to learn the store’s layout and organization, all while trying to find my desired comic (Storm). What was old? What was new? Do I just seek out a section that says Storm? Or are things listed by author? Who wrote Storm? I should probably know that. “I need so much help,” I muttered.

“Do you need help, ma’am?” Weird. He’s supposed to be completely unaffected by my business.

I replied, “Sure. I’m just looking for something for my nephew.”

What? Why do I feel the need to throw my ten-year-old nephew into this?!

The employee, one of the two gentlemen chatting, walks up to me. “What specific comic do you need?”

“Oh. “Star Wars”. He’s into that “Rebels” show right now.” I’m a mess.

The employee was kind of enough to take his time showing me comics for my nephew, and as I take the comics and listen to his reasons behind his recommendations, I feel like a jackass for even lying about my visit in the first place. Here’s this comic store employee, completely willing to help me, not the least bit pretentious. And here I am, afraid to be honest about what I don’t know and what I want to know, so much so that I’d rather spend money on comics for a kid who won’t even read them (trust me, he won’t; watching a tv show title sequence is about as much reading as he likes to dive into).

He finishes his suggestions. It’s now or never girl.

“Um, do you happen to have, uh, “Storm” I guess?” Do not ask or wonder why I phrased the question that way.

“I do. That’s a good one, I like that series.”

Success!

We didn’t chat too much about the comic, just a few comments on the importance of the series. But it was nice all the same. I paid for the comics, and thanked him for his help. “Come back and see us,” he said with a warm smile.

I’ve yet to revisit that store, but I’m certainly sold on the comic store experience. I’m anxious to learn more, to see everything else that’s out there. With comics there seems to be such an expansive culture of narratives. And frankly, you’re not born a comic guru; you have to start somewhere. So while this new territory definitely overwhelms me, if I start small, and look to some trustworthy folks for great suggestions, I think I’ll have fun with all of this.

Pirate Jenny works with youth and their communities.  She observes, live tweets and enjoys copious amounts of Skittles.  She wishes she wrote more.  You can usually find her on Twitter: @pirate_jenn

Let's Get Social!

I'm the first one to tell you that I wasn't the social media flag bearer from the start. I was hesitant to jump into something that felt like it was opening up my personal life for the whole world to see. But then a friend created a myspace account for me and modern day phobias started to subside.

This same friend threatened to make a Facebook profile for me, but I beat him to it so as not to have him make me look like a nut or put Too Much Info on my page. We're still friends, but he can't touch any of my profiles, or action figures.
The social network that I embraced the most has been Twitter. If you haven't used twitter yet, it's probably because you have the same reservations that I did "What can you say in 140 character snippets?" I had a personal twitter account which I tried, but didn't use. Then, after I started blogging on the regular (geeksoulbrother.com) I created one for my site - @geeksoulbrother. Now I'm kicking myself for not diving into twitter much earlier than I did.

Let me back up a bit.  I'm a mix of introvert and extrovert.  Growing up, I didn't like big gatherings where it was expected to know everybody.  But then I would be loud and animated with close friends and enjoyed getting the attention.  Now, having walked the road of life for many miles, things have flipped.  I learned how to talk in crowds and gatherings, give speeches and presentations, and be able to spark up a discussion about current politics or the current superhero film (more the latter).

Social media was the next thing I had to conquer.  I mean, how was I going to start writing scripts, or develop media projects, or even start a blog if I was worried about what people thought of my writing and opinions?

I started with Facebook because, well they are suppose to be your family and friends, right?  If you can't sound stupid or crazy in front of them, who can you?  I found that people aren't as critical as one might think.  Of course that depends on how far you put yourself out there.  I tend to put myself out pretty far, sometimes without meaning to.  But it still worked out because I could go to my next steps, which were blogging, podcasting, and being on Youtube.

Back to getting social and twitter.  Unlike Facebook or Google+ or many other social networks, twitter is built for people to know people, quickly and without worry.  To socialize with people at a safe distance, yet have comfortable conversations with strangers.  You know that cashier that you talk to almost every time you go to the store?  The one that likes horror movies, has kids, asks about your day, leaves you with a joke?  That's twitter.  But it's much more.  I've met people that have helped me promote my site, gotten celebrity guest because of it, connected with black and non-black geeks that I would never have met any other way.  In fact, because of a conversation I had on twitter, I came up with this site as part of the next gap to fill for the black geek community.

I kept reading tweets about geeks who were black and didn't know that there were whole communities out there that they could connect with.  I referred to them in a post on my other blog as 'Islands of Afro-Awkwardness floating in the caucazoid sea of geekdom.'   They were geeks and could hang with fellow geeks, but didn't find that added cultural aspect to share over.

So here we are with BLACK GEEKS MEET, one answer to the call of 'Where are all the Black Geeks At?'  And this isn't the only answer, nor the first by far.  There are plenty of communities that are social gathering places for black geeks and nerds.  My online friends and fellow bloggers Black Girl Nerds and The Black Geeks, or Black Science Fiction Society were answering the call well before this site.  But the mission is specific - help black geeks know about each other, get out of their shell, find a virtual geek home, and give a platform to network and encourage each other.  Maybe BGM will become a full networking site, maybe even a place to find a geek date that likes sweet potato pie.  Personally, I hope it is able to help in all of those categories.  There is nothing as refreshing (socially) as seeing Black men and women connecting on different levels at once - culturally and intellectually while getting their Nerd on!  I love a good Nerdy conversation.

So let's get social and see where it takes us all in life!

How to Stop Being a Shy Geek?

Are you Black, Shy and a Geek? You're Not Alone!

All geeks are a blend of introvert and extrovert.  Some are social, but many are not.  Mostly it's because we are a little awkward at times when it comes to socializing.  And also... well you know those looks you get when you start talking about all the Sci-fi you watch, or your love of cartoons though you're an adult.  The reactions from the uninformed public tend to make geeks want to keep to themselves, until they're around other geeks of course.

And what about being a black geek?  Your family and the brothers and sisters in the community don't have time to debate which Star Trek Captain was the best one.  Ain't nobody got time for that! Many of them wouldn't be caught dead talking about spaceships at all.

I was a little shy growing up.  I didn't like parties all that much.  Especially ones where you were suppose to mingle with the 'in crowd'.   Some of you that are reading might know what I'm talking about.  But now, with a few years under my belt, I've learn a thing or two about myself and how to be more social.  Here are some suggestions that might help you work your way out of that shyness, or Coming out of the Tardis as I call it (Dr. Who?.. no?).

Share your Geekdom, but Test the Waters

You have to learn to be patient when your trying to share your love of all things geek with people. After a lifetime of seeing reactions to me when I start talking about astronomy or comics, I've learned to hold back for a minute or two.  Those uncomfortable pauses in the conversation when you blurt out a Live Long and Prosper can be such a social killer.  Most of this can be avoided if you just test the waters.  Start with mentioning something very general, like what films they've seen lately.  Don't ask if they watch Doctor Who right from the start.  That will lead you down a dark road.  If they say they've seen the latest superhero film, then you've found a new friend.  But if they say they've seen the new Seth Rogen film, then probe a little more.   Ask if they watch Scifi and depending on the answer you will know which road you can travel down in this social exchange - the cool fantastical road, or the boring no imagination or wonder road.  Just remember, not everybody shares your passions, but many do.  So take your time and you won't have to feel shy about it.

Join a Group, then Learn to Talk to that Group!

When I was younger I joined a church.  Keep reading, I'm not selling you any religion, just using this as an example.   So as I was becoming comfortable in the church, every now and then I was asked to give a talk or lesson or something to people.   Sure there was some nervousness at first, but being that I knew everyone, it became easier very quickly.  After a while I knew what this community found funny or interesting in whatever speech I was giving.  That was one of my first lessons in breaking out of shyness.  So do yourself a favor and find a group to join and then make an effort to impact that group by interacting, presenting and talking to them.  And if somebody wants you to talk about something to the group be open and go with it. Even if you feel nervous about it, the experience will be rewarding.

Teach What You Love

Doing a workshop is a great way of breaking out of your shyness.  Some people wouldn't think of themselves as teachers, but there are those that are always helping people by telling them how to do something.   If you fit that mold, take that action and expand on it. Teach a workshop or a lesson to a group of people, not just one.  Volunteer at the library, or sign up to teach an adult class.  Do people at your job need to learn something?  Set up a small gathering to share work tips or give some instruction on software.  People may even start asking you to present at some event.  That might sound scary, but if it falls in line with your passions, you will be happy you did it.  Believe me, if you really have love for a topic, you won't worry too much about being embarrassed.  And that shyness will give way to your excitement to share.

Hope these few tips can help you get through some of your shyness.  I would love to hear of other ways that you've though of.