Kids Comic Book Creative Writing Workshop

This workshop was about teaching kids character development and story structure using comic books. After all with the highly visual and condensed format of comics it’s easy for kids to see step by step what goes into creating a story. The panels make it easier to see what they’ve done without flipping back through previous pages like a regular story book.

So how did we accomplish this task? It was fairly easy actually. There were 3 worksheets the kids used; a superhero creator worksheet and 2 that were blank panel pages.


They started with the superhero outline as characters were explained as the building blocks of a story. On the front the kids created their superhero. Once they had finished they were asked to flip the page over to design their villain.

After they had designed their characters the kids were taught setting. They wrote down the name of where their characters lived on the same worksheet. These creations needed some place to live after all.

Once they had their setting conflict was introduced. The kids were told to figure out why their hero and villain didn’t like each other. Why it was they were fighting.

When they had their reasons and all of the ground work was set up they were given the 2 panel sheets. We explained that all that was left for them to figure out to make their story was how to resolve the conflict between the characters and how their story would end.

The kids set to work and the end result was fantastic! In both cases the hero and villain ended up being friends again resulting in a happy ending. Each individual story took its own path, but both girls decided that their characters needed to be friends at the end.

After they read me their stories the kids said they had fun and would tell their teacher what they had learned over break. We’re glad they had fun because we had fun putting it on. Looking forward to doing more of these workshops.

Hannibal Lecter Is My Valentine

 Valentine’s Day is a holiday that, generally, people loathe but the greeting card, candy companies, florists, restaurants, and retail stores enjoy. We shell out money, while they make it. Valentine’s Day is a holiday filled with guilt and depression. If you’re part of a couple there’s pressure to do something and if you’re single it’s a horrible reminder that you are single.

    Myself I’m really not a fan of the holiday for the afore mentioned reasons, despite being in a relationship. That’s why a few years ago, when I was still single, I came up with my own way to celebrate that makes the day more enjoyable. A way that makes me forget about the commercialized lovey dovey. I marathon Hannibal Lecter movies.

That’s right, I spend my Valentine’s Day with Hannibal Lecter. Sure he’s psychotic, but he’s smart, cultured, well read, enjoys the finer things, and let us not forget, an amazing cook. I know he eats people, but he’s such a gourmet chef that he’s able to hide the taste of human flesh so that his guests have no idea what they’re eating.

I have all of the movies; well all but one. I don’t have ‘Manhunter’ with William Petersen, but beyond that I have them all including season one of the Hannibal TV series. I alternate each year what order I watch them in. Sometimes I watch them in chronological order of the storyline which means I start with ‘Hannibal Rising’ and end with ‘Hannibal’. Other times I watch them in the order they were made so I start with ‘The Silence of the Lambs’ and end with ‘Hannibal Rising’.

    To top the day off I also order Chinese food delivery. Yep, Hannibal Lecter and Chinese food is the best way to spend Valentine’s Day that I have discovered. I binge on Hannibal the 14th and then discounted Valentine’s candy on the 15th.

Hannibal Lecter is my Valentine. How do you spend Valentine’s Day?

Comic Geeks Unite New Year Plan for 2015 (Part 1)

It’s that time of year again. Time to set goals to accomplish during this new year. For those who don’t know I wanna take a moment to explain that a few years ago I stopped making New Year’s Resolutions because to me resolutions are temporary and most don’t make it past March. I make goals so that I have a to do list that I have a year to get done.

Let’s take a sec to look at last year’s goals:

1) Try to make it to more events. (I want to carry this one over)
2) Do or get heavily involved in a geek event
3) Continue to work on my correspondence like when you guys send me stuff and keeping up with the page
4) Get a decent website up and running
5) Do a cosplay calendar
6) Spread the word about CGU
7) Never miss an opportunity to chat or hang with my geeky brethren
8) Now that I've started a blog, keep up with it.
I didn’t too horrible in keeping up with those goals. I didn’t get the website going, I wasn’t able to finish the cosplay calendar but I did start it, and I’ve been kinda lax about the blog here. One thing I did do last year to help ensure I met these goals was I took on a partner to help me run CGU so that I wasn’t spreading myself too thin.

My partner, Michael Conkright, and I have come up with a slightly different way of setting our goals and game plan for CGU for this year. The set up is called a CPR, which stands for Context, Purpose, and Results. In doing this we have also redefined the mission statement for Comic Geeks Unite. It also means that we are setting goals every 6 months. So this list of goals is what we hope to accomplish from January-June. In June we’ll evaluate what we’ve done and set new goals for June-December. So here goes:

Context (what we are at our core): Inspire geeks through fun

Purpose (our new mission statement): Comic Geeks Unite is to have a place where geeks can socialize, share interests, and express opinions without fear of being ridiculed or criticized.

Results (our goals):

• Whatever we do we break even monetarily
• Create a website
• Get sponsors for ads for the website
• Seek to do 6 educational workshops. (Even if I am unable to do them seek out 6 places to pitch the workshop idea)
• Talk to Chris Perry about being involved in the ANIMAINE convention
• Talk to Justin Labarge about setting up the website
• Attend at least 3 local shows, but if opportunity becomes available attend more
• We’re going to test a pod cast idea by launching 2 videos on YouTube for your feedback

Again keep in mind that this list of goals is only for the first 6 months. In June we’re going to re-evaluate these goals and create new ones. In the meantime if any of you have suggestions or things you would like to see from us here at Comic Geeks Unite let us know. After all we’re here for you, our fellow geeks.

Kids Comic Book Workshop 1

On Monday December 29 2014 I did my first Kids Comic Workshop at the Maine Children’s Discovery Museum in Augusta, Maine. Why? Because I honestly believe comics have a lot to teach us and I wanted to show both kids and parents that comics are more than caped heroes running after bad guys. The Children’s Discovery Museum liked that idea and gave me the opportunity to share my ideas.

I had planned to cover a few topics, but to also keep it light in order to make sure the kids were engaged and getting something out of it. I started my telling the kids before hand to dress up in superhero costumes. I also dressed in costume. I had mashed together 3-4 costumes that I have thinking I would match the kids when they showed up, but they surprised me. They came as Superman, Wolverine, Ninja Turtles, Jedi, and a few others. When they got there I made them all superhero name tags telling them they could pick any superhero name they wanted and I would call them that name during the workshop. One little boy came as a Japanese hero who for the life of me I couldn’t remember nor pronounce the name. I felt bad, but he had told me the English translation was Electric Man so that’s what I went with.

The format of the workshop went like this:

• Good Guys vs. Bad Guys
• Good guys don’t always wear white and bad guys don’t always wear black
• Tips on bullies and how not to be one
• Geek pride, what it means to be a geek
• Favorite heroes and why they like them
• Everyday heroes like police, firemen, doctors, volunteers, etc., and even our friends
• Comics can help reading
• Vocabulary words found in comics
• Comics teach us how to use our imagination

Then I ended by having the kids design their own superheroes and costumes. They spread out on the floor with paper and crayons creating their heroes. After they finished they proudly showed me what they had created.

It was a great experience and I’m looking to do more workshops like this. I had fun, the kids enjoyed themselves, and the Children’s Discovery Museum liked having something different for the kids to enjoy. Look for more workshops to come, and if you’re interesting in having me do a workshop feel free to contact me either thru Facebook at: www.facebook.com/comicgeeksunite or by e-mail at comicgeeksunite@yahoo.com.

A Geek's Night Before Christmas

Twas the night before Christmas and all thru the den comic books were stacked and I was reading again. I know I should sleep, despite the late hour but just can't help visiting Baxter Tower. My stocking was hung on the wall with a 3M hook as I nestled further into the chair reading my book.

My Superman jammies complete with cape after all of these years still in good shape. I wore them with pride despite the fade and a small rip in the side. Sure I should be in bed and I should be asleep, but the plot was getting deep. Time ticked away faster than planned reading about Elektra defeating The Hand.

Lost in my world when suddenly a loud sound like Mjolnair had been hurled. Quick as the Flash I ran to the window leaving my stash. A crimson streak went through the sky. It moved far quicker than the eye. Great Scott! What could this be? If it was Superman I couldn't see. A craft landed on the roof accompanied by the sound of a hoof. One hoof? No it was more. Quickly I ran locking the door. What this stranger would want I knew not. Please dear Odin let him leave alone my lot!

Down through the stove was such a loud clang. Unlocking the door and flinging it with a bang I ran to the kitchen unsure what I would find. Standing at the door with my hand on the knob my heart pounding causing my hand to throb. This was no time to be scared. I needed to be as brave as Daredevil dared. With a large gulp trying to fear no more I gave in pushing open the door.

To my amazment there was a large elf who was kind. His suit as red as red Hulk though around his waist was the most of his bulk. With white trim and beard I couldn't help thinking, "Man this is weird," His smile was bright as his eyes shone blue. He looked at me and said, "I've got something for you,"

With a twinkle in he eye as bright as Green Lantern's glow to his sack he dove in deep below. In mere moments he turned back round showing me what he had found. It was amazing! Astounding! I couldn't believe my eyes! My very own Batcopter that flies!


Of course that was not all. The red clad man beckoned me to follow him down the hall. Taking his sack to my tree he stood. Reaching in and pulling out gifts like a reverse hood. The complete Sandman, Hellboy too, and lets not forget the Gunslinger part two. The complete Hitchhiker's guide left me feeling all gooey inside.

One he was thru he closed up his bag and out the open window he flew. Up on the roof I could hear the old man talking to his reindeer. I was utterly amazed as this magic feat. It was watching Spider-Man swinging up the street. Into the night sky Santa flew away. I knew that I would never forget this Christmas day.

The Voice is the Same

 

I recently saw a video of a Q & A with H. Jon Benjamin at Comicon. A question was asked of how it was that Benjamin prepared for his various voice roles. For those unfamiliar with either H. Jon Benjamin’s name or his work let me explain his background a little bit. 

H. Jon Benjamin is a voice actor who has worked in various adult cartoon comedy shows. Benjamin is most noted as the voice of Sterling Archer in ‘Archer’ as well as Bob in ‘Bob’s Burgers’ and Orpheus’ master in ‘Venture Bros’. He has also done several other bit parts such as Moth Monster Man in ‘Aqua Teen Hunger Force’ and several others.

Now the reason the question is so funny is because Benjamin’s voice is the same no matter what character he voices. He has a very distinctive voice that’s easy to recognize. Also unlike other voice actors, such as Tom Kenny or Frank Welker, Benjamin never changes the sound of his voice. It’s always his own voice which makes it so easy to pick out.

As much as fans enjoy Benjamin’s voice and his work he does get picked on a bit because of never changing or fluctuating his voice. Although there is another voice actor from the 80s who did the same thing; who also had a very distinctive voice. That actor’s name is Lorenzo Music.

Music was the voice of Garfield the cat on ‘Garfield and Friends’ as well as the voice of Peter Venhkman on ‘The Real Ghostbusters’. He was also the voice of the announcements at Winfred Louder on ‘The Drew Carey’ show and Rhoda’s doorman in ‘Rhoda’. Sadly Music passed away from cancer in 2001.

So what Benjamin does voice wise has been done before. What’s funny is that the 2 men even kind of look alike. Although the biggest difference is that Lorenzo Music was much more family friendly oriented in his work while H. Jon Benjamin is certainly aimed towards adults.

Personally I’m a fan of both men. As a kid I loved Music as Garfield and Vehnkman and as an adult I like Benjamin in pretty much anything I hear him in. 

 

What If Waldo Were A Zombie?

This is a bit of silliness and mental wandering I had on Halloween night. Please allow me to explain a bit. For the past 10 years I have helped out with 92 Moose’s Free Family Halloween Party. This year I wore my Waldo costume; as in Where’s Waldo? I always hand out treat bags at the entrance. Every child gets a free treat bag stuffed with goodies upon arrival. Anyway, this year I handed out a goodie bag to a young boy dressed as a zombie. Before he took the bag he put his mask down and pretended to gnaw on my arm. After he took the bag I went to my friend Renee telling her what had happened.

“I’m not really sure what to do,” I said half chuckling.

“Waldo as a zombie? Well that’s different,” Renee said.

“This time, Waldo is gonna find you!” I said smiling.

“THAT needs to be a story!” Renee smiled.

So here we are. What if Waldo were a zombie?





Waldo wanders to all kinds of strange and interesting places. He’s been to crowded beaches, chaotic shopping malls, Renaissance fairs, and many more. What if one day Waldo wandered to a dark place. A place where a new disease was just emerging.

It was a day like any other. Waldo was out wandering about with his satchel and walking stick. Waldo was going by a small hospital with bars on the windows. He stopped for a moment to check his map. As usual Waldo was oblivious to all of that was going on around him. He always seemed to just blend into his surroundings; no one ever really paid him any mind.

It was because Waldo was so used to being near invisible that he didn’t notice the disheveled man shuffling towards him in a bloodied hospital gown. Waldo didn’t see the man until after having put the map away and the man was practically on top of him. Waldo  smiled stretching out his arm to wave at this man who looked as though he needed a smile.

That was his mistake.

The man grabbed Waldo’s arm biting it to the bone. In pain Waldo tried desperately to get the man off from his arm by hitting him repeatedly with the walking stick. After several heavy blows the man lets Waldo’s arm go, topples backwards, and splits his head open on the pavement.

“That was very strange,” Waldo thought.

Waldo takes a scarf out of his satchel wrapping the wound until he can get to a proper hospital. He didn’t want to take his chances at the hospital that crazed patient had come out of. Luckily it wasn’t long until Waldo found another hospital. Inside his wound was stitched up and properly bandaged. With that taken care of Waldo was on his way.

For about a day Waldo felt ill. He felt very sluggish and his insides ached. He vomited along the way, but he still did not let that stop his wanderings. The following day he had a hard time to focus. Waldo was hungry, craving something, but nothing seemed to appeal to him. Not the snacks he carried in his satchel nor any food he came across seemed to satisfy this great hunger within him. By the third day Waldo could think of nothing else, but the hunger within him and the dire need to satisfy it.

It was at an open air café as Waldo shuffled by that a woman recognized him. She smiled as she got up from her seat running towards him.

“FOUND YOU!” she yelled excitedly.

Waldo stopped taking notice of this woman who was a complete stranger to him. As she got closer the smell of her enticed him. Not her perfume, but just the smell of her flesh. It smelled absolutely wonderful! She was talking at him, but Waldo wasn’t hearing a word of it. The insatiable hunger welled up within him and he knew that this would satisfy it. Like the man three days ago had done to him, Waldo lunged at the woman taking a bite out of shoulder. She screamed, but he didn’t care. The taste was wonderful! It was exactly what he was looking for! Waldo didn’t stop with the woman though, oh no, he devoured the entire café.

After he’d had his fill Waldo continued his wanderings. He no longer looked at the map; he didn’t care. Waldo simply went where he could feed. In his wanderings he made new friends who fed just as he did. What a crazed man at a secluded hospital had started Waldo finished. This time people weren’t looking for Waldo, Waldo was looking for them!

That is how the zombie apocalypse started. A cheerful man in a stripped shirt with a passion for wandering anywhere and everywhere. No one may have noticed him before, but they’ll notice him now.

November is Hulk Month

A couple of years ago I decided to dub November Hulk Month for Comic Geeks Unite. Why would I devote an entire month to one hero, but not do it for any of the others? Well I have a few reasons for doing that.

Let’s start with the selfish reason: the Incredible Hulk is my favorite hero. Why? For starters he combines two other loves of mine which are Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and classic monster movies. Stan Lee has said that he based the Hulk off from the classic Robert Louis Stevenson book and Boris Karloff’s portrayal of Frankenstein’s monster. I also like that not only is the Hulk a split personality from his scientist alter ego Bruce Banner, but that because of the Hulk’s brute force Banner is a reluctant hero. There is also a certain appeal in the Hulk’s unlimited strength. The madder he gets the stronger he gets making he essentially unstoppable.

Another reason is one of memoriam. It was in November (the 21st) that, sadly, Bill Bixby passed away. Bixby’s portrayal of David Banner in the television series (and television movies that followed) is one that fans compare all other actors who take on the part. Bixby was also well known from other TV series such as, ‘My Favorite Martian’ and ‘The Courtship of Eddie’s Father’ to name a couple. His representation of David Banner showed us a truly tortured soul who was a true Jack of all trades even though no matter where he wandered and what job he took inevitably his doctor background, not to mention the Hulk, would come out.

Fun fact about Bill Bixby; did you know he never let his son watch ‘The Incredible Hulk’ series? He never wanted his son to think that if his father got angry he would turn into a giant green rage monster.

November is also the month in which Lou Ferrigno was born. Lou’s birthday is on November 9. The Hulk himself, who even after the series ended has been a big part of anything Hulk. Ferrigno voiced the Hulk in the 1990’s cartoon series, as well as being the voice in the Edward Norton Incredible Hulk movie. His voice was even added to the mix for the noises and voice for Mark Ruffalo’s Hulk in, ’The Avengers’. Ferrigno has also been a consultant in the look of the Hulk for both the previously mentioned Edward Norton film as well as ‘The Avengers’. Let’s also not forget Lou’s cameos in the Eric Bana Hulk film and Edward Norton’s film. In both he played a security guard, but in Norton’s Lou got a much better nod.

Fun fact about Lou Ferrigno; he almost wasn’t the Hulk. Originally Richard Keel had been cast in the role, but the director’s son said that Keel didn’t look right. While Keel was tall he wasn’t bulky enough to properly play the Hulk. Thus Lou Ferrigo got the part and made geek history.

The last reason is because the pilot episode for, ‘The Incredible Hulk’ television series debuted in November. On November 4 the Hulk came to life on the small screen. For the first time in live action we got to see the transformation of David Banner into the strongest creature on the planet. Sure his origin and profession were changed and updated, but it worked. Along with being chased by the relentless tabloid reporter Jack McGee who became the constant antagonist throughout the series. It’s the longest running live action series Marvel has ever had.

So there you have it. That is why I have dubbed November Hulk month for Comic Geeks Unite. I hope you’ll join us as we celebrate everything The Incredible Hulk.

Confessions of a Chucky Doll

Being a haunter at The Town of Terror, put on by 92 Moose and B-98.5, has been an interesting experience. I had never haunted before, but I do enjoy scaring the daylights out of people given the chance. Want to know what it’s like to be haunting for a haunted house/hay ride? Read on and I shall share my experience with you.

    As I said before I had never haunted professionally, or in this case semi-professionally, so the experience was completely new to me. Not only that, but I am playing a well known horror icon. That is both a good and a bad thing. It’s bad in that people know the character and have certain expectations of me. There are certain standards I have to uphold. The good bit is that it is a well known monster so half of the work is done for me because of the appearance and those expectations.

    Now I’m sure some of you are thinking, “Wait, Chucky isn’t a girl!” You’re right, he’s not; however, with a sports bra, multiple layers, and the fact that the Chucky shirt is baggy hides my gender. In fact those who I encounter after say they had no idea that I was Chucky.

I will also take a moment to admit that my Chucky voice isn’t spot on. In fact it’s a bit high pitched for Chucky. What can I say? I’m not good enough to pull off the maniacal dead pan menacing child like voice that Brad Dourif can. The man set the standard and created the character. While I know I’m not going to match it I just try not to be an embarrassment.

    Of course the best thing about being a haunter are the reactions. It goes without saying, but I’m gonna say it anyway, screams and shrieks are awesome! Although to be honest I also enjoy the jokes, the thrilled recognition, the enthusiasm of wanting to play with Chucky, the horrified looks, and even the sarcastic comments. Any reaction is great. It lets me know I’m doing a decent job, or at least being amusing.

    Although I’m going to take a quick sec to tell you all something. A little haunted house etiquette if you will. Haunters have 1 job, and 1 job only, and that is to scare you. At the very least get some kind of reaction out of you. Don’t be the strong silent type; it’s rude. A scarer not getting a reaction is like a comedian getting silence while on stage. We know we’re not going to get to everyone, and that’s fine, but show a little something towards our efforts. Thank you for giving me that moment and consideration.

Now I want to share with you my favorite part; the reactions I have gotten. Like I said, I’m generally happy with any reaction I get so I’m going to share some of my favorite reactions I have gotten thus far.

“Is that Chucky?! Oh my God it’s Chucky! HI CHUCKY!”

“IT’S CHUCKY!”

“Oh my God I hate Chucky! Keep him away from me!”
“Dude seriously, I hate dolls!”

(After asking, “Who wants to play with Chucky?!”) “I wanna play with Chucky! C’mon Chucky, I’ll be your best friend!”

“Chucky aren’t you supposed to be a midget? Why are you so tall?”

“Oh my God he’s got a knife!” (plastic prop by the way)

“Holy crap Chucky is following us!”

(As I was following the hay ride wagon) “Okaaaayyyy Chucky I get it!”

“Look it’s Chucky. OH MY GOD HE’S REAL!”

“Chucky, you’re seriously creeping me out.”

“KEEP AWAY FROM ME!”

(After asking, “Who wants to play with Chucky?!” and having a friend pushed towards me despite their attempts to get away from me) “He does! He likes Chucky!”

(This was a conversation between myself and a girl at the back of the hay wagon after I said, “CHUCKY NEEDS A NEW BODY!”)
“Chucky needs a new body?”
“Yeah, Chucky needs a new body!”
“Why does Chucky need a new body?”
“LOOK AT ME! I’M STUCK IN A FRICKIN’ DOLL!”

(After saying, “CHUCKY NEED A NEW BODY!”) “You can have my body Chucky. You want it?”

"You're not a 'Good Guy' Chucky!"

“Chucky you need to go home and go to bed! Go home Chucky!”

 Other than that I get the usual shrieks, screams, and even chuckles. Although sometimes some of the best reactions I get come much later. Like when I take new haunters to get costumes while wearing most of my Chucky outfit. The new recruits realize I’m Chucky and then tell me how much I scared them from earlier shows. It really makes me smile.

    There was even one time Chucky got to run amok in a Spirit of Halloween store for a remote broadcast. Scaring is much easier when people aren’t fully expecting a life sized Chucky doll to be creeping around the aisles. I got some good screams that day. Although I did take it easy on the little ones and I tried to incorporate humor by pretending to try on different costumes and accessories. Some people are never going to look at Chucky the same way after seeing him hold up a Wonder Woman bustier for size. Or the princess crown for that matter.

So what have I learned from my experience as a Chucky doll?
That Chucky certainly creeps out, if not outright scares, most of the population.
It takes a few tries to figure out what works best for scaring people on a hay ride.
Any reaction is better than none at all.
It sometimes creeps people out more to learn that Chucky is a girl than Chucky himself.
No matter what, have fun. If you’re not having fun why do it?

Geeks & Halloween

Here’s an interesting thing about geeks that I have learned. Most geeks are totally into Halloween. It’s a favorite time of year for many of them. When I first came across this realization I thought it was a little weird, but then after thinking about it more I realized how it all made such perfect sense.



The biggest aspect of Halloween is the costumes. There are stores and websites dedicated solely to Halloween costumes and that’s not counting the space set aside in department stores. Geeks dress up in cosplay when we go to conventions. Halloween is the one time of year when we aren’t ridiculed by the non-geeky for going out in public dressed up. Plus, in general, geeks look for any excuse or occasion to go out in public dressed up.

Then there are the monsters and creepy crawlies. For comic readers monsters, demons, creepy crawlies, and homicidal maniacs are par for the course. Those are the villains our favorite heroes battle. I mean look at Joker alone. He’s a sociopath homicidal clown. Stephen King wrote a book about an evil clown called, ‘It’. Although I think Pennywise pales in comparison to Joker’s antics.

    The ghost stories and supernatural aspects? Yep, got those covered too. Characters like Hellboy, John Constantine, Doctor Strange, Doctor Fate, and The Specter deal with the supernatural on a daily basis.

Then there are horror movies. Horror movies have a following all of their own and a few have their own comic series so they crossover. Not to mention that several geeky actors have done horror movies. A fan favorite is Bruce Campbell, aka Ash from the Evil Dead series. Ash has also appeared in a Marvel comics crossover, ’Marvel Zombies vs. The Army of Darkness’.

    So when you take a good look at it all it makes sense that geeks would be so into Halloween. We like a good scary story as much as the next person and when it comes to costumes we’ve got it nailed. Plus all of that candy around is pretty awesome.

Tell me, what’s your favorite part of Halloween? Who is your favorite movie monster? What’s your favorite horror movie?

The True Workings of a Haunted House

This year I was asked by a local radio station, 92 Moose, to help them with a large new project for Halloween. They had decided to do their own haunted house calling it Town of Terror. How could I resist such an offer?

    Helping out with a haunted house has been an interesting experience. In the case of Town of Terror it’s not just a haunted house. It’s more like a haunted fair ground. The set up is massive taking over the Pittston Fair Grounds. It has been a ton of work and I have only actually been apart of about 1/3 of it. Let me give you an idea of what’s been going on.

The prep, at least when I got asked to assist, started at the beginning of September. I joined the people behind Town of Terror to sort through 500 foot truck trailer filled with animatronics and totes filled with various Halloween décor, props, and costumes. After sorting everything into categories it was put back into the trailer.

At the end of September was the first build out at the Pittston Fair Grounds. Julie, one of the master minds behind Town of Terror, had a map of how the haunts were to be set up. Each area had a specific theme assigned to it. Not counting the contractors who were there to build the main event, there were about15-20 of us there hauling out supplies and getting things set up.

That day I ended up working with about a ¼ mile of corn stalks that had been laid out in 2 rows. My job was to put them around the pavilions and buildings. It may sound easy, but there was more to it than it sounds. By the end of the day I had dubbed myself the leader of the Children of the Corn.

    The following Tuesday I was asked to go with Merry, the second out of the 3 who had come up with Town of Terror, to help her gather donations made to the project. Now when I say donations I don’t mean like spiders, costumes, or little things. I mean toilets, chairs, couches, and a refrigerator, stuff to furnish the various horror scenes.

The weekend after it was 2 days of build and set up. This time I got to stay away from the corn stalks and got to design one of the scenes: the creepy hospital. I think that I and my partner Christy did a good job on it. The following day felt like horror arts and crafts. I spent a lot of time with paint. I painted platforms for zombie babies to move around in, black cats, and street signs.

 Now you may ask why it is I’m being so vague on what it is that Town of Terror has going on. The answer is because I don’t wanna let the demon out of the bag and ruin any of the scares we have planned. If you want to see Town of Terror for yourself it opens this Friday October 10 at 6pm on the Pittston Fair Grounds. Admission is $15 per person. For more information visit the Town of Terror site.




If you’re wondering how I’ll be haunting and what I’m doing, well that’s easy. When you get to the gate tell them Chucky sent you. Wanna play? BWAHAHAHAHA!

Geek Meets Eats: Chatting With Kitchen Overlord

I got the chance to chat with Chris-Rachael Oseland who is The Kitchen Overlord. What is a Kitchen Overlord and what does it do you ask? Kitchen Overlord is a website that has recipes that are geek themed. That's right, you can be watching your favorite show and eating food that is themed on that show. Pretty geektastic huh? 

I was fascinated by the site when I came across it which is why I got in touch with Chris-Rachael Oseland. Our conversation went like this:

 How did you come up with the idea to combine fandoms with food?
 
I think the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster would have me noodled to death in my sleep if I tried to take credit for inventing geeky cooking. It's always been there. Heck, if you can find photos of science fiction conventions in the 70's, look at past all the shiny metallic costumes at the tables in the back and you'll see home made rocket ships covered in fruit and dips shaped like UFO's.
 
People celebrate everything with food. A kid is born? Bring the exhausted parents food. It survived a year? Everyone gets cake! That kid's getting married? Time to decide whether you want the chicken or the fish at the wedding. Oh, they died? Bring the grieving family a casserole. First dates are over coffee or dinner. Business deals are signed at steakhouses. You'd be hard pressed to come up with any human celebrations that don't include food.
 

So when geeks get together to celebrate our shared love of Doctor Who, someone is bringing a TARDIS cake. That's great, unless four people bring a TARDIS cake. My job is to help people make something creative and different and tasty for their favorite geeky celebrations. Since geeks are notorious for having all kinds of dietary restrictions, I also try to come up with plenty of recipes that are gluten free, dairy free, vegan friendly, and occasionally paleo/primal, though that stuff gets expensive, fast.  

What was the first recipe you created?

Hmm. I wish I had a clever answer, but honestly, I haven't the faintest clue. That's like asking if someone remembers the first book they read or the first TV show they watched. Science says adults can't remember anything much before the age of four, so I'd say I've been assembling food in interesting ways since before I properly qualified as sentient. I'd honestly be curious if anyone can say, "Yes, this is the first time I assembled food in a way I wanted to recreate later." If they can, they're probably part of an alien species here to study humanity. Don't trust them.

What's the most complicated recipe you've made?

The Deadpool Sweet Rolls. Basically, you have three different sugary yeast doughs in three colors. It's hard enough to mix up all that dough at once so it rises at roughly the same pace, but then assembling the shape, taking into account the different amounts of time each one had to rise, cutting and shaping the log, etc, was almost as nightmarish as Deadpool himself showing up and slicing off various sores to make you some authentic 100% superhero sushi.

Are your recipes geared more towards kids or adults? Whether it's making or eating.

Oh, I'm totally about the adults. My recipes are all written as party food for grownups who want to show off their geeky cooking skills. I wouldn't have so many cocktail recipes if I was writing for kids. :)  I do have lots of fans who happen to be parents. The vast majority of them are awesome people who send me some of the funniest feedback, but a few of them will occasionally send me indignant messages about cleaning up my language. I even had a parent complain that I should take down a recipe because the knife skills were beyond their six year old. Protip: if you want the internet to babysit your kids, don't plant them in front of any site with the word "Overlord" in the name. Except for you, Mr. Luthor. Lex and I are making great progress on his new kryptonite infused pesto recipe.

What's your favorite kind of food to work with? (i.e. pasta, breads, hamburg, fish, ect.)

I'm a sucker for bread. In these gluten hating days, it feels lush and decadent and more than a little sinful. Home made bread is the bacon of carbs. I absolutely love turning $3 worth of flour, yeast, eggs, and oil into a geeky edible sculpture. Honestly, it's a shame so many people are intimidated by the idea of making bread. Humans invented it right after beer. In fact, the earliest breads were made using brewing leftovers. If a bunch of drunks in ancient Sumeria could hack it, so can you. I promise.

Sort of a chicken and the egg question, but what came first; the geekiness or the cooking?

I'm a second generation geek, so I'd have to say the geekiness.

What fandom(s) do you follow?

Oh, boy. Tons. On the literary side, I'm a huge fan of Terry Pratchett and Lois McMaster Bujold, though I've been going through a retro kick lately, reading a lot of Octavia Butler and earlier John Varley. None of that makes for good recipe ideas, though.

Comics are great for someone like me. In the great debate between the big two, I come down firmly on the side of Marvel. Readers usually think I'm more into DC because I have more DC related recipes. While Marvel is much better at storytelling and character development, DC wins for simple, evocative iconagraphy. Anyone can instantly recognize a Wonder Woman, Batman, or Superman logo. Simple, evocative logos are something I can work with.

My big love right now is TV. A decade ago I would've scoffed at the idea, but man, we're living in a golden age of Geek Television. Of course I love Doctor Who. Heck, I wouldn't have written an entire cookbook about it if I wasn't mad about the show. I've got a similar passion for The Walking Dead (and a delightfully gory cookbook coming out this fall where all the recipes look like human body parts.)

Some of my favorite current stuff is coming out of Canada. Seriously - when did Canadian TV stop looking like it rode the short bus to the broadcast station and start kicking our asses? I can't say enough good things about Continuum, Orphan Black, and Lost Girl. If you're not watching them, you're missing out on some of the best genre storytelling out there.

Do you have an current recipes in the works?

Always. I try to post at least 1 new recipe each week on Kitchen Overlord. Most weeks I'll post between 2-3, plus some videos of either Sci Fi Life Hacks or geeky kitchen gadget reviews.  I've slowed down during my Kickstarter. If you're contemplating one, let me warn you, the rumors are true. Running a Kickstarter is like having a second job. It will eat your life. Luckily, you know exactly when all the excitement will end.

Do you have any cookbooks out for people to purchase?

Of course!

My most popular book is Dining With the Doctor: The Unauthorized Whovian Cookbook

My personal favorite is Wood for Sheep: The Unauthorized Settlers Cookbook

And my bet reviewed is SteamDrunks: 101 Steampunk Cocktails and Mixed Drinks

I have two more cookbooks coming up this fall:
The Noshing Dead: The Unauthorized Walking Dead Cookbook
An Unexpected Cookbook: The Unofficial Book of Hobbit Cookery



Any other projects in the works that you'd like to share?

I'm in the last days of a Kickstarter for the Illustrated Geek Cookbook, which has 50 lushly illustrated recipes covering 120 years of geek culture.  It was an interesting challenge. In addition to keeping the recipes really geeky, I had to focus on keeping them easy enough to illustrate. This meant no more than 8-10 ingredients or steps. For most of my recipes, I start things from scratch. If you want bread, get the flour and yeast. We're going to be at this for a couple hours. For this cookbook, though, I had to use a lot of pre-made things, like grocery bought crescent dough and marinara sauce for the Eye of Sauron. The feedback was great. People love the simpler recipes as much as they love Ton's art. I've loosened up a lot since then. While I still revel in scratch cooking, I have a lot more recipes now using convenience items.

So the next time you get a hankering for something geeky go to Kitchen Overlord and see what Chris-Rachael Oseland has that you can whip up.