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There’s Sid-Nerdary by the Sea Starting This Month!

1 May

By Ed Sum (The Vintage Tempest)

During the month of May to June, the township of Sidney, BC will be the destination for many a superhero and fans hoping for a sighting. From fun activities to exhibits to guest lectures, no stone is going to be left unturned, and most of the work is being done without the assistance from the Incredible Hulk. Both Marvel and DC heroes are represented in a look at close to 80 years of comic book history. The Sidney Museum is leading the charge with an exhibit that will span the two months. Most of the township is involved, and the following calendar shows where events will take place.

Up, Up and Away!
Comic Books & Our Culture
Sidney Museum
2423 Beacon Ave
May 3 – June 27
10pm-4pm

This exhibit promises to show a history of the medium with displays of classic works and show the evolution of many of today’s favourite heroes. The big three from DC will certainly be there, but will there be more? Batman, Wonder Woman and Superman are the trailblazers from this company, but for Marvel Comics, is it just Spider-Man? Or has Wolverine finally been put out to pasture because of this year’s movie, Logan? Hard to say, but maybe this exhibit might offer clues as to who the next generation of heroes will be.

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Remembering Carrie Fisher, Debbie Reynolds & How You Can Help Bring Awareness to Mental Health

31 Dec

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By Ed Sum (The Vintage Tempest)

The final week of 2016 has been difficult for Star Wars fans. Not only did Carrie Fisher pass away, but also her mother Debbie Reynolds — best known for her role as Kathy Selden in Singin’ in the Rain (1952) — the following day. Both left lasting legacies. Fisher will always be known as Princess Leia from Star Wars, and Reynolds is a legend in musical theatre. She was a tour de force.

The news of their passing had Hollywood and myself reeling.

The Star Wars world has seen at least two memorable performers pass — Michael Sheard (Admiral Ozzel) and Kenny Baker (R2D2). With Fisher, she will always be this Galaxy’s Princess. As an advocate of mental health and addiction issues, Carrie has always been very vocal to bring awareness to it. She has bipolar disorder, and that has never stopped her for being who she is. When I first heard of this, I thought I can relate. I admit to having my sour days too, and it never stopped me to be who I am. She was my role model; to see her indomitable attitude and scrappiness that helped lift my spirits. Without Gary, her registered therapy French bulldog to give her that loving support, she might have been in a different place.

I became a fan when I saw her in The Blues Brothers. Here, she was a force of nature. There was a quiet ferocity as she was out to get Jake Blues. She hated the fact he ditched her at the wedding altar, as friends and families gathered. Though they sort of made peace, she was quick to cut loose again when he (physically) dropped her yet again.

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Just How Ripping is Star Wars: Rogue One?

21 Dec

rogueone_onesheetaBy Ed Sum (The Vintage Tempest)

* Spoiler Alert

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is a film worth seeing not once, but at least twice, joke notwithstanding. There’s a lot to take in, and the beginning is a touch rushed to introduce everyone that’s important and relevant to the plot at hand. Technical criticisms simply boil down to the fact director Gareth Edwards and cinematographer Greig Fraser were not depending on too much heavy technical special effects wizardry to make their tale come alive.

This movie has a lot of expectations, especially when nearly everyone is aware it will lead into the movie that started a massive franchise.

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A Nerd (Christmas) Shoppers Guide to Victoria, BC

13 Dec

6564547955_ecda3f14b8_bBy Ed Sum (The Vintage Tempest)

December is upon us and holiday shopping is in the air! Twelve days remain to find that special item for the nerd in the family. Just what they want can be found with this list of where to go on (Mid and) South Vancouver Island. There is a Nanaimo entry, but its lumped under Curious Comics since they have several stores.

This guide is not restricted to the season either. Everyone has a birthday, and if that collector must have more FUNKO Pop figures for that collection, going to EB Games is not the definitive place to be. Operations like Toys R’ Us and Walmart have their place for finding toys and current movie tie-in products, but let’s consider the local operations before going corporate.

For any other outlet that’s not listed, please submit by commenting and this guide will be updated and made its own page, a Nerd’s Guide to Shopping on Vancouver Island, after the new year.

DOWNTOWN VICTORIA (NERD ROW)

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Cherry Bomb Toys

Used Comics, Vinyl Records, Videos (anime), LEGO, Toys (Barbie, Star Wars, Transformers, GI Joe & Many More!)

1410 Broad Street
(250) 385-8697

This operation specializes in carrying a diverse range of product for everyone of all ages. From products for young girls, like Barbie, to collectible products (like original packaging G.I. Joe), if you name it, it might be hiding here!

Curious Comics

Comic Supplies, Comics, FUNKO Pop!, Graphic Novels,
Illustration Books, Models, T-shirts, Toys

631 Johnson Street (Victoria-location)
(250) 384-1656

844 Goldstream Avenue (Langford location)
(250) 592-1656

3200 Unit 6 Island Highway (Nanaimo BC location)
(250) 756-2157

With three locations to serve most of Vancouver Island, Curious Comics makes up the heart of Nerd Row in Victoria, BC. Stepping in here is a paradise of goodies. From CGC certified comics to Walking Dead merchandise, a lot of nerd culture franchised out properties can be found here.

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