Autobiography Archives | Otaku No Culture

Nerds, Assemble! The Unbeatable Sonya Ballantyne More Than Just Another Energetic Coming-of-Age Story

If you love comics, pop culture, and stories with real punk spirit, The Unbeatable Sonya Ballantyne features a bit of everything to get your heavy metal spirit on!

Highwater Press
Spoiler Alert

Sonya Ballantyne is just like many other nerds, and just because she’s from a First Nation should not make a difference at all. When she helped pen and direct The Death Tour, a movie I reviewed two years ago, I knew there’d be some work of hers I’d eventually follow up on, and to read The Unbeatable Sonya Ballantyne is an eye-opening revelation about what she loved when growing up. Not only does she love her Star Wars, but she’s a DC Comics enthusiast too!

And she must watch wrestling, hence that movie! To call her unbeatable is an understatement, and reading her life story in this self-titled graphic novel really highlights where she came from, what obstacles she had to face while growing up, and how she managed to carve a niche that’s truly punk. It’s less about fighting against the establishment and more about knowing where the curve balls come from. Whether that’s dealing with bullies at school who can’t see past her skin colour or navigating grandma’s overprotectiveness, what’s reflected upon here doesn’t dwell on the negativity.

Continue reading “Nerds, Assemble! The Unbeatable Sonya Ballantyne More Than Just Another Energetic Coming-of-Age Story”

The Dissident Club Is Where We Are The World

An expansive Pakistani coming-of-age story, The Dissident Club documents Taha Siddiqui’s experiences as a young man fighting for truth and justice against the harsh backdrop of Islamic fundamentalism and corruption.

The Dissident Club Graphic Novel — **Available to purchase on Amazon USA**

Taha Siddiqui never felt he belonged in the world his Muslim parents grew up in. Although they tried to teach them their ways, he never understood what being devout means. When his father became much more difficult to live with, life became a lot more tough. And what’s recounted in the aptly titled graphic novel, The Dissident Club: Chronicle of a Pakistani Journalist in Exile, is a deep look at what goes on in Pakistan.

Some parents allowed their kids to grow up without certain teachings engrained upon them at an early age. This author had a fleeting moment where he could read comics featuring Batman, Superman and Spider-man. He not only idolized but also wanted to be like them. But after his father looked at these books, he took them away and banned them because they represented something he deemed against the will of Allah.

Continue reading “The Dissident Club Is Where We Are The World”

Dave Morris’ Sentimental 52 Stories Returns For a One Night Engagement

In what makes this live-theatre monologue style show special is that Dave Morris has 52 Stories to tell, and he manages to breeze through them all in a tight act!

Playing Oct 5, 2024
Georges P. Vanier Secondary
4830 Headquarters Road
Courtenay, BC

Tickets available through Eventbrite

Who needs the Bard of Avon when Dave Morris is around? After a successful run at the Victoria Fringe Theatre Festival, he’s confirmed his latest work, 52 Stories, will not be shelved, but rather be transformed into an autobiography, and he’ll bring this show back upon request and quite possibly when his book is ready to hit shelves!

Although most of his improv and Paper Street Theatre productions are offered to residents of Victoria, BC, first, there’s a handful of acts that do tour, depending on when he’s been asked to guest lecture elsewhere or hired to. His stage presence can only be described as down to earth, and the tone he uses to engage audiences with his tales is melodic. Whether he uses that in his magic act, or during an improv moment, it all depends on engaging the audience in amusing ways. And when he’s a hard core nerd, that helps a lot too!

Continue reading “Dave Morris’ Sentimental 52 Stories Returns For a One Night Engagement”

Ross Munro’s The Moviegoer Aims for More Than A Reflection of Times Gone By

There’s no innocence lost in The Moviegoer, since it also includes recognising the various exploitation type films that became prominent for this era.

Ross Munro's The Moviegoer Poster Ross Munro‘s The Moviegoer is more than a love letter about his youthful experiences at the movie theatre. It’s also a look at what inspired him to start making films of his own, and what’s notable is the affection for Carlota Viva, an actress from Venezuela. He says she’s South America’s answer to Bridget Bardot and I can’t blame him for carrying that affection into his adult years.

Although this character is a fictional creation, I get what he’s going for; she symbolized a time much like Marilyn Monroe back in the 60s. Had the era been different, I’m sure not everyone will get it, and I feel the choice of which decade to make his own is important to sell this film. I grew up in this time too.

Although I thought of his short film as an autobiography, there’s a lot more going on. After watching it, I had to hit google and do some additional research just to reacquaint myself about the times. The only reference I could find is from the Jane the Virgin Wikipedia. And if I was to connect this character to anyone real, I’d place my money on him being infatuated with Eva Perón, The First Lady of Argentina.

Continue reading “Ross Munro’s The Moviegoer Aims for More Than A Reflection of Times Gone By”

From a Personal Journey to Embarking on a New Mission, Omoiyari, A Song Film by Kishi Bashi is….

This excellent journey of self-discovery showcases why Omoiyari, A Song Film by Kishi Bari is important for all to see.

Omoiyari A Song Film Movie Poster — **For theatrical screenings near you, please visit the official webpage.**

Coming to Paramount Plus in November

Kaoru Ishibashi‘s goal in Omoiyari, A Song Film by Kishi Bashi (his stage name) is not just to reveal where he comes from. Had he announced his new purpose in life while wearing Ray-Ban sunglasses, I’d say it’s one from God. But no, he’s not a Blues Brother. I feel his desire to preach the value of how to do well unto others as you would have them do unto you is heartfelt, and it’s best to listen.

In this excellent documentary is a look back at not only everything he faced growing up but also in what he’s learned from it, so he can teach others how not to repeat history. The title of the film is difficult to translate and although tokhimo.com does a great job at explaining it, I think my comparison to Christian values also nails it.

And for this musician turned filmmaker, what he hopes for this work is to show how he’s rediscovered his heritage and why he wants to sing about it. This talent was part of the new wave band Jupiter One, before becoming a solo act.

Continue reading “From a Personal Journey to Embarking on a New Mission, Omoiyari, A Song Film by Kishi Bashi is….”