Rod the Rogue Demon Hunter, Preacher of Hope | Black Scholar of Patristics | Writer for Nonviolent Politics. Destroyer of Trolls. It must be that angry puppy.
Now, if only other churches could get on the action. Hey, I should start a Kickstarter so I can attend? I mean, I wrote my thesis on Clement of Alexandria, so I do get to pass as Orthodox, am I right? #AMIRITE?
“DOXACON is an opportunity for Christian fans of the science-fiction & fantasy genre, to engage in positive exploration of themes held in common between Christianity, Fantasy and Science Fiction… especially in a time in which this genre is seeing a renaissance among popular culture. If you enjoy engaging in meaningful dialogue on subjects concerning Middle Earth, Hogwarts, Narnia, Star Trek, Star Wars or Dr. Who, to name just a few, then this is the conference is for you!”
Rod the Rogue Demon Hunter, Preacher of Hope | Black Scholar of Patristics | Writer for Nonviolent Politics. Destroyer of Trolls. It must be that angry puppy.
Saturday I received a Facebook message with a concern about our blog’s banner the says: Worlds’ Finest Theology Blog. Was it a typo? I had to giggle to mahself but I realized not everyone would get it, so here goes. Worlds’ Finest is a reference to the Huntress & Power Girl comic. On Earth 2, an alternative universe, they were originally the Robin & Supergirl, but landed on Earth One.
Seth and I chose to keep “Worlds’ Finest” because PJ seeks to discuss alternative viewpoints (worlds) and possibilities in Christianity, pop culture, and politics
Rod the Rogue Demon Hunter, Preacher of Hope | Black Scholar of Patristics | Writer for Nonviolent Politics. Destroyer of Trolls. It must be that angry puppy.
The TMNT logo of the 1987 animated series. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Does anyone remember their first, real fandom? Not just watch a few episodes as a kid and get their toys, I am talking about obsess over a tv show or comic book, for example, get their toys, talk about them night and day. Can’t even do your homework in 3rd grade until you watch the show. Well, my first real fandom was Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. As someone commented on Twitter, eight years old is the perfect age to become a fanboy, and I believe that I was 7 going on 8 when I fell in love with talking animals, epic battle s(wait, talking animals, epic battles, they’re in the Bible too, right?….). But really, I was obsessed with TMNT. Everytime I went to the arcade or roller skating rink? Had to play TMNT video games. When the TMNT movie came out? We went to see it as a family. And when I didn’t get to see TMNT 2 the first week it was out in theaters? I was very sad.
And tonight, I found myself once more enjoying TMNT, albeit it is the excellent 2012 reboot which I love. There are many sides to fandom. There is the fandom side, the ones who love to love a program or musician, and then there’s the anti-fandom, those who love to hate a tv show or band because of different tastes, or for the sake of being against something that’s popular. Anti-fandoms develop in response and and in dialogue with fandoms. A person expresses her/his displeasure with a particular item in pop culture. Fans respond with a defense. I think fandoms are for the most part, a good thing, because fandoms form communities that are outside our regular social circles and immediate families. I think there are 2 dangers in fandoms, however. The first is the fanatically obsession with a show, to the point of death threats, like to Laurie Holden of TWD. Taking the show/band too seriously should be advised against. Everyone likes a good story, a good adventure, but let’s not go overboard with this, okay?
I think the other danger that’s overlooked in fandom is being uncritical. I was listening to a podcast, and someone brought up their favorite movie writer/producer, but said they were afraid to say anything negative or critical about this culture creator. I am sure there are several examples, but the best way to keep the 1st danger above mentioned (obsession to the point of threatening others’ lives) is to be aware of the criticisms surrounding your favorite musicians and television programs. Just because someone is critical of your favorite thing does not mean that they hate it. I think that critical fandom is a fourth way, of thinking outside the box, appreciating pop culture without falling into idolatry.
But I am warning you, if you say anything bad about BBC’s Merlin, I swear by my pretty little bonnet, I will end you!
Rod the Rogue Demon Hunter, Preacher of Hope | Black Scholar of Patristics | Writer for Nonviolent Politics. Destroyer of Trolls. It must be that angry puppy.
Rod the Rogue Demon Hunter, Preacher of Hope | Black Scholar of Patristics | Writer for Nonviolent Politics. Destroyer of Trolls. It must be that angry puppy.
