Tag: geek culture

FunDay Friday

Supercharged: Fandoms That Fuel My Creative Flame

Mell D'Clute
Comic book–style illustration of SuperMell sitting on a glowing couch, creative energy radiating around her as she watches a cartoon on TV. Beside her, Diana the black cat with golden eyes perches on the couch arm, staring intently at the animated screen. The TV light blends with fiery, magical sparks symbolizing inspiration and creative flame.

🔥 Introduction: My Power Sources

Some heroes draw their strength from the sun, others from magic or training. Me? A lot of my creative energy comes from my fandoms—the worlds, characters, and stories that spark my imagination and keep my inner fire burning.

These aren’t just stories I consume. They’re fuel tanks I keep dipping into whenever I need courage, inspiration, or even just a reminder that creativity thrives on passion.

🚀 Fandoms That Light the Way

Here are a few of the fandoms that keep my fire alive:

  • DC Superheroes (especially Robin & the Bat-Family): Their resilience and teamwork taught me that growth comes through challenge and reinvention. As a kid, I saw Robin not just as Batman’s sidekick but as proof that even the youngest hero could carry their own story. That idea has never left me.
  • The MCU (Captain America’s arc especially): Ordinary people rising to extraordinary leadership, guided not by power but by values. That still makes me think about how to stand by my own principles in everyday work.
  • Star Trek & Star Wars: One shows me the hope of diplomacy and vision, the other reminds me of the pull between light and shadow within us all. Both have taught me about leadership, resilience, and storytelling on a galactic scale.
  • The Lord of the Rings & The Hobbit: Courage, friendship, and finding light even in the darkest of places. Tolkien’s stories remind me that creativity often comes from persistence, even when the road feels impossibly long.
  • Animation & Cartoons (from Teen Titans to modern favourites): These are pure celebrations of imagination. Every time I watch or rewatch them, I’m reminded why I fell in love with creativity in the first place.

Each of these fandoms powers me differently—some give me hope, some give me courage, some give me joy. Together, they’re the spark plugs of my creative engine.

🐾 Diana’s Corner: Feline Fandoms

Diana may not binge-watch superhero shows with me, but she does enjoy when I stay still long enough to watch a movie or flip through comics. She curls up nearby, almost like she’s sharing the flame too.

She does, however, seem to have an unexpected affinity for animation. More than once, I’ve caught her perched on the arm of the couch, eyes glued to the screen during an animated movie. Just last night, she was right beside me, watching The Bad Guys with such intensity that I wondered if she had her own favourite characters.

✍️ Final Thought

Fandoms are more than passions—they’re power-ups that keep me energized, hopeful, and ready to face challenges in my own life. They remind me that creativity is fuelled by the things we love most.

👉 What fandom fuels your fire? I’d love to hear in the comments!

FunDay Friday

Fandom Made Me a Creator: A Geek’s Origin Tale

Mell D'Clute
Comic-style illustration of SuperMell, dressed in a Nightwing-inspired black suit with a purple “M” emblem and purple glasses, sitting cross-legged on a bedroom floor surrounded by comic books. She gazes upward thoughtfully at five glowing thought bubbles showing childhood inspirations: Robin, a chalkboard drawing of Hordak, Teen Titans and Flash comic covers, the TNG crew, and Wil Wheaton writing at a desk. Her black cat, Diana—with golden eyes and a small white chest patch—playfully reaches toward one of the bubbles. The cozy room features nostalgic toys and a glowing lava lamp.

A Cape, a Chalkboard, and a Crush

Since before I knew what creativity really meant, I was already swimming in it.

I fell in love with superheroes before I could even pronounce the word. My very first crush? Robin, the Boy Wonder. Specifically the version from reruns of the 1960s Batman show (Burt Ward) and the Super Friends cartoon. As a kid, I honestly thought they were the same person—live action and animation? No difference! Robin’s enthusiastic “Holy [whatever], Batman!” didn’t sound like a catchphrase to me—it sounded like swearing. Serious rebel energy. I was smitten.

But my creative awakening didn’t come from comic books alone.

It came one day when I picked up a piece of chalk.

Drawing Hordak and the Power of Imagination

When I was about eight, I drew Hordak—the villain from She-Ra—on a small chalkboard. And in that moment, something clicked. To this day I have no idea if it actually looked like Hordak, but in my memory, it was perfect. That tiny moment became huge. I remember thinking: I want to do this forever. I want to create. That was the beginning of my artistic origin story.

A Comic Book Catalyst

When I was 13, I had my first seizure. I was diagnosed with epilepsy and spent some time in the hospital—scared, confused, and unsure of what the future would hold. While there, I was given two comic books that would change my life: Secret Origins Annual #3 (1989) featuring the Teen Titans—specifically Robin’s journey as Dick Grayson—and The Flash Annual #3 (1989), which centred on Wally West’s evolving legacy as The Flash.

Up until then, I’d enjoyed superheroes casually. But something about those comics struck a chord. These weren’t just colourful costumes and flashy fights—they were origin stories, full of character growth, resilience, and transformation. These characters were evolving through struggle, much like I was starting to.

From that moment on, I became a collector. I started frequenting comic stores, saving up for issues, and trying my best to draw the heroes I admired. My creative spark—something I’d felt flickering before—suddenly roared to life. And that moment in the hospital became the true beginning of my journey as a creator.

From Star Wars to Star Trek: My Sci-Fi Evolution

I was always a huge Star Wars fan. But Star Trek: The Original Series? Not so much. As a kid, I found it boring and hard to get into. I actively disliked it, actually. But everything changed when I gave Star Trek: The Next Generation a chance. I started watching in Season 3 because Wil Wheaton was in it—and I had a bit of a crush on him thanks to Stand By Me. What started as fangirling turned into something deeper: I was hooked.

The characters, their camaraderie, their ethics, and that beautiful feeling of family in space—that’s when I truly became a Trekker. Since then, I’ve loved every series that followed. (Yes, even Enterprise. Yes, even Discovery. And I will defend Lower Decks to the end.)

The Influence of Wil Wheaton (And Why I Blog)

Years later, I discovered Wil Wheaton’s blog, and it hit me like a warp core breach. He was honest, vulnerable, thoughtful, and unflinchingly human. Reading his words made me feel less alone in the universe. It inspired me to blog, too—not for attention, but for connection.

I’ve had blogs before—many were heavy, full of venting and pain—but they helped me process. Most are probably long gone now. Still, I carry that spirit with me here. What you’re reading now is part of that same journey. Because for me, being creative and being honest go hand in hand.

Enter: SuperMell

Everything I create now—the blog, the branding, the adventures of SuperMell—comes from this core truth:

I am a creator because I am a fan.

Superheroes made me feel powerful at times when I felt anything but. Sci-fi taught me to think beyond the possible. Fantasy helped me believe in magic when reality felt bleak. Conventions let me be around people who love what I love. And being a creator means carrying that joy forward.

SuperMell is my tribute to it all—a superhero persona that’s really just me, channeling the strength, silliness, and spirit of all the stories that shaped me. She’s not perfect. But she keeps showing up.

Diana’s Corner: Vigilance (and Naps)

Diana’s not into Star Trek or Star Wars. She doesn’t even care about superheroes (unless there’s string involved). But she is my sidekick in real life. She guards my creative energy by curling up near me when I write, leaping onto my chest when I need to rest, and keeping me grounded with her quiet strength.

Also, if there’s a Fandom CatCon, she should be the guest of honour.

Final Thought: Never Underestimate the Power of Fandom

Fandom isn’t frivolous. It’s not “just for kids” or something we grow out of. For many of us, it’s a lifeline. A spark. Sanctuary. And sometimes, it’s the thing that gets us drawing, writing, coding, designing, costuming, podcasting, or storytelling.

Fandom made me a creator. And I’m still creating, still learning, still loving every minute of it.

🦸‍♀️💫

How has your fandom shaped your creativity? I’d love to hear about it in the comments!

The Ones Who Shaped Me

The Sky’s Not the Limit: How Superman Shaped My Inner Hero

Mell D'Clute
A digital illustration in a semi-realistic comic book style. SuperMell stands at the edge of a rooftop at sunrise, wearing her Nightwing-inspired black suit with a stylized purple “M” and purple glasses—no cape. She gazes upward with purpose and calm. Diana, her black cat with a white tuft on her chest, sits at her feet, also looking to the sky. In the distance, a subtle silhouette of Superman floats high above the glowing clouds—arms extended, cape flowing, symbolizing inspiration and hope. The mood is powerful, serene, and reflective.

Some heroes fly. Some just show you that you could.

Superman has always been one of those figures for me—not because he was perfect, but because he represented something better. Hope. Integrity. Compassion without compromise. As a kid, I didn’t have the words for it yet, but I felt the pull. His strength wasn’t just physical. It was moral. Emotional. Internal.

The kind of strength I wanted, even when I didn’t know how to name it.

🧠 An Ideal, Not a Blueprint

I’ve always loved superheroes, but Superman was different. While other characters fascinated me with their flaws or backstories, Superman inspired me because of what he chose to be. He had the power to dominate—and instead, he chose to protect. That idea stuck with me.

He made goodness seem strong. He made kindness look cool. He made vulnerability feel heroic.

Superman taught me that being powerful isn’t about being above others. It’s about how you carry those powers—and the choices you make with them.

🎬 Still Soaring

I saw the newest Superman movie last night. No spoilers here—I’m still taking it in. But it reminded me of why this character continues to resonate, even decades after my first exposure to him.

Every version of Superman (except Dean Cain’s version) has one thing in common: he inspires. Not because he’s flawless, but because he keeps trying. He keeps believing. And he helps others believe in themselves, too.

That’s a legacy I’ll never outgrow.

💫 Why He Still Matters to Me

When I think about who I want to be in the world—how I want to work, how I want to create, how I want to treat others—it’s not about being flashy or invincible. It’s about being steady. Thoughtful. Hopeful. It’s about being someone who tries to leave things better than they found them.

That’s the hero I try to be now.

In my work. In my writing. In the quiet moments when no one else is watching.

🐾 Diana, My Daily Grounding Force

While I look to the skies for inspiration, Diana keeps me grounded. She doesn’t need a cape—or a complicated origin story. She just shows up exactly as she is: calm, focused, quietly strong.

There’s something powerful in that too. Something heroic in consistency, in softness, in presence.

She reminds me that you don’t have to fly to be a force of good in someone’s life.

💬 Final Thought

Superman may be fictional—but the way he shaped me is real. And the sky? It’s not the limit. It’s just the beginning.

Who shaped your inner hero?

FunDay Friday

A Cosy Fandom Weekend

Mell D'Clute
A digital illustration of SuperMell with shoulder-length black hair, wearing glasses and a black superhero outfit with a stylized purple "M" emblem on the chest. She is lounging on a purple couch under a purple blanket, watching TV. A black cat with golden eyes and a small white heart-shaped patch on its chest sits on the armrest beside her. The room is warmly lit by a lamp and the soft glow of the TV, with a cozy, purple-toned atmosphere.

🎬 Finding Joy in the Little Things

After an intense few weeks, there’s nothing better than slowing down and surrounding myself with the comforts of my favorite fandoms. Sometimes a quiet, cozy weekend is exactly what the heart needs — and for me, that means old movies, beloved TV shows, and a soft blanket (plus one very snuggly cat).

From Star Trek reruns to rewatching The Lord of the Rings extended editions, my fandom favorites bring a sense of calm that’s hard to find anywhere else. It’s like visiting old friends who know exactly what to say.

📚 My Cosy Weekend Essentials

Here’s what made my fandom weekend so special:

  • Favourite movies and shows: Star Trek, The Hobbit, Captain America, Teen Titans
  • Comfort food: Popcorn, pizza, and a Diet Pepsi (no coffee for me!)
  • Cozy clothes: Pajamas and fuzzy socks
  • Diana: Always curled up nearby, purring like a little motor
  • Soft lighting: Lamps, no harsh overhead lights

The goal wasn’t productivity — it was recharging my spirit with the stories that helped shape who I am.

🐾 Diana: My Constant Companion

No fandom weekend is complete without Diana. Whether she’s snuggling against my side or hopping into my lap during a tense battle scene, her presence is a soothing reminder that the simple joys are often the best ones. She even seemed particularly fascinated by the golden glow of the One Ring this time around!

🌟 Why Fandoms Still Matter

It’s easy to dismiss fandoms as “just” entertainment, but they’ve been lifelines for many of us — providing hope, comfort, and belonging when we needed it most. Stories teach us that resilience, kindness, and imagination matter. A cozy fandom weekend isn’t just about escape — it’s about reconnecting with those deep parts of ourselves.

And honestly? After everything life throws our way, we deserve a weekend now and then that’s just for us. 💜

–

Mell

FunDay Friday

🎉 Fan Expo Feels Like Home: Dressing Up, Geeking Out, and Belonging

Mell D'Clute
Cartoon-style illustration of SuperMell cosplaying as Meg Griffin from Family Guy at a bustling fan convention. She wears a pink beanie, round glasses, and a pink shirt, standing confidently among colorful booths and excited con-goers. Diana the cat peeks from a tote bag slung over her shoulder, adding a playful touch to the scene. The background features fan art displays and glowing banners, evoking the fun and energy of Calgary Fan Expo.

Every year, I look forward to Fan Expo like a kid waiting for their birthday. It’s a celebration, an escape, and for me—an emotional recharge among fellow geeks.

This year, I am cosplaying as Meg Griffin from Family Guy. And while Meg isn’t the flashiest character at the con, she’s real. Misunderstood. Slightly awkward. Smart, but overlooked…Sound familiar?

Dressing up as Meg feels oddly empowering—like saying, “I’m here, I’m me, and I belong.”

💬 My Relationship With Cons (and Crowds)

Let’s be honest: I love fan culture, but I’ve always had social anxiety. The idea of being around thousands of people can feel overwhelming. Making new friends? Even harder.

But here’s the thing Fan Expo does so well—it creates space for quiet belonging. You don’t have to know everyone. You don’t have to be the loudest or boldest. You just have to show up.

And when I do, I’m surrounded by people who love the same stories, characters, fandoms, and weird little niche obsessions I do. That’s connection. Even if it’s silent. Even if it’s brief.

🧢 The Joy of Cosplay (Even When It’s Simple)

My Meg Griffin outfit wasn’t elaborate. But I love it. It’s fun, a little ridiculous, and 100% me.

Cosplay, for me, isn’t about perfection—it’s about participation.

It’s about saying “Yes” to joy. It’s about taking up space, even when you’re not used to doing so. It’s about laughing with strangers over matching fandoms or exchanging compliments that make someone’s day.

🤝 Still Hoping to Find “My People”

I’ll admit it—I still hope one day I’ll meet someone at a con who just gets me. A kindred spirit. A fandom friend. A creative partner. Someone who speaks in references and loves geeky joy the same way I do.

That hasn’t happened yet. But I haven’t given up.

Because every time I go to Fan Expo, I get a little closer to myself. And that’s pretty amazing, too.

Final Thought:

Whether I’m dressed as Meg Griffin or just walking the aisles in comfortable shoes, Fan Expo feels like a place where I belong.

And that feeling? That’s the real cosplay magic.

—

Mell