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!