The things we obsess over — the shows, films, characters, and worlds that refuse to stay on the screen.
These fandom essays explore how audiences connect with pop culture, animation, and storytelling. From cult favorites to mainstream hits, fandom isn’t just about what we watch — it’s about what stays with us.
Dumpster Fire Toy: The Comic-Con Story Behind the Viral Hit A few years ago at San Diego Comic-Con, the Dumpster Fire toy became impossible to ignore. ASIFA-Hollywood had a booth on the floor that was doing just fine. But right next to us was a booth doing gangbusters business. The entire time they were open, […]
There’s a difference between attending a convention and actually helping shape what happens there. This weekend, I’ll be at WonderCon 2026 in Anaheim, California—one of the largest pop culture conventions in the U.S., bringing together fans and creators across comics, film, television, and animation. I’ll be there as Vice President of ASIFA-Hollywood, and for me, […]
Fandom is the new marketing, and companies that understand this shift are reshaping how brands grow. There was a time when marketing revolved around volume and visibility. Companies purchased television spots, dominated billboard space, and saturated digital platforms with banner ads in the hope that repeated exposure would eventually translate into revenue. The assumption was […]
Why These Events Attract Millions—and Why They Make People So Happy The science behind Comic Cons explains something I’ve been watching unfold for decades: these gatherings don’t just entertain people—they meet deep psychological needs for belonging, identity, and shared joy. I’ve been going to San Diego Comic-Con since the 1980s, back when it was a […]