Capital Geek Girls Ladies Night Wrap-Up

CAPITAL GEEK GIRLS AND THE COMIC BOOK SHOPPE LADIES' NIGHT

By Emily Plunkett

Although the sign said closed, confused onlookers into the Bank St. Comic Book Shoppe last Sunday saw the store buzzing with business – with one very distinct feature.

Hosted by Capital Geek Girls, the Comic Book Shoppe held its fourth ladies-only night.  The store was open after hours on August 10 for female and female-identified shoppers.  While participants browsed through the store for a special find, they could also have their fortune read by the Rune Dice, enjoy Cici and Co. donuts or participate in open gaming.

Participants Emily Drohan, Ameila Bone and Zeyna Bnourbianbachi were drawn to the event by the promise of a panel presented by Ottawa cosplayed and CGG contributor Critical Miss. They were not disappointed.

“I'm breaking out the sewing machine and I'm really bad at it,” said Bnourbianbachi, a budding cosplayer.  “I was really interested in [learning how to] save money.”

Between manicures and presentations, ladies were also treated to the ongoing August birthday sales as presented by the Comic Book Shoppe.

Store manager, Angie Kuehl says that events like girls-only shopping creates a distinct community.

“We felt the need to create a safe environment that female and female identified cliental could actually be comfortable in the space and not feel judged by knowing and not knowing [the products].” She said.

“We still get a bit of a geeky atmosphere going. There is a lot of us geek girls [around] that warrants this. It's so successful,”

Kuehl says she is unsure when the next ladies-only event will take place, but one thing is for certain, word will get out and the event will continue to grow.

“It's one of those things where there's a lot of it in Ottawa, but you’re not really aware of it, unless you're already a part of it,” said Bone.  “So it's nice to kind of get that hand that's coming out and [saying] ‘Join us, it's not that much of an insider's club.’”  

Editor's note: We would like to thank everyone  who volunteered and attended ladies night. It was a great time and we loved chatting with those of you that we met.  CGG contributor Lee A. Farruga also attended and wrote about her experiences here.  

Emily Plunkett is a recent graduate of the journalism diploma program at Algonquin College. As a freelancer, she’s written for the Ottawa Star and the Sarnia Observer. Notorious for being a Beatlemaniac, a record collector and something nobody can really put a finger on, she enjoys a good Sunday afternoon with CBC Radio chatting away, her knitting in hand and her cat, Levon, snoozing at the end of the bed.

Geek Girl Review: Saga, a fan-favourite comic book

by Lee A Farruga

REVIEWING 'SAGA', A FAN FAVOURITE 

It's an old story. A man and woman in love, but they're from different worlds. Then they have a baby. She is the apple of their eye and a perfect blend of them both. She's got her mom's wings and her dad's horns.

Oh yeah, when I say they come from different worlds I mean it. Alana comes from the largest planet in the galaxy – Landfall, and Marko comes from its moon – Wreath. Not only do they literally come from different worlds, but these worlds are at war and have been for generations. We're talking Romeo and Juliet in space – with robots and magic.

Saga, Volume 1 is a collection of the first set of comics that tell the story of fighters Alana and Marko, who leave the war behind and start a family instead.

The whole story starts with little Hazel's birth and then continues with bounty hunters (freelancers) and groups on both sides of the war trying to eliminate the happy couple and retrieve their “mutt”. All Alana and Marko want is a quiet spot in the universe to settle down. Is that too much to ask? Apparently it is.

One of my favourite parts is a small one, but it's a great example of the tone of this epic story. A seahorse creature, an agent, is speaking to freelancer “The Will” through space and time. The combination of surreal alien and the words that come out of its mouth - “Hey you, your signal sucks. Where are you?” - makes this scene more grounded. And that's how the whole story plays out. Surreal one moment and down-to-earth the next.

And by the way... this is a very adult story. Absolutely NOT for children. Sex and violence and no holds barred. But it fits the crazy fantastic story by Brian K. Vaughan which, I must say, is quite the feat. He has also done a fine job of creating characters that are not entirely good or evil, but many shades of grey.

The artwork by Fiona Staples is phenomenal. There are some very imaginative creatures in this story, including a very large cat who can tell when someone is lying, and a sweet teen babysitter who also happens to be dead (and has her bottom half missing). Even the wings on Alana's people and the horns on Marko's are all really different in design. There is a lot of imagination and detail throughout the whole volume.

It's a fabulous piece of writing and art, and definitely worth reading. Get your own copy at The Comic Book Shoppe on Bank Street.

Bio:

Lee A. Farruga is known as everyone's Geeky Godmother. She has many talents, lots of energy, and loves to help people achieve their goals, whatever that might be. She can also be found reviewing books, games, movies and more. Also known internationally as the Canadian Queen of Steampunk, Lee created and manages Steampunk Canada. When she finds spare time, Lee does background acting for television and movies, and enjoys geeky activities with family and friends.

FUNSTRAVAGANZA A HIT AT THE COMIC BOOK SHOPPE

by Emily Plunket

For a few special hours this February long weekend, board game enthusiasts took in some free play at the Comic Book Shoppe on Bank St.

The Table Top Gaming Super 2-Day Funstravaganza, held at the Capital Geek Girls Headquarters, attracted folks of all stripes for two days of open board and card game.  Games featured included King of Tokyo, Elder Sign and Munchkin.  New games were presented to new and interested players by store employees and a team of volunteers. 

Volunteer Derick Bragg showed willing participants how to play Pathfinder Adventure Card Game. Based on the popular roleplaying game of the same name, Pathfinder takes players through adventures using cards.

“I really enjoy the volunteering probably because I enjoy games and board games – games of all kinds, whether it’s computer games or board games.  I love games,” said Bragg.  Bragg, an IT consultant, says he frequents several board game events held across the city, including the weekly Monday night meet up at the Royal Oak on the corner of Bank St. and Gloucester St.

Store manager, Ange Kuehl, explains that says the event over the February long weekend was aimed at all ages as a fun activity for the long weekend, but says similar events are held roughly every six weeks.  She says the events promote new games and into games the store offers.

Kuehl says the popularity of board games is tied to Wil Wheaton-hosted TableTop series, where various celebrities demonstrate new and hot games, but says events such as the Funstravaganza and the Royal Oak meet-ups have made more people aware of the activity.

When asked where the appeal of board games lies, Kuehl says “I just think it brings people together.  It’s like more of an interaction with each other.”

“Some [games] could be really crass and funny; and then other ones can just be more team building.  Other ones can pit you against one another. There’s just such an array of different choices out there that you can pretty much fine something for everybody.”

Emily Plunkett is a recent graduate of the journalism diploma program at Algonquin College. As a freelancer, she’s written for the Ottawa Star and the Sarnia Observer. Notorious for being a Beatlemaniac, a record collector and something nobody can really put a finger on, she enjoys a good Sunday afternoon with CBC Radio chatting away, her knitting in hand and her cat, Levon, snoozing at the end of the bed.

The Massive by Brian Wood: A Geek Girl Review

by Lee A. Farruga

COMIC BOOK REVIEW: THE MASSIVE BY BRIAN WOOD

Storyline without Superheroes. This was the first thing that struck me about The Massive - the first volume of comic books collected together in graphic novel style by Dark Horse about a conservationist ship and its crew after the “Crash”turns the world into a very different place.

The new world is post-apocalyptic, but it's real. It's possible. All the natural catastrophes that happen in a one year period in The Massive are really happening right now, but at a much slower pace. The characters are also possible. Mag - a grown up child soldier, Callum - an ex-military ex-corporate mercenary turned pacifist, and a number of average joes and students wanting to help the environment. They all joined the crew of the Kapital before the Crash and now most don't have a home to return to. Remember, there are no superheroes. Ok, there is one mysterious crew member, Mary, but she still doesn't do anything too out of the ordinary.

Social, economic, and environmental collapse creates chaos. This is where their story begins. It tells three stories really. The first is Kapital's search for its sister ship The Massive. The second includes all the flashback stories of the main characters explaining how they came to be on the Kapital. The last and most important is incredibly simple and honest. How does a conservationist action group continue its mandate in such extreme circumstances. How do they remain pacifists in a new world of chaos, fear and violence? It's fantastic storytelling.

I'd be off my nut if I didn't also mention the artwork. Great mix of comic book and realism. All the natural disasters are beautifully terrifying. The colouring, in particular, really stands out. It is subdued and makes me think of different sunset colours during different seasons and weather. Not sure if the artist was thinking this while they were working on it, but it's perfect.

It's not in your face horror, supernatural, or scifi, but The Massive is a wonderful story of “what if”. This would be an ideal “text” book for a class on environmental issues, activism, or human nature. It would really get students interested in the subject matter. But, on it's own, it's also just a super read.

Interested? You can find it at The Comic Book Shoppe.

Lee A. Farruga is known as everyone's Geeky Godmother. She has many talents, lots of energy and loves to help people achieve their goals, whether it's organizing a home or business, editing a book for publication, promoting a pet project, planning an event, or reviewing books, games, movies and more. She is also known internationally as the Canadian Queen of Steampunk. She created and manages Steampunk Canada. In her spare time she does background acting for television and movies, and finds time to spend with family and friends enjoying geeky activities.

Capital Geek Girls Ladies Night 3!

This post was originally shared on our sister site, GirlCrafted.com
by Jordan Danger

There is another fabulous Capital Geek Girls Ladies’ Night happening this week at the Comic Book Shoppe on Bank Street in Ottawa! Those of you who have attended past ladies’ nights know how awesome this event is. The Shoppe opens it doors exclusively to female-identified geeky girls, making a very inviting and super fun night full of welcoming vibes and little treats. Grrls are invited to attend dressed as-is, to the nines, or in costume. There’s no fee to get in, but there are goodies once you come…

-The Comic Book Shoppe offers a 10% discount on everything in the Shoppe (other than stuff already on sale), and provides loot bags to the first 45 people who make a purchase; they are also offering 50% off back-issues , Manga, Yaoi, and Numbered posters…there are more deals, so check out the Facebook event posting for details.

-The loot bags promise goodies from the Geek Girls, the Shoppe, Venus Envy, Sweetpea Treats, Fat Girl Food Squad, and many many more.

-Treats from Auntie Loo’s vegan and gluten-free treats.

-Geek manicures by Thetis for $13.

-Prizes for best costume.

-Gaming in the basement, including Magic the Gathering, Heroclix, and other board games.

-A mini-craft fair with local artisans.

-Massages from my favourite massage studio, Body Poets Massage.

-Reps from Hollaback! Ottawa.

-And other random fun.

The staff on site will be all female, and you can ask any questions that’ll help you get your geek on, or find new geek favourites.

I hope you’ll join the Capital Geek Girls for this super fun evening! It’s a free evening of geeky girly happy times, and it’s always jam-packed, so be ready for a crowd! Check out the Facebook event page for all the details. 

You can message me, Prez of the Geek Girls, on the Facebook fanpage if you have any questions. And don't forget to keep apprised of what's happening right here on Girl, Crafted--blog central for the Capital Geek Girls!

The CGG Movie Showing!

This post was originally shared on our sister site, GirlCrafted.com
by Jordan Danger

There's a fun little event coming to you here in Ottawa for the Capital Geek Girls; all genders are welcome:

Join Cbs Bank Street and Capital Geek Girls for WONDER WOMEN! THE UNTOLD STORY OF AMERICAN SUPERHEROINES: a documentary which "traces the fascinating birth, evolution and legacy of Wonder Woman and introduces audiences to a dynamic group of fictional and real-life superheroines fighting for positive role models for girls, both onscreen and off. From the birth of the 1940s comic book heroine, Wonder Woman, to the blockbusters of today,WONDER WOMEN! looks at how popular representations of powerful women often reflect societys anxieties about strong and healthy women.

Screenings are all genders welcome and All ages welcome (rated PG).

Tickets $5 per screening. This price includes snacks, refreshments and 10% OFF ALL SUPER-HEROINE AND VILLAINESS MERCH for the whole day! You can get your tickets from the Comic Shoppe on Bank; First Come First Served! (228 Bank Street) 

Screening are scheduled for 11am, 1pm, and 3pm.

See you there!

WONDER WOMEN! goes behind the scenes with actors Lynda Carter (Wonder Woman) and Lindsay Wagner (the Bionic Woman), comic writers and artists, and real-life superheroines such as feminist icon Gloria Steinem, riot grrrl Kathleen Hanna, and others, who offer an enlightening and entertaining counterpoint to the male-dominated superhero genre."

BendFilm Festival, Oregon (2012) - Best Documentary and Best Director

Dallas VideoFest (2012) - Best Documentary Award

Indianapolis International Film Festival (2012) - Audience Award

Spokane International Film Festival, Washington (2013) - Audience Award for Best Documentary and Jury Award for Most Promising Filmmaker

Check out wonderwomendoc.com
Contact Jaclyn at the Shoppe for details.

An Intro to Our Headquarters: The Comic Book Shoppe!

This post was originally shared on our sister site, GirlCrafted.com
by Jordan Danger

WELCOME TO THE COMIC BOOK SHOPPE 

Ladies and gents, villians and heroes, I’m pleased to welcome the Comic Book Shoppe on Bank Street as one of our new Girl, Crafted patrons!

The Comic Book Shoppe on Bank Street has been in business for 14 years now. It is known as the best place to find all sorts of geekery, well beyond comic books. I defy you to go in and not find something you’d want to take home with you.

The Shoppe carries all manner of favourites, with everything from vintage collectors’ items to the latest Tokidoki figurines. Shoppe owner, Rob Spittall, has an unrivaled knack for finding the coolest merchandise before anyone else in town has found it. Whether you’re looking for a Dr Who tardis lamp, or a lightsaber umbrella, you’re in the right place.

The Shoppe is also known for having a great mix of both kid-friendly and mature stock; Heroclix and Pokemon figurines are close at hand, while moving and powerful indie comics are available with staff recommendations to guide you.

Of course, the Shoppe on Bank is also headquarters of our very own Capital Geek Girls, which is our illustrious fanclub for geeky girls. The Shoppe has a strong reputation for being women-positive as well as GLBTTQ-positive, so it’s a great place to come looking for a new geek favourite—you can honestly ask your questions without fear of discrimination. The Shoppe hosts Geek Girl events throughout the year, and there’s even a couple coming up soon (so stay tuned). They've even got a Capital Geek Girls section now, where all sorts of girl-approved merchandise can be found.

Thanks, The Comic Book Shoppe, for coming on board as an official patron of the blog. We’re proud to work with you in so many ways!

Hit the Comic Book Shoppe site

Join the Facebook Group

Follow on Twitter
and head in, at 228 Bank Street, Ottawa Ontario!

And follow the Capital Geek Girls on Facebook, too!