The Geeky Parent Guide is celebrating its first anniversary this week. During the GPG’s first year, we’ve taken a look at many different geeky things – theme parks, board games, recommendations for summer viewing and holiday gifts, comic books, movies, and explorations of the International Space Station, Goddard Visitor Center, and NASA missions to Mars.
The Geeky Parent Guide is a place for parents to find fun activities or resources to share with their kids, or discuss with their friends, while also giving them a go-to place to stay current on many things in pop culture (a.k.a. geekdom). The initial idea behind this geeky endeavor had a singular motivation: to help a pair of individuals who not only gave me an opportunity to be a part of Fanbase Press, but constantly demonstrated their unwavering kindness and devotion to supporting others in all of their wonderfully geeky projects. As I witnessed the tremendous leadership of Barbra and Bryant Dillon, I could only hope to do more for them, hoping to expand beyond comic book and movie reviews.
That’s how it started. The Geeky Parent Guide started with the notion of wanting to do more for two individuals who do so much for so many others. The amount of work they put in to help others and create many reviews, editorials, comic books and trade paperbacks, and a line of podcasts is astounding to comprehend at times. It only made sense to want to create the Geeky Parent Guide and hope to make something my own kids would be proud to see one day.
Today, we’re hoping to spread the word about Fanbase Press – which is celebrating 8 YEARS this month – and the two individuals who make it run. Barbra and Bryant must live near Bajor, because they find a way to get 26 hours out of each day. So, let’s fill a 26-hour day with the wonderful things people have to say about Barbra and Bryant.
“Fanbase Press is the Serenity crew of the independent comic book universe. They traverse the vast expanse of the Geek Galaxy, transporting creatives of all walks of life from impoverished outlying planets to discover their dreams wherever they may be found. The Fanbase ship is constantly on the go, constantly supporting its ever-growing family of crew and passengers. I count myself among the many who have had the happy chance to stow away in their cargo hold, making my own little contributions to this amazing team. Here’s to 8 years of flying the geeky skies…and to many, many more!!!”
– Claire Thorne, Unexpected Hobby
“I first met Barbra at Comikaze Expo about five years ago, when another comic creator suggested that I talk to her about doing a review of the first issue of Boston Metaphysical Society. She said yes without hesitation, and that moment started what became not only a professional relationship, but a friendship, as well. A couple of years later, I became a guest contributor for Fanbase, then a regular contributor. Over the years, I have watched them raise the bar for independent comics as they published diverse and groundbreaking stories. Their dedication to the independent community is unparalleled, and we are all better for it. Here’s looking forward to another eight years of working with them.”
– Madeleine Holly-Rosing, Boston Metaphysical Society
“I have been writing reviews for Fanbase Press for 4ish years, and in this time I have come to realize a few things about Barbra and Bryant Dillon. They are two of the most professional and hardworking people I know, and they are also two of the most genuine. They are quick to forgive over stolen spatulas, but not over liking Prometheus. They are quick to compliment when deserved but never afraid to set you straight or remind you that a deadline has passed. They care passionately about their nerdoms, but they take even more joy when it comes to helping creators realize their visions. They want to see you succeed, something rare in even the nicest of Hollywood circles. I’ve been happy to call them bosses (though I’ve never actually used that term), but I’m more than happy and incredibly lucky to call them friends. (I have called them that.) Thanks for letting me be a part of the family, BnB. It has meant more than I can put in words.”
– Phillip Kelly, Mr. Snapper & Mr. Buddy
“Barbra and Bryant Dillon, thank you for eight years of comics, support, and opportunities. Appreciate what you all do and wish y’all all the best and continued success for Fanbase Press.”
– Nicholas Diak, Pop Culture Scholar
“Every creator starting out needs a champion of their work. Barbra and Bryant have been there for Bigfoot (and me!) since the beginning! I guess what I’m trying to say is when the apocalypse comes, I’ll be fighting on their side! Cheers to eight, ten, and twenty more years!”
– Joshua S. Henaman, Bigfoot: Sword of the Earthman
“Fanbase Press is one of my favorite places to visit. Informative, consistently up-to-date, their podcasts and reviews are excellent, and their support of creators is unmatched. Congratulations, Barbra and Bryant, for eight awesome years, and here’s to many more!”
– Janet Joyce Holden, Origins of Blood Series
“A huge congratulations to Barbra, Bryant, and all of Fanbase Press. Thank you so much for all you do. You are wonderful publishers and incredible human beings. I’m so glad to have met you and honored to work with you. Wishing continued success in the years ahead!”
– Sebastian Kadlecik, Quince and Penguins vs. Possums
“A huge congratulations to Barbra and Bryant on the 8th anniversary of Fanbase Press! You’ve both been nothing but amazingly supportive and understanding since I was brought on to work on The Margins, and I’m sure all the other artists and authors you’ve worked with feel exactly the same. Fanbase Press is such an open and welcoming community and cultivates a strong spirit of collaboration that I’ve felt since day one. I can’t wait to see what else you guys have planned for the future!”
– Amanda Donahue, The Margins
“The Fanbase Press team are some of the nicest and most genuine people I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with. Congratulations on eight years, and here’s to many, many more to come.”
– Norm Harper, Karate Petshop
“Barbra and Bryant of Fanbase Press welcomed us into their professional community with an incredible acceptance, warmth, and eagerness to share ideas. They are two of the most dedicated, talented, and innovative professionals in comics. Due to them, Fanbase is a celebration of diverse voices and crucial conversations. We can’t wait to see what the next year brings!”
– Dr. Andrea Letamendi and Brian Ward, The Arkham Sessions
“I met Barbra and Bryant over six years ago when I attended one of my first SoCal comic conventions. They were friendly and engaging, and I walked away that day with Identity Thief and Something Animal. Over the years, as my engagement with the industry shifted from consumer to journalist, Fanbase Press became my home of choice. As the editorials manager, I have had the pleasure of working side by side with Barbra and Bryant; they are knowledgeable and always sincere in their guidance which has allowed me to explore and hone my skills as a writer and editor. As a creator myself, I am the recipient of their incredible support and encouragement, like so many other creators. Over the years, my life has been enriched by Barbra and Bryant’s presence as colleagues, but, more importantly, I am honored to have two treasured friends…Congratulations on eight years, Barbra and Bryant! Here’s to the next eight!”
– Michele Brittany, Fanbase Press Editorials Manager
The unwavering support from Barbra and Bryant for the Geeky Parent Guide is a constant force that they apply to all things within the realm of pop culture. Both fearless leaders have dedicated Fanbase Press to celebrating fandoms and creating new ones for all people. This positive, inclusive environment is absolutely visible when conducting interviews with writers and artists, discussing characters on podcasts, and any number of ways they can spread the word for others’ creative works, including series such as #GeeksCare and #CrowdfundingFridays.
As the GPG continues its run, it’s important to recognize Fanbase Press and the amazing community that has been created from the efforts of Barbra and Bryant. The Geeky Parent Guide wants to emulate its parent, providing a fun space for everyone to enjoy, while also sharing some pretty cool things along the way. What would I say about Barbra and Bryant?
I believe in them. They are an inspiration as they continually strive to shine a light on others, while sharing their love of geeky things. I absolutely love their enthusiasm for the things they geek out over – Star Wars, Aliens, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and The Hunger Games to name a few – and it’s such a wonderful feeling to see that same enthusiasm expressed toward individuals they meet at conventions or discuss their works on a podcast. Barbra and Bryant are positive beacons for anyone to follow, and Fanbase Press is a place you’ll be proud to call home, too.
What would you like to say about the Dynamic Duo? If you’ve had the opportunity to work with Barbra and Bryant, whether it be collaborating on a project, having your work highlighted by Fanbase Press, or even chatting with them at a convention or podcast, share your thoughts in the comments below. You can also head over to Twitter and Facebook to share your sentiments with us. In the process, don’t forget to tag their personal handles (Barbra and Bryant) or Fanbase Press and let them know how awesome they are and how much geeky goodness they provide to the world.
Until next time, happy parenting and happy geeking.
