No, it’s not because I’m a literary snob. I’ll be the first to admit that I’ve never read The Great Gatsby or The Count of Monte Cristo, which is a bit sad given that my day job is a bookseller. Fan fiction simply flew right over my head. The strange thing was, I was in fandoms, but the nagging sensation to obsessively read and even write fic never tugged inside of me.

I was simply a passive observer, smiling and commenting to the occasional fic, but ultimately taking more stock in canon, such as the Tenth Doctor’s heart eyes with Rose, or Sherlock’s melancholy violin playing.

And then Tumblr happened.

I’ll be the first to admit that I am a Tumblr addict. In fact, when I’m not watching Ghost Hunters on YouTube or occasionally updating my Facebook status, most of my online time is dedicated to simply refreshing my dashboard (much to my own chagrin). I’ve even tried giving it up, but the truth is, Tumblr is something of a vortex that sucks you in and never lets you go, particularly if you immerse yourself in the spiraling rabbit hole that is… the Glee fandom.

Like I said, I had read the occasional Doctor Who fic as well as a half dozen Sherlock stories, most of which left me destroyed, in tears, and crying for my mommy (mostly for the better). But then Glee happened. I had yet to experience a fandom quite like this before, which not only embraced fan fiction of every single type, time period, character, kink (trust me, you name it, it’s there), and pairing,  but seemed to elevate said fan fiction above the actual series canon. Which, for Glee, who are we kidding, let’s face it, isn’t too hard to do. Because as much as I dig the show and embrace its characters, it’s got about as much continuity as a two year old’s attention span.

That’s where the land of make believe comes in. Much like the vast world of Harry Potter fan fiction, it’s hard to believe that so much can be cracked out of a show about a dozen or so high schoolers. But that’s where “alternate universe,” or AU, comes in. Don’t like canon? Rewrite it. Dreaming of Rachel and Quinn finally saying “I love you,” getting married, and having four kids? Piece of cake. Lasciviously waiting to read kinky fic prompts under the guise of anonymity? There’s a Livejournal community for that, too, with spectators and contributors spanning into the thousands. And this is one just particular fandom. Imagine the reach for fandoms such as Doctor Who, Sherlock, Supernatural, or hell, even My Little Pony or Tangled (yeah, I’ve read it). Yes, if it exists, there’s fan fiction.

The ratio of bad fic to good fic is getting better, too. For every crappy piece of drivel you can scrape up on fanfiction.net, there’s an actual fic that stands above the rest, taking on a life of its own beyond the original canon. Take Little Numbers by heartwolf, for example, an AU based around a very You’ve Got Mail-centric plot, with e-mails replaced by texts and Meg and Tom replaced by Kurt and Blaine from smalltown Ohio. Unlike canon, they were never high school sweethearts, but over a series of twenty chapters, fall head over heels in love with each other without ever meeting face-to-face. I know a number of people, not even in the Glee fandom, that have experienced this fic — yes, experienced it — and loved the hell out of it. And to its own credit, Little Numbers has gone on to spawn fan art, additional headcanon (yes, headcanon within an AU fic… it happens more than you think), and several fan videos, including this one, made by yours truly.

On the flip-side, there are more than enough examples of less-than-brilliant fan fics being elevated to a higher level. Have you heard of Master of the Universe, a little known AU Twilight verse? Probably not. But how about Fifty Shades of Grey? Yeah, that ought to ring a bell. E.L. James’ popular (and often laughable) erotic novel has gone on to sell over a million copies, making it one of the best selling paperbacks of all time, with talks of a movie adaptation already in the works. Was E.L. James expecting this sort of reception when she sat down at her computer and wrote a kinky Dom/sub power play fic with Edward and Bella? Probably not. But through the use of self-publishing, a viral rise to popularity, and the sex-craved minds of women across the world, Fifty Shades is a beast on its own, whether or not you identify it with its original roots.

I talked with Kelsey, a mutual Tumblr friend and frequent fan fic reader and writer within the Glee fandom, about the draw of fan fiction. Of the experience, she told me, “I read it almost every day now, it’s a nice way to escape the world for an hour or two and gain an accomplished feeling similar to when you finish a book.” She added, “In fandoms, there is an audience that already understands the characters, so writers don’t have to spend a ton of time on background. They can just write a few words and learn to develop their writing skill with something that’s just for fun and without a grade.”

For every Wall Street Journal or Entertainment Weekly editorial on the “decryption” of fan fiction and online “shippers” (which is a whole ‘nother topic for a whole ‘nother day), there’s a piece about a chick that vocariously reads, and even occasionally writes, fan fiction. And coming from my personal standpoint, it’s not weird or taboo or anything to be ashamed of. It just is, and with the force of social media networks and online resources such as Tumblr, Twitter, LiveJournal, online fic databases stretching into every fandom, Skype, AOL Instant Messenger, MSN, message boards, and even old fashioned e-mail, the force of it is only getting stronger. And, thankfully, better.

When you stop and think about it, most of the readily accessible pop culture pieces could be defined as fan fiction in their loosest terms, from Titanic to Star Trek XI to hell, even Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter (Real-Person Fic, or RPF, anyone?). Gone are the days of Spock and Captain Kirk slash written and passed around through the use of First Class Mail and loose fandom ‘zines.

If anything, fan fiction has been on the rise to become the biggest little online secret that no one actually talks about, a household name for a hobby still wildly viewed as taboo, strange, or just plain amateur. Yet, at the root of today’s popular culture, fan fic infiltrates into our nearly day-to-day lives even without us consciously knowing it, depending on how closely we keep a thumb over the pulse of the latest movies, television, and yes, even books.

Let’s face it, I could keep going for ages and ages, but one or two of my favorite, updated WIPs (that’s “work-in-progress,” common lingo for an unfinished fic) have been beckoning my call in the short time I’ve spent writing this piece. So I’ll catch you on the flip side.

Photo: Kurt and Blaine, a.k.a. the stars of literally millions of fan fiction across the web, from FOX’s Glee. FOX Flash/Adam Rose

Related articles

• Now ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ has its own fan fiction. Where does it end?! (popwatch.ew.com)
• Fan fiction returns to the mainstream with a vengeance (theverge.com)
• Fifty Shades prompts new interest in fan fiction (teleread.com

This is me and Lauren’s fourth Comic-Con, and while we’re far from old veterans, we know enough about the feeding frenzy to know where to stash our deodorant and stay medicated and hydrated, which, at the end of the day, is all you really need to know, plus some other fine tips. I think I can speak for Lauren when I say that each year gets a little bit less schizophrenic and just a hair bit easier. But no matter what, Comic-Con is and always will be a week long nerd binge (including recovery and any additional side-effects), synonymous with hiking it to Disneyland, sleeping on the pavement of Downtown Disney, and riding Space Mountain ten times in a row before you puke.

Having said that: I, for one, can’t wait!

So watch this space over the next couple of weeks. We’ll have pictures, exclusives, the dish, the skinny, whatever you want to call it… not to mention a few stories to tell. If you want to know the truth, it’s probably going to kick total ass.

Picture: Last year’s Psych panel in Ballroom 20. Photo by Lauren Pon.

Related articles

• Comic-Con 2012 – Exhibitor Map (geektyrant.com)
• Exclusive: Yep, Glee Is Going to Comic-Con – Find Out Who Will Be There (tvline.com)
• How can I enjoy Comic-Con as a non-ticket holding civilian? (ask.metafilter.com)

HBO RENEWS GAME OF THRONES FOR THIRD SEASON

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First Episode Of The Second Season Has Already Grossed 8.3 Million Viewers

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            LOS ANGELES, April 10, 2012 – HBO has renewed GAME OF THRONES for a third season, it was announced today by Michael Lombardo, president, HBO Programming.

“Series creators David Benioff and D.B. Weiss raised our expectations for the second season – and then surpassed them,” said Lombardo. “We are thrilled by all the viewer and media support we’ve received for the series, and can’t wait to see what Dan and David have in store for next season.”

Based on the bestselling fantasy book series by George R.R. Martin, GAME OF THRONES is an epic drama set in the world of Westeros, where ambitious men and women of both honor and ill-repute live in a land whose summers and winters can last years. The Emmy^®- and Golden Globe-winning fantasy series began its ten-episode second season Sunday, April 1 (9:00-10:00 p.m. ET/PT), with other episodes debuting subsequent Sundays at the same time.

Among the early critical praise for the second season, Newsday called GAME OF THRONES “the best show on television,” while the Los Angeles Times termed the series “a cinematic feast” and “masterful.” The Wall Street Journal hailed the show as “magnificent” and USA Today called it “near perfection.”

According to early data, GAME OF THRONES’ season two premiere has already accumulated a gross audience of 8.3 million viewers, and is on track to easily surpass the season one average of 9.3 million viewers.

Season two cast members include: Emmy^® and Golden Globe winner Peter Dinklage, Michelle Fairley, Lena Headey, Emilia Clarke, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Aidan Gillen, Iain Glen, Kit Harington, Richard Madden, Maisie Williams, Isaac Hempstead Wright, Sophie Turner, Jack Gleeson and Alfie Allen.

Season two credits: The executive producers of GAME OF THRONES are David Benioff, D.B. Weiss, Carolyn Strauss, Frank Doelger; co-executive producers, George R.R. Martin, Vanessa Taylor, Alan Taylor, Guymon Casady, Vince Gerardis; produced by Bernadette Caulfield.

Related articles

• ‘Game of Thrones’ ratings hold steady; is renewal coming? (examiner.com)
• Game Of Thrones: Season 2 Episode 2: The Night Lands – TV Review (screencrave.com)
• TV Review: Game of Thrones Season 1 (filmblerg.com)

What are you looking forward to most about season two?

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• Daenerys Targaryen ‘Game of Thrones’ Bust Coming Soon! (geek-news.mtv.com)
• ‘Game of Thrones’ Video Roundup: ‘Price of Our Sins’ Trailer, Character Profiles And ‘Weapons’ Featurette! (geek-news.mtv.com)

Back in 2007, a little game was released by Bioware. Toted as an action roleplaying game, Mass Effect was a game that not only let you change your own character, but the path of the storyline itself. Be a magnanimous hero or be a hard nosed, no BS rebel – it was up to you. Did I mention that you’re doing all of this in space?

I love this franchise. Despite whatever misgivings the general community may have about the tweaks that Bioware and/or EA have decided to make, the demo further convinced me that Mass Effect 3 is going to be a winner. Here are three reasons that I won’t be turning my XBox off for the next month or so, starting March 6th.

Minor spoilers after the cut.

1. Earth. Finally.

The journey as Shepard has taken us all over the galaxy – to gorgeous planets that we roamed in a gravity defying rover and those that we could only read about in the codex. Earth’s entry is curiously without detail, either for redundancy control or to keep us guessing. Now, all that time only reading about it in the papers, we’re finally seeing Earth. …right before it gets blown to hell. It’s like getting a call from an old friend right as they get into a car crash. Nothing gets your blood going like seeing entire continents go up in flames. Take Earth back? Hell yes.

Is the drama a little over the top? Of course. Shepard gets some choice one-liners about saving the galaxy and strikes a hero pose when she (or he) should be running for her life, the diplomats on Earth are predictably pigheaded about the arrival of the Reapers… but this is a space opera of the Bioware variety. A little melodrama is part of the fun.

2. Your choices take you in less obvious directions.

In the beginning of the demo, Shepard is faced with a child hiding in an air duct. With the world crashing down around you, you offer to save him – either with compassion or sternness. The games have always been about choices – do you let the Council live or die? Do you kick this guy out the window, or spare him? Do you throttle Conrad Verner with a rifle butt, or give him an autograph? Regardless of its magnitude, each outcome was something you controlled. In the demo for ME3, we see a slight change that I think is far more meaningful than being able to tug your alignment meter one way or the other: the ability to make choices that don’t matter.

In other games this would be a bad thing, and it’s often cited as an annoyance; in games like Dragon Age,  you make a decision to say or do something, get one line of dialogue that mildly reacts to your character, and then the story plows on its way. That’s the case far less often in Mass Effect, and it makes it that much more jarring when it does. Despite being a hero, sometimes there’s nothing you can do, no matter how hard you try.

Maybe this was a one-off decision by the writers, or something we’ll only see in the demo, but I like to think that the demo is showcasing only a taste of what it has to offer. If the storytelling continues in these more ambiguous ways, I think we’ll find the story much more rewarding, and surprising.

3. Multiplayer.

As if I wasn’t already going to be sinking 30+ hours into this game, Bioware’s added a ridiculously addictive multiplayer mode for me to sink my life into. At its core, it’s nothing new – we’ve all played games like Call of Duty‘s famous zombie mode, or Gears of War‘s hoarde mode. But we can all readily agree that an action RPG like Mass Effect isn’t the first place you’d look for a cooperative multiplayer mode on.

I was skeptical at first, but it works. Perks come not only in the form of usable items like medigel and different ammo types, but abilities – and that’s where the fun lies. I’m a big fan of charge and shockwave, myself, but with six different classes, there are all sorts of different ways for games to play out, particularly with different team compositions. I’ve already spent more time than is probably healthy in multiplayer mode, long after I completed the demo campaign. I expect more of the same once I’ve gotten the Long Service Medal achievement in the full game.

It’s true that I’m already a fan of the Mass Effect series – and that might make me a bit biased. But regardless of whatever misgivings I or the community might have about the changes in the third part of the trilogy, I think that there are good things ahead. We’ll find out on March 6th – and I’m sure that after some good time in front of the TV, I’ll have plenty more to say.

Related articles

• Mass Effect 3 Kinect Commands Revealed (geeky-gadgets.com)
• Could multiplayer be Mass Effect 3′s saving grace? (nightmaremode.net)
• Watch the First Two Missions From the ‘Mass Effect 3′ Demo (gamerant.com)

Rule #3 – Clean water is zombie-free water

Zombie down the well? You might want to find a new water source. One of the most gruesome scenes of the season was when the group found a water-logged zombie in Herschel’s well, nasty right? Contaminated water is a common concern after a disaster, zombie related or other. After an emergency, especially flooding, run-off containing livestock waste, human sewage, chemicals, and other contaminants can taint water used for drinking, cooking, or cleaning. Our suggestion to Rick and his crew – don’t drink the water! If you’re ever concerned about the quality of your water after a flood or other emergency check with local authorities about water safety, you can also make water safe by boiling, adding disinfectants, or filtering.

Click here to see the full blog from the CDC, along with their other ways to stay safe.

Related articles

• Infectious disease epidemiology and zombies [Aetiology] (scienceblogs.com)
• CDC warns Americans to prepare for zombie apocalypse (really) (powersthatbeat.wordpress.com)
• Zombies at Work (smallbiztrends.com)

We have seventeen – count them, seventeen new promotional pictures, with the characters we love to love and love to hate. Be warned, though: HERE (er, behind the cut) THERE BE SPOILERS.

Shown here, in order: Arya Stark, Balon Greyjoy, Bran Stark and Hodor, Brienne, Catelyn Stark, Cersei Lannister, Daenerys Targaryen, Davos Seaworth, Joffrey Baratheon, Jon Snow, Mellisandre and Stannis Baratheon, Renly Baratheon, Robb Stark, Sansa Stark, Theon Greyjoy, and last but definitely not least, Tyrion Lannister.

Photos by Helen Sloan and Oliver Upton.

Related articles

• ‘Game of Thrones’ Season 2 Trailer: Will Women Fare Better This Season? (opinionessoftheworld.com)
• ‘Game of Thrones’ Trailer – A King, a Priest, and a Rich Man Walk Into a Bar… (slashfilm.com)

And how could we have been? Nearly a year since launch, and we’ve been reviews, a handful of editorials, and, if you’ve been particularly enterprising, a bunch of 140-character tweets. You know Lauren breathes and bleeds Game of Thrones and Anna loves enough British television to be naturalized, but we haven’t really let our hair down.

We’ve decided it’s time to change that. Less intense nitpicking over shows that we already clearly love, more content about those things. More sharing things that get us excited. More editorials about those things. More… well, just more, really.

Consider this our housewarming party – or the kegger that that one kid throws to get to know everyone, if you prefer. In the next couple of weeks, you can expect to see more about us, and maybe even a new face or two. What we definitely know is that if we have you here, we don’t want you bored. Come sit a spell. Hang out. Get to know us. If you come here for the reviews, don’t worry – we’ll still do those. But we’ve always envisioned this site as more than just a place for reviews, and we want to make good on that.

Welcome to the new and improved deadAWESOME. Enjoy your stay.

This New Year’s Day, the second series of Sherlock – once again, three ninety minute installments – will premiere on the BBC. Being the resident Anglophile, I’ve always had a thing for Sherlock Holmes. The lore, the ambiguity, the original short stories by Arthur Conan Doyle – throw in Steven Moffat and it was a recipe for addiction. And Sherlock, with its flawless cinematography, ingenious script, and classic British acting, lured me in like a moth to the flame.

Besides that, Sherlock managed to pique my interests far more than the 2009 Guy Richie film, which, despite its competent performances and undeniable Holmes-Watson chemistry, often times felt more like a facsimile of Sherlock Holmes, rather than a tribute. And no, I’m not one of those folks to wax on and on about the original canon, compare Cumberbatch’s sociopathic Sherlock to Doyle’s slightly more flamboyant Holmes, or search out the nods to the original stuff. I just know good drama when I see it.

Which leads me to the point: what makes Sherlock live up to the hype? And why the hell am I so excited for the second series?

Well, let’s start with the concept. A modern-day Sherlock Holmes really could have been a disaster if landed in the hands of, say, the CW. It’s no easy feat to take a Victorian-era duo and translate their chemistry and relationship into a 21^st century bromance, but Gatiss and Moffat manage the time jump perfectly. Best off, Sherlock isn’t simply two old friends sitting at a table and carrying on about the day. It’s a high octane mystery every step of the way, pulling viewers in from the very first frame.

Secondly, let’s talk Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman, two actors that couldn’t be more opposite, yet share an undeniable rapport from the moment they meet on screen. It’s a visual delight to witness the two of them bounce back and forth like old friends, from Sherlock’s scathingly rude deductions to John’s honest yet understated humility. Plainly stated: they simply couldn’t be more Sherlock Holmes and John Watson. I’m even willing to bet that, had the stories been complete crap, the series still could have ridden on the backs of their performances.

Which leads me to the perfect segue… let’s talk the story. And boy, what a story it was. With the exception of the “The Blind Banker,” which paled in comparison to “A Study in Pink” and “The Great Game,” Sherlock is nearly flawless. Picture the greatest mystery you’ve ever read, set it in sexy, dark, dangerous, cosmopolitan London, cast two honest, hardworking actors, and you have this series.

The sheer dedication to keep it loyal to the canon, as well as artistically relevant in the 21^st century, makes for one of the most unique television series in a long while – which is a funny thing, given that Sherlock Holmes has been covered more times than “Let It Be.” Like the Beatles, Sherlock is integrally British to a fault, with all of its sassy humor, sly sexual undertones, and patience. The series’ ending, nearly ten whole minutes of terrifying exposition involving the confrontation of Sherlock, John, and their greatest enemy, is the greatest example of this.

So what makes me so excited for the next series? Well, without giving too much away, we’re promised even more canon, including the introduction of Ms. Irene Adler, which should bring a much missing stronger female presence to the series. Buzz from the BFI preview screening gives us a lot to hang on to, including both the resolution of the last series’ cliffhanger, as well as the series’ progression. Expect more from favorites such as Mycroft Holmes (Mark Gatiss), D.I. Lestrade (Rupert Graves), Mrs. Hudson (Una Stubs), and, of course, Jim Moriaty (Andrew Scott). And of course, expect even more wise cracks and awesome deducing from Sherlock Holmes, himself.

Last July, a modern-day version of Sherlock Holmes debuted on the BBC starring Benedict Cumberbatch as the consulting detective and Martin Freeman as his assistant, Dr. John Watson. Written by Doctor Who show runner Steven Moffat and actor and co-writer Mark Gatiss, Sherlock soon built up a cult audience across Britain, the United States, and elsewhere, garnering a slew of award wins and nominations, and securing Cumberbatch as a bona fide star.

This New Year’s Day, the second series of Sherlock – once again, three ninety minute installments – will premiere on the BBC. Being the resident Anglophile, I’ve always had a thing for Sherlock Holmes. The lore, the ambiguity, the original short stories by Arthur Conan Doyle – throw in Steven Moffat and it was a recipe for addiction. And Sherlock, with its flawless cinematography, ingenious script, and classic British acting, lured me in like a moth to the flame.

Besides that, Sherlock managed to pique my interests far more than the 2009 Guy Richie film, which, despite its competent performances and undeniable Holmes-Watson chemistry, often times felt more like a facsimile of Sherlock Holmes, rather than a tribute. And no, I’m not one of those folks to wax on and on about the original canon, compare Cumberbatch’s sociopathic Sherlock to Doyle’s slightly more flamboyant Holmes, or search out the nods to the original stuff. I just know good drama when I see it.

Which leads me to the point: what makes Sherlock live up to the hype? And why the hell am I so excited for the second series?

Well, let’s start with the concept. A modern-day Sherlock Holmes really could have been a disaster if landed in the hands of, say, the CW. It’s no easy feat to take a Victorian-era duo and translate their chemistry and relationship into a 21^st century bromance, but Gatiss and Moffat manage the time jump perfectly. Best off, Sherlock isn’t simply two old friends sitting at a table and carrying on about the day. It’s a high octane mystery every step of the way, pulling viewers in from the very first frame.

Secondly, let’s talk Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman, two actors that couldn’t be more opposite, yet share an undeniable rapport from the moment they meet on screen. It’s a visual delight to witness the two of them bounce back and forth like old friends, from Sherlock’s scathingly rude deductions to John’s honest yet understated humility. Plainly stated: they simply couldn’t be more Sherlock Holmes and John Watson. I’m even willing to bet that, had the stories been complete crap, the series still could have ridden on the backs of their performances.

Which leads me to the perfect segue… let’s talk the story. And boy, what a story it was. With the exception of the “The Blind Banker,” which paled in comparison to “A Study in Pink” and “The Great Game,” Sherlock is nearly flawless. Picture the greatest mystery you’ve ever read, set it in sexy, dark, dangerous, cosmopolitan London, cast two honest, hardworking actors, and you have this series.

The sheer dedication to keep it loyal to the canon, as well as artistically relevant in the 21^st century, makes for one of the most unique television series in a long while – which is a funny thing, given that Sherlock Holmes has been covered more times than “Let It Be.” Like the Beatles, Sherlock is integrally British to a fault, with all of its sassy humor, sly sexual undertones, and patience. The series’ ending, nearly ten whole minutes of terrifying exposition involving the confrontation of Sherlock, John, and their greatest enemy, is the greatest example of this.

So what makes me so excited for the next series? Well, without giving too much away, we’re promised even more canon, including the introduction of Ms. Irene Adler, which should bring a much missing stronger female presence to the series. Buzz from the BFI preview screening gives us a lot to hang on to, including both the resolution of the last series’ cliffhanger, as well as the series’ progression. Expect more from favorites such as Mycroft Holmes (Mark Gatiss), D.I. Lestrade (Rupert Graves), Mrs. Hudson (Una Stubs), and, of course, Jim Moriaty (Andrew Scott).

As a diehard Sherlockian that’s waited a year and a half for any new action at 221B Baker Street, I’ll be waiting in bated breath.

Related articles

• Sherlock returns for second BBC series (guardian.co.uk)
• The case of the amazing reinvention: On set with the stars of TV’s Sherlock (independent.co.uk)
• Sherlocks like a nice girl, Holmes (thesun.co.uk)

Who/what are you looking forward to seeing most next season?