Taylor Lowe

Nerds aren’t born, they’re created. At least that’s what I believe. At least, that’s what happened with me. Travel back in time with me to 1997, Aurora Colorado, Chinese Mann Theater! Queue futuristic time travel noises and dramatic music! Looks like we made it safely… You see that awesome little 10 year old with the curly hair and that 6th grade swagger? Yeah, that’s me. What you’re about to witness is the birth of a nerd. I’m at the theater today with my family to see the re-release of Star Wars Episode IV – A New Hope. Not knowing a single iota about this movie or what it’s about, I walk into the theater I go and 125 minutes later I exit, a changed man…er…boy. I can honestly say that no other single event in my entire life has so profoundly affected me in the 24 years I’ve been on this earth. You can see it on me everywhere I go (figuratively and literally). Half my closet is decked out with Star Wars gear (my favorite pieces are my Clone Trooper cuff links). I own each movie, miniseries and TV show more times over than most. More than half my book shelves are stuffed with novels, comics and stories. I’ve thoroughly beaten and explored each of the SW video games I own. Collectibles? Got ‘em. Lightsabers? Got ‘em. Cry tears of joy at news of Episode VII? Did it. But, that day in the theater was just the start, and I don’t just mean for Star Wars.

For the last 15 years of my life it’s been all about superhero’s, mythical fantasies, new worlds and universes, unique characters, crazy gadgets, epic stories, and a frak ton more! See, I’m more than just a Star Wars kid. Where am I going with this? I didn’t want to write an about the author piece that focused on the expected: I’m a 24 year old guy, single (and sexy *wink, wink*), living and working in Texas, likes to play sports, read, loves time with friends and family, etc. etc. While all those things are true (especially the sexy, single part), it doesn’t tell you who I am. When I meet people one of the first things I tell them is that I’m a nerd. I do this pridefully and with great joy! I could, in all seriousness, talk about Star Wars and other things deemed “nerdy” all… day… long. Part of the reason I joined Hush was to get in touch with a greater community of people who are not only nerds, but real. My two best friends (the founders of Hush) are the greatest, most real people I know. And it’s not just the comics and the sci-fi that brings us together. We c