Trunk Space co-owner JRC is one of the biggest nerds in the Valley, and we mean that in the nicest way possible. He's big into comic books, Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, Carl Sagan, and various other brainy subject matter. So it's apropos that he'd dub the sequel to the gallery's successful Nerd Shop and Swap event last year with the geeky subtitle of "The Quickening," which riffs on the craptastic second film in the Highlander sci-fi/fantasy franchise.
"It's the other sort of sequel [subtitle] that people jokingly use if they don't want to use "Electric Boogaloo.' I remember seeing Highlander II: The Quickening in theaters and being so damn disappointed that they made such a good original movie and then such a crappy sequel," JRC says. "The second Nerd Shop and Swap isn't going to be as disappointing. We're not going to have two flying goobers on skateboards or anything like that."
See Also: - Trunk Space Hosts Nerd Swap and Shop in February - FAUST 2013: An Inter-Arts Interpretation Produced by Trunk Space Founder, JRC
Instead, he promises, the second edition of the afternoon-long swap meet for local nerds - which is scheduled to take place on Saturday, March 30, at Trunk Space -- will once again offer them the chance to empty out their closets and caches of geeky fodder and turn such things into cold, hard cash. Much like most sequels, JRC says, it will sort of retread the original, but also bring something new to the table.
"We've got different contributors coming in for the event, so there's going to be a lot of different stuff," he says. "And this year, people who will be bringing originally made geek stuff and art work."
For example, renowned Valley cinema buff Andrea Beesley will be making an appearance at the event and will be selling a variety of movie memorabilia. Meanwhile, artist Brandon Huigens will hawk many of his D.I.Y. fanzines, comic books, and original works.
Meanwhile, Arizona Derby Dames participant Shawnee Rotten will offer such item as "nerdy hoarded toys, Tolkien stuff, books and odd things to unload," as well as "kitschy pop art items and skulls of sorts galore" and a wealth of crafty items like potholders and kitchen towels made from Star Wars and Star Trek fabrics.
Local musician Diana Welsch will also hawk cutesy Kawaii-style items and curiosities such as stationary and housewares from a yearlong trip to South Korea.
As with last year's event, JRC and his fellow comic fiends will have a wealth of back issues to sell and swap.
"Personally, me and the other guys who like comic books have all got a year's worth of stuff that we want to unload and trade," he says. "I've got a lot of common stuff, so I'm not going to be selling the first issue of Spider-Man or shit like that, but random issues from the past decade plus bits and pieces from the like the '70s on up. A lot of pre-DC reboot and a big handful of Doc Savage paperbacks."
In short, he adds, the Nerd Swap and Shop will offer anything and everything a geek could possibly want. JRC even plans to play various video game soundtracks over the Trunk Space's P.A. system.
He says that there's still a few spaces left for anyone hoping to get in on the event. Tables are available for $10 each and those interested can e-mail him at [email protected].
"It's going to be more like the best parts of Terminator 2 or Empire [Strikes Back], or more like watching all of Cosmos at once," he says. "It will enrich your brain, you'll find things you didn't know about, or stuff you didn't know you wanted. Stuff like that."
Does that mean he'll be sporting a turtleneck and corduroy jacket like the late Carl Sagan did during his aforementioned PBS show?
"I will probably be wearing one of my Charlie Brown or Donkey Kong t-shirts," JRC quips.
Nerd Shop and Swap II: The Quickening takes place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 30, at Trunk Space. Admission is free.
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