A Pop Culture Guide To Manchester

Pop culture means different things to different people. It covers music, TV, movies, gaming and more. The beauty of pop culture is that it connects people together and Manchester has all kinds of attractions for geeks, gamers, metal heads, comic fans and everything in between. Manchester caters to all walks of life, which is why I’ve put together a pop culture guide for anyone who’s looking to embrace an alternative kind of trip.

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How NXT UK Is Shaping The Future Of British Wrestling

In the past decade, the wrestling industry has changed for the better. Brands like NXT have provided a platform for indie stars to shine in front of worldwide audiences. The likes of Pete Dunne, Ricochet, Adam Cole and Velveteen Dream have flourished on the black and gold brand. WWE decided to take it a step further by introducing NXT UK. Wrestlers from all over the UK have the chance to build their credibility on a grander stage. Here’s what I’ve thought of NXT UK so far.

Promoting Gothic Culture Through Supernatural Superheroes On Manchester’s HAUNT Blog

When it comes to writing about comics, promoting different characters is one of the most enjoyable parts. A great way to bring awareness is to write on websites that aren’t specifically geared towards comics. It’s why I’ve been writing an ongoing segment called Supernatural Superheroes for Visit Manchester’s HAUNT blog. The series is about combining gothic themes and pop culture together to promote lesser known superheroes.

Celebrating The History Of Manchester’s First Superhero Dan Dare

As a city, Manchester has some of the richest cultural history in the world. Industry and creativity are driving forces and it’s safe to say that I love the place I grew up in. The history extends to comics, as Manchester has its very own superhero in the form of Dan Dare. Considered to be the British answer to Buck Rogers, Dare is arguably one of the greatest sci-fi characters of all time. I’m looking into the character’s background to understand how he represents the soul of his home.

Bluebirds

When John Harris saw the swastika, his hand clenched until the knuckles turned white. He imagined some jumped-up little gobshite coming here in the dead of night, giggling while he drew this monstrosity. The sheer disrespect made his teeth grate. Salford Lads Club used to be a place of hope. Windows were now cracked or faded and the brick work was rotting. The painted roses that once hung proudly above the door were chipped away. The Dangerous Building sign completed a tarnished picture of childhood memories. A place of gymnasiums in the evening and choirs in the morning. Knitted scarves and free meals at Christmas. Eighty years of breaking his back and he’d returned to a miscreant paradise. John gripped the railings, took a breath and turned away.

God Save The Queen: Excalibur And The Representation Of England’s Resiliency

It’s a common theme in comics for superhero teams to be linked together, with different members appearing on other squads. UK-based Excalibur started off as an offshoot of the X-Men, but eventually developed their own identity. The team was created by Chris Claremont and Alan Davis, first appearing in 1987 in the pages of Excalibur Special Edition. In the modern day, superheroes like Captain Britain, Black Knight and Pete Wisdom are associated with the team. But this wasn’t always the case.

The Dealer Combines Food Discounts And Charitable Donations For A Wonderful App

We live in a world where convenience exists at our fingertips, due to the amount of phone apps that carry out various functions. The best kind of apps combine practicality with a worthy cause, and one of the best apps I’ve come across is called The Dealer. The UK based app provides recreational discounts at a variety of restaurants and cafes in different cities. The money saving idea is paired with a charitable approach, as you can donate a portion of what you save to helping the homeless.

Visiting Nostalgia & Comics In Birmingham For A Nostalgic Experience

Over the weekend I went down to Birmingham for a comic con at the NEC and to see some of the local sites. Being the comic geek that I am, I was on the lookout for anything pop culture related and I was happy to discover a comic shop called Nostalgia & Comics near to my hotel. The shop looked inviting and seeing I was in town for a comic con, it only seemed right that I went inside.

Peaky Blinders Season 4 Review: A Return To Form With High Stakes And Brutal Consequences For The Shelbys

Since it aired in 2013, Peaky Blinders has become one of the most popular British shows to come out in years. Netflix has helped it reach a worldwide audience and the fourth season is set to be released by the streaming service. Season 4 recently aired in the UK and it featured all the violence and grimy glamour that fans have come to expect. Tommy Shelby faces a new enemy unlike any he’s dealt with before. Worse of all, the Shelby family are divided after last season’s heart-stopping ending. With threats on all sides, Tommy needs to go back to his roots if he wants to survive. The Comic Vault presents a spoiler free review of Season 4.

Travelling To Travelling Man In Manchester

As a comic fan, there’s something very satisfying about wandering around a comic book store. Whether you’re browsing through the latest graphic novels, or being awe-struck by the amount of geeky merchandise available, comic stores are great places to shop. Manchester has a fair share of pop culture stores, and if you’re ever in the area then I’d recommend checking out Travelling Man.