Cult Collectors

This insightful exploration of fandom and merchandise in Cult Collectors reveals how collectibles shape personal narratives and community identities.

In Cult Collectors, author Lincoln Geraghty delves into the intricate relationship between fans and the cult film and television merchandise they cherish. The book explores the evolving culture of consumption, where collectible items have transitioned from mere memorabilia to significant components of fans' identities and personal narratives. Geraghty argues that the landscape of fan conventions has shifted, with merchandise now serving as focal points for trade and nostalgia, rather than just the fictional texts themselves.

The text begins with a critical examination of how fans and fandom are portrayed in popular media, analyzing stereotypes found in shows like The Big Bang Theory and films such as The 40-Year-Old Virgin. This discussion leads to a broader conversation about changing consumption practices and the mainstreaming of cult media. Geraghty also addresses the impact of new technologies, highlighting platforms like eBay and ThinkGeek that have become vital spaces for memory and commerce within cult fan communities.

Throughout Cult Collectors, various theoretical aspects are considered, including gender representation, nostalgia, and the role of social media in shaping fan identities. The book concludes with in-depth case studies that illuminate the connections between fan communities and the commodities they buy and sell, covering topics such as the San Diego Comic-Con, Hollywood memorabilia, and the commercialization of cult fandom.