Alamogordo NM
10-22-2026 2:04pm
Meet Troy Stegner: Bringing a New Voice to Pop Culture to Alamogordo Town News and KALHRadio.org
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Meet Troy Stegner: Bringing a New Voice to Pop Culture to Alamogordo Town News and KALHRadio.org
Hey, fellow nerds! I’m Troy Stegner, owner of Zia Comics and the owner/promoter of El Paso Comic Con. I’m excited to introduce myself as a new article provider for the Pop Culture category.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my journey through nerdom, it’s that being a fan of something is more than just a hobby. It’s a way to connect with people, build friendships, discover new interests, and find a community that shares your passions. It doesn’t matter if you’re into comics, anime, <a href="https://comicvibe.com/video-game-orchestra-at-uc-davis-combines-the-worlds-of-music-and-gaming/” title=”Video Game Orchestra at UC Davis combines the worlds of music and gaming”>video games, tabletop gaming, collectibles, movies, television, or anything else in the wonderfully weird world of fandom, you’re among friends here. And remember, you don’t have to be a hardcore pro in your fandom. Casual fandom is cool too!
My journey in pop culture has been built around a simple idea: everyone is a fan of something, and those interests deserve a place to thrive.
As the owner of Zia Comics, with locations in Las Cruces and Alamogordo, New Mexico, I’ve dedicated myself to creating a destination where fans can explore their interests, discover new favorites, and connect with others who share their enthusiasm. Zia is about much more than comic books. Pop culture casts a long shadow and many things fall under that umbrella. Our goal is to help people find the things that make them happy or to discover their next obsession.
I’m also the owner behind El Paso Comic Con, an event that brings fans, creators, celebrities, artists, vendors, and communities together to celebrate the things they love. Through these businesses, I’ve had the opportunity to see firsthand how powerful fandom can be. It brings generations together, gives people common ground, supports creative talent, and creates memories that last long after the convention floor closes.
What Can You Expect From My Articles?
As a new contributor to the Pop Culture category, I want to cover the topics fans are interested in, not just the stories everyone is already talking about. Expect a mix of pop culture news, industry insights, gaming discussions, comic and manga spotlights, convention culture, collecting, fandom trends, and behind-the-scenes perspectives from someone who works in this world every day.
I’ll also be drawing on my experiences as a retailer and convention organizer to explore some of the bigger questions facing pop culture. What’s happening in the comic book industry? Why do certain franchises stand the test of time? What makes a great convention experience? Which games deserve more attention? And what does the future of fandom look like?
Of course, pop culture is enormous, and there’s no way one person can cover everything. That’s why I want this to be a conversation rather than a one-way broadcast.
What Nerdy Topic Should I Cover First?
Here’s where you come in.
What do you want to read about? Are you curious about how comic shops operate behind the scenes? Want to learn more about the business of comic cons? Interested in the latest gaming trends, hidden gems in anime, the world of collectibles, or the history behind your favorite franchises?
Maybe you’ve got a question about something in the nerd world that you’ve always wanted answered. Maybe there’s a topic that doesn’t get enough attention. Or maybe you just want someone to dig deeper into a particular fandom. Let me know.
Drop your suggestions in the comments. Tell me what you’d like to see more information about. Your suggestion might become one of my next articles.
I’m excited to be part of this community and look forward to exploring the wonderful world of pop culture with all of you.
Until next time, don’t be afraid to celebrate your fandom, no matter how nerdy it might be. Never be embarassed about the things you love.
Fly Your Nerd Flay High!
Troy Stegner
Owner, Zia Comics | El Paso Comic Con
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