The world of pop culture fandom was once on the fringes of society – comic books, anime and sci-fi movies have historically been seen as the realm of nerds living in their parents basement.

But in recent years, the power dynamics have shifted, and what was once considered niche is now very much in the mainstream.

Blockbuster movies are increasingly being dominated by superhero and fantasy genre, and that’s seeping into the world of prestige television.

And everything from Labubus to the latest Nintendo Switch console are flying off the shelves in ways that are taking their makers by surprise.

To unpack why this side of pop culture is proving so popular, we’re joined today on The Front Page by the Academic Dean at SAE Creative Media Institute, Dr Lorna Piatti-Farnell.

Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network.

Host: Chelsea Daniels
Sound Engineer/Producer: Richard Martin
Producer: Ethan Sills

The world of pop culture fandom was once on the fringes of society &ndash; comic books, anime and sci-fi movies have historically been seen as the realm of nerds living in their parents basement.
But in recent years, the power dynamics have shifted, and what was once considered niche is now very much in the mainstream.
Blockbuster movies are increasingly being dominated by superhero and fantasy genre, and that&rsquo;s seeping into the world of prestige television.
And everything from Labubus to the latest Nintendo Switch console are flying off the shelves in ways that are taking their makers by surprise.
To unpack why this side of pop culture is proving so popular, we&rsquo;re joined today on The Front Page by the Academic Dean at SAE Creative Media Institute, Dr Lorna Piatti-Farnell.
Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network.
Host: Chelsea Daniels Sound Engineer/Producer: Richard Martin Producer: Ethan Sills

Go beyond the headlines with The Front Page, the New Zealand Herald’s daily news podcast. Each weekday Chelsea Daniels unpacks the stories shaping Aotearoa, from what’s happening in our own backyard to global events shaping our future.

Every episode we speak to leaders, experts, reporters, and those living the story, so you get the full picture. 

Subscribe now so you never miss an episode.

Go beyond the headlines with The Front Page, the New Zealand Herald&rsquo;s daily news podcast. Each weekday Chelsea Daniels unpacks the stories shaping Aotearoa, from what&rsquo;s happening in our own backyard to global events shaping our future.
Every episode we speak to leaders, experts, reporters, and those living the story, so you get the full picture.&nbsp;
Subscribe now so you never miss an episode.

Every day, The Front Page takes you behind the scenes of the biggest story from the New Zealand Herald. Hosted by Damien Venuto

The Front Page

Go beyond the headlines with The Front Page, the New Zealand Herald’s daily news analysis podcast. Each weekday Chelsea Daniels unpacks the stories shaping Aotearoa, from what’s happening in our own backyard to global events shaping our future. Every episode we speak to leaders, experts, reporters, and those living the story, so you get the full picture. Subscribe now so you never miss an episode.

Go beyond the headlines with The Front Page, the New Zealand Herald&rsquo;s daily news analysis podcast. Each weekday Chelsea Daniels unpacks the stories shaping Aotearoa, from what&rsquo;s happening in our own backyard to global events shaping our future. Every episode we speak to leaders, experts, reporters, and those living the story, so you get the full picture. Subscribe now so you never miss an episode.

From Labubu dolls to box office records: What the latest pop culture trends say about us

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