INTRO: There Are Some Who Call Me... Tim???

Two geek points to those who correctly guess that headline.

So, introductions: Hello Geekweek, I’m Tim Simmons and I’m one of your friendly neighborhood columnists.

Geeks, as I’m sure you’re aware, come in many different flavors-- each of us is like a specialized Neapolitan of Nerd. There isn’t one person I know who is JUST into comics, or movies, or games-- that isn't exactly the most controversial statement ever made, but I’m sure you agree with it.

My main nerd ingredient is comics. I was about five years old when my mom picked up a reprint of Amazing Spider Man #33 and handed it to me; likely figuring it’d shut me up for ten minutes or so.
It's a classic issue, but sort of a weird one to get "into" comics with, considering Spidey spends the bulk of it trapped under a big piece of machinery.

But it all leads to that one major climatic moment, and decades later, I’m still devouring comics searching for that same high I felt when I turned the page and saw this:

 

"Anyone can win a fight when the odds are easy! It's when the going's tough - when there seems to be no chance - that's when it counts!"

As with a lot of kids raised on comics, I transitioned into film and went to a fancy school that gave me a piece of paper which read:
“You are now allowed to make movies, go find a job.”
To which, I packed up all my stuff and drove cross country from Philadelphia to Los Angeles.

Seven years after moving to Hollywood (hooray for it!) I can safely challenge anyone for the title of Jack of All Trades in this town. I might not win, but it’ll be a good match. I’ve got stories ranging from Swimming with Sharks, to my famous life lesson: “NEVER get into drinking contests with professional wrestlers.”

I’ve learned a shit-ton and I aim to share some of those stories with you down the road.

On the learning side of things, Twenty-Ten is the year that I transition into Real Deal Comic Book Writer, and you’ll have a front row seat to my Year One.
A smattering of you were at Comic Con last year for the American Original panel where Katz outed my AO project. I was the guy that stood up and waved, while you were the one that asked yourself: “who’s that guy?”

In the upcoming months I hope to answer that question and give you a Geekweek exclusive “behind the scenes” as we set to launch the book.

On the sharing side, you’ll get to know me as a big Process Junkie:

I love studying the creative process of comics so much that I opened the Comic Book Script Archive, which is pretty much exactly what it sounds like. When it launched, I had no idea that it would become the biggest collection of professional comic book scripts in the world-- at least according to Google-- But hey, if you’re gonna crib format tips, do it from the best, right?

There’s another project set to drop at SDCC ’10 that I’m really excited about, but I’ll save that announcement for a little later.

In addition to the movie and comic nerdery, I’m also a Guitar Geek- so, keep an eye out for a SixString-centric music column or two. I promise no 22 minute solos.

Also on that tip, keep an ear out for a nerd-friendly music project that I’ve been attempting to con Bald Steve into playing bass on.

You’ll see my name pop up a bit in the Video Game tab, covering PS3 and Wii stuff. I need an excuse to play video games since catholic guilt ain't got nothing on how I feel if I blow a day on MW2. 

So, there you go: comics, movies, and games, that's my flavor of nerd.  

‘Ought-Ten is also my “good on ya” year. So, if you have anything you’d like me to review for Geekweek, please get in touch via the comments, Twitter (@citizentim) or singing telegram.

Closing up, I’d just like to throw out a round of applause to Mr. Jeff Katz:

…without whom, none of this would be possible. I’ve known Jeff for a bit under seven years now. The dude is one of the most dedicated, loyal, passionate, hard workin’, genuine mo’ fos I’ve ever met.

I couldn’t be happier and prouder to be a part of Geekweek- Thanks for taking the time to read my little intro and I’m looking forward to hanging with ya in the New Year!!