Marcella Muncy - Phasers Set on Stunning!
WORLDS COLLIDE, San Antonio’s Sci-Fi & Fantasy Meetup Group has been going strong, gathering fans and setting up well-attended regular events. We already profiled JASON PEREZ, half of the dynamic duo behind the group, now we’re coming full circle with a focus on the other half. MARCELLA MUNCY is the head organizer of the group, and with Jason Perez heading to Afghanistan, she will be the primary force moving forward. I had a chance to ask Ms. Muncy a few questions about Worlds Collide and her motivations.
I was excited to discover an active group like Worlds Collide in San Antonio. The first event I went to at the Alamo Drafthouse was a full house. Tell us about the origins of Worlds Collide.
I was sitting around at home really down about Stargate Atlantis being canceled. I wanted to talk with others who felt the same way I did, but couldn’t find any Stargate fans in San Antonio. I knew there were fans out there–I just had to find them. So I talked to Jason and threw the question out to him, “Do you think we could start a sci-fi group?” He thought that was a great idea and we both decided to start the group. My sister, Larissa, suggested the name Worlds Collide and we all thought it was perfect, plus, it was a nod to “When Worlds Collide” a 1933 science fiction novel. It has been such a wonderful time…I’m so glad we decided to do this.
Are you pleased with the response you are getting? Which events get the biggest draw?
I’m very pleased with the response we have been getting. It’s so great being able to meet and socialize with other sci-fi fans and sci-fi groups who have the same interests as you. So far the biggest draws have been the Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Star Trek events. We had many fans come out those nights and it was just so much fun watching the episodes together.
Tell us about the most memorable event Worlds Collide has put together.
Since I am an ardent Star Trek fan, the most memorable event we have put together has been the Star Trek night where we showed “The Trouble With Tribbles” and “City on the Edge of Forever”. Being able to dress up and watch those special episodes with other fans was just priceless.
That was the first event I went to, it was really enjoyable. What sort of events does the group have coming up that we can look forward to? What kind of events would you like to be involved with?
An event I’m really looking forward to is the one on July 22nd. Some of our members are going to Comic-Con in San Diego and we are actually having a meetup event there. It will be nice sharing the experience of a major convention with other fans. I can’t wait to see David Tennant, John Barrowman and The Mighty Boosh! I’d like to be involved with any event that brings in the fans, be it a television show viewing at Alamo Drafthouse, a book swap, or a movie premiere. They’re the reason why we do it.
What got you in to being such a big SF fan? What are your early influences?
When I was a kid I was flipping through television channels when I came across Star Trek. I watched the episode and was intrigued. I had always loved watching westerns and was incredibly fascinated by desperadoes. To me, Kirk was just like this, but a space cowboy with a cool gun. I fell in love with Star Trek and couldn’t get enough of it. From there I escaped my mundane life by continuing the adventures of the Star Trek crew in the book form. I traveled the universe with a crew of different origins who all shared the same ideal as me, exploration.
Lots of people are fans, but clearly you have taken Worlds Collide to another level entirely. What drives you to keep it going?
I think what drives us is the enthusiasm of our fellow members. I can watch an episode of Star Trek or flip though a comic book at home, but being around others who share the same excitement and enjoyment of these things makes them so much more special.
I noticed from your Meetup profile that you are both a huge Star Trek fan and a Young Republican. A lot of Trek and other Science Fiction has a socialist or utopian bent. Does this strike you as weird considering the way the modern Republican Party uses terms like ‘socialist’?
Our group is about getting together, sharing and having fun. I don’t believe in mixing politics with entertainment. To do so would be counterproductive and limit ourselves to a smaller set of ideas. I want our group to be open to people of all political persuasions.
I know you are also into music and live shows. How do you think your SF fandom feeds into your musical tastes? Is there any crossover? What shows are you most likely to be attending in San Antonio?
While I don’t have a collection of filk music, my enjoyment of music covers a broad spectrum of styles from The Who to the Old 97′s. I think my desire to explore different styles of music and my desire to explore new worlds through science fiction stems from the same origin. I’ll definitely be attending Jason and the Cabana Boys when they come into town, they’re so talented!
You could be in any number of cities, why San Antonio? What makes the Alamo City special for you?
As for why I’m here in San Antonio, well, I was born and bred here and my family and friends live here. San Antonio has wonderful people, BBQ tofu and sweat tea. I am so proud of being a Texan–I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.
Give us your top five picks:
Top Comics
- Star Trek
- Doctor Who
- Farscape
- Buffy the Vampire Slayer
- Umbrella Academy
Top TV Shows
- Star Trek: TOS
- The Mighty Boosh
- Doctor Who
- Lost
- Stargate Atlantis
Top Books
- The Price of the Phoenix by Myrna Culbreath and Sondra Marshak
- Lord of the Rings Trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien
- Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling
- The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin
- Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman
Hurray! I’ve found a blog that’s based out my own home town! I live in NE SA and was born and raised here. This is a great article! How does a published author join your group? (Or, did I miss the page?)
Check out my first and recently released novel, Long Journey to Rneadal. This exciting tale is a romantic action adventure in space and is more about the characters than the technology.
Wonderful interview Marcella! I think I might check out two of the books in your top 5, I haven’t read them. I am so glad you and Jason formed this group, I love working with the two of you!
Great interview Marcie! Nice job with the group so far. I’ve had lots of fun at the events I’ve been to.
Yay female SF fans! Star Trek was my first exposure too! I remember playing “going to warp speed” on the “instrument panel” on my parent’s family room wall. We hope to make it to a Worlds Collide event soon. Still crossing our fingers that we can make it to Can’t Stop the Serenity tomorrow!
Great interview! I agree, the Star Trek night at the Drafthouse was awesome! Hopefully we can all do something like that again sometime. It’s great to meet so many Star Trek fans and fans of other Sci-Fi series in general. I like Jason’s idea of San Antonio hosting a Sci-Fi convention as well. Definitely a goal to work toward, I’d say.
Hi Marcella,
It was a fun article to read. You have such contagious excitement about your club. I am sure that your group will continue to grow. Have a great time in San Diego! Go San Antonio Sci-Fi!!!!!!!
Good interview. I have been a fan of Star Trek: TNG and am now getting into the original series. It’s great hear that you have a successful group. I hope it continues to be successful. Live long and prosper!!
Way to represent the group Marcie, you’ve done a great job as organizer! Have fun in Cali!
I enjoyed reading the article. Great job on the group and all the wonderful events that have been set up. Keep up the good work. see you at comic con!!!
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