About Joanna

Joanna is a storyteller and art dabbler with a permanent case of wanderlust. She lives in California with her family and cat, and has a passion for wildlife and conservation. She still hasn’t decided what she’s going to be when she grows up, though she suspects she will probably be herself. Her novel, YA sci-fi time travel story Threadwalkers, was published in 2017. You can find her other ramblings at joannavolavka.com or by following her on instagram @joannavolavka which is mostly cat photos and pretty plants. Need to get in touch? Email joanna@geekgirlpenpals.com
IGGPPC Director, +5 Charisma Editor
27 07, 2024

Doctor Who Lands at San Diego Comic-Con 2024

By |2026-01-08T07:12:37+00:00July 27th, 2024|Conventions/Events|Comments Off on Doctor Who Lands at San Diego Comic-Con 2024

DOCTOR WHO - "Doctor Who" stars Ncuti Gatwa and Millie Gibson and showrunner, executive producer and writer Russell T Davies attend San Diego Comic-Con 2024 on Friday, July 26. (Disney/Richard Harbaugh)

26 07, 2024

Her Universe Fashion Show Celebrates Tenth Anniversary

By |2026-01-08T07:12:57+00:00July 26th, 2024|Conventions/Events, Fashion|Comments Off on Her Universe Fashion Show Celebrates Tenth Anniversary

The Her Universe Fashion Show turned ten this year with an standing-room-only crowd in this fan-favorite celebration of Geek Couture. In partnership with Mattel, who [...]

25 07, 2024

Insight Editions at San Diego Comic-Con 2024

By |2026-01-08T07:13:24+00:00July 25th, 2024|Conventions/Events|Comments Off on Insight Editions at San Diego Comic-Con 2024

Insight Editions returns to San Diego Comic-Con with signings, giveaways, special promotions, and more! This year's upcoming releases we're excited about include Christina Ricci's A [...]

24 07, 2024

Her Universe Fashion Show 2024: Meet the Designers

By |2026-01-08T07:13:59+00:00July 24th, 2024|Conventions/Events, Fashion|Comments Off on Her Universe Fashion Show 2024: Meet the Designers

Ahead of its 10th event, the Her Universe Fashion Show announced its 25 designers participating in the annual celebration of all things Geek Couture. This [...]

24 07, 2024

San Diego Comic-Con 2024: Offsite Activations We’re Excited to See!

By |2026-01-08T07:14:36+00:00July 24th, 2024|Conventions/Events|Comments Off on San Diego Comic-Con 2024: Offsite Activations We’re Excited to See!

One of the most fun parts of San Diego Comic-Con is the offsite activations! Each year, studios and production companies set up the most creative [...]

7 09, 2023

THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS: Beyond Halloween Town brings us behind the scenes of an enduring classic

By |2023-09-06T21:22:47+00:00September 7th, 2023|Books, Reviews|0 Comments

This August, Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas celebrated its 30th anniversary with a beautiful new coffee table book delving into the origins, the creation, and the enduring legacy of this iconic, classic film. Written by Emily Zemler, this book reads like a love letter to the film.

10 08, 2023

In Conversation with Lauren J. A. Bear, author of MEDUSA’S SISTERS

By |2023-08-10T23:59:57+00:00August 10th, 2023|Books, Interviews|Comments Off on In Conversation with Lauren J. A. Bear, author of MEDUSA’S SISTERS

This month marks the release of MEDUSA'S SISTERS, a novel by Lauren J. A. Bear. I had a chance to connect and talk to Bear [...]

3 08, 2023

THE MAJESTICS Debuts the First-Ever Native & Latina Princess Team Graphic Novels

By |2023-08-03T22:16:06+00:00August 3rd, 2023|Comics, Interviews|0 Comments

This year at San Diego Comic-Con, comics creator Kayden Phoenix introduced a brand new project called The Majestics. Following the groundbreaking debut of A La [...]

16 03, 2021

Meet Ash Evans and her Mewnicorns

By |2021-03-16T22:48:29+00:00March 16th, 2021|Art, Interviews|0 Comments

Ash Evans is an artist who specializes in colorful fantasy art, including original paintings, pins, and her signature Mewnicorns, adorable rainbow plush unicorn kitties! I was super excited to find out she's running a Kickstarter for the next phase of the mewnicorn plush-- a pastel rainbow cat! Keep reading to get to know Ash and be sure to check out the mewnicorn campaign!

1 03, 2021

Meet Robyn Smith, Creator of The Saddest Angriest Black Girl in Town

By |2021-03-01T20:53:35+00:00March 1st, 2021|Comics, Interviews|1 Comment

The Saddest Angriest Black Girl in Town is a comic "dedicated to exploring the intersection of Blackness and mental health." I had the opportunity to chat a little with Robyn about her art, her inspiration, and her geek loves.