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 twitter @joannavolavka which is mostly cat photos and retweets of the geek culture variety. Need to get in touch? Email joanna@geekgirlpenpals.com
IGGPPC Director, +5 Charisma Editor
17 01, 2019

Late to the Party but Into the Spider-Verse

By |2019-01-16T18:34:53+00:00January 17th, 2019|Reviews, TV & Movies|0 Comments

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse is one of the most creative takes on a comic-book film that I've seen in a long time, and not only that-- it's also just a downright fantastic Spider-Man movie. I am so, so late to this party, but party it is, and I don't want you to miss it, too.

27 11, 2018

Gift Guides 2018: Charitable Giving Edition

By |2018-12-15T20:04:24+00:00November 27th, 2018|Shopping|0 Comments

Looking for some creative, geeky gifts for the holiday season? Perhaps looking for that perfect item for the person who doesn't need any more "stuff" but you still want to treat? Or maybe you are participating in #GivingTuesday and want to do a little charitable giving. Here's a round up of some fun things to gift your friends while also supporting some good causes!

26 11, 2018

Gift Guides 2018: Geekling (Geek Kids) Edition

By |2018-11-25T23:31:25+00:00November 26th, 2018|Shopping|0 Comments

Looking for some creative, geeky gifts for the holiday season? Wanting to gift the geekling in your life with something a little bit different that will spark their imagination? Just wanting some good gift ideas for the geek kids in your life? Look no further! Here's a round up of some fun things to gift your geeklings this year!

19 11, 2018

Movie Review: Fantastic Beasts The Crimes of Grindlewald

By |2018-11-19T18:45:55+00:00November 19th, 2018|Reviews, TV & Movies|0 Comments

Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindlewald, is a bit like cotton candy: it's a lot of fun while you're in the middle of it it, but it doesn't satisfy and leaves you still feeling a little empty afterward. Keep reading for a spoiler free review!

13 08, 2018

Small Business Spotlight and Giveaway with Adorable Mayhem

By |2018-08-12T19:59:13+00:00August 13th, 2018|Giveaways, Interviews|0 Comments

We love shining a spotlight on amazing small businesses, and this month we are talking to Tara Magboo, the artist and jeweler behind Adorable Mayhem! Let's get to know her a little more, and then get ready for an adorable giveaway! 

20 07, 2018

5th Annual Her Universe Fashion Show Brings Geek Couture to SDCC

By |2018-07-20T08:02:10+00:00July 20th, 2018|Conventions/Events|0 Comments

For the 5th year in a row, Thursday night at San Diego Comic-Con was taken over by geek couture thanks to the Her Universe Fashion Show. The annual event aims to bring a New York fashion week style event to the convention every year, proving that geek fashion can be high end and that it is here to stay. This year's theme was "Milestones" and the designers certainly delivered some breathtaking pieces to the event. We've got all the looks right here, plus the three winners who will be creating an Avengers-inspired line for Spring 2019 for Hot Topic. 

6 07, 2018

Movie Review: Ant Man and the Wasp **SPOILER FREE**

By |2018-07-06T06:22:42+00:00July 6th, 2018|Reviews, TV & Movies|0 Comments

Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018) is fun and entertaining but largely stays away from the intensity of the main Avengers sequence without forgetting that larger world's context. It's the first Marvel movie since Infinity War and thankfully we are handed some lighter fare. If you're looking for a summer comic book movie flick with an ass-kicking female hero, this is the movie for you.

26 06, 2018

Small Business Spotlight: FanFlaire

By |2018-06-26T00:08:14+00:00June 26th, 2018|Interviews, Shopping|0 Comments

Here are IGGPPC, we like to turn the spotlight onto small, geeky businesses, especially those run by women. This week we're checking out FanFlaire, a super rad shop that sells pins and patches for some of our favorite geek loves. Let's get to know a little more about shop owner Sarah and her awesome business!