About Us
Where Geek Love Meets Epic Escapades
At Adventures in Geekdom, our mission is to celebrate and explore the vibrant world of geek culture as a couple, sharing our journey and passions with fellow fans. From cosplay and collectibles to gaming and iconic fandoms, we aim to inspire and engage a diverse community of geeks by offering unique stories, creative content, and immersive experiences from the perspective of two devoted fans. We believe in the power of fandoms to unite people, foster creativity, and bring joy, and we're dedicated to making every adventure a shared experience—together and with our audience.
Our Story
Every iconic comic book couple has an epic love story, and ours isn't any different. Michelle and Justin's meet cute was simple - girl sees guy as she's leaving a bar and gets his number. Texts him the next day and he's like - "who is this?" Well Tiger, you just hit the jackpot!
In the early 2000s, long before they became recognizable faces in the cosplay community, Michelle and Justin’s shared love for comics and toys set the foundation for their unique bond, quickly realizing their love for comics, classic 80s toys, and all things Marvel.
Their early dates were often spent hunting down Super Hero Squad figures, those small, chibi-like toys that brought beloved Marvel characters to life in a new way. These hunts weren’t just about the toys, though—they were about building memories that would one day form the backbone of their convention adventures.
Justin’s first comic con wasn’t the massive spectacle of SDCC, but rather a small, local one known as Sac-Con. They didn’t know it at the time, but that event would set them on a path toward the cosplayers and panelists they would eventually become.
Their very first attempt at cosplay was at their nephew’s 5th birthday party. The theme? Superheroes, of course! With very little time, they threw together simple costumes—Justin as Spider-man and Michelle as Black Cat—that made the kids light up. It was an unexpected hit and a foreshadowing of their cosplay journey.
They often joke that their relationship spans the entire MCU. Their first official date? The first Iron Man film in theaters back in 2008, the same movie that kickstarted the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Since then, they’ve watched every MCU film together, marking milestones in both the franchise and their relationship. Every phase of the MCU has mirrored a new phase in their lives, from early dating to building a life and reputation together in the cosplay and comic community - even getting to attend red carpet premieres of MCU projects!
Over the years, they’ve become not just partners in life but in their shared passions—whether it’s moderating panels, guesting on podcasts, or good ol fashioned toy hunting. They’ve grown into a team that embodies what it means to live and love in the world of comics and cosplay.
Justin Otero
Engineer by day, Black belt by night, full time nerd
Justin is a cosplayer and panel moderator based in Southern California, celebrated for his striking portrayals of Shang Chi, Namor, and Shatterstar. Growing up in the '80s with a deep-rooted passion for comics and toys, he channels his love for geek culture into his everyday life.
A strong advocate for representation in entertainment, Justin has moderated panels that spotlight Asian creators at major conventions, including SDCC, WonderCon, and LACC. He’s also been featured as a guest on various Marvel podcasts, such as Power Of X-Men, and has attended Marvel red carpet events with his amazing wife.
Through his Instagram account @jt_otero, Justin shares his experiences and adventures within the cosplay community, connecting with fans and showcasing his latest projects. You can often find him wandering convention floors, engaging with fellow fans, cosplaying, or hunting for collectibles from the vast world of nerd culture.
Michelle Waffle
The Comic Book Princess
Michelle is an award-winning cosplayer based in Southern California, known for her stunning portrayals of characters like Jean Grey and Dazzler, among others. Featured on Marvel’s Becoming series for her X-Men cosplay, Michelle has moderated segments for Cosplay Alliance's YouTube channel and served as a panelist at major conventions including San Diego Comic-Con. She consider's herself a conscious cosplayer - transforming thrifted clothes or repurposed items into unique cosplay. She is also a beer lover and a dedicated graphic tee collector. As part of the Shortboxed street team and co-host of the @powerofxmen podcast, she brings her passion for all things geek to life. When she’s not on a Marvel red carpet or fandom event, she’s hunting for comic books and collectibles on the con floor.
