The world of pop culture fandom was once on the fringes of society – comic books, anime and sci-fi movies have historically been seen as the realm of nerds living in their parents basement.

But in recent years, the power dynamics have shifted, and what was once considered niche is now very much in the mainstream.

Blockbuster movies are increasingly being dominated by superhero and fantasy genre, and that’s seeping into the world of prestige television.

And everything from Labubus to the latest Nintendo Switch console are flying off the shelves in ways that are taking their makers by surprise.

To unpack why this side of pop culture is proving so popular, we’re joined today on The Front Page by the Academic Dean at SAE Creative Media Institute, Dr Lorna Piatti-Farnell.

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You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network.

Host: Chelsea Daniels
Sound Engineer/Producer: Richard Martin
Producer: Ethan Sills

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