Today we’d like to introduce you to Evelyn Lewis.
Hi Evelyn, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Hi! I’m Evelyn, better known as The Comic Canary, and I’m a professional nerd.
I’m a third-generation nerd, so turning my love of fandom into a career was probably inevitable. My grandmother collected DC Comics, my mom’s family are lifelong Trekkies, and my dad built a career around comics and literature. Today, I also produce and co-host Tolkien About It with him.
I’ve been attending conventions and cosplaying since I was eleven, and I started paneling in 2016 at local events like Balticon. Since then, I’ve been honored to speak at conventions across the country, but Baltimore will always be home. I also volunteer with the cosplay department at Baltimore Comic Con.
Last year I achieved Master-level status in cosplay and competed in my first Masters competition in Baltimore. When I’m not on stage or behind a microphone, you’ll usually find me embracing Geek Chic by designing and sewing fandom-inspired fashion.
I believe being a nerd is something to celebrate, and I love helping others discover the joy, creativity, and community that fandom has to offer.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
As a plus-size, disabled, queer woman, my journey through fandom hasn’t always been easy. I’ve had to develop a thick skin, push past stereotypes, and ignore more than my share of bigotry. Those experiences shaped what I stand for today: creating a fandom that is more welcoming, diverse, and positive for everyone.
Building a reputation as a speaker and creator in comics and pop culture has been an uphill climb, but the biggest challenge was putting myself out there as a cosplayer. Ironically, cosplay became the very thing that helped me rediscover my confidence and learn to love my body again.
Today, one of the most rewarding parts of what I do is mentoring the next generation of nerds. Whether it’s offering cosplay advice, helping someone break into paneling, or simply encouraging them to embrace what they love, I hope to make fandom a place where everyone feels like they belong.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My career as a professional nerd has been shaped just as much by my career as a scientist. I’m endlessly curious, and I love asking questions, researching rabbit holes, and learning how things work. That curiosity naturally led me to studying the history of comics, fandom, and fan culture, and I’m probably best known for my convention talks on the history of fanfiction.
Inspiration has a way of finding me everywhere. I’ll see a Pokémon and immediately start wondering how its anatomy works, or Superman will mention a real historical event and suddenly I’m spending the evening reading everything I can about it. Once I discover something fascinating, I can’t wait to share it—whether that’s through a panel, a podcast, or a conversation with fellow fans.
That same curiosity fuels my cosplay. An interesting idea, a beautiful piece of art, or even a single line from a book can spark an entire costume. Last year, a quote from the A Court of Thorns and Roses series inspired me to design and create an original ball gown. For me, learning and creating have always gone hand in hand.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
One of the biggest misconceptions about fandom is that diversity is something new. In reality, fandom has always been diverse. The challenge has been making sure everyone gets to see themselves represented, welcomed, and celebrated. While we’ve made meaningful progress, there’s still plenty of work to do.
I’m proud to use my platform to help move that progress forward. Through my work with nonprofit organizations like Geeks OUT, as well as my panels, writing, and community involvement, I advocate for more inclusive and welcoming fan spaces. I believe fandom is at its best when everyone feels like they belong, and I’m grateful to be part of the ongoing effort to make that vision a reality.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.comiccanary.com
- Instagram: @comic_canary
- Other: TikTok: @comic.canary
