This book examines changing representations of masculinity in geek media during a time of
transition in which geek has not only gone mainstream but also become a more contested space
than ever with continual clashes such as Gamergate the Rabid and Sad Puppies' attacks on the
Hugo Awards and battles at conventions over fake geek girls. Anastasia Salter and Bridget
Blodgett critique both gendered depictions of geeks including shows like Chuck and The Big
Bang Theory and aspirational geek heroes ranging from the Winchester brothers of Supernatural
to BBC's Sherlock and the varied superheroes of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Through this
analysis the authors argue that toxic masculinity is deeply embedded in geek culture and that
the identity of geek as victimized other must be redefined before geek culture and media can
ever become an inclusive space.
