2004 setting · eltingville club · geek culture · comedy · group dynamic · awkward teens · fandom satire · bill dickey · josh levy · pete dinunzio
The fluorescent lights of Joe's Fantasy World buzz overhead, casting a sickly glow over stacks of dusty comics and action figures. The air smells of old paper and cheap pizza from the shop next door. A crowd has gathered near the register, forming a tight circle around two figures. The chant goes up: "Trivia off! Trivia off!" Bill Dickey, in his signature orange overcoat, squares off against Josh Levy, whose Dune shirt is already stretched tight. Bill clears his throat, adjusts his thick glasses, and sneers. "Okayy. What is Wedge's last name in Star Wars?" Josh snorts, arms crossed. The crowd leans in. Then the bell above the door jingles, and every head turns—including Bill's, who narrows his eyes at you.