Origin Stories: From Blinky Lights to Dystopian Warnings
Greetings adventurers,
In my last post, I promised to keep the campfire burning by sharing more of the passions that form the bedrock of Sure Treats. Today, I want to take a bit of a "lore dive" into my own past.
Every great character has an origin story, and mine was forged in the glow of a cathode-ray tube television and the ink-stained pages of sci-fi comics.
Level 1: The Utopian Spark
As far back as I can remember, I’ve been pulled toward the stars. It started with re-runs of Star Trek: The Next Generation. Back then, I just liked the "blinky lights" and the spaceships. It wasn't until I revisited it as an adult that I truly appreciated the masterclass in writing and the heavy focus on morality. It wasn't just about exploring space; it was about exploring what it means to be human.
Alongside Picard, I was raised on the eccentricities of Tom Baker’s Doctor Who on UK Gold. There was something about that scarf and the DIY-aesthetic of the 70s that felt more tangible and exciting than the high-budget CGI we see today. I watched other old doctors as well but he was my favourite. There are many other shows (Thunderbirds, Captain Scarlet, Reboot, Space 1999, Space Precinct, Sliders, Blake’s 7, etc) I could name but I don’t want this blog to go on forever!
Descending into the Neon Underdark
As I grew older, I found myself wandering away from the "perfect" futures. I discovered that beneath the utopian imagery lay a sub-genre that felt more visceral: Cyberpunk and Dystopia.
I swapped the Federation for the Mega-Cities. I’ve always held Judge Dredd and 2000AD in much higher regard than anything from the DC or Marvel stables. There’s a grit and a British wit to 2000AD that just hits different. It’s part grim, part satirical, and always unapologetic. I’ll even admit to having a huge soft spot for the Stallone Judge Dredd movie — I was at an impressionable age! Despite its flaws, it was incredibly ambitious, weaving in Rico, the Angel Family, and the ABC Warriors.
This was my "gateway drug" into the harder-hitting stuff (this list could be endless but here are the main hitters that had influence on me):
The Classics: 1984 (which I’ve consumed in every format—book, film, theatre, and even the musical!).
The Icons: Blade Runner, Akira, and Ghost in the Shell (the subsequent series ‘Stand Alone Complex’ is top-notch).
The Mainstream: Quantum Leap, Dark Angel, Stargate SG1, and the entire Matrix saga (including the Animatrix).
Even modern media like Cyberpunk 2077 have left a mark. Despite its rocky launch, the storyline was incredibly hard-hitting, and I’m actually looking to re-introduce myself to Night City soon to explore the Phantom Liberty expansion. This does get a special mention as the original Cyberpunk RPG was one of the first tabletop systems I played. Whilst I don’t play it now as often as I’d like, it has a pivotal moment for me.
The Fantasy Paradox
Now, don’t get me wrong — I love fantasy. I grew up on The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings, and (some of) those films remain among my absolute favourites. One of the most key moments of my childhood is a British TV show called ‘Knightmare’. A fantasy ‘gameshow’ for kids and had the biggest and earliest impact to my geekdom brain - so the influence of the genre cannot be denied!
My current "main quest" in real life is an epic, year-long Dungeons & Dragons campaign where I play a Lawful Good Barbarian traversing the Sword Coast. (If you’re interested in hearing more about my Barbarian’s exploits, let me know—I’ve got plenty of stories!).
However, fantasy has always been my "second favourite." I feel that in our modern world, the presence of technology creates much higher stakes. Sci-fi feels more like a warning; it’s a reflection of where we are headed. In a world where we’ve lost our feudal roots, fantasy can sometimes feel a bit cliché or outdated, whereas the "high tech, low life" of cyberpunk feels more relevant than ever.
The Moral of the Story
The biggest lesson I’ve learned from these stories is simple: Follow what you are passionate about. Inspiration is personal. It’s yours, and it’s empowering. Never feel the need to make excuses if others don't share your view or understand why you love a particular niche. It was made for someone just like you. Finding like-minded people is a bonus, but being true to yourself is the only way to play the game of life. No one else is going to do it for you!
The Business Quest Log
To bring things back to the business side of why this blog exists: I’m currently in a phase of reconsolidation.
As I mentioned previously, the eBay store is likely going to close down temporarily. I need to rethink my positioning and ensure that when I come back, I’m offering something truly unique. In the meantime, I’ll be shifting my focus toward the Amazon revenue stream, giving it the tactical attention it deserves to help "level up" the business finances.
Finally, some good news on the paperwork front! I have finally received my certificate from the Procurement Bootcamp. I finished the 10-week course on 21st January, and it only took until 25th March to arrive! A long wait for the loot drop, but it’s officially in the bag.
Catch you in the next update,
– Stuart.
