About US
What is Culture Combine?
Culture Combine is your home for pop culture everything. We cover Comics, Food, Movies, TV, Music, Tech, Games, Current Events and more.
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Media without masters
We are truly independent media, bridging the gap between content creator and journalist. But we are more than just enthusiasts, we’re accredited journalists with almost a decade (or more) each of experience covering pop culture and more.
We don’t have corporate overlords. That means we have unfiltered opinions that are not swayed by corporate interests or rich individuals deciding what can be covered and how it's covered.
No clickbait.
No bullshit.
No AI.
Ever.
Who is Culture Combine?
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We’re a team of journalists, editors, photographers, graphic designers and podcasters who love what we do and love pop culture. Simply put, we’re nerds who love writing about arts and entertainment.
Our previous work has been seen in publications like Chicagoist, Gapers Block, Third Coast Review, Gothamist, The Progressive, Nation of Change, Truthout, Nintendo World Report, Start Menu UK, Chapter Select, NPR of Illinois, Shadowproof, TIME, The New York Times, Smithsonian Magazine, The Guardian, CBS and Chicago Magazine.
Our goal is to make it honest, interesting and fun, and we’re glad you’re here.
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The Culture Combine Team
Antal Bokor has been covering games and tech for almost a decade. He’s a passionate video game historian and retro game collector. He’s been building computers and repairing small electronics his entire life.
Aaron Cynic is a writer and photographer based in Chicago. His interest in the tapestry of politics and media began in the 90’s when he stumbled into a table of zines at a punk show at the Fireside Bowl. Since then, he’s written and photographed for numerous publications, zines, books and websites, played in a few bands, done a few performances, and somewhat begrudgingly and usually accidentally appeared in the background in some news and documentary footage."
Alex Orona is a Chicago native with a love of travel, salsa dancing and live music. When not traveling, Alex is a small time podcaster for NPR of Illinois and Associate Editor for Nintendo World Report.
Marielle Bokor is a photographer, writer, editor and recovering foodservice worker. She’s been on the arts and culture scene in Chicago for over 10 years, which officially makes her an old. As you’d suspect, she’s a big ol’ nerd, a Trekkie, and a foodie who loves to cook. As you might also suspect, she’s married to Antal Bokor, and the duo have been spotted doing journalism and retro games things anywhere they roam. Well versed in Weird Al, Buffy, and Star Trek. Can probably recall every single episode of Full House. Definitely lived in a Lisa Frank world full of action movies, rom-coms, great Mcdonald’s toys, Trapper Keepers, pogs, My Little Ponies and yo-yo balls. In love, in love with life.
Julian Ramirez is a writer, photographer, and a Jack of quite a few trades. Whether he's indulging in a late night concert, watching a genre hopping movie marathon of his own making, or learning how to [INSERT NEW OBSCURE HOBBY HERE], Julian is always trying to fill his time with something interesting to share with friends. And as a natural born Chicagoan living under the flight paths of Midway Airport, he has plenty of time to fill his exhausted nights.