Our Writers

Todd Coopee, Editor-In-Chief

Todd Coopee is a toy historian, book author, entrepreneur, and collector. with a special interest in nostalgic play.

Todd explores the toys and games that inspired curiosity, thought, and experimentation during the formative years of popular culture in North America, as well as their ongoing role in the present day. He is author of the award-winning Light Bulb Baking: A History of the Easy-Bake® Oven and has researched, curated, and written about comic books and vintage toys for 20 years.

He also runs Studio 91, a web communications practice, and Sonderho Press, a boutique publishing company.

You can reach Todd at todd@toytales.ca.

John DeQuadros, Senior Writer

John DeQuadros is a professional toy photographer and pop culture writer with over 20 years of experience in the field.

John is a fan of all things pop culture, is an avid retro gamer, and collector of brands including Back To The Future, Star Wars, Star Trek, Marvel, DC Comics, and The World Of Nintendo. John’s work has appeared on StarTrek.com, The 8-Bit Pickle and in the pages of Smarter Than Jack, Kaiju Ramen Magazine, The 100 Project and even the local newspaper.

John has also formed partnerships with and worked alongside noted companies such as Boss Fight Studio, Diamond Select Toys, Hasbro, Jakks Pacific, Mattel, McFarlane Toys, Mego, NECA, Panda Mony Toys, and others.

You can reach John at john@toytales.ca.

Graham E. Hancock, Contributing Writer

Graham E. Hancock is editor of Blocks magazine and author of LEGO Star Wars: The Force of Creativity and LEGO Heroes: Lego Builders Changing the World – One Brick at a Time.

Graham encourages people of all ages to explore their creativity through LEGO. With years of experience building intricate structures and mastering advanced techniques, he has become a recognized expert in the LEGO community. Through his work, he inspires others to discover the limitless possibilities of the beloved plastic bricks.

You can reach Graham at graham@toytales.ca.

Joanna Hauser, Senior Editor

Joanna Hauser is a writer and researcher who is endlessly curious about people’s hobbies and passions.

Joanna is a fan of comics, scouring flea markets for things she doesn’t need, and binge-watching television classics such as The Prisoner, Wonder Woman, and Star Trek.

You can reach Joanna at joanna@toytales.ca.

Nicolas Ricketts, Contributing Writer

Nicolas Ricketts is a collections curator and board game specialist at The Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, New York.

Nicolas’ interests include history, popular culture, American art, paper artifacts, and collections management. He regularly contributes to Toy Tales about board game history and collections care for hobbyists.

You can reach Nicolas at nicolas@toytales.ca.

Denis Savoie, Visual Storyteller

Denis Savoie is visual storyteller with a love of nostalgic objects.

A senior graphic designer and photographer, Denis has created arresting images for more than 30 years. He has a fondness for pop culture, and Ultraman and Godzilla are near to his heart.

When he’s not designing for work, he’s doing so for pleasure, including developing a LEGO town that he and his son co-founded .

You can reach Denis at denis@toytales.ca.

Brian Washington, Contributing Writer

Brian A. R. Washington, a native of Alexandria, Virginia, is a talented and versatile artist who has been drawing for as long as he can remember.

In kindergarten, he discovered his passions for children’s books and music and went on to develop his story writing and music composition skills. He particularly enjoys combining his writing, illustrations, and music in children’s stories and vocal characterizations.

You can reach Brian at brian@toytales.ca.