Our Writers

Todd Coopee, Editor-in-Chief

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

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

He also operates 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 more than 20 years of experience in the field.

A lifelong enthusiast of popular culture, he is an avid retro gamer and a dedicated collector, with particular interests spanning film, television, comics, and gaming properties from the late twentieth century to the present day. His work has appeared online and in print, including on StarTrek.com, The 8-Bit Pickle, and in publications such as Smarter Than Jack, Kaiju Ramen Magazine, The 100 Project, and regional newspapers.

In addition to his editorial work, John has collaborated with a wide range of toy and collectibles manufacturers, contributing photography and creative support to projects involving both established and emerging brands across the industry.

You can reach John at john@toytales.ca.

Joanna Hauser, Managing Editor

Joanna Hauser is a writer and researcher with a sustained interest in the hobbies and passions that shape popular culture.

Her interests include comic books, flea-market collecting, and classic television, with particular enthusiasm for series 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 former collections curator and board game specialist at The Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, New York.

His interests include history, popular culture, American art, paper artifacts, and collections management. He regularly contributes to Toy Tales, writing about board game history and best practices in collections care for hobbyists and collectors.

You can reach Nicolas at nicolas@toytales.ca.

Denis Savoie, Visual Storyteller

Denis Savoie is a visual storyteller with a deep appreciation for nostalgic objects.

A senior graphic designer and photographer, Denis has created compelling visual work for more than 30 years. His interests include popular culture, with a particular fondness for Ultraman and Godzilla.

Outside of his professional work, he continues to design for pleasure, including the development of a LEGO town that he co-founded with his son.

You can reach Denis at denis@toytales.ca.

Brian Washington, Contributing Writer

Brian A. R. Washington, a native of Alexandria, Virginia, is a versatile artist who has been drawing since early childhood.

He discovered his interests in children’s books and music at a young age and went on to develop skills in story writing and music composition. His work often brings together writing, illustration, and music, particularly in children’s storytelling and vocal characterisation.

You can reach Brian at brian@toytales.ca.