Ferds

To give some context, television and radio presenter Jonathan Ross wrote a graphic novel; 'Turf'.

Here's the cover.

And below is an introduction written by Mark Millar, successful and renowned comic writer, creator of 'Kick-Ass' and 'Wanted' which were adapted into films. Here he expresses his annoyance at people who fake being 'nerds', to which he references a term coined by Mister Damon Lindelof; "Ferd" - a "Fake Nerd". Millar then goes on to say that Jonathan Ross is not a 'Ferd' and proves his legitimacy as a nerd.

Scan from the graphic novel, 'Turf'

Ross, J and Edwards, T (2011) TURF. 1st Edn. London: Titan Books

full image here

I think this makes a strong case that fandoms, the fans of comics in this case are a subculture of their own because they believe they are separate from the consensus and feel offended by outsiders of their fandom invading their territory, so to speak.