B Movies Blog

Hello, Movie Mavens! Welcome back to the B Movies Blog. Today, we’re popping an ode to the Hot Topic of the past into the ol’ VCR. 

Now, friends, I’m not here to simply wax poetically about the Hot Topic I grew up with and say, “Back in my day, [insert tired story here].” 

I only want to discuss the Hot Topic I grew up with, circa 2004-2010, because it’s such a big part of the zeitgeist. 

You see, I was a pop punk kid, through and through. I wore black eyeshadow with black lower eyeliner for YEARS. I bought band tees like crazy. I even bought my copy of Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge from there. 

Before Hot Topic became what it is today, it was like a safe haven for the punk/goth/alt/etc kids like I was. 

This is my Gatsby green light 

The music ranged from Cobra Starship to Asking Alexandria, and everyone working was always super nice. Apparently, that wasn’t the experience for everyone, but the Hot Topic at the mall I went to had super nice peeps. I digress. 

The walls of Hot Topic were lined with Tripp NYC pants and backpacks. There were racks and racks of studded belts, bracelets, and Emily the Strange merch. Also, who could forget the wall of hardcore band tees?

I remember always racing to the back to look through the clearance section, which, at my mall, was located right next to all the Living Dead Dolls. 

It was always a good day when I found something cool on sale, and I would also crack up over the latest Psycho Bunny sticker. 

I would’ve hung out with these two in high school, for sure

I also love talking about this era of Hot Topic because it reminds me so much of KP. 

She would cutup with the staff and dig around the clearance items with the best of them. 

KP would always find the coolest stuff for me to wear and carry, and, looking back, I’m kicking myself for not always appreciating it. 

She was never bothered by going into any store, Hot Topic included, but Hot Topic was OUR STORE. 

To this day, I still have the denim jacket she sewed a million band patches on. 

Fun fact: I wanted to be Nancy Downs so badly that I performed “spells” from the back of a T*Witches book and almost caught myself on fire 

I lived for the days we’d get to go there and Journeys. In fact, I still remember the days she bought me my first pair of Vans and Converse. 

I think, for me at least, the “old” Hot Topic holds such a special place in my heart because it not only defines so much of my adolescence, but it holds so many memories of my mother. 

I may miss my Fall Out Boy/Rushmore mashup shirt, but I definitely miss KP more. 

RIP, Ma, and RIP to the old Hot Topic. 🖤

Do me a favor and blast some Screamo tonight. For old time’s sake.