by Jen
Phoenix Comicon was, in a word, amazing.
There was so much to see and do, I hardly know where to begin! I don’t want to bore our readers to tears by describing the minutiae of my fantastic Comicon weekend, so I’ll just give you my Top 5 highlights instead (in no particular order).
There was so much to see and do, I hardly know where to begin! I don’t want to bore our readers to tears by describing the minutiae of my fantastic Comicon weekend, so I’ll just give you my Top 5 highlights instead (in no particular order).
1. Family Activities
I knew my kids would love looking at all the costumes at Phoenix Comicon, but I wasn’t sure what else would appeal to them. Ha! My daughter had her makeup done by a princess, my son shot Nerf darts at storm troopers, and they both took light saber training under a Jedi knight and helped the Coruscant Players decide where to go on their journey through space. When we had a little downtime, we could visit the Lego free build room (imagine tables and tables covered in piles of Legos!) or choose from a variety of craft or coloring projects in the Arts & Crafts room. This was my kids’ first Con experience, and it definitely left them hungry for more!
I knew my kids would love looking at all the costumes at Phoenix Comicon, but I wasn’t sure what else would appeal to them. Ha! My daughter had her makeup done by a princess, my son shot Nerf darts at storm troopers, and they both took light saber training under a Jedi knight and helped the Coruscant Players decide where to go on their journey through space. When we had a little downtime, we could visit the Lego free build room (imagine tables and tables covered in piles of Legos!) or choose from a variety of craft or coloring projects in the Arts & Crafts room. This was my kids’ first Con experience, and it definitely left them hungry for more!
2. Cosplay (and Crosplay)
Phoenix certainly knows how to cosplay! I photographed so many amazing costumes that I’m dedicating an entire separate post to that, but here are a few of the amazing cosplayers (and crosplayers) I saw this weekend.
Phoenix certainly knows how to cosplay! I photographed so many amazing costumes that I’m dedicating an entire separate post to that, but here are a few of the amazing cosplayers (and crosplayers) I saw this weekend.
3. Celebs
Phoenix Comicon may not attract as many celebrities as some of the larger Cons, but the ones that I got to see put on great panels. Also, unlike other Cons I’ve attended, PHXCC doesn’t clear the main room between panels – so attendees could literally stay for the entire day, and possibly even move to a better seat between panels. I did just that on Saturday, camping out in 301 from 10am to 4pm to see Summer Glau, Jason Momoa, David Morrissey, and finally Alyson Hannigan and Alexis Denisof.
Phoenix Comicon may not attract as many celebrities as some of the larger Cons, but the ones that I got to see put on great panels. Also, unlike other Cons I’ve attended, PHXCC doesn’t clear the main room between panels – so attendees could literally stay for the entire day, and possibly even move to a better seat between panels. I did just that on Saturday, camping out in 301 from 10am to 4pm to see Summer Glau, Jason Momoa, David Morrissey, and finally Alyson Hannigan and Alexis Denisof.
4. Interactive Panels
From “Where in the Con is Carmen Sandiego?” on Friday to “Star Wars Family Feud” on Sunday, Phoenix Comicon had an abundance of great programming that gave attendees a chance to participate in the action. My personal favorite was Fan Fiction Theater on Saturday. Just google Star Wars/Transformers fan fiction, and then imagine that being read by a cast of comedians and volunteers from the audience - including the spelling and grammatical errors. I quite literally laughed so hard I cried.
From “Where in the Con is Carmen Sandiego?” on Friday to “Star Wars Family Feud” on Sunday, Phoenix Comicon had an abundance of great programming that gave attendees a chance to participate in the action. My personal favorite was Fan Fiction Theater on Saturday. Just google Star Wars/Transformers fan fiction, and then imagine that being read by a cast of comedians and volunteers from the audience - including the spelling and grammatical errors. I quite literally laughed so hard I cried.
5. Food Trucks
Food may not be the most important aspect of any Con experience, but great meal choices can certainly add to the overall event. I wrongly assumed the food choices at Phoenix Comicon would be limited, given that the majority of the activities took place in the Phoenix Convention Center. Whoever had the brilliant idea of closing down 3rd St. between the North and West buildings and inviting food trucks to park out there daily should be heartily congratulated and given a raise if possible. I did not expect to enjoy food as much as I did this weekend.
No Con experience is flawless, and of course there are things I might tweak if I were in charge (like making the app searchable by room, so you can sort the schedule by more than just time and guest), but overall I enjoyed the weekend tremendously and can’t wait to do it again.
Food may not be the most important aspect of any Con experience, but great meal choices can certainly add to the overall event. I wrongly assumed the food choices at Phoenix Comicon would be limited, given that the majority of the activities took place in the Phoenix Convention Center. Whoever had the brilliant idea of closing down 3rd St. between the North and West buildings and inviting food trucks to park out there daily should be heartily congratulated and given a raise if possible. I did not expect to enjoy food as much as I did this weekend.
No Con experience is flawless, and of course there are things I might tweak if I were in charge (like making the app searchable by room, so you can sort the schedule by more than just time and guest), but overall I enjoyed the weekend tremendously and can’t wait to do it again.
If you don’t have plans June 2-5, 2016, plan to join me for the next Phoenix Comicon!
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