Phoenix Comic Fest Summary

28 MAY 2018

Phoenix Comic Fest is over - permanently, since the organizers changed the name again. What did you think?

I wasn't expecting to go this year but had a better time than I expected; my experience seems to be the opposite of most attendees, who did plan their event but had a few gripes. Let's break down what everyone liked and disliked.

The fire alarm evacuation.

Saturday's evacuation saw everyone escorted outside, where they could hit the beer garden, attempt to ride a mechanical silver dolphin or go to the hotel across the street for some informally relocated panels. This happened at around 7:30 pm and if the event had shut down for the night right then, people could have found other things to do. But the official announcement came after 10:00 pm, when a decent number of attendees were still hanging around.

The Masquerade was rescheduled, so were a few other events, and Saturday-only attendees were given free wristbands for Sunday. I didn't find any of this to be the end of the world but some attendees were still perturbed by Sunday evening.

The wristbands.

I prefer these to badges but a surprising number of people couldn't figure out how to tighten them just enough to stay on while staying loose enough to get off. Others complained their wristbands got dirty. Mine was begrimed with sunscreen and makeup by the end of my first day but I rolled with it; and tapping in was easy enough. On the whole, I think these were a success. Yes, we had scammers who sold fake wristbands but these people were stopped by the tech, as they should have been.

(And why buy a fake wristband at all? This Con was not sold out and there was no equivalent to Hall H. Just pony up for the real thing.)

The Exhibit Hall. 

 I barely bought anything, not even back issues, which I attributed to being a jaded attendee who's been to too many Cons. But some other people said the same; the wares offered just weren't that irresistible to us, apparently. As for how the vendors did, the ones I spoke to reported disappointing sales. That said, I did speak to a few first-timers who were dazzled.

The panels.

I only went to one, so I'll rely on the feedback of my associates - most of whom agreed the panels have become more interesting and better managed. Tell me what you thought.


The prices.

This seems to have pissed more than a few people off. Yes, this Con got more expensive this year, at multiple levels. Parents complained that it's no longer family friendly. Attendees complained that between the parking and the membership prices, they couldn't afford the full show. VIPS complained that their $400 didn't buy them privileges equal to the cost. All in all, this seemed to bear the brunt of the blame for the drop in....


Attendance.

The number I heard was a 30% drop. Maybe that's accurate, maybe it isn't. The point is that the drop alarmed vendors, guests and organizers, given that this Con has bragged of its burgeoning attendance.

There are a few dynamics worth pointing out:

• The security incident last year - one guy showing up with weapons after making threats on social media - got a lot of media attention but I doubt that actually made anyone skittish about coming this year. He was shut down quickly and the security this year was excellent.
• The pricing issue isn't just about passes. It's also about how much it cost to get certain signings and photo ops and panels. Some people are okay with that, others feel it panders to the economically privileged when they would prefer a more even playing field. 
• Some locals have always harbored a certain contentiousness around this Con. We've seen it in arguments around the associated club Blue Ribbon Army, we've seen it when PHXCF went to a paid volunteer model, and I can attest that among local nerds and artists, there are always debates on issues like table space and exhibitors and access.
• While Phoenix offered better talent this year, certain hardcore comic book nerds have considered it a lightweight Con in that regard (as it has been in the past.) So we may need a catch-up period where Phoenix continues to invest in those creators while the word gets out in the comic community.
• This Con has always seemed incredibly adolescent to me. High school kids deserve to have fun too, of course, but I've heard many people over 30 remark that they feel out of place at this Con. This year I noticed a more even generational distribution and I think that's because some kids were priced out and because this Con's reputation has spread enough that older attendees from other cities were intrigued enough to try it out. Half the attendees in my space panel were from out of state.

The cosplay.

I was impressed. And I'm not even a cosplay person. Instead of 800 Disney princesses, Jack Sparrows and Harley Quinns, we saw a fantastic range of comic, anime and pop culture cosplay representation. A lot of it was incredibly professional. I've always thought the Phoenix heat must make cosplay and makeup an exercise in suffering, but the heat wasn't terrible this year and people looked great.

Some volunteers reported having to send cosplayers home who weren't dressed appropriately. Given that I saw people inside the event exposing as much as they legally could, I can only imagine how the inappropriate people were dressed. If that's you, remember that Comic Cons ARE a family event. Phoenix offers several other destinations where you'd be welcome so take it there next time.

The name change.

Apparently this was the one and only year for Phoenix Comic Fest; last year it was still Phoenix Comicon and next year it will be  Phoenix Fan Fusion. I loathe this name, I don't mind saying. As someone who cares about comics and science, and doesn't consider herself a literal fan, I would never attend an event called a Fan Fusion.

But apparently Square Egg feels this represents the event more accurately and helps them sidestep the litigious Comic Con issue. (Remember, CCI and Square Egg were in combat over trademarks. Legion of Sand has a good summary.) I'm curious if the programming will change to adhere to the name or if they think it already fits pretty well and nothing needs changing.

The talent.

I thought this year's Hollywood contingent was less than sparkling - there were some definite gets but nothing that eclipsed previous years, in my opinion. Obviously that's a matter of individual taste. Where PHXCF did invest was in the comic book talent and that was a joyful change for comic nerds like me. Will they continue this next year? I hope so.

Overall, it seems like this Con is trying to go from a big, mediocre Comic Con to a Con that's got both big attendance numbers and high quality offerings. If they can maintain the focus on good comic creators while stepping up the Hollywood draws, they'll become a top Con, no doubt. I know locals who just want a fun few days to dress up and go to parties probably disagree. And I did hear several people bluntly say they dislike the palpable sense that this Con is being run like a business. But pop culture conventions are a business and it's useless to pretend otherwise. They try to deliver what attendees will pay for and that presumably gives some attendees an incomparable experience. It just won't please all attendees.

Hope you had fun. If not - the year is still young. You've got time to put another Con on your calendar. Either way, I'll probably see you next year.

Should you go to Phoenix Comic Fest today?

26 MAY 2018

In previous years I've criticized Phoenix Comicon - now rebranded as Phoenix Comic Fest - for being a mid-level Con that mostly offered teenagers dressed as wizards, disjointed panels, and an Exhibit Hall full of dragon figurines and goth jewelry. It's always been something to do in the culturally barren city that is Phoenix and the organizers have always offered up a good selection of events and parties - but this Con has never offered the starpower or nerdy merchandise that you could get at NYCC, SDCC, Denver, Gen Con, ECCC, etc.

I skipped last year when my ex-partner died and I didn't intend to go this year - but a change in plans delivered me to the Phoenix Convention Center yesterday. And a few improvements were immediately apparent.

One was the entire registration/badge/wristband process. If you've been around PHXCF before, you may remember the year their system malfunctioned and attendees had to wait outside for hours in 117 degree heat. They've stepped up their game. Tents were erected to quickly get people their wristbands (no badges) and have them tap in and get them inside the center. There were lines in the morning but overall, nothing unbearable.

The Exhibit Hall seems to have more exhibitors. At a glance,they were more of the same - without some of the major vendors like Dark Horse that have been there in previous years. I'll take a more careful look around today to verify that but overall, it's not the best Con for comic shopping. I wandered for an hour before spotting some dude on the floor, pawing through a $1 bin of back issues. But one nice thing about this Con (still calling it a Con, not a Fest) is that you do get that sense of random magic that you used to find at SDCC. You can turn into an aisle and find your exact type of obscure but perfect shirt/book/whatever that you never thought you'd find.

But the biggest improvement I've noticed is their Artist Alley. They've offered up some really good talent - Scott Snyder, Greg Capullo, Dan Parent, Frank Forte, Brian Azzarello and others. In that respect, PHXCF just became worth it for comic book nerds.

I haven't graced a panel yet but the offerings look a little more sophisticated than previous years - lots of light-hearted panels are still on the docket but more creative workshops and intellectually chewy discussions as well. I'm going to a space panel at 3 and am taking reports from others.

I'll give a full review later with some comic book announcements. For now, if you're considering swinging by - this year, I'd have to say yes, give it a shot.

Shotguns and knives at Phoenix Comicon

25 MAY 2017

By now you've probably heard the news: a Phoenix Comicon attendee was arrested at the Con today with three handguns, a shotgun and several knives. He was also wearing armor.

Someone reported the man after seeing threats he'd made on social media toward the police, including photos of officers he'd taken at the Con. He was apprehended; PHXCC responded by outlawing prop weapons for the event and adopting tighter security measures. If you're headed to this Con this weekend, you may want to give yourself extra time to get in and out of the different buildings and adjust your cosplay as needed.

Here's what you can expect:

• 3 dedicated access points for people with badges - 3rd Street at Monroe, 3rd Street at Washington, 2nd Street between Washington and Monroe
• Only 1 access point for people who need to pick up their badge - 3rd Street at Monroe 
• All costume props - shields, sabers, etc - are not allowed. If you buy a prop on site, the vendor will wrap it and it will have to stay that way. PHXCC prefers you take your purchased weapon to your car or hotel as soon as you can.
• Any events or panels altered by today's security incident will be posted on the Phoenix Comicon site.

And that might be the end of this story - but it's not the end of the larger security issue,  one I know most of us have been thinking about after the Manchester bombing. San Diego Comic-Con is high profile, the dense perimeter crowds offer an easy target for anyone without a badge, and half of everyone is masked or lugging packages around. When terrorists target 12-year-old girls at an Ariana Grande concert and mass shooters take on movie theatres, there's no reason why nerds - or the celebrities at SDCC - would be exempt.

CCI has addressed this in the past; last year they announced that we would be protected by a variety of federal, city and country officials and bomb-sniffing dogs. I expect that this year security will be increased even more. As for whether security measures could affect Con entry, cosplay rules, bag checks and other policies, we'll just have to see.


And on a side note, I apologize for not posting much recently. My ex-partner and one of my best friends died last Friday. We went to our first San Diego Comic-Con in 2002 and every one thereafter through 2009, and I haven't much wanted to think or write about SDCC this last week. I'll be back to regular posting after Memorial Day.


ETA: Several people I've talked to are peeved because they worked hard on their cosplay and now they can't bring their cardboard props, light sabers, etc. PHXCC is giving refunds if you feel that strongly about it - you can email refund@phoenixcomicon.com. But I'd advise going anyhow.When you're not in cosplay and posing for photos, you can find all kinds of things to do at the Con.

I've also been asked if I think this will affect the Dick Van Dyke extravaganza on Saturday. My answer is no. However, I do think the line for general seating will be insane, so I'd advise getting your Exhibit Hall meanderings in today and scheduling line shifts with your friends for tomorrow.

Dick Van Dyke expensively comes to Phoenix Comicon

3 MAY 2017

Over the winter I discussed a controversy over Phoenix Comicon's suggestion that prospective volunteers pay for the privilege. While that idea was eventually tossed out - after a significant outcry - a new complaint has risen like a phoenix (sorry) from the ashes: on top of the badge fee, attendees are being asked to pay an additional fee to see the Con's top celebrity draw, Dick Van Dyke.

You may not think of Dick as a typical Con panelist; you may even have believed the Facebook death hoax a few years back. But he's 91, very much alive and apparently willing to tolerate the burning hellfire that is Phoenix in early summer to meet his fans. Which is great! The announcement stirred up a lot of excitement until everyone found out that because PHXCC is "anticipating record interest," they are treating the panel a bit differently.

To attend, people must either:

• Buy a special pass on the PHXCC website beginning tomorrow, 4 May at 10 am PST - limited quantity available. Prices range from $15-45.
• Sign up for a lottery for any unbought tickets. What if there aren't any? I'm assuming some will be held aside but not many because money. You can sign up for this lottery for free until Thursday, 18 May.

 And you will need a Saturday PHXCC badge, naturally.

So why are attendees peeved? Partly it's lingering rancor over the volunteer issue (and the various assassination campaigns that went on) as well as things like significantly higher service fees while buying 2017 tickets. Certain workshops and panels now carry a fee - for instance, the Con has 15 writing workshops for $8 each, which can quickly add up. That can come as a shock to people who are used to their bigger Con badges (like SDCC) covering it all.

And then there's the question - why pay extra for Dick? I know he is a beloved celebrity popular with all ages; my parents' best friends in their late 60's love him and so does my ex-boyfriend who's 31. One of my relatives was proud to attend the rehab named after him. But Phoenix Comicon has had other great guests. Can we expect this as a new pattern going forward - buying a badge as a starter admission and then being asked to pay for more and more offerings on top of that?

Because that quickly makes a Con feel like a money grab and makes planning for it even more onerous. People want to buy their badge or ticket and call it a day. And then there's the question of getting what you pay for. When I saw Julie Newmar and Adam West at PHXCC a few years ago, they missed almost half the panel due to traffic. Everyone was understanding - but they may not have been if they'd paid extra to attend.


I'm sure Dick Van Dyke will walk on stage to a packed house. But there's more to offering a great Comic Con than filling seats. PHXCC has shown before that they are willing to listen to their attendees; hopefully they'll consider their feelings in creating the fee structure for future Cons.

Remember, Phoenix Comicon is hiring

25 JANUARY 2017



So in the angry buzzings and mutterings over the Phoenix Comicon decision to adopt a paid volunteer model, this opportunity has been forgotten: new paid jobs. PHXCC sent out a message reminding everyone they're officially hiring, and that jobs will be posted on their site. Right now there's only an "integrated marketing specialist" position advertised, but that will surely change.

Do you want to work for Phoenix Comicon? Better stay on top of their site; they say postings will expire after a week, so be quick about responding.

Phoenix Comicon adopts paid volunteer model

24 JANUARY 2017

After weeks of controversy regarding changes to its volunteer model, Phoenix Comicon has arrived at a surprising decision: they are going to pay their (reduced) volunteer force.

Actual statement: "After much deliberation, we have decided to shift to an all paid staff in the operation of Phoenix Comicon and all events associated with Square Egg Entertainment, including Phoenix Fan Fest, Minnesota Fan Fest and Keen Halloween."

The email didn't discuss numbers but I'm hearing the plan is to reduce from 1300 volunteers to 400. (Emphasis on "hear".) A colossal reduction in volunteers seems inevitable, along with these questions:

• How do you drastically reduce the number of volunteers for a rapidly growing Con? Remember, PHXCC joined the 6-figure attendee club last year. One proposed answer is that one paid volunteer can do the work of several unpaid volunteers. That suggests they won't have time to enjoy the Con, always a selling point of volunteering, but these paid volunteers may be more like the security guards and other staff we see at Cons: procured as labor and nothing more. Given the number of volunteer hopefuls, though, it's impossible to discount their enthusiasm for PHXCC.

• Will badge prices go up? We don't know yet - but I would guess any increase would be moderate. And the money would be unlikely to come only from badge sales, since Cons have other revenue streams such as sponsorships and booth fees. But I'm only speculating here.

• What about the former volunteers who now won't be picked? This we have an answer for: each 2016 volunteer will receive 2 free full event tickets for 2017 if they're not selected to volunteer.

• Will this turn the tide of ill will that's been mounting in the Phoenix nerd community? This is subjective, but I'd wager... not so much. I can't say this enough: the free badge aspect is not the chief draw for most volunteers. (Though sheer access may be for sold-out Cons like SDCC.) Passionate fans love to feel involved with Comic Cons. Some genuinely enjoy helping attendees, others love the small amount of authority they have, many look forward to the social opportunities that come with joining a fun community, and so on. While it's laudable that the organizers want to compensate their volunteers fairly and stay on the right side of the law, anticipating their own exclusion has left many people feeling sad or resentful today. (On the positive side, I'm sure some of them will be inspired to host an event or participate in the Con another way.)

The decision is being justified as as a move that "avoids further controversies as this industry changes, keeps us compliant with changing laws and increases the professionalism and effectiveness of our team." Everyone's free to dissect that wording however they like - but it can't be denied that the burgeoning Con sphere is introducing complex questions around volunteering and compensation, and even the definition of non-profit vs. for-profit. So don't think this conversation is over - we'll be having it at other Cons, in other years, with many possible outcomes in play.

New Phoenix Comicon volunteer policy on hold

5 JANUARY 2017



Due to protests over the proposed Phoenix Comicon pay-to-volunteer plan, director Matt Solberg and the rest of the convention organizers have gone back to the drawing board. An email today stated that Solberg will not remain on the board of Blue Ribbon Army, the organization which prospective volunteers would pay to join, and will have no voting stake.

Meetings have already been planned with volunteers and staff; those meetings will discuss other options, such as a smaller but paid workforce and/or unpaid volunteers recruited through a nonprofit. While it sounds like Blue Ribbon Army will still be the nonprofit of choice, there will be an increased degree of separation between PHXCC and BRA. In theory.

I don't think there's going to be a perfect solution here that makes everyone happy - but the recognition of community feeling is a positive development, as is the solicitation of input. I'm sure the dialogue over the coming weeks and months will be an interesting one. Whether it's an effective one remains to be seen.

Interview: Phoenix Comicon volunteer speaks out

4 JANUARY 2017

Another day, another update in the controversy around the new Phoenix Comicon volunteer policy. If you've missed it so far, here's the deal: to volunteer at PHXCC, you'll need to join social club Blue Ribbon Army and pay $20 for that membership. Outrageous? Logical? Absurd? You decide.

Every Comic Con involves multiple factions - vendors, attendees, guests, volunteers, laborers - and some of those factions matter more than others from a business perspective. While there's a general nod to volunteers as the unsung heroes of any convention, they really don't get enough credit for all of the help they provide in presenting attendees with a great experience - and with helping for-profit event organizers stay successful.

To find out what actual volunteers think about the changes, I interviewed James Palestini, a Phoenix criminal defense attorney and long-term Phoenix Comicon volunteer who has moderated top panels.

James' responses are his opinions and nothing more - so please take them in that spirit, rather than a factual accounting of this issue.


How did you become a volunteer? What inspired you - are you a typical nerd?


4 years ago I answered a "casting call audition" to volunteer.  And no, I'm not. I love everything pop culture. One of the main reason I got involved with Phoenix Comicon was seeing how much it was helping Phoenix and the downtown, by bringing events of that magnitude to the area. I wanted to be part of it.

What kind of shifts did you work?

I'm a moderator, which means I was there 24/7. I've moderated every kind of panel - comic authors, graphic novelists, big movie stars like Jason Momoa.

Ah yes, I was at that panel. A fan offered up a candle for St. Momoa, Patron Saint of the Lustful. What kind of training did you have? I've been to some panels moderated expertly and some that were amateur hour.

The year I auditioned, it was an intense process. We had to submit headshots and they had us read over 3 scenarios. Then we had to get on stage in front of 10+ judges, who picked a scenario and had a coordinator serve as a mock guest. We were judged on intros, handling questions from the audience - they do that to avoid moderators who can't relate to the crowd and then they bomb and make Phoenix Comicon look bad.

It becomes a full-time job with the training and everything else.

When did the change in volunteering get announced?

PHXCC Director Matt Solberg came out with an email last week that sent the nerd community into a frenzy. He talked about decreasing the number of volunteers going forward.

Did he say why?

I don't recall reading why, but there's a professed issue of no oversight on top of these volunteers and making sure they're doing what they're supposed to be doing.

So the official complaint is that some volunteers skipped out and left others holding the bag - which implies a shortage of labor, yet they're going to reduce the force. That doesn't make sense to me. Is there going to be a restructuring so the same amount of work can get done with fewer people?

Not that I know of. As attorney, my perspective is that this could be a smokescreen for avoiding certain volunteer caps and paying minimum wage, and was dressed up as a volunteer accountability thing.

Is your perspective shared by others?

I've spoken with quite a few volunteers - they know I'm an attorney and have asked me about the legal implications. I think it's legal, I think it would stand up to any lawsuit. I'm not saying ethically I support it, though.

Solberg is the director of PHXCC and sits on the board of the BRA. This may be legal, but from a PR perspective, it creates an image of a cabal running things behind the scenes, rather than being open to community input. Do volunteers feel they still have a voice, especially after giving blood, sweat and tears to the Con for years?

No - I don't think they don't feel that way at all. This came straight from Matt. It was an order, not a discussion, though apparently there are a few meetings set up to discuss it further. So maybe things will change. But I doubt it.

This doesn't go against 501(c)7 requirements, and the requirement from the IRS is to make information available to the public, so I don't think Matt would violate that or profit directly from it since he has to be up front.

There's the legality of the issue, but also the community fallout. Comic Cons are popular in part because they're a very accepting environment where outsiders feel at home. Do you think this issue has poisoned that perception locally?

You can see it on the BRA Facebook page. People are posting their dissatisfaction on how it's being handled, critics are trying to quash that and delete posts, people have called each other idiots - it's a terrible thing to see. You want to include everyone, create that feeling of "We're all in this together to have a good time and make friends." But the last week has eroded that pretty heavily.

Will there be difficulty in getting 1300 volunteers for PHXCC 2017?

Not at all. I think Matt knew there would be backlash, but he could take a risk like this because he'd still have enough volunteers.

You're an insider. You know what it's like to volunteer. Do you think there really is an issue with people abandoning their posts? Getting their badges, slipping off into the night never to be seen again yet still somehow enjoying the full Con?

I'm sure there's a small, very small, issue with this. But most people who volunteer do it because they love the Con, not for free tickets. I think this is a smokescreen. And why blame the volunteers? Go after the managers. Put the onus on them and make sure they're following up. Find these people and pull their badge. That might sound difficult but with how well everyone knows each other in the community, I guarantee that could be happening.

They do have oversight. And they do follow up, from what I've seen. So I don't think that's the issue. I think it's more about avoiding paying minimum wage - which is smart from a business perspective. But when you've got volunteers who poured their hearts into this, I think they feel betrayed.

I can see that. It's not just the volunteer shift, it's the meetings, the training. It can feel like a slap in the face to be told hey thanks for your years of free labor, but now you need to jump through more hoops and you still may not get picked.

It's insulting.

People keep telling me, "It's going to become about favorites." Nerds aren't always the most socially outgoing people and there are many shy people who volunteer to make new friends and feel more a part of things. If you now need to be a member of a club, some people may worry they need to go to certain events, schmooze, be part of the cool kids to get picked - whether that's actually the case or not.

That's already happening. Friends have told me BRA is full of cliques and some feel excluded. And with all the in-fighting now, I can see it getting worse.

What's your prediction for the future? I don't think people have soured on the event, but I do think this has become divisive enough to spark alternatives for the pop culture and nerd community in Phoenix.

There very well might be. I wouldn't be surprised if something like that came up. It might be necessary as a protest, a reminder that says, "You went about this the wrong way." Right now people think the protesters are going to drift off but I don't think that's the case.

On the other hand, PHXCC has instituted policies before where there was a backlash and Matt changed them. So that could happen. I don't know what's going to happen here.

And on that note of uncertainty, we'll conclude. There's an all-hands meeting this weekend to discuss this issue; I won't be there but some friends are going to report back to me. Stay tuned!

On the Phoenix Comicon volunteer drama

2 JANUARY 2017

A small controversy has been blowing around the Con sphere these last few days, picking up enough momentum to outrage attendees everywhere. I wanted to stay out of this because I know some of the people involved. But everyone has been asking me about it so here it is.

Phoenix Comicon is making its volunteers pay for the privilege - sort of.

Essentially, to volunteer at Phoenix going forward, you'll need to be a member of local organization Blue Ribbon Army, which costs a minimum of $20 a year. (PHXCC director Matt Solberg is on Blue Ribbon Army board, if you're wondering what the connection is. That's part of the debate.) Joining BRA doesn't guarantee you a volunteer position, either; it just makes you eligible to volunteer. Virtually 100% of the Phoenix attendees/past volunteers I've spoken to feel negatively about this.

So is this unfair and horrible or is it a reasonable solution to what PHXCC says is a real problem - people abandoning their volunteer posts and burdening their fellow volunteers? Here are the factors in play so you can judge for yourself.

• Joining the Blue Ribbon Army doesn't mean you get to volunteer. It just puts you on the list. In fact, while there will be about 1300 volunteers for the 2017 Con, they are hoping to only need 950 for 2018. But joining BRA isn't just about volunteering. You pay to join a non-profit organization  (a fan organization turned social club) and enjoy benefits beyond just the eligibility to volunteer - early access to hotel reservations and the BRA lounge, entry to other events, for instance.

• Much coverage of this kerfuffle has positioned Phoenix Comicon as a top Con. I'm going to say that it's not. The attendee numbers may be respectable (106K in 2016) but I feel that's because it's in a city where not much happens, especially for nerds; also it caters to a younger demographic (I've never seen so many high school attendees at any other Con) by offering tons of events while offering limited panels of substance. The numbers may be there but the offerings aren't, not in my book. I felt the same way about Alamo City Comic Con, as well as other Cons that manage to draw in half the city without offering the type of talent you'd see at SDCC or NYCC. I am not saying that's bad, because obviously these Cons are delivering something great for the people who love them; I am saying that you can't judge a Con in conventional ways by its attendance numbers. From instance, most of the artists, writers and retailers I've spoken to were vastly disappointed in their Phoenix Comicon sales - the attendees were not their typical fans and customers. I say this not to be mean, but to gently correct the recent suggestions that Phoenix is at par with NYCC and SDCC. You can see my past reviews here.

• The struggle over volunteering and other past PHXCC challenges - like the badge system going down last year and thousands of people being kept outside in 117 degree heat, some of whom required medical attention - are typical of Cons that grow very quickly. Bigger Cons have had the luxury of learning over many years, or they got snapped up by organizations like ReedPOP that know how to handle logistics more smoothly. This Con has doubled in size in the last 3 years. They're going to make missteps and adopt strategies not everyone agrees with. However, the acrimony of this particular debacle suggests to me that we will see significant change over the next few years - either with a new organization/event, or a regime change. 

• Much has been made of Phoenix being one of the poorest cities in the nation, with almost 1 out of 6 people beneath the poverty level. Say it isn't so! Oh wait, that actually lines up with much of America. People know that about 1 in 5 American children are beneath the poverty level, right? Forgive my bitterness, but I'm not sure why people who normally overlook real poverty issues - like going hungry or forgoing medical care - are suddenly concerned when it comes to spending $20 for a Con badge. Don't get me wrong; I want everyone to be able to afford to go to Comic-Con. But given that you'll spend that much on a parking garage each day for this Con, I have a hard time seeing this as a  massive financial burden. Of course, it's a bigger deal for broke attendees who count on volunteering to cover their badge, and now will have to shell out almost $100 for the whole shebang. Unfortunately, this is an issue at every Con: you can't count on volunteering for a free ride in most cases.

• That said, I'm not sure that paying $20 is going to make a volunteer stick around. People don't volunteer at Cons just to save money. Some people like being behind the scenes, some are looking for a way to meet other people or chat up hot cosplayers, and some people feel a sense of contribution in putting on a great community event. And it's likely that a lot of the people who flake out on their shift are just bored, irresponsible, got invited to happy hour, have a panel they don't want to miss, etc. I understand the problem the Con is trying to solve - I just think there are better solutions, like compensating someone for their badge after they complete their volunteer shifts. Hardship cases can have their own process.

• While the media attention around this has intensified in this last week, I'm told by BRA members that the policy itself is not a sudden decision and has been brewing for a while.

• This isn't a one-off issue. Other Cons have struggled to compensate volunteers fairly - check out ECCC's class action lawsuit. I don't think this is an easy issue to resolve, unless Square Egg Entertainment (PHXCC's owner) wins the lottery and is flush enough to pay their volunteers - and monitor them closely. Even then, as Comic Con culture continues to swell, we'll see this arising in other convention and fan organizations.

I may interview some BRA members and volunteers for their take on this; as a non-volunteer my opinion isn't worth nearly as much as theirs. For now I will say that a few years ago my Phoenix Comicon badge fell off me 90 seconds after I got it (they didn't have lanyards so I had to pin it on my shirt) and they refused to replace it, so a volunteer named Felipe stepped up and gave me his volunteer badge. So I can tell you that some Phoenix Comicon volunteers are wonderful people and I hope they can still volunteer this year if they choose. (I still love you, Felipe.)

Stay tuned.

7 tips on not collapsing at Phoenix Comicon

3 JUNE 2016




So Phoenix Comicon has kicked off. And a more than a few attendees are struggling with the heat.

Phoenix Comicon has grown a lot over the years. It's got a couple of forces driving its expansion; one, it's in a city where an event of this type is a major deal, so that even non-nerds hear about it and get interested; two, the organizers have done a good job of partnering the advantages of a small Con with top-notch talent and a smorgasbord of events. Inevitably, that has led to Phoenix becoming one of the more well-known Cons, with the last two years drawing in 75-77K in attendance - and that's led to a significant out-of-town presence.

Not all of those people find it worth the trip. I know several artists, writers and vendors who've ranked past visits as a whopping financial loss, while many cosplayers have loved it. I personally find this Con to be a bit adolescent in flavor, and several of my friends over the geriatric age of 25 have also reported feeling old here. I do think there's good networking to be had and the local artists always throw some interesting after-hours parties. At any rate, you can read my earlier reports here.

What I'm concerned with today is preserving your well-being at this Con. Full disclosure, I haven't set foot in it this year, but today involved some long lines under the Arizona sun, and I know one visitor who has gotten sick and taken to her bed; another of my friends reported seeing someone semi-faint inside. I don't think visitors are always prepared for life at 111 degrees. And tomorrow, Saturday, is supposed to be 117 degrees; Sunday 116.

Please take the following advice seriously if you are not accustomed to these temperatures. You may think you can soldier through - but heat is nature's succubus and will drain you dry if you don't take precautions.


Prepare for the sun. That means sunscreen, obviously, but also sunglasses. The glare can hurt your eyes. Wear a hat if you can and don't be afraid to take a lesson from the goths and shield yourself with an umbrella. Don't worry about looking dorky; you can be vain and pretty inside the convention center. Once you start sweating and your makeup streaking, your look will be ruined anyhow.

Don't underestimate the heat, even if it "doesn't feel that bad" in the moment. Some people tolerate the heat better than others. I've noticed people with high blood pressure or high weight seem the most impacted by it. But it's very common for it to sneak up even on people who think they can tough it out, and then find themselves throwing up, fainting or just dead exhausted a few hours later. Heat sickness is a real thing.


Eat and drink wisely. You may want to gorge on Mexican food since you're in AZ, or pound the tequila. But eating a lot of salty food and drinking a lot of alcohol is generally going to make you puffy, dehydrated and more tired tomorrow. I hate to sound like a killjoy, but even regular drinkers can feel it hit them a lot harder when the temperatures go up to 115. Hangovers in that kind of heat are a circle of hell Dante couldn't dream up.

Get lots of sleep. Again, I'm going to sound like your maiden aunt, but the heat will tire you out more than you know. Maybe you typically get by on 4 hours a night at Cons and catch up on sleep when you're home, but I would not advise it this weekend. Get your rest.

Hydrate proactively. Dehydration can give you headaches, dizziness and muscle cramps and get worse from there; while thirst is a symptom of the early stages, sometimes the thirst actually goes away as it advances. Just drink tons of water whether you think you need it or not. Use eye drops to keep your contact lenses comfortable. If you're in a hotel room, you probably won't have a humidifier, so soak a towel in water and hang it up in your room to dry while you sleep. Same impact.

Watch your little ones and your older ones. Small children and seniors can be more susceptible to heat and sun than the rest of us - especially a kid in a costume. Even if you think it's no big deal to walk 3 blocks to a restaurant, your youngest might have a different experience.

Bring an alternate outfit. If you're determined to cosplay in something heavy, heat be damned, at least bring something cooler to change into just in case you feel yourself fading by lunch.


Probably all of this sounds like common sense. But people routinely abuse themselves at Comic Cons even in temperate climates, making themselves sick and exhausted before Sunday. 117 degrees is serious business, especially when there's a long outside line involved. Be careful and protect your energy and health so you can have the best time possible.

And Phoenix Comicon is over

31 MAY 2015

It's Sunday night. By now most of you have returned home from Phoenix Comicon, showered off your liquid latex body paint and settled in for Game of Thrones and Penny Dreadful. Did you have a positive Con experience? Was it worth the travel, if you traveled? Will you go back next year?

I'm stuck on that final question myself. But one thing is undeniable - Phoenix Comicon is getting enough media attention that it's almost guaranteed more out-of-towners will flock to it next year. So let's break down how this Con went and who it's good for.

What kind of Con did we all just have?

A good one. Whether you went for the celebrities, the cosplay or the many events - the parties, the speed dating, the burlesque, the science competition, the comedy shows, etc. - you most likely found something that appealed to you.

The only exceptions to that I might see: attendees who were there for high-powered industry networking (the mid-level networking was good but this can't match SDCC in terms of serious yet accessible influencers) and those who were there for Hollywood trailers and previews. Yeah, you'll have to hotfoot it over to San Diego for that.

But in some ways, Phoenix Comicon offers a better Hollywood experience for some fans. Yes, really. If you like the special guests here - and there was enough of a range this weekend that I think most people found someone to get excited over - you might get a more personal and interesting panel here than at bigger Cons. Often at SDCC or NYCC you'll see your favorite actor sitting at a table and answering one or two questions at the end of a panel that mostly featured footage and a few producers talking. At PCC, it's usually just an open dialogue between that same actor and his or her fans for an entire hour. The panels are more relaxed and often they're more fun.

In terms of infrastructure, I think the organizers continue to do a great job of putting on a big show in a way that feels spacious and smooth. By adding the third floor of the convention center and utilizing more hotel space, the Con made it easy to travel to wherever you needed to be. There were a few areas for improvement that I spotted but overall the PCC team has shown how committed they are to constant refinement - something they told me a few years ago that has proven true.

 

 

 

Who belongs here?

 

 

I'm going to say a cautious "almost everyone." I've always found this Con to be very young (as in a teeming mass of adolescents) but this year I saw a greater mix of ages. One 60something person told me bluntly that SDCC is too much at his age - by which I think he meant the walking, the waiting in line, the sheer exertion involved - and that he likes PCC because it's just more accessible with fewer lines. My friends who took young children had an easy time getting out of there or getting some space when their kids had a meltdown, and it was easier for them to quickly get food and generally control their environment. Conclusion: anyone with mobility issues, physical constraints or other challenges may find PCC (or other smaller Cons) a more manageable experience.

 

I'd say this Con is going to appeal the most to young locals because it provides a ton of fun events in an otherwise somewhat boring city. (Sorry, Phoenix.) Cosplayers will like it here. Social nerds will too. Someone who's never been to a bigger Con will probably enjoy the spectacle of the Exhibit Hall and some of the niche panels.

 

But hardcore comic fans and seasoned Con attendees? I'd only advise they attend if they're within a few hours' drive and have an open weekend. I would not recommend anyone get on a plane for this - especially if they're hoping to find San Diego Comic-Con circa 20006 or New York Comic Con circa 2012. The experiences just aren't comparable in terms of the talent present and offerings available.

 

Or to put it another way; I ran into three high school kids tonight (still in their cosplay) who were thrilled because they got to hug some famous person. It wasn't even a name I recognized but it was like Zeus himself came down from the heavens and showered gifts upon them. Then I got a grumpy email from a 3-time SDCC attendee who was utterly disgusted with the panels he attended, calling them a joke and a waste of time. I could see the merit of both reactions - it all depends on your expectations and background.

 

 

 

 

As I said the first day of the Con, I think the guest and talent caliber will continue to rise. (It's already pretty impressive.) But I see this as settling into a celebrity-and-cosplay Con, with the fine arts represented mostly by the local community. That's not bad; given the relative proximity of Salt Lake Comic Con, Denver Comic Con and WonderCon, there are enough options that any out-of-town attendee should be able to find the right Con for them. That's the great thing about the growth of the comic convention scene; each show is taking on its own distinct personality. And I'd say Phoenix Comicon's personality is appealing for a huge number of people.

 

Until next year, Phoenix nerds.

 

 

Saturday at Phoenix Comicon

30 MAY 2015

 

 

 

 

 

 

Today was the busiest, boldest day of Phoenix Comicon. It was also the day it became apparent that the organizers had done a very good thing by expanding to another floor of the convention center and surrounding hotels; with the photo ops, writers, signings, panels, car show and other features spread out, the crowds never became totally overwhelming. In fact, the hallway traffic moved a lot faster than it did last summer. On the whole, it was a very navigable day.

 

I spent most of it inside the main ballroom so I'll report on that. I missed David Morrissey, Summer Glau and Rocky Horror but I did see:

 

Jason Momoa

 

 

                                  

     

Known for his hulking roles on Game of Thrones, Stargate, Baywatch and Conan, Momoa said at one point that everyone thinks of him "as a big dumb animal" - however the panel showed off his wit and intelligence. It also showcased off his adoring female fans, one of whom gave him a customized jar candle that read "Saint Momoa - Patron Saint of the Lustful." Oh fandom, never change.

 

Some of the things we learned:

• He went over Aquaman in the New 52 with Geoff Johns and considers him a friend.
• The only role he'd play on GOT would be Khal Drogo - but if he had to play another, it'd be the Imp.
• He studied silverback gorillas for the role of Khal.
• He views his role as Aquaman as an homage to his Hawaiian background and "Polynesian gods and brown superheroes."
• He's currently working on a script based on a true story that's being translated from Hawaiian.
• He read a lot of comics when he was young like X-Men and currently likes Image titles especially.
• He originally intended to be a biologist and is an art aficionado.
• If his character had survived on GOT, it would have been a much shorter series because "I'd kill them all. Season 2: Khal jumps on the dragon's back, rides him over the water and kills them all. Season 3: Khal pets the dragon."

 

 Alyson Hannigan and Alexis Denisof

 

It's not often you see a married couple having their own panel. Fans asked questions about Buffy (obviously) and American Pie, Denisof being in the Marvel Universe and of course how they fell in love. Things we learned:

 

• Alyson couldn't even get the audition for Buffy. She tried and they flat out refused to even see her. Only after the pilot aired and an actress was fired was she permitted to audition.
• Of all the high-profile roles she's played, Willow is her favorite.
• She doesn't know who Harley Quinn or Poison Ivy are.
• Of her "How I Met Your Mother" memories, an episode about she and her husband picking each other up at the airport is one of the most meaningful.

  

 

Katee Sackhoff

 

 

                                               

 

 

The gorgeous and always candid Sackhoff was highly entertaining. She also had the longest advance lines for questions. What we learned:

 

• She didn't know Battlestar Galactica was a remake when she went in for the audition - and she was femmed out in spike heels to audition for the role of the swaggering Starbuck.
• Her favorite episode was the one with the boxing match with Lee.
• In the episode where Leoben is airlocked, she and Mary McDonnell couldn't stop laughing for 4 hours straight during shooting - and they never had another scene with just the two of them again.
• "I would play Captain America... I think." Later she said she'd turned down quite a few things from Marvel already and added, "Maybe because I was waiting for something else...?"
• Ron Moore told her from the beginning that Starbuck would never be a surprise Cylon.
• That she appreciates the roles she's gotten: "You should be so lucky to play such strong women on a daily basis."
• That she hated high school and convincingly faked notes from her parents to miss a lot of classes.

 

 

 

As for the Con itself. Cosplayers brought their A game, like Twisty from thehorrorshowchannel.com. There didn't seem to be as many activities to actually do on the floor as there have been previously. (One simple thing that was kind of incredible: a homemade ice cream booth.) Because the Con was dispersed, it was also harder to run into friends. Some attendees I know skipped most of the day to save their energy for the Red Wedding and other parties tonight. Some friends went to writing and creative panels; reactions were mixed.

 

Last year I talked to a few artists and writers who'd come to Phoenix under the impression it was a burgeoning Con - a great place to make sales. None of them sold as well as they hoped. Maybe that's why I've seen so few "name" comic creators here this weekend. Of course there are plenty of indie and self-pubbed artists and writers, and some of them have decent fanbases. But overall, it's kind of the opposite of Emerald City, where you can't turn around without stumbling over another comic book supertalent.

 

If you're going back tomorrow, I'd recommend swinging by booth 15066 and checking out ConQuest. You've probably seen their journals online; designed for Con attendees, they're immensely practical but luxurious and meaningful too. Notes, autographs, sketches, contact information, panel and vendor information - these journals can hold and organize much of your Comic Con existence in something that's beautiful to look at. Below Ted Thompson is holding Doctor Who and Supernatural journals that were both stunning. I think we've all had the experience of coming home from the Con with random scattered papers and sketches that wind up lost or stashed away; these journals provide a way to contain all of that in one collective keepsake.

 

 

Sunday should be a quieter day, if only because so many people will be sleeping off their wild festivities tonight. The Sunday sales here aren't always as drastic as they are at SDCC and other Cons, but it's still worth taking a final spin through the Exhibit Hall. And of course, there's the big closing party tomorrow night.

I'll close with a word on the heat. I came across one heatsick attendee today and another attendee who was crying and ill and complaining of exhaustion in the restroom; the sun and high temps can do that to you, especially if you're already tired from traveling and general Con doings. So if you're starting to feel physically off, sleep in tomorrow, drink a lot of water and recuperate. Trying to soldier through isn't worth it.

Hope everyone's having fun tonight. See you tomorrow, nerds.

Phoenix Comicon so far

29 MAY 2015

So Phoenix Comicon is off and running. Today was my first day there; it started off badly as there were no lanyards when I picked up my badge, and so I was forced to clip it onto myself. The badge fell off within 90 seconds, and was apparently scooped up by someone else and the Con team refused to give me another one.  So what happened? A security volunteer named Felipe gave me his complimentary full pass.

I'm telling this story because it says a lot about the Con community. This year I've had three attendees save me from 1) my horrible luck in the badge sale 2) my even worse luck in the hotel sale 3) my dismal luck in Phoenix. None of these attendees were obligated to help me in any way and yet all stepped up to get me a Preview Night badge, a room at the Hard Rock and a replacement badge. This is why I really believe Comic-Con attendees are exceptional people.

Anyhow. Phoenix Comicon looked to me pretty much like it did last year. Similar/same vendors and booths, same type of panels. From a shopping perspective, it was trinket city, with some indie artists plying their wares and a few big name booths like Dark Horse. Mostly it was the same shirts, buttons, stuffed animals, DVDs and postcards I saw at Emerald City a few months ago. I bought an iPhone cover styled as the cover of Lolita and that was it.

The Skybridge is open, sparing attendees from the deadly Phoenix heat (107 tomorrow!). Also different: instead of holding the celebrity circus in 120, that's now in Ballroom 301 up on the third floor. That's uncharted Con territory. Interestingly, the organizers have promised better line management in terms of markers, restroom passes and clear communication. I'll be curious to see how that shakes out tomorrow when David Morrissey, Jason Momoa, Alyson Hannigan, Katee Sackhoff and the Rocky Horror Show/cast inspire thousands of people to come see them.

In addition to the convention center, some panels take place in hotels - a key difference when it comes to drinking. (It's apparently not allowed in the convention center but is in the hotels.) It was a little weird to see attendees get up and do shots with the panel moderators; it was also weird to have a security guard card me when I went to an 18+ panel. As in, they came up to my seat and demanded I show them my driver's license. Again, these 18+ panels (which abound in the programming) aren't necessarily "adult" in the typical sense - mine simply had gruesome imagery - but the Con organizers are being very by the book so make sure you have ID on your person tomorrow if you're planning on attending one of those panels.

Events that got rave reviews: attendees seemed very excited by the Jim Beaver panel and Sherlock. The DIY Comics panel, Mary McDonnell and Edward James Olmos, the Rocky Horror reunion (which repeats tomorrow night at the movie) and the Geek Bridal Show seemed to be hits as well. I heard the Fangoria Horror & Sci Fi Trivia Night was fun - and finally, I heard a lot of people talking about the premier of Star Trek Continues: The White Iris. I just haven't heard the feedback yet.

Overall I'm withholding judgment until I see how tomorrow goes - how long the main line is, how crowded the floor gets and just who's in that crowd. The cosplay was good today and tomorrow I'm sure it will be spectacular.

 

 

If you're headed down tomorrow, a few things:

 

• Consider taking the light rail instead of parking. Local garages are about 15-20 a day. Some want you to prepay so have cash on hand.
• Yes, it is really hot in Phoenix. Even passing from building to building can tire you out, which is the last thing you want at a Con - so stay hydrated and rested and don't go wandering through the city if you don't have to. Wear sunscreen and sunglasses too.
• Pace yourself. This Con has a lot of parties and events that go late into the night. If you're going to do a full day of the Con, consider a disco nap at some point so you can enjoy the later parties.
• The programming is dispersed between several hotels and the convention center, so get organized.
• Arrive early. Downtown traffic gets very congested on Saturday and Sunday - last year Adam West, Julie Newmar and others in the Batman panel missed half of it because they were stuck in traffic. If you drive in, give yourself time to fight through gridlock and find an open garage. If you have your heart set on getting into the big room to see tomorrow's lineup, I would definitely build a few extra hours into your plans.

 

See you tomorrow.

My top Phoenix Comicon picks

28 MAY 2015

Happy Phoenix Comicon! It all kicked off today but tomorrow is when people will really start pouring in. The number of panels, events and signings is mind-boggling; I would highly recommend looking through them now and not waiting until you get there. There are just too many decisions to be made.

The panels and offerings are so diverse that it's hard to fit them into Hollywood, Comic Book, Gaming and Collectible tracks like you can at most other Cons. It's also clear that they'll appeal to a wide range of attendees, from teenagers trying out their first cosplay to middle-aged novelists to hardcore Whovians. So with that rampant subjectivity in mind - here are my top picks.


Katee Sackhoff. Star of the recently controversial Power Ranger fan short film, and Starbuck forever in our hearts, the mesmerizing Sackhoff is going to ignite the Con. Mary McDonnell and Edward James Olmos should also make this a weekend of joy for Battlestar Galactica fans.

David Morrissey. The Governor is coming to Phoenix and he may or may not wear his eye patch. Half the Con will try to get into this.

Jason Momoa.  Horse lord. Aquaman. Conan. Can we sit on his lap for photos during his signing sessions? Probably not but I bet women will ask.

Max Brooks. If you haven't read World War Z yet, add it to your summer reading list - and pick up his Harlem Hellfighters too while you're at it.

The Star Trek Inflatable Planetarium. Real star systems as shown in Star Trek episodes.

Tribute to Leonard Nimoy. Vulcans and Romulans alike will pay their respects in what will probably be one of the more emotionally gratifying parts of the weekend.

Kelley Armstrong. She's here to promote newer work and not her Women of the Otherworld series but book and Bitten fans will pour in to see her.

Diana Gabaldon. Ditto for the mind behind the popular Outlander show.

Geeky Things to Do in Arizona/Haunted Phoenix. Year-round activities of every stripe for geeks of every age. Some paranormal.

The Diversity Lounge. It's pretty cool to see geekdom not only recognize people of color, people with disabilities and the LGBTQIA crowd but to actively incorporate those perspectives into events and art.

Inside NASA. This will look beyond the space exploration program at NASA's other projects.

Alyson Hannigan and Alexis Denishof. Buffy fans, Angel fans, American Pie fans - maybe HIMYM fans if they exist - should be pretty excited about this pairing. Charisma Carpenter will be afoot as well.

The Red Wedding Party. Game of Thrones fans can dress up and attend a party that's a benefit for Kids Need to Read.

Rocky Horror Picture Show reunion. Magenta, Brad and Columbia will reunite in one fascinating panel; then they'll join local shadowcasters for a screening of the movie Saturday night.

Talk Nerdy to Me Burlesque. Multiple troupes are performing. This is traditionally a sold out show - so reserve a seat if you're interested.

The Fright House. Haunted House lovers don't have to wait for October to get a good scare.

Chris Gore's Fan Fiction Theatre. Writers can see actors and comedians bring their fan fiction to life onstage - just like they've always dreamed.

Experiencing Phoenix Comicon. This is something probably every Con should do - an orientation of sorts that helps people make the most of their weekend.


I'd be remiss if I didn't also note that there are innumerable Doctor Who panels, countless writing panels and creative workshops in general for cosplay, makeup artistry - pinup and zombie - photography, film and video, and a film festival schedule that is staggering in its lineup.

Check it all out here. And remember, some day badges are left but they're going fast. If you want to talk your friends into going this weekend, now is the time to make your case.

Is Phoenix Comicon becoming a major Con?

27 MAY 2015

 

                                                                       From GameofThronesWikia

A few weeks ago I made a public announcement that I would not be attending Phoenix Comicon. It wasn't my scene, I said, I had better things to do with my time, etc. So of course today I completely reversed my position and paid for a full badge. It's worth noting why.

This Con has boomed in recent years. I first noticed it feeling like a real Con in 2013 and then last year attendance palpably jumped from 55K to 78K. At the same time, I felt like it was mostly appealing to high school kids and cosplayers and that its fast-tracked attendance wasn't matched by the expected sophistication in its offerings. There were dozens of events like maid cafes and burlesques and comedy shows and geeks proms - which obviously appeal to many people - but it just wasn't my bag, personally. I also talked to a few creators who set up shop there based on the swelling attendance, only to be disappointed by the complete indifference they got from the crowd.

And yet I'm headed back. So here's why I decided to give it another shot: mostly, the fact that the programming has gone to a higher level this year. Consider that Jason Momoa, Katee Sackhoff, Alyson Hannigan and David Morrissey are just a few of the Saturday guests. That Diana Gabaldon and Kelley Armstrong are just two of the showcased writers.

There's some solid intellectual and cultural content on the docket, including some great creative and science panels and FameLab, a science competition for young scientists sponsored by NASA. But the panels mostly still fall on the amateur side of the fence. I don't mean that cruelly, because that's part of the appeal of smaller Cons. Talking to local people about getting into the cosplay scene or ghosthunting or sci-fi writer groups is an incredible doorway that slammed shut at big Cons years ago. Attendees often go looking for community at SDCC and experience the Con without making any real connections. But Phoenix Comicon offers community in spades and it is very easy to make friends and expand your social scene there.

A few more appealing aspects: it's a very family-friendly Con (my friend's 5-year-old is anticipating this weekend like it's Christmas) and yet it also rolls out adult fare without blinking an eye. In fact, a number of panels are marked 18+ - not because they're offering some kind of pornfest but to help  parents stay informed on what's appropriate and what's not in terms of language, visuals, etc. That said, there are quite a few more risqué events and panels for people who want that too.

All in all, I feel that Con promoters - actors, agents, retailers, studios, artists, writers, filmmakers - are catching on to the size of PCC and slowly filling its halls with exciting fare. I'll be curious this weekend to see how the crowd shakes out and what the Exhibit Hall looks like. But mostly I'll be looking to see if this really can become a viable travel destination for the experienced Con attendee.

Tickets are still on sale; today is the last day to get the discount.

ETA: Full passes are sold out. Individual days are still available.