Stan Lee's L.A. Comicon by Victoria Tegeler

This past weekend was the sixth annual Stan Lee‘s LA Comic Con 2016, (formerly known as Comikaze) and they can not only count it’s first year under the new name as a success, it will go down on record as having the highest numbers with 91,000 fans in attendance. It is no surprise that the number of passes selling has increased as what is traditionally known as “Nerd” or “Geek” culture becomes more mainstream.

While at most places, having a mass of strangers in costumes, some including prop weapons or a small amount of clothing, would have caused passer bys to ask questions, no longer fazes downtown LA especially so on the weekend before halloween. This year’s most popular costumes appeared to have been Suicide Squad Harley Quinn (I lost count at 30 if them) or Eleven from the Netflix Original Series Stranger Things (let me just tell you there were way more than 11). And as usual my mind was blown by the sheer talent of so many of the amazing and creative cosplays.

One of my favorite parts of this convention is that it is was right before Halloween. Because of this kids can enjoy trick-or-treating their way through the booths of the convention. The atmosphere overall was very family friendly and even young cosplayer MiniBobafett had a booth this year for his fans to come by and say hello. Other famous faces that con goers could meet were, Dita Von Teese, Grumpy Cat, The cast of Flash, as well as cosplayers like Maid of Might, Amber Arden, HendoArt, and BBoySpiderman.

At the largest booth in the hall, Hot Topic, attendees were given candy and stickers and could see the first display of the new line of clothing inspired by the movie Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. Two dresses that through back to the 1920’s art deco era flanked a gorgeous coat that resembled the one worn by Eddie Redmayne’s character (which will be sold at an amazing price less then $80).

More than anything, Stan Lee‘s LA Comic Con has to have been my favorite convention I have had the privilege of attending so far. The atmosphere is inviting and encouraging for cosplayers and fans a like. The staff and management of the con, all the way up to Stan Lee himself care about those that have paid to attend this event. Friday, day 1 of the convention, doors opened late as Stan Lee had left the convention center because he felt the convention center staff was mistreating the attendees. As a woman who has attended quite a few conventions and had many different experiences, it is refreshing to know that the management of the convention cares about the experience and not just the money that we spend.

I am already looking forward to next year and hope to be premiering bigger better cosplays myself. Here are some photos of my favorite cosplays from around the con (and a couple of my own cosplays).

Until next time "Don't forget to be a fan!"

The Game has just started! Game on Expo Review.

        Well fans it's time to give a review of another AZ local convention and I happy to say that it is a much more positive then the previous years review. Your Fanboy got to go spend some time at Game on expo and I am pleased to say that they clearly listened to the fans from last year. They expanded the gaming areas, brought in more high profile guests and more than doubled the amount of vendors.
The expo shows only good signs of growth and possibilities.






    The vendors this year were not only much more plentiful but more diverse. From costume designers, Video game vendors, custom device designers and even coding schools. There was a plethora of choices and unlike some of the other small cons the vendors seemed to enjoy being there and liked the overall atmosphere. I feel that it's only a matter of time before this local gaming expo has the big boys from Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo knocking on their door.






   As with any convention or expo there were no shortage of cosplayers and cosplay groups. The layout of the cosplay groups is really the only complaint I have from this event. The groups had tables at different points up and down the hall way intermingled with tables for other upcoming conventions like Yaiyou cox. Tucson Comicon and Phoenix Fanfest. Though it is always a pleasure to see groups like the 501st, Team Rocket and the Autobots. Not to mention the amazing individual cosplayer's like Krash cosplay, Courtney Leigh and Sara Sundae.




    As I mentioned previously the expo has expanded it's gaming areas by 3 . Plenty of available consoles and arcade systems to go around, as well as a full karaoke stage  Monster energy drink station and concessions. Personally I look forward to next years expo and to see how they further expand the layout and to when they get to move up to the big show at the phoenix convention center. My only change I would offer the team at Game on Expo would be to consider moving it to the winter. AZ needs quality cons in the early part of the year and I think this is one that could easily make that transition.

    Remember guys if you wanna see Fanboy Rant at your local con make sure to reach out to us at fanboyrant@gmail.com. Until next time around don't forget to be a fan!



   

Phenomenal 2016 for Phoenix Comicon

                                    



      Hello to all the Fans, Dorks, Geeks, Nerds and first time con goers out there. 2016 was a banner year for Phoenix Comicon. Now I'm sure that some of you out there have issues with what happened with the registration lines on Friday. All that says to me is that the con is becoming that much better. More and more people both in state and out of state are making a point to attend our hometown convention that we all look forward to all year round. Outside of the Friday snag with the line the con appears to have been a great success. We purposely held back this blog for attendance numbers and though we only have the estimated number  we are happy to inform you that where last year attendance was around 75k the early numbers for 2016 have said to be around 100k. The difference in attendance between the 2 years is honestly amazing.

    Some have asked why these numbers excite me as not only a fan but an avid PHXCC attendee. "Won't this make it harder to get into things you want to do?" To these types of worries I ask you all to be more excited than wary. The rise in attendance will lead to more great things in the coming years. I personally don't focus on guests unless it's someone I'm truly a fan of. But the additional buzz and revenue generated from this year will allow those who run PHXCC to get even higher profile gusts along with a greater variety of guests. This will only allow the con to be an even better event than it already is.

           As always the cosplays that were seen around the convention were all top notch. whether you were in a store bought Halloween costume, something you made yourself or a costume that you commissioned from one of the amazing local seamstresses from the valley you were in good company. The third floor cosplay groups such as the AZA (Arizona Avengers), JLA (Justice League of Arizona) or the 501st were all on point as always. If spectacular costumes are something that you look forward to every year at the cons, then the third floor at PHXCC is always a great place to spend some time. Because honestly besides the groups you will always get the amazing individual cosplayers coming up to see whats going on. 

                               

        Along with many of  you that are from the valley of sun, this is the con that I look forward to and base my years activities around. For anyone reading this who has never attended a Comicon and is truly wanting to fear not. Phoenix Comicon has another event coming up.  Phoenix Comicon Fan Fest is right around the corner in October. Now this is a small event but for a first time con goer honestly it's something that I would honestly recommend. cut your teeth at Fan Fest this fall. It's an event that will also be held at the Phoenix convention center starting this year and it's one that this fan is truly looking forward to.

      I'm sure I will get some emails and comments about individual bad experiences that some of you had. And just like last year the randoms that will say that Phoenix Comicon isn't as good or as big as SDCC or Salt Lake because of attendance numbers or because of the guests that they draw in or what ever reason you can find. But out of any negative comment I have heard or read from this year or in past years one thing stands true. Unlike a lot of shows PHXCC learns from it's mistakes and takes responsibility for them. They truly care about the attendees from the director on down to every volunteer. They go out of their way to create a truly great event for all of us to enjoy and I for one can't wait to see what else they come up with.

     Well everyone in the end it has been a great years con and can't wait to see you all at Fan Fest. Have a great time till then and "Don't forget to be a fan!"