Dragon Con 2017 by Danielle DeNicola

The self-proclaimed largest multimedia convention in the universe.

The past three years at Dragon Con has taught me a few unwavering facts about Atlanta’s massive convention:

1. Get in whatever elevator you see, even if you have to go up to go down (which is generally the case).
2. There is always free food, water, and a place to sit in the safe haven known as the “Con Suite,” located on the 2nd floor of the Hyatt.
3. Always stock up on Emergen-C and Pedialyte, because no amount of partying is worth catching the nefarious con crud.

While being prepared is the key to surviving your time at Dragon Con, it’s nearly impossible to have a terrible time at this Atlanta-based convention as long as a mere 5% of your genetic makeup includes enjoyment through socialization and partying with new and old friends.

With an attendance of over 80,000+, my weekend at Dragon Con was just as provocative as any previous year. I planned on cosplaying, a term for dressing up as one’s favorite video game characters, seeing all my friends from across the globe, and cultivating those friendships with both great food and a great deal of alcohol.

I brought three brand new cosplays for each main day—Elementalist Lux from the popular MOBA League of Legends, a Demon Hunter from Blilzzard’s Diablo, and a Marvel mashup called Anti Gwenom, which featured a spider suit designed by Brandon Gilbert based on artwork by Jamie Tyndall.

A Day in the Life….

Each day played out generally the same way. It started by waking up around 1-2 p.m. from staying up way too late the night before. After spending about an hour on social media, allowing the glowing, cool light from our cell phones to wake us up from the festivities of the night before. Once the members of my room were awake, a quick trip to the Con Suite was in order for food and coffee—both necessary components of returning back to our human form. This marked the point when the day really started, when it was time to suit up in whatever costume we had brought for the day.

Without fail, I made my way (usually stumbling) to the large archway outside the Hyatt Regency. There I could find most of my friends where we spent most of the precious daylight catching up about daily life and showing off our newest cosplay creations.

At a certain point in the day, around 6 or 7 p.m., we would all realize at once that it had been far too long since we had eaten and it was time to recharge. If the need for sustenance was urgent, I would just run over to the food court next to the Hyatt and grab something as quickly as possible, as to avoid the plague known as “Hangry.” However, if we had time to call an uber, a trip to a local sushi shop, a Japanese restaurant, or a friend’s speakeasy was in order. This phase of the day might be my favorite part of Dragon Con. This is the part when we’ve conquered the day in our costume-of-choice. We’re all feeling accomplished and proud of what we’ve created and now we’re all sitting down together to enjoy each other’s company and eat whatever delicious meal we’ve come across. It’s possibly the most satisfactory part of the convention for me.

https://youtu.be/OhCWa905YBg

Later, once we’ve gone back to the room to let our stomachs settle, and maybe take a short nap or two, it’s time to face off against Dragon Con’s most infamous enemy—the Marriot lobby. This is where the craziest of Dragon Con stories are born, where nothing matters except friendship, laughing, and enjoying yourself. Once you get past the wall of sweaty bodies, and the unmistakable odor of too many people in a small amount of space, this is most euphoric part of the show. Memories are conceived, friendships are strengthened and forged, and this is when you realize, as a cosplayer, that every painful and frustrating moment of crafting and wearing your cosplay during the day was absolutely worth it.

As I sit in the Uber on the way to the airport, I can’t help but feel torn. On one hand, I can’t wait to lay down in my own bed after an exhausting weekend. At the same time, however, I am sad to leave such a magical place, filled with friends and accomplishments, behind. Until next year, Dragon Con!

Phoenix Comic Con 2017 Recap by Brian Simonsen

Phoenix Comic Con is now well in the books. For a long time attendee it felt like a whirlwind battle of good versus evil, the man versus the people or even fun versus boredom.  There was so much more frustration leading up to this year's con (volunteer controversy) and such a palpable sense of frustration that I would be lying if I said that I wasn't slightly apprehensive at attending this year.  Was it going to be a train wreck that so many were touting it to be? Would it be the best Con ever? Was I going to have fun?  These were some damned important questions, especially the last one.  So when Thursday May 25th came around I was cautiously excited. 

I'm going to spoil the end of my story for you, PCC was not a ghost town as people anticipated... 

People showed up, a lot of people, and I had a wonderful time and PCC, itself, was pretty enjoyable.  If you want to know more please continue to read, if you disagree... well continue to read anyways.  

I'm breaking it up into 3 big points to keep things simple.

The Good: The wealth of things to see, people to meet and panels to attend.  

For me, PCC is and always will be about people.  It's a wonderful excuse to have the largest group of geeky people with similar interests into once place for a single weekend.  I get to see friends from all over in quick succession.  So many that I honestly don't get to see everyone.  

We drink, we laugh, we pose for pictures, share stories and in general just have a damn good time.  In this, PCC2017 did not disappoint. I was so incredibly happy to see so many like faces, and even meet a few new ones.  

I got to be apart of 3 amazingly fun and silly panels.  This feeling of just pure and constant adrenaline is what keeps me coming back.  This is also purely subjective, but you're reading an OpEd piece so that's what you should expect. 

The Bad: Really the biggest issue during Con besides the heat, it AZ summer after so there isn't much you can do about it, was the now infamous Thursday takedown of a heavily armed person.  

I want to say one simple thing about this, I am ever so thankful that this person was apprehended in time and that the situation did not escalate.  My real "bad" for PCC wasn't even the unfortunate increased security or prop ban.

  It was the lack of upfront communication by PCC during and after the arrest.  I really felt like PCC was constantly behind the ball in terms of getting information to the attendees and that lead to news organizations spinning the event out of control.  

This was heck of a learning curve for PCC but also for the industry as a whole. 

The Ugly:  This is the part that really bugged me most, Fan Backlash and Anger.

The sheer amount of vitriol and hate that sprouted Thursday afternoon hit full bloom on Friday.  People angry and they wanted someone to blame for unhappiness.  

Most all of it went towards PCC,,,which was fine as it is an organization. But then I started to see people lash out against each other. 

There was actual debate of one person saying they were having a good time and another person calling them a liar. 

 A business that did not agree with, nor follow, the newly imposed guidelines was kicked out and then decided to participate in an internal smear campaign.  Even other Conventions called out PCC for it's negligence and took the opportunity to promote themselves.

I'm Exhausted just thinking about it.  But I quickly realized the solution to most of this, for the weekend at least, I shut my social media down.  I only directly connected with friends and posted pictures.  I just let the experience, my experience, speak for itself without the negativity surrounding it.  

And you know what?  I had a damn good time.  Was it perfect? No, but no Con ever has been. 

 The lines were rough at first but as the weekend moved along things went smoother.  

It was a little hot, but not nearly as bad as last year. 

Some of my cosplay friends weren't able to show of their props that they worked hard on, but most of them made do just fine.  

But I had fun, honest to goodness fun.  And best of all?  I shared that fun with my fellow geeks.

Rating:

I would easily give this con a solid B in my history of PCC (going back to 2004).  Even with the windfall from Thursday I can't help but look back on my time fondly.  I look forward to the next chance to flex some geek muscle and to meeting some more of you lovely people.

Now I have truly spun my wheels dry.  So in closing, I'll leave you with  one of my favorite phrases that I hope you will all take to heart.  To all geeks/nerds out there in fan land "Be Excellent to Each Other!"

Author: Brian Simonsen

Co-Host: Fanboy Rant and Sprecken Ze Geek

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!"

2015 Phoenix FanFest

                                         


          Well fans the con season has come to an end and it's time for all of us to lick our monetary wounds. But with that said it was it was the pleasure of this Fanboy to get to attend Phoenix Comicon's Fanfest. This is PCC's 2nd annual Fanfest and I have to say it maybe my favorite of the smaller local cons. Going through the weekend though as you do with any con there were some not so great stories that floated around and people who found fault with nearly everything in the passing around of interactions and talking to different artists, vendors and cosplayers the overall experience was more than enjoyable and very laid back.

       

            As you find at most con's you had the various booths for costuming groups. The AZA, 501st, DOZD, JLA, and so on. For the most part the groups are always a fun and not only welcome but anticipated part of any con! The effort that these groups put in to be there for the fans and especially the kids in attendance is inspiring. From my own experience if you're wanting to get involved with a cosplaying group the ones listed previously are some of the best and most of them have national if not international options for membership.



       

         For those of use to the standard layout of most cons with vendors in one area artists in another the you were either greatly surprised or horribly confused. Personally I like the mixing and intertwining of artists and vendors. it's breaks things up and gives you a chances to find some sought after products and sought after authors without having to cross the room multiple times. I say good on you PCC!

                                       

            As always got us a good mixture of guests. One or Two fell off as they do for any con and it's to be expected with either shooting schedules or show deadlines. But of course Karen Gillan was the big draw this year and all the chatter was how amazing she was. Being kind and interactive with the fans is always a great way to become a favorite guest. Once again though PCC has given us a good selection especially for this being a smaller con and it only being the second year.

       In conclusion PCC has given another great addition to their line up of conventions and I personally look forward to see what they have in store for PCC 2016 and what they have up their sleeves for us. I have been to many small cons and though I plan my year around PCC this is quickly becoming a second anchor point for my con plans. Those you who haven't had a chance to experience one of their events I would  highly recommend it! They are cons great by the fans and for the fans. Unlike some others that are clearly run by corporations looking to put out as many events as possible these are put together. Do your selves a favor and make a point to either attend Phoenix Comicon or FanFest.

Getting Divergent

     

         I have spent the last couple of months going through the Divergent series. Any of you who have multiple commitments know how hard it can be to find time to read, but with the promise of review and a desire to find out what every one's draw is to this series was, I found a way to put in the time and this is the experience I had with the series.As a series it is one of the better young adult trilogies that I have read in recent past. I say this with the understanding that I previously went through the Hunger trilogy and couldn't bring myself to even finish the 3rd book. The Divergent trilogy it is a fair read and decently entertaining. The first 2 books the story comes solely from the point of view of our Heroine Tris (or Beatrice by her original name.)  In the third book however, you have to get used to the book switching point of views between Tris and her boyfriend Four (Tobias). It is something that at least for me took a bit of time to get used to, seeing as how the first 2 follow a different writing pattern. The overall plot is one that you would expect after finishing the first book and comes to a climax with a fairly predictable ending.

        A post-apocalyptic society that is in the process of rebuilding but seems to have a very Utopian feel. Broken up into 5 factions (Abnegation, Erudite, Dauntless, Amity, and Candor) and every 16 year old takes a test to determine what faction they should be in but then are put in front of nearly the entire community the next day to choose, deciding if they will follow what their heart tells them, their parents, or the test. Our main character ends up leaving her families faction to join one with a bit more style and danger called Dauntless. you meet an array of characters through out the induction portion of the story including who will obviously be her eventual love interest Four. Eventually the inevitable attempt of dictatorship by a character named Jeanine Matthews an Erudite woman (the inventors and scientists of their society.), who feels she has the right to take charge and rule the city as an individual rather than the congress like situation that they currently have. She uses a drug(Serum) to control the minds of the Dauntless and use them like a programmable army to eradicate the current ruling faction called Abnegation. A group so self less they only allow them selves to be selfish if it will benefit others first. the Book comes to and end with Tris and Four shutting down the program controlling everyone, taking the hard drive to contains the program its self and running off with what is instantly a mismatched bunch of characters.

       The second book follows suit continuing right after the first one ends, with no more than possibly minutes that would have disappeared between them, it's like any good sequel and is simply there to get you to the next segment. we re join our rag tag team fleeing to another faction call Amity(essentially the hippies of their society.) the having to again flee for their lives and ending up with what are known as the "Faction-less". A group of people who washed out of initiation from their chosen factions. Finding in this time that Fours long lost and thought to be dead mother is the leader of the "Faction-less". they eventually make it over to Candor(the lawyers of the society. The term brutally honest doesn't begin to explain them!) where they are attacked by dauntless that are now loyal to the erudite, causing them to move on to the former abnigation housing creating an army comprised of the faction-less and whats left of the dauntless. This of course ends in a battle loosing the lives of new and old characters, new knowledge that their city was created similar to a bio-dome like project by one of Tris's ancestors and the inevitable death of Jeanine Matthews.
       
       The third and final book in the series does what you expect it to. Wraps everything up with a fairly tidy yet somewhat bloody bow. My only true criticism I can give is as I said before the third book somewhat changes pace. Our heroes end up leaving their beloved city to find out who is really pulling the strings, loosing one of their group in the process. when they get outside the walls however they find out that people originally thought to be dead were in all actuality smuggled out of the by Tris's mother, and the place they all end up in is in some ways reminiscent of the movie "The Truman show" .  This is where we get into the age old story of Have's and Have not's, and the is an all too expected failed uprising that comes to head with the eventual death of another long term character. in their time in this situation Tris finds out that he mother was a plant to help slowly move all of the Divergent people out of the cent to the research facility before they can be killed by the ruling factors involved and it is in this that you find that the city was simply created to breed and cultivate Divergents.

       The series ends with the way you either hope or expect it to with possibly a small twist here and there. I won't give away the ending and you maybe thinking that I have already spoiled the series, but trust me when I say there is so much I left out and it will keep you reading till the end. The author has since released a book which is a series of shorts of the divergent stories from Four's point of view. Personally I would be more interested in reading these if she hadn't put his perspective throughout the entire third book. Too much is given away almost too quickly by doing this and you almost come to expect what happens. I personally give the series a 3.7 out of 5. I would recommend it to anyone from teen on up who enjoys a good action love story and looking for a good young adult style series to get into. But take this for what it is. My opinion, my point of view and read the series your self and let me know what you think. so to end this please have a read, have some fun and in the end "Don't forget to be a fan!!"