Phoenix Comicon Energizes
Memorial Day Weekend
Box Boy at 2011 Phoenix Comicon.
By Brad Hamilton
Modern Times Magazine
May 24, 2012 — Memorial Day weekend is just around the corner and the Phoenix Comicon is primed to deliver a full slate of events and entertainment at the Phoenix Convention Center Thursday through Sunday, for comic, science fiction, monster, anime, and cosplay devotees.
For those who have already purchased their badges online, pickup will be available beginning at noon Thursday at the Phoenix Convention Center. Registration will begin at 9 a.m. on Friday, 8 a.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. on Sunday. Saturday is expected to be the busiest day at the con, so convention planners suggest arriving early. More cashiers have been added for those who will purchase tickets on-site, especially on Saturday.
This year’s Phoenix Comicon was slated to be a Star Trek 25 anniversary event that would bring Capt. Kirk (William Shatner) together with Capt. Picard (Patrick Stewart) along with most of the titular characters from The Next Generation, including Michael Dorn, Brent Spiner, Levar Burton and Marina Sirtis. Unfortunately, Stewart cancelled earlier this month.
To take his place, Wil Wheaton, who portrayed Wesley Crusher on TNG conformed his attendance. The Star Trek 25th anniversary panel will be held Sunday at 1:30 p.m. in room 120. Perhaps the very funny Brent Spiner will treat the crowd to one of his infamous Stewart impersonations.
Phoenix Comicon Homepage
Phoenix Comicon Programming Guide (html)
Phoenix Comicon Programming Guide (pdf)
While there are a plethora of events for all comicon aficionados, two of the most intriguing people in all of comicon-dom — Ethan Van Sciver and Daniel Davis — should not be missed. Van Sciver, best known for illustrating a number of titles including Green Lantern, Superman/Batman, New X-Men, and The Flash: Rebirth, will host “Meet Ethan Van Sciver,” at 1:30 p.m., Friday in room 127B. Most likely it will involve his re-writing popular tunes with accompaniment from a Casio keyboard. Daniel Davis, the creative genius behind Steam Crow and the top-notch monster creator, will host, “ART ROOM: Monster Draw with Steam Crow,” at 10:30 a.m. Saturday in room 229A.
Other big news for Phoenix Comicon 2012 is that the wildly popular Steampunk Ball will be free this year. Events that are coming back include Geek Prom (brought to you by Bookmans), and the Zombie Beauty Pageant. New events include Geek Speed Dating, High School of the Dead, and an Opening Night Sci-Fi Party.
Other highlights include:
FRIDAY
Meet Ethan Van Sciver, 1:30 p.m., room 127B, Phoenix Convention Center.
Phil LaMarr, 4:30 p.m., room 221, Phoenix Convention Center.
Bleeding Cool Fan Awards, 6 p.m., room 132BC, Phoenix Convention Center.
Zombie Walk, 7 to 7:30 p.m., Monroe and Third Street.
Nerd Poetry Slam, 7:30 p.m., room 132BC, Phoenix Convention Center.
Zombie Beauty Pageant, 9 p.m., Hyatt Regency Hotel ballroom, 122 N. 2nd St.
High School of the Dead Party, 10 p.m., Hyatt Regency Hotel ballroom, 122 N. 2nd St.
Steampunk Ball, 6 p.m., Renaissance Hotel pueblo room, 50 E. Adams.
Dr. Who, Party Like A Time Lord, 10 p.m., Renaissance Hotel pueblo room, 50 E. Adams.
All Ages Rave, 10 p.m., Renaissance Hotel gila room, 50 E. Adams.
SATURDAY
ART ROOM: Monster Draw with Steam Crow, 10:30 a.m. Room 229A, Phoenix Convention Center.
William Shatner, 1:30 p.m., Room 120, Phoenix Convention Center.
Eureka, 3 p.m., room 120, Phoenix Convention Center.
AZ Comics Community, 3 p.m., room 126B, Phoenix Convention Center.
Steampunk Fashion Show, 5 p.m., room 224, Phoenix Convention Center.
Vic Mignogna: In Concert!, 6 p.m., Renaissance Hotel salon, 50 E. Adams.
Geek Prom, 8 p.m., Hyatt Regency Hotel ballroom, 122 N. 2nd St.
Marvel vs. Capcom Party, 9 p.m., Renaissance Hotel pueblo room, 50 E. Adams.
SUNDAY
The 2012 Phoenix Comicon Film Awards, 1:30 p.m., Hyatt Regency Hotel ballroom, 122 N. 2nd St.
Spotlight on Ed Asner, 10:30 a.m., room 120, Phoenix Convention Center.
Jon Bernthal vs. The Walking Dead, noon, room 120, Phoenix Convention Center.
Star Trek: The Next Generation Anniversary, 1:30 p.m., room 120, Phoenix Convention Center.
Breaking into Comics, 3 p.m., room 127A, Phoenix Convention Center.
Comic-Con Wrap Up!, 4:30 p.m., 127B, Phoenix Convention Center.
Phoenix Comicon Homepage
Phoenix Comicon Programming Guide (html)
Phoenix Comicon Programming Guide (pdf)
Brad Hamilton lives in Tempe, Ariz.
Horizon Rising
Shooters: Crime, Sports and Sex
