PHOENIX COMICON 2011 - Day 1 Sum Up

Although a short day for the con, the first day was full of excitement in Phoenix, Arizona. Scorching temperatures outside, and blasting air conditioners inside, by 4 o'clock the line for the exhibit hall wound back and forth along the registration area. The exhibit floor was still setting up as attendees started walking the aisles. There was a 25 foot Stay Puft Marshmallow Man in the Ghostbusters area, comic book shops selling their merchandise, artists were in their alley sketching and signing, and, as always, SWAG was flying off the tables. The events went late into the evening with a Rockband Mixer and Anime Rave. All in all, it was a good day (even spotted Wil Wheaton); read on for details and some pictures



Check in was really smooth and everyone seemed really nice in line (not always the case at these things). The exhibit hall floor has about ten aisles and several large displays for the Ghostbusters and Star Wars groups and fans. The Stay Puft Marshmallow Man was surrounded by an Ecto 1, a replica of the Vigo the Carpathian painting from the film sequel, and plenty of Ghostbusters in gear. The SWAG table was lined with movie posters from the past, present, and future. The various booths were selling art prints and comic books merchandise. Several of the artists' tables were empty because their talented tenants will mostly be at the con on the weekend days. The artist's that were on site had their art proudly displayed and sketches/prints for sale. Also, while out and about on the exhibit hall floor, we bumped into Wil Wheaton. As a fan, I had to ask for a picture and try to get some questions in for the website. Mr. Wheaton saw me coming a mile away. Totally being a gentleman, he kindly explained that he could not stop for photos, otherwise everyone would want to stop him for pictures. It was understandable and then he chatted about today being his day to walk the floor too before his busy weekend of panels and so he was out to enjoy it. Very cool guy and I'll look forward to grabbing a shot with him later on this weekend.

Ecto 1

Rock Band Mixer

After trekking around the exhibit hall, it was time to head out for some evening activities. The people at Phoenix Comicon hosted an Opening Night Rock Band Mixer. After some minor technical difficulties groups started taking the stage to entertain the crowd. There were great performances, funny sing-alongs and a couple not-so-greats. Still a fun event and a great segue to the next party of the night, the Anime Rave. Each night of the Con will feature one of Arizona's best DJs for a themed musical event. Tonight's Anime Rave was the first themed event and had a line outside early on. The DJ earned cheers from the group several times with her choice in songs and had people rushing to bounce around and shake their glow lights to the beats. If attendees didn't want to rock out or dance, they could also hang out in the gaming area to play their favorite games or for the 18+ crowd they could try their hand at the role playing game Vampires: the Requiem.

Today, Phoenix Comicon had alot going on and it was ONLY THE FIRST DAY! The rest of the holiday weekend has tons more coming up. Check out our photo gallery from today's events in our web album and stay tuned to Fanboy Headquarters for complete coverage from Phoenix all weekend!

-Martin Bright, 5/26/2011