Another year and another Fan Fest flew by and the attendance was fantastic.  Fan Fest was held from Dec. 4-6 at the University of Phoenix Stadium and it was a huge success. People from all over came dressed as their favorite characters and to see some of their beloved writers, authors, and actors. There were many vendors selling all kinds of goodies like comics, collectibles, art, and clothes.

There were celebrity guests that were giving autographs and photo-ops like Karen Gillan (Guardians of the Galaxy), Kevin Sorbo (Hercules), and Sean Maer (Firefly). The staff worked hard to make sure the event went smoothly and they did a fantastic job. I got a chance to interview a staff member to see just how it is hosting and working at an event like this.

(Juan a member of the Comicon staff.)

What is the difficulty of setting up an event like this?

“Lots of planning goes into it, the hardest part is when a guest doesn’t show up for their panel and we have go up and basically do damage control.”

What is the most exciting part about the event?

“You get to work with some great people and make friends and just all the cool things you get to see.”

What do you to get more attendance and interest?

“Word of mouth really. Spreading the message about what we do and the celebrity guests. Stories like this helps us so we really appreciate it.”

One of the best parts of the event was discussing with the people why they come to this event and why they dress up it’s really one of the best parts just socializing with all these people who have the same interests as you.

(Anonymous cosplayer who created his own costume for charity)

What first made you want to cosplay?

“I got involved in this charity that brought me into this and it’s been great.”

What is the most exciting part when choosing and dressing up as this character?

“Seeing the smile on the face of kids and some adults when they see their favorite characters.”

For those who aren’t sure what is cosplaying?

“It’s dressing up and embodying your favorite character and for most they make their own costumes which is one of the best parts.”

(An attendee dressed as a character from the Fallout series)

What are you looking forward to at this event?

“I’m excited to see the celebrity panels and fellow cosplayers.”

What is special about this even and cons like this in your opinion?

“The Vendors sell exclusive items that are really cool and it’s great seeing so many people who love the same thing I do we all connect and just the celebrity guests are great.”

What would you say to those who are unsure of attending an event like this?

“If your into comics, TV, movies, or just awesome stuff you should come. There is so many cool things to look at and its also like going shopping everywhere you go you see stuff you want for those not going you are really missing out.”

For more information go to www.phoenixcomicon.com and for San Diego Comic Con go to comic-con.org

(All photos courtesy of Daniel Ramirez)