The Voice - Student Newspaper

The valley brings comic book characters to life

Phoenix Comicon Convention of 2009 took place on the weekend of Jan. 23, held in the Mesa Convention Center in downtown Mesa.

Comicon prides itself on being the signature pop culture convention of the southwest, hosting attractions dealing with elements of the anime, comic, gaming, and sci-fi world. Attendees from across the valley had much to keep them occupied.

As a first time Comicon attendee Kortney Cooke of Tempe said of her initial expectations, "I was expecting a lot of people dressed up in Super Hero costumes. I didn't expect all the anime, but I guess it comes with the territory."

Vendors from all around Phoenix gathered and provided the fans of Marvel's Wolverine to DC's The Watchman the opportunity to indulge in there love of comics. Even the indie comic scene had a presence and the chance to get their work seen.

Many guest panels were planned throughout the event. Big names like Todd McFarlane the creator of Spawn, Ben Templesmith artist of the 30 Days of Night universe, and Tim Seely creator of Hack/Slash gave fans the chance to see the genius behind many comics they adore.

"Besides the cool experience, a huge reason I go to these "Cons" is to get the chance to meet the writers and artists that I admire.

Others should try to make it to Comicon because it's a fun experience and you get the chance to meet new and interesting people and it's just a great thing to experience," said Sara Kowalczyk, a Glendale Community College student who was able to make it out to the Friday and Saturday festivities.

This three day event had high energy from open to close and left all that attended with great memories and the thirst for more.

Kortney Cooke's final attitude after Comicon left her "feeling like a big dork, but in a good way. I learned a lot about comics and now have a giant list of things to read and movies to watch."

If a zombie brain eating contest and a Jedi training course are of any interest to you then maybe you'll think of marking your calendars for the next Phoenix Comicon in 2010 that will be held in downtown Phoenix at the Phoenix Convention center, the weekend of May 28.