Thursday through Saturday, hordes of pop culture fans will swarm the Salt Palace Convention Center for Fan-X. The Wasatch Front will be buzzing with activity and anticipation for three action-packed days. Even before the doors open, one will be able see evidence of the events about to unfold. Excited fans of everything from “Star Wars” to Marvel Comics will crowd outside the buildings, dressed as every iteration of Doctor Who to grace a television, among hundreds of other characters.
The Salt Lake City Comic Con is a place for fans of everything from video games to movies to, of course, comic books, all coming together to enjoy their favorite pastimes. The Fan Experience was created to give the fans of the first event another reason to get immersed in pop, film, television, gaming and cosplay culture. Or so it’s been said. Here are my recommendations of what to see and do at Fan X.
Costumes:
The people-watching at conventions are by far the best you’ll see. The dedicated fandom who pour their time and resources into generating the most accurate real-life costumes of characters from fictional media. No matter the character, he/she/it will be found somewhere within the walls of the Convention Center, recreated with stunning accuracy and proudly displayed by the crafters of these incredible costumes. Be sure to look out for several Avengers, they are staples every year.
Panels:
Everyone from YouTube stars to B list celebs sit on panels to chat about a wide range of interests to attendees. Some sure shots that I’m looking forward too are The Bob Fetts, Nick Gillard and the LIVE recording of Star Wars podcast, Full Of Sith. Not to mention, there are OVER fifteen panels that you can catch the Bigshinyrobot.com familia representing at. Check the master list on the Fan X site. Be sure to line up early, rooms often fill up fast.
Tournaments:
If you’re looking to challenge, this is the place. Super Smash, Starcraft 2 & League Of Legends, etc…bring it! Since the finalists have already been slotted, come on out and cheer them on! Salt Lake is on it’s way to having its own PAX-esque like event. It is only a matter of time.
Micky Dolenz:
While it is true that The Monkees (Micky Dolenz, drums and vocals; Mike Nesmith, guitar and vocals; Davy Jones, vocals; and Peter Tork, guitar and vocals) were constructed by TV producers to capitalize on the massive popularity of The Beatles (think the snappy style of A Hard Day’s Night right in your living room every week), what’s surprising is how well it all worked: In 1967, The Monkees, propelled by hits such as Last Train To Clarksville, I’m A Believer, Pleasant Valley Sunday and Daydream Believer, surpassed both The Beatles and The Rolling Stones on the charts. The opportunity to meet a Monkee in the flesh. Yeah, I can’t pass it up.
LIVE music:
Ain’t no party like a Comic Con party, The Elevate/The Hotel know how to throw a JAM. On Friday night, treat yourself to the NERDcore/8-bit RAP sounds of KILLSCREEN. Myself and David Payne rocking a theremin, high velocity words and PURE tonal nostalgia. Other acts playing this night: Atheist, The House Of Lewis, DJ Electronic Battleship, Skratchmo and DJ Chu (on six turntable) and Utah hip hop mainstays, Numbs. The event is FREE with your Fan-X/Comic Con badge or if you are in cosplay attire. Everything gets going around 10pm, come on out and rock with us. This is one event, you do not want to miss.
-Dagobot
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