Since Arizona just can’t get enough of Phoenix Comicon, the nerd juggernaut decided to add Fan Fest last year, featuring the of the celebs, vendors and artists that make Phoenix Comicon special.
Now in its second year, Fan Fest bigger than ever, and it’s making its triumphant return on December 4 through 6.
Sword demonstrations will be held by several groups, including Rapier Combat with the Society for Creative Anachronism and Medieval Combat with the Kingdom of Umbria. Ye olde sword fights not your thing? Whether you’re inclined towards the Light Side or the Dark Side, there will be Lightsaber dueling with the Vanguard Saber Academy, where you and your kids can learn the basics of The Force.
Of course, a convention would be lacking without a few cosplayers. There will be cosplay meetups and fashion shows every day for almost every possible category, from Star Wars to Dragon Age. Friday evening will be rounded off with a cosplay dance off, where the staff picks the music and the contestants have to strut their stuff.
There will also be costume contests on Saturday and Sunday, where the winner is determined by audience applause. Youth costume goers are encouraged to participate.
For more refined competition, there will be steampunk Tea Dueling, where gentlemen and gentlewomen attempt to consume biscuits and sip tea as elegantly as they can.
Film buffs won’t be left out since Fan Fest is hosting a brand new indie zombie film called “I Am Alone,” starring Gareth David-Lloyd, who will be present to answer questions about the film and his other acting credits.
For lovers of the brain dead, you can answer the question, “Can You Survive the Horde?” This interactive obstacle course, brought to you by Umbrella Corps, challenges you to make your way through unspeakable zombie terror.
The other obstacle course at Fan Fest belongs to Scottsdale Parkour, who will host live demonstrations of their free-running skill and teach you safe and effective techniques. The event will be themed for Assassin’s Creed, Tron or Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, depending on the day.
For some holiday spirit, KNTR presents Nerdy St. Nick all weekend. If you’re tired of the same old Santa Claus, then why not try Bat Claus or Captain Ameri-Claus? Along with others, these Clauses are taking wish lists for the big man himself.
Along with the panels, there will be guest appearances by some of the big names in film and television.
Karen Gillan
Karen Gillan was put on the map as Amy Pond, the spunky redhead companion to Matt Smith’s “Doctor Who.” She also plays Gamora’s rival sister, Nebula, in Marvel’s “Guardians of the Galaxy.” Because of all her nerd cred, we’re willing to forgive the sin that was “Selfie.” Her panel will be on Sunday and she will be doing signings Saturday and Sunday.
Sean Maher
Best-known from the one-season phenomenon, “Firefly,” as well as other shows like “The Mentalist” and “Warehouse 13,” Sean Maher will have a spotlight panel on Saturday with signing opportunities all weekend.
The ‘Supernatural’ Gang
There will be several panels with stars from Supernatural. Alaina Huffman, who played Abaddon, and Juilan Richings, who played Death, will have their own respective panels as well as a group panel on Sunday.
And More!
Other special guests include Denise Crosby who played Tasha Yar in Star Trek TNG, Dirk Benedict from the original Battlestar Galactica, Tom Cook who animated many ‘80s cartoons, and many more.
