Phoenix, Arizona is a new location in the U.S. for Caffè Nerdiano, and it sure was a gem. What was most astonishing from this convention was the diversity of guests, vendors, panels, and areas. This three-day event was energetic from morning to evening. While being on our feet all day is usually not a positive thing, it sure is for a convention.
We were able to travel back in time to relive the anime we love from the 70s, 80s, and 90s. Whether it was stealing diamonds in Lupin the Third, riding a motorcycle with Kaneda in Akira, or fighting angels in Neon Genesis Evangelion, we were able to become children again while watching. The Ghost in the Shell panel explored the philosophical and cultural implications of a work that seemed like pure science fiction upon its release but now appears surprisingly close to reality. The discussion then focused on the extraordinary quality of the animation, which not only holds its own against contemporary productions but still manages to surpass them in many respects. Our journey in the world of animation continued with a panel on Netflix’s most watched animated movie: KPop Demon Hunters. Fans were able to delve into the behind-the-scenes aspects of the film through a panel that explored the significance of the settings and character designs, while also making room for trivia, theories, and interaction between the guests and audience. This panel was even better with the knowledge that May Hong (speaking voice of character Mira) was a guest in the autograph hall.
This convention not only stimulated our eyes through the exhibitions and cosplay, but also our hands. There were various building workshops that we were able to participate in: Build Your Own Miniature Tardis, Build Your Own Droid, and Build Your Own Oragami Figure. We also let our imagination run wild with LEGO free build and figure drawing. The amount of cosplay costumes were astonishing, especially with the level of detail demonstrated. Part of the fun of a cosplay is making it, hour by hour; however, pictures at the end while wearing it make all those hours of work priceless. There were specific cosplay photoshoots designed for everyone’s interests: Star Wars, DC, Spider-verse, Fantasy, Anime, Star Trek, Marvel, Horror, Doctor Who, Supernatural, Critical Role, Hazbin Hotel, and Pokémon. The Arizona Avengers hosted a workshop to discuss how to select the best poses for your persona and how to stay in character when engaging with others during the convention. The Baddest Batch also discussed the benefits and drawbacks of using a 3-D printer to achieve desired cosplay looks.
If we ever get the opportunity to be transported to a different time and world, with the skills we have learned in Padawan Lightsaber Training by Phoenix Saber Academy and Introduction to Longsword by Phoenix Society of Historical Swordsmanship, we will become the new hope.
Being so close to Las Vegas, how could we not participate in the Fan Fusion Poker Tournament. While we didn’t win, it was for a good cause: the Arizona-based non-profit organization Kids Need to Read. There were many other ways to spend money as well, as the vendor floor was packed with costumes, art prints, home decor, figurines, dice, comics, jewelry, and even alcohol. Channeling all the Lord of the Rings fans with Gimli (guest John Rhys-Davies), we alter Pippin’s (played by Billy Boyd) famous line from “the salted pork is particularly good” to “the spiced rum is particularly good”. Luckily, our LOTR knowledge served us well in the trivia game What Are You Tolkien About. We also had our wands out for the Battle of the Houses Triwizard trivia at Hogwarts, our ki ready for the Budokai Tenkaichi tournament, and dice in hand for our initiative in Critical Role trivia.
One of the most interesting panels was with guest Jamie Campbell Bower, as he recounted his enjoyable experience playing Jace Wayland in the series The Mortal Instruments, his feelings separating from the cast and his characters at the end of Stranger Things, and his passion for musical theater. Another panel that captivated us was that of Critical Role, with guests Matthew Mercer, Marisha Ray, Laura Bailey, Travis Willingham, Sam Riegel, Liam O’Brien, Taliesin Jaffe, Whitney Moore, Luis Carazo, Alexander Ward, and Robbie Daymond. A Critical Role panel is never just a simple Q&A session. Between questions about ongoing campaigns, behind-the-scenes trivia, and insider secrets, the encounter with the Critical Role cast proved to be a burst of pure energy, delivering a show within a show. The lines in the autograph hall for Critical Role cast were the longest at the convention, with people waiting several hours with Daggerheart books, Critical Role posters, and Funko pops for that precious signature, quote, and even doodle. Another line that was growing with time was for the voice behind the most beloved character (Tony Tony Chopper) in One Piece Live Action: Mikaela Hoover. Just like Rudolph’s red nose, Chopper’s blue nose is a staple in the anime world.
Other books in fans’ hands were American Flagg!, Batman: Thrillkiller, and Black Kiss. These fans were all on line for Howard Chaykin. Of course, anyone who knows Chaykin’s work understands that there are some original art books of his that are only for adults, as they contain graphic violence and erotic scenes. For those 18+ at the convention, there were events that would allow our minds to indulge, such as the Double-D20’s Burlesque Show, BDSM in Pop Culture, and AstroNaughty Sci-Fi Rave.
We recently saw Project Hail Mary and thoroughly enjoyed it. There was also a panel discussing the original novel and the new film. While the Anaconda movie was also high on our list-as long as not taken too seriously-it was certainly unique to walk past the Skullatorium (display of human and animal skulls) to see and PET the scaley and slithery tongued creature. If being constricted to death by a snake is not high on someone’s fright list, then don’t worry, as there was also a presentation on snake venom and other poisonous substances, as well a cute but deadly animals.
There were many anniversaries celebrated within this convention: 30th anniversary of Pokémon, 40th anniversary of Labyrinth, 50th anniversary of both Carrie and The Omen, and the 100th anniversary of Route 66. Seeing fans of all ages united in celebrating these anniversaries demonstrates that the passion for fantasy, horror, and collecting transcends generational boundaries. Amidst spectacular cosplay, nostalgic glances, and the enthusiasm of younger fans, the event concludes with the certainty that these stories are more alive than ever, ready to inspire us for years to come.
