It’s been over a week since Salt Lake Comic Con’s FanX 2016. We had a great time but yet I’ve felt like there was something “more” we were looking for.
Like a kid on Christmas morning who looks at the presents they received and felt like one was missing, that’s the way I feel about this FanX.
Now don’t get me wrong, like I already said, we had a great time and I feel like they put on a great show. Part of the issue could have been that we didn’t participate in as many of the activities and panels that we normally would.
I’ve been thinking though about what could have made it better, but also the things that we loved about it. I’ve decided to list these things out.
First I want to go over the things I loved because I feel like this needs a ray of sunshine.
Meeting Hawkeye (aka Jeremy Renner)
Of course the top highlight of the weekend was finally meeting Jeremy Renner who plays my favorite Avenger, Hawkeye. When they announced that he was coming, I was telling everyone who would listen to the point of annoyance. We bought an autograph ticket (so sorry…no picture!) and lined up early to be one of the first (unfortunately this meant we had to miss his panel). The interaction was great, though short (as these encounters go). I only wish Sean could have gotten the little jig I did on video after we moved a safe distance away from the autograph table.
We also got autographs from Nick Carter of the Backstreet Boys (he signed my cd and even gave me a hug *swoon*) as well as Bill Farmer, the voice of Goofy. Bill did the Goofy voice which made Marvel a little confused (she loves Mickey Mouse Clubhouse). He was late to his autograph table but it was worth the wait.
Surprise Conversation with Paul Blackthorne
Sorry for no picture again. I wasn’t planning on meeting Paul Blackthorne this weekend, but I did know who he was. He plays Detective Lance from the tv show Arrow. I ended up meeting him though because I struck up a conversation with his assigned manager outside the booth for artist Rob Prior. Paul was visiting Rob’s booth because Rob did the artwork for his Rhino charity. I showed Paul’s manager a drawing that my sister in law did and so he just had to have me show Paul. Paul asked me to send it to him on his Facebook page so he can share it. He then asked my family’s names and shook our hands. He was very nice and attentive, and oh, completely British!
As of yet he hasn’t shared the drawing, but he thanked me for sharing with him.
The Vendors
A shot of the crowd at Artist’s Alley
We had a great time actually seeing all the vendors this year, which made it easy to look, think, then decide what we wanted to buy. I ended up buying a Merida bow replica (from Disney/Pixar’s Brave) from Ivory Forge and a beautiful licensed Lucasart print from The Main Mouse Warehouse. We spent a lot of time talking to those two vendors as we made our decisions and felt we received great customer service from them. There were also some of our favorite return vendors and artists like my friend Kiersten Hale.
My Merida Bow that I bought
Cosplay
Cosplay is one of our favorite things about going to conventions, and taking part in it makes it even more fun. This year we dressed up on Thursday and Friday.
Me and Marvel in matching costumes
We did Harry Potter cosplays on Thursday, Marvel and I were Gryffindor students, Sean was Sirius Black.
On our way to the con!
Our little Gryffindor
Our family with the Rebel Legion
Friday we did Star Wars, Sean and I wore Han and Leia again and Marvel was a little mini Rey. People loved us, especially Marvel.
Marvel as Baby Rey. The armbands and boots came off soon after
We kept getting stopped for pictures…well I should say Marvel kept getting asked.
This Melisandre cosplayer loved Marvel
And of course we loved seeing and taking pictures of all the different cosplayers!
Making new friends (and seeing old ones)
We had the best of time getting to know attendees from all around. I enjoyed the conversations I had and hope that if you’re reading this you’ll comment below so I can “find” you again.
Finally met Nerdy At Home Dad and his son as Spider-Pig
I also loved running into old friends. I especially loved celebrating my “friendiversary” with my roommate from Disney, Brittney! She and I have known each other for 7 years and counting!
My old roomie from Disney, Brittney!
My friend DC Doll as Ms. Marvel with Marvel.
Now I’m putting the things that bummed me out on a second page in case you don’t want to read them. I highly suggest going though because maybe you noticed these things as well while attending. Also there might be some more happy things mixed in among them (but you’ll never know unless you don’t read through.
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