Pre-Game: Amazing AZ Comicon Mixer
by Durrilion
If I could only use one word to describe Jimmy Jay, co-owner of Amazing Arizona Comicon, I would say ‘energetic’. I met him very briefly at the pre-event meet up held in downtown Phoenix. His passion for what he and everyone on the event staff does is evident. This will be the sixth year of the con, and Jimmy says they try to stay very close to the event’s ‘mission’ – focusing on comics and the people who not only create them but also bring them to the public.
Initially Amazing AZ was held at the Mesa AZ convention center. By the second year there was a double booking for their weekend. Between that, and the expected growth of the con, the decision was made to move to the Phoenix Convention Center. In Jimmy’s words, a fish in a pond can only grow as big as its environment allows. The larger space provided by the Phoenix location seems like a good move.
This year, Amazing AZ will have programming focused on Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Street Fighter, and Deadpool, just to name a few titles. Deadpool premiers the same weekend (February 12 – 14) and Jimmy is beyond excited to have Rob Liefeld join us in AZ, where Rob will host a private screening of what looks like an awesome movie! Additionally there will be “Force Friday” door-buster specials for all of the Star Wars fans (per the press release received by videojouzu).
The list of special guests reads like a who’s who of the comic industry.
Rob Liefeld, creator of Deadpool;
Chris Claremont, known for his work on the X-Men series;
Kevin Eastman, creative mind behind the TMNT;
George Perez, known for his work on various DC and Marvel titles;
Matt Nastos, former Disney artist and writer, probably best known for Emperor’s New School, and Phineas and Ferb;
and many others. Many of these comic creators will be accessible to fans via Q&A sessions all weekend.
If that’s not enough, Garage FX, an AZ local costumer family will run several DIY workshops for makeup and costuming. The Arizona Avengers, The 501st, and Justice League Arizona will also be there for photo ops with fans of not only those particular genres, but also those amazing groups of people.
The current list of exhibitors literally runs A – Z. According to the Amazing AZ’s press release they are expecting over 150 exhibitors the second weekend of February; as well as 200+ artists, available for signings, and sketches for fans.
While the programming schedule is not available yet, their website does mention a kids day (which is scheduled to hold a kids costume parade), cosplay competition and rules, and the Deadpool movie experience. It looks like this year the event will live up to the name Amazing. I for one am looking forward to attending in less than two weeks. Hopefully I’ll see you all there.
For more information about this con check out www.AmazingArizonaComicCon.com
