Phoenix’s geek scene is gearing up for the Cons to return

For local geeks, the wait is almost over. As the pandemic continues to subside, conventions and other nerdy gatherings are returning to Metro Phoenix starting in July.

Over the next few weeks and months, local events like the horror-themed Mad Monster Party Arizona, the anime-centric Saboten Con, and the Arizona Toy Con will all be staged as promoters and corporations pick up where they left off before the COVID-19 aired Geek scene in the Phantom Zone for over a year.

(And it’s not just in the Valley. Notable events like Anime Matsuri in Houston this summer and the famous New York Comic Con in October will have in-person versions this year, albeit with reduced capacity and social distancing.)

Some of the Valley’s biggest downsides (like Phoenix Fan Fusion) are especially cautious and won’t happen until 2022, while Greg Fennell, one of the organizers of Saboten Con, and other local promoters think it’s safe enough to move on with theirs Events.

“Depending on the level we are at [with COVID-19]We have certain things that must be followed so that we can react quickly to every place we are in when we open the doors [our show] this year, ”said Fennell on Facebook in April.

Here’s a look at the latest news from the Valley’s geek scene, including information on summer, fall, and early 2022 events.

Mad Monster Party Arizona completes guest line-up

If you’ve always wanted an audience with the King of Hell (without enduring fire, brimstone, and utter damnation), this year’s Mad Monster Party Arizona gives you the chance … more or less. Famous character actor Mark Sheppard, who appeared as the insidious Crowley Supernatural, will be one of the biggest special guests at the event, which takes place Friday July 2nd through Sunday July 4th at the Renaissance Phoenix Glendale Hotel in Glendale.

Other actors scheduled to appear in the 2021 version of Mad Monster Party Arizona that celebrates horror fandom are Scooby DooMatthew Lillard’s, James Remar from Dexter, ScreamSkeet Ulrich and PJ Soles of Halloween Fame. The organizers recently added a few additional names to the lineup, including Doug Bradley (who appeared as Pinhead in the top three). Hellraiser Films) and actress Felissa Rose from the cult film from 1983 Sleepaway Camp.

One-day admission to Mad Monster Party Arizona 2021 is $ 30 to $ 40 upfront, three-day passes are $ 80, and a perk-loaded “RIP” package is $ 199. Masking is compulsory and social distancing is observed.

Bill Colonel Jr. arrives at Phoenix Fearcon X.

Mad Monster won’t be the only horror festival in the Valley anytime soon, as Phoenix Fearcon X will haunt the Sun Studios of Arizona in Tempe on Friday October 15 and Saturday October 16, Col. Jr. – a star such Cult horror films like 3 From hell, Riot of the werewolf, Devil’s Junction, and Scary or dying – will perform at the event and may perform his off-Broadway solo piece, “Ray Bradbury’s Pillar of Fire”.

Colonel joins a special guest list that already includes names like Fred Williamson von From dusk to dawn, Reggie Bannister of the Phantasm Series and Troma Entertainment co-founder and director Lloyd Kaufman. Tickets for Phoenix Fearcon X are $ 30 daily, $ 50 for the weekend, or $ 75 for VIP entry. Further details about the event can be found here.

Saboten Con day passes are now on sale

Local anime fans who want to show off their costumes or hang out with other otaku can now purchase tickets for Saboten Con 2021, which runs from Friday September 3 to Monday September 6 (also known as Labor Day weekend) at Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel takes place.

For those of you who aren’t weeaboos, Saboten Con is the largest anime event in Arizona, drawing more than 10,000 visitors each year. However, the organizers have reduced capacity for this year’s event and will use other safety measures such as social distancing. Admission costs are $ 25 for Friday, $ 35 for Saturday and Sunday, and $ 20 for Monday. A full event pass is $ 55. Full details can be found here.

Arizona Toy Con takes place in August

Are you in the market for vintage toys or collectibles to add to your growing collection? The annual Arizona Toy Con has announced that its 2021 edition will be held at the Glendale Civic Center on Saturday, August 28th. As in previous years, dozens of dealers and collectors are selling old-school items at the tables war of stars, Transformers, and GI Joe Variety for sale, as well as a wide variety of video games, decorative items, and more modern toys available for purchase. Hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and entry is $ 5 per person.

Announced Tempe FanCon 2022

January 2022 will be a busy month for local geeks and cosplayers. In addition to the long-awaited return of Phoenix Fan Fusion, the decidedly smaller Tempe FanCon 2022 will also take place. Held in the outer courtyard of the Tempe Public Library, the family-friendly event features a mix of local vendors, performances by artists and writers, kids’ activities, and a multi-category costume competition. Library officials recently announced that the 2022 edition is scheduled for Saturday, January 29, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Participation is free. (Here you can find our photos of the event from 2020.)