When The Geeks Converged On Mill Ave [Recap]

Tempe’s Geeks’ Night Out had a stellar turnout last Thursday night.

Its attendance boosted my optimism of our local nerd scene and filled the evening with many costumed characters. I’m really glad it got the TV and internet promotion it did; I think it all worked.

With my kids not feeling great (it’s going around) and the wife at home with them, I dragged out a niece and nephew to keep me company. Naturally, they converged almost immediately on the “game truck” that had showed up. They spent most of the evening showing younger kids in there how to play Mario Kart.

Too bad because they missed a few Batmans, a handful of Avengers, and tons and tons of Star Wars characters – including my homeboy, R2.

Lots of artists showed up as well, showing off their creations, including Halo artist (and Nightmare Before Christmas fan) Big Chris:

Our friend Stacey from Dream Photography Studio was their with her family and she graciously shared these pics for me to post. (Stacey is going to be part of my Phoenix Comicon coverage team – her photography is great and I’m excited!)

I’m already hearing rumors that this will not be an isolated event and that Tempe was very pleased with how things turned out, so keep your fingers crossed for a return of Geeks’ Night Out next year.

In closing, some predators:

Sir Patrick Stewart Will Be Rocking Phoenix Comicon 2012! [Recap]

On my drive home from the Phoenix Comicon Kickoff, my mind raced through all of the cheesy ways I could begin this post.

Well, I didn’t like any of them so I’m cutting straight to the chase:

The major convention guests this year almost fill up the bridge of the Enterprise D.

With the exception of Riker and Dr Crusher, pretty much all of the senior staff is on board, celebrating the 25th year anniversary of The Next Generation.

Sir Patrick Stewart himself (sometimes known at Locutus) is coming, as well as Brent Spiner, Michael Dorn, Marina Sirtis, and LeVar Burton.

Will Wheaton wasn’t announced, but he always seems to show up at the Phoenix Comicon at some point, so I wouldn’t count him out yet.

More guests were also announced, including these highlights:

• Jaime Paglia
• Casper Van Dien
• Jon Bernthal
• Gigi Edgley
• Chris Patton
• Brian Pulido
• Whilce Portacio

I’m also excited to see Phil Lamar, who is coming this year after having to cancel last year.

My Manwich!!

(Here’s my ultimate list of previously announced guests.)

Matt Solberg, the head honcho of the con, also boasted that this year will have more cashiers, more space, more events, shorter lines, wider aisles, more exits (see the part about lines), and a ton more programming and events.

The Steampunk Ball will be free, Dr Who will have his own party, zombies will have beauty pageants, Bleeding Cool will be hosting some awards exclusive for the Phoenix Comicon, Geek Speed Dating will appear, kids will be able to play Plants vs Zombies in real life, and, of course, the Kids Need To Read Geek Prom will be returning.

So, what think ye of these announcements, cephalobots?

Pop quiz: If Picard started traveling at Warp 9.0 today and arrived at The Phoenix Comicon on May 24th, how far away would he currently be?

Ugh… word problems…

I Took My Parents On A Voyage Trek Last Weekend [Recap]

My folks came into town over the weekend, which means I shaved my William T Riker beard to avoid getting  ‘the look.’

(Just kidding, my mom liked it.)

We ended up going out and I took them to Liberty Market and the screening of Voyage Trekkers at The Film Bar.

It was my first visit to the Film Bar in Phoenix (finally) and I must admit it’s a pretty sweet setup. The theater part of the bar is top notch. Sound and picture were both great, and everything was very cozy.

We showed up a little late, and there was standing room only. We scuttled towards the back where someone (one of the actors it turned out) gave my mom a chair.

Classy!

Voyage Trekkers is made here in the valley by a group of friends in the film industry.

They decided that as much as they love producing film for clients, they were in the mood for something more fun for themselves.

The show genuinely surprised me by how well it was made. Acting was great, and while the first one or two episodes had some shaky legs, they quickly figure out what works, humor-wise, and the show started growing on me. It’s less of a serial, and more of a sketch comedy, really.

The cast does a great job of avoiding typical low-budget problems with sets (this regular office room kinda looks sci-fi-ish, let’s use it!), and using green-screen and special effects when it’s really not necessary.

The three main characters become pretty likable, in a Seindfeld-ian these-people-are-aweful-and-that-makes-them-funny kinda way.

You can watch all of their Season 1 episodes here, on YouTube.

The screening helped raise funds for a 2nd season, in which they want to build an actual bridge for their starship:

If you like what you see, consider helping out.

Oh, and my parents loved it.