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:
Hinges – A Local Artist’s Clockwork Webcomic [I'm Digging It]
One of my favorite local artists, Meredith McClaren, recently started a hauntingly pretty new webcomic.
Her art and style are great, as usual, and with minimal dialogue (so far), I can’t help but absorb each page.
“Hinges follows a doll named Orio as she tries to find a place for herself and her impish companion Bauble, amidst the twisted streets of Cobble.”
Bauble’s only had a few pages so far, but you can already get a feel for his personality.
Start from the beginning of Hinges, or learn a little more about the inhabitants of Cobble.
And subscribe to the RSS to stay up to date.
5 Things For Geeks To Do This Weekend In Arizona [WE 08/14]
This weekend, Arizona has a Unicorn party, throws some tiger upercuts, & puts on a steampunk variety show.
I’ll be heading out of the heat this weekend, so I’ve arranged for some events to go on to keep you entertained without me.
(Okay, they were happening anyway.)
Friday, August 12th
- Taking place at the steampunky/post-apocolyptic-y Rusted Nail.
- Check out tons of custom resin toys by tons of artists.
- And learn how to make them yourself if you’re curious.
- All evening long in downtown Mesa.
- Grab some details on Facebook.
Street Fighter II Tournament [Phoenix]
- Hadouuuuuken!
- Yoga flame the competition at Cade Gallery.
- It’s free, so show up at 7pm and earn some 90′s bragging rights.
- Details, and more tournaments, at Press The Pause Button.
Unicorn Mixer & Petting Zoo! [Phoenix]
- Bastian’s dad may not understand, but these local authors/artists do.
- And they’re launching a new book about raising magical unicorns.
- Join the party at Co+Hoots in Phoenix at 7pm.
- A unicorn art show there will even be a unicorn petting zoo!
- Grab the magical details on the Facebook.
- (PS – Bastian’s utterly disdainful look makes me laugh out loud every time.)
- If you’ve ever played the NES, I recommend you see The Minibosses live at least once.
- They’ll be playing at the Yucca Tap Room Friday night.
- Old school Nintendo songs will be rocked.
- A tiny bit more information here.
Saturday, August 13th
Steampunk Vaudville Show [Tempe]
- A Victorian-era fantasy sci-fi variety show?
- It would appear so!
- At the Plaza de Anaya starting at 6:30pm.
- Tickets are $10 and you can grab them online,or pay $15 at the door.
- All the details (and tickets) you can handle here.
Now, go forth, cephalobots, and consume Arizona with your might this weekend.
Leave no event unattended, no game un-played, no unicorn un-petted.
