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:
9 Geek Things To Do This Weekend In Arizona [WE 02/19]
This weekend, Arizona throws a giant geek party, destroys comic books, watches Anime, and celebrates science.
Wow, tons of action this weekend, not even including the RenFest.
Get out, meet people, have fun!
Thursday, February 16th
- A Phoenix Comicon costume contest, Star Wars & Trek trivia, booths, & science.
- The nerds will take over from 6pm to 9pm around MADCAP Theaters on Mill.
- I will be wandering around wearing my Lightning Octopus shirt for easy identification.
- Here are the details.
- Downtown Chandler is also joining in the Arizona SciTech Festival.
- Thursday night kicks off their weekend of science-y goodness.
- Starts with a Chandler Tech Crawl.
- Lots going on, so here’s a link to everything.
- Watch as a little boy befriends a little vampire.
- Compelling drama ensues.
- Show starts at 8:15pm at The Filmbar In Phoenix.
- Trailer and more info here.
Friday, February 17th
- Swing by Bookmans Phoenix to commit comic book sacrilege!
- They’re providing everything you need to turn old comics into… jewelry?
- The carnage starts at 7pm – get your details.
- Hey, it’s another interpretation of L Frank Baum’s book!
- (But this one stars Christopher Lloyd.)
- Meet the main actress from this version at a red carpet premier.
- At Superstition Harkins around 7:30pm.
- Nerdvana has the scoop!
Saturday, February 18th
- The creators and DIY-ers will gather this weekend.
- Join them in a Maker Faire at ASU from 10am to 4pm.
- These tend to be pretty cool, so show the maker community some love if you can make it.
- Here’s an official page.
- Whatever you may be thinking “animefest” is, you’re probably right.
- Anime themed games and shows and everything else all day.
- At Samurai Comics in Phoenix starting around 11am.
- Join the otaku collective.
- Parade time!
- Steampunkers are participating en masse this year.
- Join or sit back and enjoy.
- All over Downtown Phoenix all night.
- (Does anyone know if the Star Wars community is part if it again this year?) – Confirmed! See comments.
Sunday, February 19th
- Roller coasters and comics have always meant to be together.
- (Okay, I still have to psych myself into riding the Superman at 6 Flags.)
- The two combine yet again this Sunday, benefiting Kids Need To Read.
- Here’s a coupon for the event, and more info.
I’ll see you tonight (Thursday) at the Geek’s Night Out!
Happy Halloween From Lightning Octopus!
May your evening be electrifying and filled with horrifying tentacled creatures from the deep.
Enjoy a sexy shot of my “nerd” costume that I’m sporting today, complete with Phoenix Comicon badge and JRR Tolkien’s The Silmarillion.
Let the “So, where’s your costume?” jokes begin!
My boys are going as superheroes tonight, with some capes made by their mother and their Nana.
Happy Halloween!
