FanX is done and I’m still recovering from the exhaustion of three days of pure fun and geeking out. There were big name guests in attendance like Patrick Stewart and Nathan Fillion. There were the stars of TV, comics, and pop culture. But the most amazing thing was the fans. Over 100,000 attended! In only one year, Salt Lake Comic Con is now the 3rd biggest comic convention in North America.

Here are some of the highlights from attending Salt Lake Comic Con FanX 2014 this past weekend.

Panels

I had a blast contributing on several panels over the three days of the show. Probably my two favorites were the session Cindy Grigg and I co-presented on different kinds of writing software and the Hitchcock panel.

I’ve posted the slides for Cindy and I’s presentation if you were unable to attend. The Hitchcock panel was just sheer fun. We had a panel of people that really knew their Hitchcock and everyone had some interesting insights on why Hitchcock still matters today. I had several attendees come up afterwards and tell me they were so excited to go home and watch a bunch of Hitchcock movies so mission accomplished.

In addition to being on several panels, I attended several sessions where some really interesting ideas were brought up. Here’s a few tidbits I wrote down:

  • In regards to conceptual design in comics, film, and video games, all the most expensive tools are meaningless if you don’t first understand the basics of design, form, anatomy, and composition.
  • In regards to sexism, women, and comics, the best way to help change things is by voting with your dollars. Stand up and ask publishers to be more respectful. Call out publishers that are being sexist.
  • On the Poe and Lovecraft panel, I learned that although Poe is known for his Morose poems and short stories, he was actually the first science fiction writer and pioneered the discipline of literary criticism. Also Poe is a good gateway drug to Lovecraft.

Costumes

Here is a few of my favorite costumes that made an appearance at the Con:

Photo 371

Han Solo and droid.

Han Solo and droid.

Hardly ever see a Ghost Rider costume. This one is pretty clever.

Hardly ever see a Ghost Rider costume. This one is pretty clever.

Spaceballs - Even doing the Dark Helmet solute!

Spaceballs – Even doing the Dark Helmet solute!

Family of Castle Crashers.

Family of Castle Crashers.

This Pinocchio was fun and cracked me up when he spoke in a high-pitched voice.

This Pinocchio was fun and cracked me up when he spoke in a high-pitched voice.

Floor Show

FanX is currently more of a pop culture, movies, and TV type of show. There are lots of vendors selling all kinds of prints of your favorite comic book characters and actors but very few comics. I’d love to see more comics longer term but the crowds are great and for a newer Con, they are making great progress. This show was SO much better run than even last year. Very excited with the prospects for future Salt Lake Comic Con’s.