SLCom’s FanX is a huge convention is size and scope. There are over a hundred events each day ranging from panels, shows, live podcasts and gaming competitions. There’s something for everyone at FanX, but not enough time to experience all of it, which is why here is a list of 5 FanX events you may have missed.
5. Jason David Frank’s epic autograph performance
Frank, better known as the Green Ranger from the original 90s ‘Power Rangers’ TV show, had to cancel his original scheduled panel due to a large demand of sales for his autograph. The line to obtain his signature was large and being unable to reach his panel, Frank would stand on his panel to yell quotes from his character to help appease wait times. Frank has been rescheduled to do his spotlight panel on Friday at noon in the South Ballroom Stage.
4. Super Smash Bros. Tournament
Before the convention even opened, SLCom had hosted a ‘Super Smash Bros.’ fighting game tournament and the highest ranking competitors would get to brawl it out on a big screen for audiences and glory. Thursday hosted part of the tournament in the game room, thinning the numbers of competitors for the Saturday finals. Fans of competitive gaming are sure to enjoy the tournament and it left me wanting to see how the finals play out.
3. Film Criticism
This panel was ran at the end of the convention day at 8 p.m, but was certainly worth catching to see some of Utah’s local film critics talk about the industry and their personal experiences in the career. The panel was moderated by X96’s Kerry Jackson who did a great job in keeping the conversation flowing and getting questions from the audience. Topics ranged from personal stories in getting the job to falling asleep in a terrible movie.
2. CAUSEplay
Cosplaying isn’t only for the convention floor as this panel of eight top level cosplayers demonstrated. What the groups do is fulfill Make-A-Wish wishes, provide support in walkathons, and even help energize elementary school spirit. The panelists shared personal stories on the impact they’ve had on the communities and ill children. The groups involved can all be found on Facebook via their prospective names: 501st Legion, Rebel Legion, Mandalorian Mercs, and H.E.R.O.I.C. Inc.
1. The FanX Press conference
The FanX press conference has already been covered by every news outlet for the huge news of Utah Governor Gary Herbert declaring April 17, 2014 as Salt Lake Comic Con Hero’s Day. The announcement was a great show of the support that SLCom has received from the state. Other highlights included seeing founders Dan Farr and Bryan Brandenburg, alongside Gov. Herbert, sitting in the captain’s chair of the Enterprise set, seeing the dozen and more celebrities onstage, and a praise for the police and military men of Utah.
