A Night Out With Kevin Smith (Q&A Show) - Review

Kevin Smith @ The Rialto Theater, Tucson, Arizona

I’m sitting in the crowded two-floor Rialto theater in Tucson, Arizona. It’s hot and muggy from the people crammed into the theater. I am four rows back and It smells like sweat and desperation. These are my people.

We’re waiting for our lemming leader, Kevin Smith to come out and spew forth stories of his life in acting, directing and general existing in the entertainment world. And I wonder if after being at four of his events prior to today, there will be overlap in the stories he tells as he appears on stage. He is smaller than I remember, nearly half the size he was when I first saw him in Red Bank, New Jersey; but he is dressed the same. He is consistently dressed in “jorts” as he references in his opening speech and a hockey jersey of some sort, all with the number 37 on them.

For those that are unfamiliar with Kevin Smith and what his events are like, generally they are a question and answer forum in which a few (likely only 2-4) people from the audience ask him a question. At which point Smith will begin babbling about some story relating or not relating in his life that can last for 15 minutes to 2 hours.  This event is no different and his first story discusses Jason Mewes obsession with the CW and how he came to work on The Flash and Supergirl. (Side note: these shows are awesome and you should all be watching them.)

He discusses his fanboy attitude towards the show and childlike wonder for the magic that is created behind the scenes and how the zoop becomes a thing in the show. The “zoop” is of course, relating each respective character appearing or disappearing from screen using their super powers (Flash’s running, Supergirl’s flying.)

Each story seems to meld into-one another. And while the questions can vary from the audience, we are a specific breed of nerd and thus quite possibly predictable (insert sex jokes and Star Wars references.) And without warning, Smith launches into what I dub as Grandpa Smith, dispelling his knowledge, empowering and imploring us to create. Anything. To write, to sing, to act, to tell our story, insisting that each of us is unique. And then feverishly he notes that anyone can create a podcast and how in the beginning we will draw from those who inspire us before eventually finding our own voice. And it costs us nothing to create.

Kevin Smith @ The Rialto Theater in Tucson, Arizona

Smith insists on the need for one to create and cultivate ourselves.  I am unexpectedly inspired. I’ll be honest, Smith had never really created that feeling for me before. Sometimes disgust, sometimes admiration, even a little jealousy for his lifestyle, but never inspired. I’m in it for the charming abrasive personality and the good looks and of course he makes movies I can get into.  (Yes, Yes I do have a crush on Kevin Smith… fight me?) (Side note: Please do not fight me, I am weak, I will not win.)

For as much as Kevin talks about rolling onto stage and spewing forth his words, I suspect that there is more planning to the execution then he leads on because the stories and ties flow effortlessly together and we are all laughing every three to four seconds with his expressions and punchline deliveries. Even more so is his ability to uplift his fans and ask for greatness from them. He is brilliant, hilarious, deep but also shallow and unabashed in his nerd-tendencies and this night was awesome.

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Phoenix Comicon Fan Fest, A Cosplay Winter Wonderland

Fan Fest was held in Glendale Arizona at University of Phoenix stadium, home of the Arizona Cardinals football team. The entrance/exit had gourmet food trucks all lined up and ready to feed the hungry fans who were arriving, leaving or just enjoying the incredible weather of Glendale in December. It was sunny and mid to high 70 degrees (F) outside which makes for an enjoyable day. The fans who showed up dressed in costumes must have been very happy with how cool the temperature was considering how elaborate some of the costumes were. People dressed up in full Storm Trooper gear as well as countless Deadpool’s and Harley Quinn’s for everyone to admire and take photos with. The energy level was high at Fan Fest and once again the folks at Phoenix Comicon provided us a convention to share our hobbies and passions with like minded folks.

As I approached the entrance to the floor level, where all the vendors had their booths, I noticed that there were more people in CosPlay than not. At least that’s how it appeared to me. The attitude of patrons were mostly pleasant and agreeable. They all understood that there are people who enjoy taking photo’s of such spectacles and were happy to pause, pose and smile for the cameras when asked. There was even a CosPlay contest that took place upstairs on the stage outside for everyone to vote on their favorite costumed individual. Overall, the CosPlay was done well and the folks who spent time dressing up did quality work. 

As I walked the floor with some of the Maskerpiece Theatre family I couldn’t help but stop and look at some of the vendor booths that were set up. Comic Book shops from around Arizona and Southern California were present as well as local shops and medieval weapon makers. There was surprisingly fewer vendors selling comics this year which surprised me however I was able to find a few that were worth while and I was also able to make some purchases. The folks working the vendor booths were, for the most part, quite pleasant and talkative. I enjoyed meeting some Southern California folks who run “Canon Comic Shop” and chatting new comics as well as personal favorites. Overall, a quality experience meeting all these delightful people.

This year I noticed the food options that included more than just roasted almonds available on the floor of the stadium. A smart adjustment that allowed patrons to stay on floor level and eat instead of having to go up stairs to get food at the food trucks. The amount of walking that occurs is high and reducing the number of steps taken is surely a positive. By 

having food options available down stairs near the vendors I felt was a success. 

The artist alley had some enjoyable booths to stop by and purchase sketches or prints at. It’s fascinating to see the artist at work and also to see their completed works which were many. Again, I got the sense that even the artists were enjoying their time at Fan Fest due in part to their agreeable nature when dealing with people. The celebrity signing and photo area seemed to be quite popular as well. Located right next to the artists you had the opportunity to meet celebrities from your favorite TV shows or films.

Overall, the Fan Fest was enjoyable. If you are into CosPlay it’s a great convention for you. The weather is close to perfect and everyone is so nice and polite. If you are into buying comics, this is the one area that could’ve been improved on. I felt like there weren’t enough comic shops being represented but that’s not the fault of Phoenix Comicon. That’s the stores responsibility to submit a booth permit, so I’m a little confused as to why more shops didn’t. It was nice to see the gourmet food trucks also. If you haven’t, you should try the food trucks in Phoenix or attend a food truck festival. The cooks know what they’re doing in those tiny kitchens.

Phoenix Comicon will be back next May and I’m looking forward to all they have in store for the fans and enthusiasts!

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