Fanboys Anonymous

Stan Lee was reported missing.

Choppers swarmed overhead while news commentary doubted his emergence from the valleys of Southern California, just days before the weekend of a scheduled appearance. The imagery was unreal.

He's 90 years old, I thought. What about his fans…?

In reality, Stan Lee was absent from this article on my laptop and the left hemisphere of my brain. As REM darted like The Flash between the corners of my eyes, the villain of my subconscious was infiltrated with bird's eye view footage and broadcasters announcing that the comic legend was possibly held captive and awaiting rescue—a story seemingly stolen from the mind of the man behind Marvel himself.

Luckily, my dream was far from the first or last instance of Stan Lee's ability to captivate our imaginations. Thanks to POW! Entertainment and Advanstar Communications, Inc., the largest producer of events and trade shows in the US, fans will again honor the creator this weekend at the Los Angeles Convention Center at Stan Lee's Comikaze Expo.

From November 1–3, not only will fans of comics, gaming, fantasy, anime, and sci-fi have the opportunity to encounter their beloved artists and exhibitors of fiction fame, but they can also interact with other collectors, enthusiasts, and cosplayers from different worlds.

As with all conventions, Stan Lee is obviously ecstatic about this year's gathering. "I'm beyond excited for this year's Comikaze Expo. Comikaze continues to grow bigger and better every year and the offerings this year are going to be immensely enjoyable for all of our attendees. It's great to have such a fun-filled expo that attracts the Hollywood crowd just as much as the geek, comic and gaming crowd and it's all right here in our backyard—Los Angeles!"

Consumers will be able to attend autograph signings, panels, and meet up with fellow fanboys, and the register tape will be reeling at "Nerd Black Friday," the retail hub of display-case dream items from Hot Topic, Toynamii, Mattel, and TokiDoki. Her Universe, a company that creates apparel and jewelry based on brands such as Star Wars, Doctor Who, and Star Trek, will also be in attendance with their photographer to discuss the art of fangirl fashions. Founder Ashley Eckstein will be welcoming those sporting her nerdy designs to participate in a free photo shoot on a first come, first served basis.

Speaking of eye candy, a selection of props from Marvel movies and collections of memorabilia will also be on display, so be prepared to feast your pupils on props from Captain America, Thor, and Iron Man.


Additional appearances include horror queen Elvira, Evil Dead soldier and Spiderman cameo veteran Bruce Campbell, Star Trek's LeVar Burton, artist Marc Silvestri, and the entire cast of AMC's Comic Book Men. What would you say or ask these guests if you had a chance to meet them at Comikaze? Let us know in the Comments section below.

Tickets are $25 per adult per day, and free for children under 12. Pick them up at the door or at www.comikazeexpo.com, where you can get the latest news and ticket offers.