Phoenix Comicon is no more: Event changes name to Phoenix Comic Fest
Jan 4, 2018, 12:17 PM
(Facebook Photo)
(Facebook Photo)
PHOENIX — Phoenix Comicon is no more. Well, at least not in name.
Event officials announced on Facebook this week that it would be known as Phoenix Comic Fest going forward. This year’s event will be held May 24-27 at the Phoenix Convention Center.
The name change was decided upon because the Comicon nomenclature had become contentious.
“In recent months, the use of the word Comic-Con, and its many forms, has become litigious,” the post read. “We would prefer to focus on creating the best events and experiences for our attendees.”
The post said the old name may still be seen on websites and social media for a few weeks until it can make all the necessary changes.
It also said more announcements about security changes would come soon.
Event officials made sweeping changes to what was allowed inside last year after 31-year-old Mathew Sterling made it in carrying four real guns, among other weapons. He was arrested on the first day of the event.
Prop weapons carried into the event were supposed to be inspected and tagged, but Sterling’s weapons were not.
After Sterling was arrested, officials banned all prop weapons. That was changed again as the weekend went on to allow some props. They also limited the number of entrances to the event.
The confusion and policy changes resulted in long lines as fans waited hours in temperatures that topped 90 degrees.
