Last week, Sept. 26-28, the Salt Palace Convention Center opened its doors to thousands of pop culture enthusiasts.
FanX has been a Utah Staple since it began in 2013. Widely known as one of the largest pop culture conventions across the nation, Salt Lake was booming with characters from all over.
Walking around the convention center, there’s so much to see and do. Many people get pulled in by the celebrities and activities to partake in. While this was true for me, I was fascinated by the many faces in the vendor hall. I had to stop and chat to find out more.
Moe Smith – Artek Moe
From the corners of West Valley, Utah, Moe Smith brought Artek to FanX. His first ever Comic Con, it was interesting to speak to him about his journey and how he got here.
“I’ve only been doing this for a couple of months … I missed all the big deadlines so I did some investigation and eventually [a spot] opened up,” Smith said. “I got in here halfway through yesterday so the Con was already moving and I was just setting up.”
Smith defines himself as an abstract crosshatch artist, using the fusion of art and technology for his pieces. Looking through his work, I feel that Tim Burton inspires his style. It’s fantastical and random, which exudes the right energy FanX and other comic cons need.
“The vibe [of FanX] has pretty much been the same. The artists’ side of things has been growing and growing and growing,” Smith said. “It just feels bigger, but it feels the same.”
Bernard K. Finnigin – Author
From Idaho Falls, Bernard K. Finnigin brought his Halloween-inspired set-up for the weekend. As an equal Halloween enthusiast, I was instantly drawn to his stand.
Finnigin’s writing takes inspiration from science fiction, aliens, adventure and especially Halloween. We spoke about his first novel, “When Halloween Was Green,” the process of which had been ongoing since 2008. The story follows haunted house actors who become heroes to save Halloween.
“We need more Halloween. Everyone else has gotten to save the world … we [Halloween lovers] have our own particular skills,” Finnigin said.
Sarah Eriksen – Author
Sarah Eriksen is an author from Ogden, Utah. “The Chaos Guardian Series” and “Treacherous Havens” were some of the works she had on display. When talking with her, she explained that her writing process includes inspiration from D&Dand video games. Each story has quest-like attributes as you follow the characters through battle.
Eriksen talked about her book “Chaotic Haunts” and the process of writing it. When gathering inspiration, she explained that she spoke to her friends, who are D&D enthusiasts, about any interesting stories from campaigns they’ve held. One of the things she took from this, was a sword one of her friends created, that fails to pierce through anything.
Each of her stories has an everyday hero, ready to get the job done, no matter the cost. Eriksen’s next book, “The Chaos Sentinel,” can be yours on Dec. 24.
Mike Maydak – MAYDAK
Mike Maydak creates new worlds inspired by comic book structures and characterizations of steampunk and D&D. At the convention, he had his book “Agnimu Rehpot’s the Curiously Astounding Phenomenal Wander” on display.
First published in 2021, this is an insider’s guide to the world and characters of Agnimu Rehpot — completely made up by Maydak. The book was then followed up by “Yadda Yadda Yadda” which are sketches of other pieces within the world that didn’t make it to the original publication.
He continues creating new characters that can become inspirations for D&D campaigns.
The imaginations of these artists are endless. It was phenomenal to be surrounded by so much creative life in one room.
