Joss Whedon fans are reaching their goal to raise $150,000 at the “Can’t Stop The Serenity” Worldwide Charity Events
Season Finale Charity Auction offers chance to tour Dollhouse costume department and more

Since 2006, fans of popular cult television and film writer/director Joss Whedon have hosted charity events worldwide to raise money for Equality Now, a charity dedicated to promoting the human rights of beleaguered women and girls. In 2009, they have already raised over $128,000 for charity. This auction aims to reach the goal of $150,000 raised by “Can’t Stop the Serenity” in 2009.

For the fourth year in a row, in over 50 cities across 7 countries, thousands of people around the world have participated in “Can’t Stop the Serenity” fund-raising events to benefit “Equality Now,” a charity organization working to protect the basic human rights of women and girls across the planet. Since 2006, more than a quarter of a million dollars has been raised, and in 2009 we’re aiming to add another $150,000. And we’re almost there.

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In my geeky universe, Wil Wheaton is the King of Geekdom, and Felicia Day is its Queen. And I have met neither one of them yet, sadly. (I missed my chance at Dragon*con 2009 to see Felicia, but will hopefully be making it up at Farpoint Con). In case you don’t know who these two amazing individuals are, Wil Wheaton is a noted author and blogger, who also happened to appear in this show called Star Trek: The Next Generation. Felicia Day is the creator and star of the incredible webseries The Guild (and she also was part of Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog). Anyway…

Felicia and Will are both appearing at Phoenix Comicon, which is happening May 27 - 30, 2010 at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Phoenix. The Phoenix Comicon guest rate is $119 a night for single/double occupancy, $144 for triple, and $169 for quadruple. You can call 888-421-1442 and mention the Phoenix Comicon to receive the group rate.

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Apparently, Shatner was scheduled to appear at an event in Chicago at the Star Trek Chicago Film Expo, right after Dragon*Con. However, he never made the Chicago appearance. In a press release dated August 30, 2009, it was said that Shatner’s appearance was canceled due to poor ticket sales. However, Shatner’s camp just recently put put out a statement that further clarifies what happened:

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1. Jeffrey Combs Convention News

One of my favorite Star Trek baddies was Weyoun, played by the amazingly talented Jeffrey Combs. One of his fansites is reporting some convention-related news. First, pre-orders of the FedCon XVIII DVD that include his appearance are still available for order. They cost $25 Euros + shipping and handling (will ship worldwide). You can e-mail fedcon@intexsound.de to pre-order. Also, The Hub of Horror con in Australia has been cancelled, but Combs may be a guest at the upcoming Melbourne Armageddon convention instead. And finally, Combs has been added as a guest for the Star Trek convention in San Francisco, California on January 23rd, 2010.

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As for that guest list…

Alex Meraz “Paul” - Star of New Moon
Gil Birmingham “Billy Black” - Star of Twilight & New Moon
Justin Chon “Eric Yorkie” - Star of Twilight & New Moon
Chaske Spencer “Sam Ulley” - Star of New Moon
Tinsel Korey “Emily” - Star of New Moon
Tyson Houseman “Quil” - Star of New Moon
Kimbra Hickey - Twilight novel hand model
The Twilighters - Musical Guests
Letters to Mantua - Musical Guests
Amanda Bell - Twilight Examiner writer
Heidi Bennett - Overseer of the “official” Twilight Facebook

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The convention is being held April 15-18, 2010 at the Hilton Metrotown Vancouver in Burnaby, British Columbia. Other guests include Michael Shanks, Joe Flanigan, Jason Momoa, David Hewlett, Colin Cunningham, and James Bamford. Other guest announcements are expected as the convention draws closer.

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1. Xena Convention Adds Four More Guests

Creation Entertainment announced yesterday that it has added four additional guests to their stellar line up for the official Xena: Warrior Princess convention, now in it’s 15th year. Steven L. Sears, Tsianina Joelson, Katherine Fugate, and William Gregory Lee are those latest additions. They are joining Lucy Lawless, Renee O’Connor, and others. It’s being held February 5-7, 2010 in Los Angeles, California.

2. DJ/Fashion Designer Takuya Angel Hits Pacific Media Expo

One of my favorite bloggers, Liz Ohanesian, has a report from Pacific Media Expo, which was held November 6 - 8, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. She met up with Takuya Angel, a Japanese designer and DJ who creates “unusual pieces that cross over between the wa (traditional Japanese) and cyber styles popular in Tokyo clubs.” Be sure to check out Shannon Cottrell’s amazing pictures that are posted with the article.

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The Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery of the Smithsonian (Washington, D.C.) are hosting a retrospective of Osamu Tezuka, who has created hundreds of manga books and dozens of animated films and television episodes. Numerous films and television episodes of Tezuka’s will be show over a series of dates in November, beginning on November 13, 2009.

The films include: Introducing Astro Boy, Marine Express, Prime Rose, Tezuka’s Short Films, and The Film is Alive: Osamu Tezuka Filmography.

The short films include Tales of the Street Corner, Mermaid, Drop, Pictures at an Exhibition, Jumping, Broken Down Film, Push, Muramasa, and Legend of the Forest.

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On July 15 2008, Senter posted a message to fans that he was canceling the Boston JumpCon. He wrote:

“This has never been a scheme, and was never about money for me. I hope when the refunds have all been issued, people will accept the truth. I’ve got a lot of work ahead of me, but it will get done.”

Meanwhile, two Star Trek actors, Robert Picardo and John Billingsley, were also sharing their problems with the convention on their own websites. But then in the spring of 2009, Senter was indicted on theft charges. He entered a plea of “not guilty” regarding the various charges against him, and was out on $25k bond. Senter then filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

I was recently contacted by one of the individuals familiar with JumpCon’s epic fail. This person has provided Convention Fans with a copy of a recent letter they received from the New Hampshire Attorney General, and has given us permission to reprint it (with personal details of the individual who provided it having been removed for privacy reasons).

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The Good:

- The hotel has plenty of free parking. One of the first things attendees and vendors deal with is the parking situation, and it really helps when there is ample free parking close to the facility.

- I cannot say enough about the performance by cosplay/J-Pop singer Reni Mimura. Not to be cliché, but if you looked “cute” up in the dictionary, her picture should be there. I’m not sure if it was the bunny ears, her smile, or her barely understandable “Engrish,” but I completely fell in love with her. Seriously, “cute” is the only suitable word to describe her. If you don’t believe me, just check out this YouTube video of her from another recent performance.

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 Ai-Kon 2010 Announces Mascot Contest!

WINNIPEG, MB - November 7, 2009 - Ai-Kon is looking for a new design for Aiko, the Ai-Kon mascot, for use on the convention’s promotional materials and merchandise.

This year Ai-Kon is introducing a theme. The theme for Aiko 2010 will be Magical Girl. he theme was selected based upon suggestions on the forums and by the Ai-Kon committee.  If you require further information on the selection, or on what a “magical girl” is please contact art@ai-kon.org

A cheerful, stylish, energetic anime girl with pink hair and blue eyes, Aiko appears on a variety of Ai-Kon promotional items, including t-shirts, posters, flyers, badges, programs, and the Ai-Kon web site (http://www.ai-kon.org).

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SEPTA Strike Travel Info: The organizers of Zenkaikon have updated their website with some alternative travel routes for those impacted by the SEPTA strike: http://www.zenkaikon.com/general/strike.php

Comics and Cartoons to Invade Niagara Falls

The Can-Am Comics and Anime Expo will be held in Niagara Falls Canada at the famous Skylon Tower, March 12-14, 2010.

The show will feature displays from exhibitors covering both of these popular and interesting genres.  While comic books and their collectors have been almost timeless, the Japanese cartoon animation forms (Anime) are relatively new.

Anime has become a popular world wide phenomena due to their challenging plots, creative costumes and on going stories of intrigue.

At shows such as The Can-Am Comics and Anime Expo, it will be common to see show attendees dressed in the costumes of their favorite Anime Character.

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Caroline is an artist and crafter who enjoys working with several different mediums. She have a fondness for Halloween things but likes snowmen too. Whimsical, silly and dark art are also a favorite!

Congratulations! Stay tuned for additional National Halloween Convention ticket contest happening from now until the convention!

ROCHESTER, NY - November 1, 2009 - The RIT Anime Club is excited to announce a charity screening of Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone, as well as add to Tora-Con 2010’s guest line-up: Johnny Yong Bosch and his band, Eyeshine!

The RIT Anime Club will be showing Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone, November 14th, 8 PM to 10 PM, located in Ingle Auditorium, in the Student Alumni Union on the Rochester Institute of Technology campus. There will be a $2.00 entrance fee, with a door prize raffle. All proceeds from this event will be going to charity for Golisano Children’s Hospital.

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 Metropolis to be Screened at the Japan Information and Culture Center, Embassy of Japan

DC Anime Club in collaboration with Japan Information and Culture Center, Embassy of Japan Present screen Metropolis on Friday November 13, 2009 6:30 pm at Lafayette Center III (Lower Level) 1155 21st Street, NW Washington, DC 20036 as part of inaugural showing for a new film series based on both Anime (Japanese Animation) and Manga ( Japanese Comics).

Kenichi and his detective uncle, Shunsaku Ban, leave Japan to visit Metropolis, in search of the criminal, Dr. Laughton. However, when they finally find Dr. Laughton, Kenichi and Shunsaku find themselves seperated and plunged into the middle of a larger conspiracy. While Shunsaku searches for his nephew and explanations, Kenichi tries to protect Tima (a mysterious young girl), from Duke Red and his adopted son Rock, both of whom have very different reasons for wanting to find her. This event is free and open to the public. Reservations are required.
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Readers of the Convention Fans blog have been selected to receive a special $8 off entry to Madame Tussauds Hollywood to see the unveiling of the newest addition to their permanent collection: William Shatner as Captain James T. Kirk! It is “Star Trek Weekend” at Madame Tussauds Hollywood, November 5-8 as the attraction celebrates the new figure. The discount is good through the end of the year. General Adult tickets are $25 and Kids tickets are $18. In order to receive the discount, you must print off the PDF coupon below (the discount can only be redeemed at the Box Office).

Download: Star Trek Weekend at Madame Tussauds Hollywood Downloadable Coupon

Thanks to Madame Tussauds Hollywood!

Thanks to Tom who posted this information as a comment on our earlier Zenkaikon article.

We’ll see you at Zenkaikon!