Amazing Arizona Comic Con
Comic book nerds, cosplayers, and casual fans unite: the Amazing Arizona Comic Con is back. Event goers can expect panels from Paranormal Investigation to a fan meet-up for AMC's The Walking Dead. Creators and artists from Marvel, DC, and IDW Comics alongside Power Rangers actors from Nickelodeon will be on-hand for autographs and conversations. The coveted costume contest is open to both novice and experienced participants encouraged to dress as their favorite heroes or villains from such genres as sci-fi, anime, and steampunk.
See also: 5 Must-See Guests at Amazing Arizona Comic Con 2015 in Phoenix
The Comic Con kicks off from 3 to 8 p.m. on Friday, February 13, at the Phoenix Convention Center, 100 North Third Street. The three-day event starts at 10 a.m. the following days, running through Sunday, February 15, also known as Kid's Day, complete with a visit from Disney animation veteran Mat Nastos. Single-day tickets range from $25 to $35. Three-day passes and VIP packages are available. Visit www.amazingarizonacomiccon.com or call 602-262-6225. Janessa Hilliard
This Girl Laughs, This Girl Cries, This Girl Does Nothing
One of the more aptly named and certainly descriptive titles, This Girl Laughs, This Girl Cries, This Girl Does Nothing, comes to Arizona State University on Friday. Written by noted playwright Finegan Kruckemeyer and directed by associate professor Erika Hughes, who specializes in youth theater, the comedic interpretation of the traditional fairy tale follows three sisters abandoned by their father on a journey of survival and self-discovery in a magical land.
Laugh, cry, or at the very least be entertained at 7:30 p.m. on February 13 at the Lyceum Theatre on the ASU Tempe Campus at 901 South Forest Mall -- off East University Drive and South Mill Avenue. Additional performances through Sunday, February 22. Tickets are $16 with ASU and senior discounts available. Visit filmdancetheatre.asu.edu/events. Janessa Hilliard
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VNSA Book Sale
Valentine's Day weekend may mean heart-shaped chocolates and red roses for some, but for the diehard bookworm, it means the return of the VNSA Book Fair. The annual literary-palooza will be selling more than half a million gently used books, CDs, DVDs, puzzles, and games in nearly every category imaginable -- from fiction and non-fiction to cooking and self-help. Book prices start at $1 and become half-priced on Sunday.
The 59th Annual VNSA Book Fair runs from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Arizona State Fairgrounds Exhibit Building, 1826 West McDowell Road. Admission is free, but parking fees may be charged. Visit www.vnsabooksale.org or call 602-265-6805. Katie Johnson
See also: 10 Alternative Valentine's Day Weekend Events in Metro Phoenix
The Vagina Monologues
The timing couldn't be more purposeful. Episodic play The Vagina Monologues comes to Phoenix in time for V-Day, a day of activism in the name of "victory, valentine, and vagina." Produced by downtown Phoenix advocate Stacey Champion alongside Brooke Unverferth Campbell and Sara Santiago, the one night only show promises laughs and empowerment with a common goal: ending domestic violence.
Doors are at 7 p.m. with curtain call at 8 p.m. followed by The One Billion Rising Party and other performances from 9:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Saturday, February 14, at the Pressroom, 441 West Madison Street. Tickets are $25 to $250. Proceeds benefit the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence. Visit www.vdayphx.com. Janessa Hilliard
See also: Here's Why Being Single on Valentine's Day Is Awesome
Demetri Martin
Demetri Martin is unlimited in all of the ways he'll try to reach you. As a correspondent for The Daily Show, on his very own show, Important Things with Demetri Martin, and with comedy specials, he's covered the airwaves. In movies, most notably in 2009's Taking Woodstock, he's been very large or pretty tiny depending on what size screen you saw him. The most raw uncut version of the comic, though, is seen live, when he'll explore everyday absurdities from the most relatable premises to his weirdest flights of fancy.
Martin's The Persistence of Jokes is Sunday, February 15, to Stand Up Live, 50 West Jefferson Street, with shows at 7 and 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $35 with a two-drink minimum. To purchase tickets in advance or for more information, visit www.standuplive.com. Jose Gonzalez
