Meanwhile, geeks across Fan Fusion were talking. A lot. Panels were nonstop gab-fests and attendees chatted about everything they saw and did while waiting in line or finding a place to chill out. Or they just shot the breeze.
And we were listening. Phoenix New Times was at all three days of Phoenix Fan Fusion 2025 and overheard some interesting, amusing and nerdy things being said by those in the enormous crowds.
Here are the best things we heard during Phoenix Fan Fusion 2025. Geeks started talking from the moment they arrived at Fan Fusion.
“I hope I don’t screw up this year.”
Some took in the scene that awaited them...
“There's a lot of social experiments going on here.”
...Others greeted old friends…
“Hey… It’s people I know. I feel like I haven’t seen you in forever.”
...Or reunited with people they might’ve met elsewhere...
“Don’t I know you’re from somewhere? Do you work at the Ren fair?”
Many came dressed for the occasion.
“I’ve been waiting all year to put on armor!”
Other questioned their friend’s costuming choices.
“That’s a nice heavy cloak. It would be a good cloak if our convention was in the winter.”
The huge throng at the entrance to the exhibitor hall at Phoenix Fan Fusion 2025.
Benjamin Leatherman
Woman: I guess there's a line for ice cream, too.
Man: There's a line for everything.
Fan Fusion attendees took meal breaks whenever possible.
Young woman 1: "Have you even eaten anything today?"
Young woman 2: "I'm too excited."
Others tried to get their children to eat.
Mom to kid: "Let's go get pizza. Ninja Turtles love pizza."
There was so much going on at Fan Fusion that con-goers had to make hard choices.
“Either we watch wrestling or we leave. Pick what you want.”
Down in the exhibitor hall, local artists displayed and sold their creations.
“I’m honored that an actual mermaid is into my art.”
Or shopped for collectibles and other geeky items.
“These light sabers are like two blow jobs’ worth.”
Many people came to see the celebrity guests, even if their friends didn’t.
“I could give a shit about Brett Spiner or really most of those Star Trekkers. That's your jam, not my jam."
Some of the interactions with celebrity guests were priceless.
“Are you Hayden Christensen?”
“No.”
Fans expressed their affection for celebrities, like one woman at the Vincent D'Onofrio panel.
"Hello, I love you."
Celebrities had dramatic things to say, including John Rhys-Davies discussing the social, economic, and political implications of A.I.
“In a few years’ time, we won’t be able to believe anything. And how do we have a democracy if we cannot believe what we see or hear?”
On Saturday, an enormous crowd filled the convention center greeted attendees.
“Welcome to Thunderdome.”
Fan Fusion attendees found ways to deal with the situation.
"I’m disassociated right now so I’m good. I’m on a cocktail of drugs right now so I’m really good."
Others lost their temper.
“If you get the capybara, I’m ending your life. Same day. Express delivery.”
Or felt worn out.
“This is the point of the weekend where everything starts to drag.”
A few made plans to see Elijah Wood’s DJ set at a downtown Phoenix bar on Saturday night.
“Frodo is doing an all fucking vinyl DJ set down the street. Fucking Dominic fucking Monaghan told us about it about his fellow hobbit. I’ll see you there, brother."
By the time Fan Fusion wrapped up on Sunday, attendees were ready to put it behind them.
"I’m full body exhausted. I hit my step goal though."
Other were shocked at how much money they dropped at the con.
"I spent 655 so far, how did that happen?"
"All those autographs."
