Getting checked in by a man dressed in Indiana Jones attire was the first clue of what was to come at the annual Technicon Sci-Fi and Fantasy Convention at Virginia Tech.
Click here to see photos from the event.
This event has been hosted in Blacksburg for just over a quarter century by the Virginia Tech Science Fiction and Fantasy Club and offers a weekend-long utopia for all fans of anime, tabletop games and fantasy-themed literature. Technicon wasn't just an opportunity for fantasy fanatics to gather, it also offered panels and educational sessions given by notable individuals in the science fiction and fantasy disciplines.
One significant professional of the field was Starr Jones, a makeup artist who demonstrated how he transforms an actor into a zombie. Other guests were not only prominent in their field, but Virginia Tech graduates as well. Author Kathy Goonan, class of 1975, spoke of her Campbell Award-winning novel "In War Times." Garth Graham, class of 2005, demonstrated the Photoshop techniques he uses in his web comics "Comedity" and "Finder's Keepers."
Perhaps one of the more rewarding opportunities for attendees was being able to freely talk about fantasy, literature, art or design with any of the professionals at the event. The convention also featured dealer's tables where "con-goers" could buy gems, cards and comics, as well as an auction where they could bid on anything ranging from limited edition sci-fi paintings to suitcases of old clothing.
Regardless of whether attendees just watch the Sci-Fi channel in their spare time or are Trekkies at heart, there was a little something for everyone intrigued by the many realms of science fiction at this year's Technicon.
For more information on the Science Fiction and Fantasy Club, visit www.vtsffc.org.