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SALT LAKE CITY — Dozens dressed up as Spider-Man, Master Chief and their favorite anime characters Thursday to line up and talk with some of their favorite celebrities. The FanX Salt Lake Pop Culture and Comic Convention is here for the weekend.
With hundreds of booths selling figurines, comic books, posters and even real tattoos, there is merchandise for every type of fan. While some fans are shopping and admiring each other's cosplays, actors from favorites like "Back to the Future," "My Hero Academia," and Halo are taking and autographing pictures.
Joel McDonald, voice actor in various anime shows like "My Hero Academia" and "Fairy Tail," said he loves meeting the fans at events like this. "I love conventions ... I get to talk to people about what excites them," he said.
"It's such a joy to (meet) the audience," said Sarah Natochenny, the actress who voices Ash Ketchum in Pokemon anime. "I love to do the voice for them and get that instant feedback of joy."
McDonald and Natochenny have appeared at many pop culture conventions, but both were excited to be at a Utah convention for the first time.
FanX's director of business management, Ro Malaga — who happened to be one of the dancers in "High School Musical 3" — said, he loves to "bring people from all different fandoms under one roof and just celebrate everything" through FanX.
Malaga, who helped put this year's convention together, said the SAG-AFTRA strike caused some difficulty in getting together what could be asked of the celebrities; but in the end, it actually offered FanX more than they thought they would get.
"Even though there are certain guidelines (following the strike), it actually made a lot more people available, which actually really helped us out," he said.
McDonald said he feels the strike is appropriate because he thinks people from all through the entertainment industry should be able to stand up for themselves and seek proper treatment and pay. Steve Downes, voice actor for Master Chief in the Halo video games, was seen wearing a supportive SAG-AFTRA shirt.
Attendee Bella Berry came to FanX this year for her third time, loving the art offered and enjoying the opportunity to cosplay as a gender-bend character from "My Hero Academia." Waiting in line for Matthew Lillard, voice actor of Scooby-Doo, Berry said her favorite part is meeting the celebrities.
Joshua Harris, dressed as Ash Ketchum, was excited to have a signed picture from Natochenny. He's been attending every year since FanX first came to Utah in 2013.
The wizarding world's James and Oliver Phelps will be joining the ranks Friday, and actors Michael J. Fox and Andy Serkis will be at the convention on Saturday. For a comprehensive list of the celebrities to meet, download the FanX app or visit the FanX website.
