Captain Kirk and Chewbacca walk into the Phoenix Convention Center…

That might sound like the lead in to a rather lame joke but, for those who took part in the 2014 Phoenix Comicon, it’s also something you were likely to actually see at some point last Thursday through Sunday, June 5-8.

Each year, Phoenix Comicon opens its doors to the world of pop culture, welcoming visitors from across the country in a celebration of all things comics, movies, sci-fi, action, horror and more.

What started out as a smaller regional celebration just a handful of years ago has ballooned into a massive annual event, hosting thousands upon thousands of people eager to see their favorite celebrities, get an autograph from their favorite writer, or just play board games with some friends.

This year saw Phoenix Comicon break attendance records, with the show sold out and at capacity before the doors even opened Thursday afternoon.

Taking up the entirety of the Phoenix Convention Center, the event has gotten so big in recent years that parts of the festivities now pour out into the streets, surrounding hotel ballrooms and various other venues.

While folks from around the country flock to this Valley event, plenty of Fountain Hills residents like to get in on the fun, including Mayor Linda Kavanagh, State Rep. John Kavanagh and their family.

While Mayor Kavanagh was unable to attend the event this year, her family made it out for the full shebang, including taking part in a zombie walk the first night of the convention in full costume.

“It’s kind of hard to describe, but I would say it’s kind of like the Renaissance festival, only with sci-fi,” Mayor Kavanagh said.

“Not only are there all of the booths, but also famous characters are there, people from the movies and TV shows, and a lot of the regular people come dressed up, too. That was a real fun part for my grandson last year.”

While “comicons” originally started off as a celebration of comic books, the events have since evolved to include all manner of genres and mediums, including hundreds of vendors and autograph booths, special events and themed parties, panels, movies, concerts and more.

Visiting Comicon this year, one could buy a few comics and pieces of memorabilia, have something signed by cast members from Star Trek, listen to Nathan Fillion (Castle, Firefly) and original cast members of The Power Rangers give a talk, go to a panel discussing regarding the movie “Pacific Rim,” then play zombie laser tag, and you would still only be scratching the surface of all of the activities available.

“We had a good time looking at all of the booths and everybody is in such a party mood; it’s really a lot of fun,” Kavanagh said about her most recent trip to the con.

“I had heard about the [Comicon] in San Diego being huge but, when I went to this one, I couldn’t believe how many people were there,” she added.

“And the amount of people who came in costume was pretty incredible. John and I just sat there for a while and enjoyed watching everyone. It was more than I could have ever imagined.”

Another Fountain Hills resident, Matthew Walz, visited the Phoenix Comicon for the first time this year.

“I see it as an event for fans to get to meet and talk with some of their favorite writers and artists, and a fun way to explore new things you may never knew existed,” he said.

“It’s the excitement of seeing all these neat and cool things. The possibilities of meeting new friends…Oh, and the cosplay (costumes). I love the cosplay.”

Walz said he imagines that the Phoenix Comicon has become such a huge event for various reasons, especially since the event itself caters to so many interests.

“For some it’s the merchandise, for others it’s the community and the ability to get together with others who share similar interests as yourself,” Walz added.

“For me, I hear all these fun things about Comicon and I’ve always wanted to go. This is my first time going.”

Mayor Kavanagh agreed that Phoenix Comicon can mean a lot of things to a lot of different types of people.

“It’s fun, and I think it’s a fantasy escape for people who really love these things,” she said.

“It’s also a lot of fun to enjoy these things as a family, which is why we went last year.”

While Kavanagh has yet to go so far as to head to Comicon in costume, she had a pretty good idea who she would go as if the mood caught her.

“I guess I’m an old Star Trek fan, the original series with William Shatner, so maybe I’d be a Vulcan,” she said.

And while visitors to Comicon certainly don’t have to wear a costume, Walz agreed that it might be worth it just to cut loose and have some fun.

“I’d have to say that it is always worth taking the plunge into something as exciting as Comicon,” he said.

“You definitely come out with an experience you won’t regret.”

While this year’s show may be over, there’s always 2015, and planning is already under way. To learn more and keep up to date on the latest Phoenix Comicon news, visit phoenixcomicon.com.