CyPhaCon

Release your inner geek at annual gaming, sci-fi, anime convention

It’s back! Annual anime, gaming, and science fiction convention — CyPhaCon

Special to American Press CyPhaCon

Get ready to experience sensory overload at the action-packed CyPhaCon, a gaming, science fiction and anime convention, returning for its eighth year Friday-Sunday at the Lake Charles Civic Center. 

Where else could you go locally and expect to run into a plethora of colorful figures such as Batman, Captain America, knights in shining armor, Star Trek character, and other favorites? 

Hours are Friday, 3 p.m.-midnight; Saturday, 9 a.m.-midnight, and Sunday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

With displays, panels, food, music, artists and a multitude of activities, CyPhaCon will encompass the entire Civic Center, including the first-floor Exhibition Hall, second-floor Contraband Room and Mezzanine, third-floor Buccaneer and Jean Lafitte rooms, Rosa Hart Theater and Coliseum. 

As in past years, the convention will include television, video and voice personalities including Eddie

A pair of Ghostbusters at last year’s CyPhaCon. This year’s event kicks off Friday at 3 p.m.

Special to American Press

McClintock of the Sci-Fi series “Warehouse 13,” “GiGi” Edgley, “Farscape,” Ian Singlair, “Space Dandy,” Jason Carter, “Babylon 5,” J. Michael Tatum, voice actor, and Sabastian Michaels, “Black Butler.” 

Garrett Manuel, an organizer of the event, said the Lake Charles area has a “huge geeky population” that the convention will appeal to. 

With activities geared to a wide variety of tastes, Manuel said there is something for all at the family-friendly event. 

A “CyPhaKids” area, geared to children ages 5-11, will include games, art, music and other kid-friendly activities.

Panels that guests can attend will feature eclectic topics such as: “Anime Jeopardy,” “Armor Painting,” “Cyberpunk,” “The Women of Star Trek,” “Steampunk,” and more. 

Several authors will also be at the conference, including Kimberly Richardson, Mike Moreau, Meleesa Swann, Chris Hayes, Michael Hilton, Sherry Melancon, Victor Alexander, Jeremy Laszlo, and Charlayne Elizabeth Denney. 

Ticket prices vary depending on days and time of attendance but start at $15. There are special prices for those who want to attend both days. Children 6 and under are free. 

CyPhaCon tickets can be purchased at Paper Heroes on Ryan Street and at www.CyPhaCon.org.

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