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.

SportsPlus

McNeese Sports

A quick trip home

Local News

City Council gives green light to lakefront hotel plan

Crime

12/19: Calcasieu Parish Sheriff announces arrest list

Crime

Washington-Marion student arrested for terrorizing, charged as an adult

Local News

Governor selects Stine, Tarver for new Fiscal Responsibility Program

high-school Football

Press box project for Jerry Simmons Stadium move forward

Local News

National defense budget could allocate millions to Louisiana military bases

Face to Face

Second Harvest hosts drive-thru Christmas dinner distribution

Business

It’s not just about money: The Five T’s of Philanthropy

Face to Face

Carols under the Oak: Lake Charles Symphony unites with Imperial Calcasieu Museum

Face to Face

Health officials say Louisiana patient is first severe bird flu case in US

Crime

12/18: Calcasieu Parish Sheriff announces arrest list

Local News

Westlake fire chief describes training with ‘cutting edge’ technology

Local News

Scooter Hobbs column: A new low for bowl opt-outs

Business

Scott Walker named new president, CEO of Chamber SWLA

Business

Hotel owner questions lakefront hotel development plans

Jim Beam

Jim Beam column: Is insurance our No. 1 problem?

Face to Face

10 local charities reap benefits of Coats for Kids drive

Crime

Sentence stands for man who crashed into 18-wheeler while impaired, killing 3-year-old

Crime

12/17: Calcasieu Parish Sheriff announces arrest list

Local News

Top Russian general is killed in a Moscow bombing claimed by Ukraine

life

Wreaths placed on hundreds of graves at Southwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery

Local News

Children do the Christmas shopping at Family Matters event

McNeese Sports

Next Viator era to open at home