The largest fundraiser at Phoenix Comicon is the Kids Need to Read (KNTR) Geek Prom and Bookmans supported this Geektacular event for the third year in a row. We believe in KNTR's mission to provide inspiring books to underfunded schools, libraries and literacy programs across the United States, especially those serving disadvantaged children. We feel at home from start to finish at the Geek Prom because everyone fits in. Attendees are encouraged to get beyond "cool" by wearing out-of-style formal wear, costumes and jet-setting space ensembles and dancing 'til the sun comes up. That was a direct order from our Intergalactic Overlords who watched us throughout the prom.

The Konamis is a webcomic by Jack Crawford and Bookmans own Tavis Maiden (@tavismaiden). Updated each Monday, Wednesday and Friday, follow the adventures of The Konamis, a real comic tale about the real comic adventure of The Konamis (meaning "little waves"), the little ol' rock band that makes a big splash!

The Konamis: The Bickersons

The Konamis is a webcomic by Jack Crawford and Bookmans own Tavis Maiden (@tavismaiden). Updated each Monday, Wednesday and Friday, follow the adventures of The Konamis, a real comic tale about the real comic adventure of The Konamis (meaning "little waves"), the little ol' rock band that makes a big splash!

The Konamis: Chapter 4: Flesh and Chrome

The Konamis is a webcomic by Jack Crawford and Bookmans own Tavis Maiden (@tavismaiden). Updated each Monday, Wednesday and Friday, follow the adventures of The Konamis, a real comic tale about the real comic adventure of The Konamis (meaning "little waves"), the little ol' rock band that makes a big splash!

The Konamis: Heavy Lifters

Next time I have the feeling-like-an-outcast-blues, I'll recall the wonderful performance of Freckleface Strawberry to turn my frown upside down. The April 2012 show brought the famous Julianne Moore kid's book and Broadway performance, Frecklefrace Strawberry, off the page and from New York and onto the Phoenix stage in a whirlwind of color, lessons and song all performed by the overwhelmingly talented cast at the Valley Youth Theater. Beyond the colorful costumes, well-rehearsed actors and streamline set design were heartfelt lessons that even a grownup could love.

Hello Bookmans Universe! Bookmans on Speedway held the first of many Video Game-related events happening all month long. Devastation was on hand hosting our Street Fighter X Tekken tournament.

This weekend we celebrated Grads and Moms and Nintendo 64. Our annual Video Game Challenge was a success. This year we played Super Smash Bros. for the N64 and we had over 24 challengers. Kids and kids-at-heart took the challenge to see who had the skills to walk away with one of our unique trophies for first and second place.

It was windy, rainy and the electricity went out, but did that stop us? Definitely not and hardcore Devastation and Street Fighter X Tekken fans came to Bookmans Mesa on a Wednesday night to fight for bragging rights and Bookmans Gift Cards. We are in our third year of bringing the most professional of local video game tournaments to our customers. Why? Arizona is lucky enough to have the volunteers of Devastation who love e-sports enough to make them widely available. Whether this is your first time playing in a tournament or you are a seasoned pro, the Devastation-run tournaments at Bookmans are for anyone to walk in and play.

Why Street Fighter X Tekken? Perhaps it is because Capcom took the better of two hugely popular franchises and created the best war in the history of fighting games.

This year was my ten year high school reunion. Growing up I felt like I had a pretty good idea of what it would be like to be in high school. These ideas were formulated by a little TV show called Saved by the Bell. There were going to be jocks, geeks, preppies and the bullies in leather jackets. Imagine my surprise when I got to high school and not everyone fit into these molds, myself included. The biggest thing my high school experience had in common with Saved by the Bell was the full-length lockers (friends of mine who went to other high schools only had the half-sized lockers).

Finally! After hearing about how much fun the event was from other staff members year after year, I got my chance to attend Ignite Phoenix on Bookmans' behalf. Before Friday night Ignite Phoenix was like a mythical creature that I had only heard about. A creature that stirrs emotions and brings a sense of unity to Phoenix. Who makes up the Ignite team? Who are these presenters? Why is this entire city in such a buzz about it? I wanted badly to attend just one Ignite but since it's so popular tickets usually sell out in a few days. I never met the small window of time to make my purchase. Friday night that all changed.

The Konamis is a webcomic by Jack Crawford and Bookmans own Tavis Maiden (@tavismaiden). Updated each Monday, Wednesday and Friday, follow the adventures of The Konamis, a real comic tale about the real comic adventure of The Konamis (meaning "little waves"), the little ol' rock band that makes a big splash!

The Konamis: Rumble Pill