The 43rd consecutive TusCon sci-fi convention has a special guest of honor this weekend: George R.R. Martin -- the author of Game of Thrones.
But it's not his first time visiting the convention. Directors and Martin explain he first visited the convention in the 1980s, in the beginning of his career as a writer.
"Science fiction fantasy fandom doesn't change much," Martin said. "There's a certain family quality to it. It's almost like a family reunion."
He says there's a lot to these sci-fi conventions; art, literature, music, media -- but his favorite part? The social aspect.
"See your old friends, meet new friends, you talk about science fiction and fantasy," the Game of Thrones author said. "And it's a little like coming home again."
Art is a staple to these conventions, according to some of the event directors. People come to sell it, display it, view it, or simply show it off. Jose Roldan -- or "Sci-Fi Joe" -- traveled all the way to Tucson from El Paso, Texas, just to show off his art. He's a scale model artist.
"This is a perfect place for me to show off my stuff!" he said. "I don't have to worry about everything else, I just have to show it. And people love it."
Martin will be there throughout the weekend, speaking on a panel, signing autographs, and enjoying the TusCon festivities.
