KEY TAKEAWAYS

This year's FanX in Salt Lake City once again showcased elaborate costumes, with fans sparing no effort.

For example, Jordan Hagen spent $2,200 on a Gandalf costume, highlighting his dedication to authenticity.

FanX offered a laid-back atmosphere, drawing plenty of families.

SALT LAKE CITY — There are no costume slackers at the FanX comic convention in Salt Lake City.

Jordan Hagen, for example, started on his Gandalf the Grey costume, a character from "The Lord of the Rings," roughly six months ago.

After searching across the internet for an authentic-looking Gandalf costume, Hagen failed to find anything premade that matched the quality he had in mind. So he hired a professional local costume maker to make one for him.

The costumer, who is highly selective about her c

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