Saturday, October 31, 2020
Tuesday, October 20, 2020
First ever virus era convention!
I decided to venture to Super Mega Show in Wayne, NJ for my first con since the virus hit.
There wasn't much for me to get there as I had most of the names. But one solid name they had, Christopher Atkins who co starred with Brooke Sheilds in The Blue Lagoon. It wasn't much, however it was something in these apocalyptic times and may be the only opportunity for the rest of 2020. So I figured I'd do this.
I emailed the promoter to make sure there would be no mask shots, the results were largely positive.
Drove up, and it had been so long I had to remember some of my toll avoidance strategies. Wow what a feeling that was. I arrive Saturday evening, park at the venue, and prepare to sleep.
Next Morning I wake up. Admission was $8. They had a $12 admission which included early admission plus a "limited" print, but I had no need for more stuff.
Not long after I arrive Christopher Atkins arrives at his table. He offered not to charge extra for the op. $30 he would sign one of his 8x10s and step outside and do maskless shots. This was my reason for coming so I quickly paid the money before any of that changes.
Next I go for some "get if there" names. First up is Tony Daniels. He voiced Gambit in the Marvel vs Capcom video games. Also voiced Tony the Tiger. Then for Joseph D'Onofrio AKA young Tommy in Goodfellas. He was the only one who did no mask ops inside. And finally Taimak who starred in the last Dragon. Never heard of that movie but I figured in virus times beggars can't be choosers. He wanted a "socially distant" shot as he put it. It came out well as it was no more than 1-2 feet.
Regarding the turn out, granted it wasn't the largest venue but there was definitely a crowd. Likely due to the fact that it was something to do over nothing. Edward Furlong had a long line (though he also arrived late). But I got done with him long ago so I had no need for him.
Hopefully this is an indication of cons returning, albeit with masks and guidelines. And hopefully promoters and celebs all realize that paying for mask ops is unacceptable. I think cons will happen in the next year, even if on a smaller scale like this one. It is just a matter of whether or not celebs want to actually venture out and do them.
