Friday, January 9, 2026

Final report for 2025 meets - Steel City Con, Bocelli, Conti and more

After my success with Andy Card, I would be out every day for the next week to round off my 2025 combo related endeavors. 

Day 1

I start with some private flights hoping Stallone is in one of them, but no luck. I then go to a commercial flight for actor Michael Crawford. He was the titular character in the original stage production of Phantom of the Opera and has been in several old movies and TV shows.

When he arrives, he stops but is not overly nice. Was a strict one and the photo though I managed to squeeze two. Overall, that was a success. Shortly after at the same airport Lauryn Hill was arriving (which I didn't know in advance, or I would have had items). I got her before but since I was here may as well get an update. She was very nice.

Later in the evening I had another flight for the legendary Andrea Bocelli. I got him in NYC but it was a terrible car shot. Wait at the spot and when I see him I run over, fearful the staff may stop me. But it was late enough in the night where no one cared. I asked for a photo and Andrea gets into his car. I thought I was done but his wife says to come closer. He was nice as can be and I get the photo op.

Michael Crawford

Lauryn Hill

Andrea Bocelli

Autographs


Day 2

With the success of the prior day came a disastrous day. Tried for Stallone and George Strait flights. Never confirmed a Stallone flight but figured out George Strait's flight. And he took 2 whole hours to come out. There were like 30 people and he did nothing. What's worse because it took him so long to come out, I had to miss a Heidi Klum flight. I already have two photo ops with her but wanted to get autographs. 

Went to another spot to try for George Strait. They pulled his van right to the door and ignored going in and leaving. Went to one last spot and saw Peter Criss. He was cool and I got a photo op. But I have a perfect shot from a con. BUST of a day.

Peter Criss


Day 3 

This is the day that I dread as I wake up in the morning and stand all day at a spot. But this year things seemed uncertain, largely due to Trump taking control of things. That combined with the bust of the previous day I decided to bail on this and head to Steel City Con where things are certain. This marked the first time I ever decided to go to a con the very morning of.

Arrive and find decent parking. First get is Ken Kirzinger. I have Ken but someone I knew had multiple items so why not get a free update. Next is the main reason I came to this con, namely Shia LaBeouf. He wasn't very nice and most photos we took were invalid. He got annoyed cause I wanted retakes. 

After the unpleasant experience with Shia I got a free photo op with Disney, Warner Bros, and Hanna-Barbera animator Willie Ito. The only other celebs I got were Lawrence Makoare (Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit) and Joel David Moore (Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story). 

Left Steel City and came back to try the event I bailed on. Went to one spot and it was a bust. Then tried another spot only saw Gloria Gaynor enter. Stallone had garaged. In hindsight based on the stories I heard I made the right choice going to Steel City Con. While some people were gotten, I already had them and would see them the next day.

Shia LaBeouf

Full list of photo ops


Day 4

After the uncertainty of the prior day, I was very weary going out this day. But I knew others were out, so I had to be there to be part of the action if there was any action to be had. Start at the hotel and I see a couple of Tennis players John Isner and Sam Querrey. I get photo ops. Then I see Frank Stallone walking around. I got him at Chiller years ago so this wasn't anything for me but I got a photo.

Go to the venue where there has apparently been action. I find out I missed Vince Gill. PUNCH. I met him before, but I had some CDs for him to sign. Garth Brooks comes in and doesn't sign but does photo ops. I had no need for another photo op so I didn't bother to fight for it. Then we almost miss one of the best names as everyone almost lets him walk by. We asked him and he was super nice and did multi combos with everyone. Turns out it is the composer for classic movies such as Rocky, Karate Kid, and others. I got the photo op and some blanks. Sadly, I left my Rocky poster (already signed by the director) in the car so I didn't get that done. I went and got my poster. I also have a Karate Kid poster signed by the director but that's at home. 

I would then get photos with Ron Henry and Christal Rheams, session drummer Kenny Aronoff, singer Blessing Offor who is blind (marking my second blind photo op within a week), Kid Kentucky, actor Garrett Hedlund (update since I paid for him at a con a year prior), Chris Blue, Kelsey Grammer, and Jason Crabb. Going in I got the photo op with Kelsey Grammer which was a 15 year update as my last photo with him was from NYC in 2010. Wasn't able to get autographs. But he signed on the way out and I managed to get two 8x10s done. 

Then we see someone walk from a distance no one can decipher who he is at first. Turns out it's magician Criss Angel! Get the photo op. Score! Then I get an update with Robin Zander from cheap trick and Marcus King, Montana Tucker, Frank Stallone (this time no hat).

Then I get a selfie with Rick Nielsen from Cheap Trick which is an upgrade over what I have because he always intentionally looks away from the camera. Here he is mostly looking in. Got Robin Zander again. Also got them both on my Cheap Trick 8x10. 

A big botch was for singer Deniece Williams. She came and someone said "Gloria" so I immediately got my Gloria Gaynor vinyl. Turns out it was Deniece Williams and that killed my chances to get a photo op (she barely even did 2 or 3). Got Richard Grenell and other political names. Some of the final names I got going in were actor Neal McDonough (blurry photo op but it's ok I got him at a con years ago) and fashion designer Tommy Hilfiger who founded the company with the same name. 

Exits were slim pickings I got Rick Nielsen looking in again and a combo with Tom Petersson of Cheap Trick (update photo op). I then bailed on exits since it was looking bad and went to the hotel where I just missed Peter Criss. PUNCH as I could have used an autograph. Then I saw Bill Conti pull up and this time I got him on my Rocky poster and got a photo op with him all dressed up. 

Saw Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley and their sons but couldn't get them. Saw Gloria Gaynor she didn't stop but she did send ins and I got my vinyl and 8x10s signed (it's ok I have photo ops with her). The evening would end with a photo op with Mike Farris and that would be my final photo op of 2025.

Kelsey Grammer

Tommy Hilfiger

Criss Angel

Bill Conti

Full list of photo ops part 1

Full list of photo ops part 2


Now to showcase autographs obtained:

Bill Conti autographs

Gloria Gaynor autographs

Cheap Trick and Kelsey Grammer

Neal McDonough, Criss Angel, and Tommy Hilfiger


Day 5

The next day I sat out everything during the day but Michael Crawford had a flight out and it was in the evening. I thought since the timing was good and the airport was close to my house I figured I'd go for an autograph. I arrived and got him to sign an 8x10. This would be my final autograph of 2025.

Autograph

Wednesday, January 7, 2026

Starting December with a 9/11 attack name

Over the years I always tried to get political names related to the 9/11 attacks. Some successfully and some not. One name I've always either missed or failed on in the past is Andy Card, who was White House Chief of Staff under Bush Jr from 2001 to 2006. He was the one who informed Bush about the attacks in what is probably the most iconic photo of the 9/11 attacks that is not a burning building. This is the image I'm referring to:











But I finally got another flight on him and would try for him again for the first time in years. The bad thing is he was with his wife who traditionally tries to shut down any graphers. This time she was hardly a factor. Maybe she is getting old? But I got a perfect shot and some autographs. Success! To boot he writes the entire quote he uttered to Bush Jr when he signs the famous image.

Andy Card

Autographs


Later in the day I decided to try again for Victor Willis of the Village People at the airport. As expected, he was his usual grumpy self barely doing photos and shooting down autographs even yelling at someone for asking. The photo op I got is a slight upgrade over my previous op so I guess I can't complain too much.

Victor Willis


Monday, January 5, 2026

Scattered meets throughout November

Just as October ended on a horrible note, the trend continues when November begins. 

On one day I had two very upsetting failures. First, I tried actor Richard Madden (Cinderella, Game of Thrones, Rocketman) at a flight leaving. He denied and was a complete dick. Even saying he had to get to his flight when he had plenty of time. Then I tried Robert Plant at his hotel and he was a complete dick. Two on one and he wouldn't even do a photo op. A double PUNCH!

A couple of days later I went to a venue to get actors from the Dinosaur Improv comedy show. Luckily I had most but there were still some I needed. The main one I wanted was actor Rob Riggle (Step Brothers, Hangover, and lots more). He arrives on his own and is nice as he signs and does photos. 

Then the rest of them arrive. The good: They are walking and have a way to go. The bad: so many of them. I scramble and I manage to score actress Edi Patterson (Knives Out) and actor Rob Huebel. My shot with Paul Scheer turned out blurry but it's ok I have him from before. There were 1 or 2 lower names I didn't have that I missed but it wasn't worth coming back for exits. 

Went to another spot for director Kathryn Bigelow (Zero Dark Trinity). When she went out the car I had a perfect ask and she was nasty. From this spot I got producer Noah Oppenheim. 

Now I had two choices. Wait for Kathryn Bigelow to leave or bail on this and try for Vicki Peterson of the Bangles and original member of the Cowsills, John Cowsill. I have Vicki but never got John. Given how nasty Kathryn was I chose the easy music venue. After the show both were nice as can be and I got an upgrade with Vicki and fresh op with John. Overall a good day.

Rob Riggle

Full list of photo ops

Autographs


Next day I do a flight for director Ryan Coogler. He came out wearing a mask. We asked he told us to hold on. Couple of minutes later he took the mask off and took photos with everyone. I only had blanks and he didn't want to sign blanks.

Ryan Coogler


Next day starts with a flight for actor LaRoyce Hawkins from Chicago PD. We spot him and he is nice as can be. Go to another spot for Olympic medalist and swimmer Ryan Lochte. Randomly see former secretary of defense Lloyd Austin and get a photo op. Get volleyball player Patrick Powers. And finally see Ryan and he is super nice. I also get autographs on blanks. 

Next goal is for actor Sawyer Spielberg, son of the famous director. On the way stop by a small bookstore and get yet another photo op with actress Raegan Revord of Young Sheldon. Then to the Sawyer Spielberg event.

Mooch into the main area where Sawyer Spielberg is supposed to be at. Also there is producer/writer Kirk Saduski and actor James Madio (both of whom I have). After their panel they all do photo ops. Nice and easy. We wait at that event to see who else could be had. See Wilmer Valderrama and get another photo op. Then see Zachary Levi and get an update (well a downgrade since he has a beard) with him. At this point we got kicked out of the event.

Full list of photo ops

Ryan Lochte Autographs


Actor Charlie Weber was at the event I got kicked out of the prior evening and I was upset I got 1-upped by security since I didn't get him. So, I found a flight on him. Before going for him went to another spot at the same airport to see if Magin Johnson would show up, and he did. Got an upgrade with him. In my old shot from over 10 years ago he has a beanie. Here you can see his bald black head. 

Go to the area of the airport for Charlie and on the way there see former speaker of the house Kevin McCarthy and get an update. Also see barely valid actor Kelvin Garvanne and get a photo op. Charlie's plane was so delayed was beginning to wonder if he would even take the flight but all signs pointed to yes. Finally see him just walking around with his girlfriend and he was super nice.

Magic Johnson

Full list of photo ops


Next evening I went for someone who I've had a miserable time with 3 times in the past. He was so unpleasant I wrote him off. I'm talking about Colin Hay of Men At Work, probably best known for the song "Down Under". 

But then I saw photos pop up on facebook. So I thought there was a chance. I went to the venue further away from me since the setup is better. And it was the best setup. We were basically standing next to his van. When we saw him and asked for photo ops to my shock he agreed. A completely different human from the other times I saw him. 

Colin Hay


Next day I start with an unrealistic goal. Leonardo DiCaprio. But by the time I got to the spot he was gone and from eyewitness accounts would have been impossible anyway. All I got from there was an update from Joshua Bell. Tried another event where I hoped to see Danica Patrick or Russel Brand but couldn't figure out where they would go in and out. At least I have a decent shot with Russel Brand from years ago. Only thing I got here was a photo op with John Schnatter who founded Papa Johns.

Final spot for the evening was a book signing for actress Jayne Kennedy. She was super nice. 

Full list of photo ops


A few days later around Mid-November I would go to a venue for singer and musician Marshall Crenshaw who was also in the movie La Bamba. Got the opener who met people inside. Then waited outside got Fernando Perdomo and other barely valids. And finally Marshall Crenshaw who was nice.

Full list of photo ops


A few days later to another venue to try for the original lead singer of 10,000 Manicas, Natalie Merchant. Go to the venue and wait. Then the guy starts telling us she isn't coming out as long as we're standing here. He makes us leave though it's debatable if the ground is public or private.

Minutes later we come back to the lot and wait in the car. When we see activity then we go up again. First we get Erik Della Penna and we get yelled at by the same guy. Despite him yelling at us and tryign to stop us we ask Natalie and she is actually super friendly. 

The guy then lectures us how we betrayed his trust and not to come back and get people. Even asking us "why would you guys try and come back". 

Erik Della Penna

Natalie Merchant


Couple of days later I went for a flight for Vanilla Ice. I haven't seen Vanilla Ice in 15 years and wanted autographs. He is his usual nice self as he signs and does photo ops. It's always cool to see someone who hasn't soured up after all these years.

Later this evening I go to a comedy show for Gary Gulman who was in the Joker movie. Crowd is letting out, and the security guard is trying to bully me on the sidewalk and repeats "I'm asking you to please keep walking" as I point out it's a sidewalk. Then I say, "I'm asking you to please leave me alone". 

He continues to breath down my face and since this is a venue I frequent, I'm not trying to curse him out and be memorable, so I simply step away from him and stand a few feet away from him. After which he does his own thing and doesn't bother me again. I wait about 20 more minutes Gary comes out and I say hello to him and ask for the photo op and he is super nice. As I'm taking the photo the security guards simply look on and do nothing. 

Final spot for the evening is a show for actress Jerrika Hinton from Grey's Anatomy. Wait after the show and she comes out. I get the photo op (one of the other performers join in).

Vanilla Ice

Gary Gulman

Bradley Gibson and Jerrika Hinton

Vanilla Ice signed vinyl

Vanilla Ice signed 8x10s


November ends with Gerland Alston, lead singer of the Manhattans. He is not the original lead singer, but he was the lead singer for all their hits. Another comparison is Bruce Dickinson who is not the original lead singer of Iron Maiden, but he is the main one to get. And from what I could gather there are no more original or core members of the Manhattans still alive. So to be able to get the main guy is a special treat. 

After the show go in the venue and he is doing a meet and greet. I purchase a $10 CD (I figured I owe the venue some business at this point) and wait in line. I get the combo.

Gerald Alston

Autograph

Sunday, January 4, 2026

Scattered meets throughout October part 2

The evening after CSA Show and Carlisle Comic Con impromptu info for Danbert Nobacon. He is an original member of the band Chumbawamba, best known for the song Tubthumping (I get knocked down, But I get up again, You're never gonna keep me down). 

He was playing a dingy club about 30 minutes from my house. So I dug up the photo I got signed by Boff Whalley and rushed there. By the time I got there he had finished performing and was having drinks with friends. Asked him and he was nice as can be for photos and autographs. 

Danbert Nobacon

Autograph


Next day went for Japanese filmmaker Hikari. Missed her at the film festival so I got her here. She was very nice. 

Hikari


Next day I would go to an event for astronaut Peggy Whitson. In terms of humans that spent the most days in space, she is #1 in history for women, #1 in history for all non-Russians, and #8 in history overall. Went up to her and she was very cool about the photo op but refused to sign. Also got former NASA administrator Jim Bridenstine. 

Went to another spot where there was a screening for the movie Christy. It was a clean sweep as everyone who entered was super nice. I got Christy Martin herself, director David Michôd, and writer/actress Mirrah Foulkes.

Peggy Whitson

Full list of photo ops


Next evening I want to get actor Louis CK. Before that I stop by a place to get Jim Belushi at his marijuana event. I met him before but since I'm here why not get him again since I'm in the area anyway. He was rather grumpy, but I got a combo. Went to the venue for Louis CK and while there I got a photo op with venue security guard Felix Stevenson who was on the TV show The Wire. 

Sadly, Louis CK was a complete dick and did nothing for no one. Beat him to the hotel and had him 2 on 1 the calmest setting and he still declined. Bust.

Jim Belushi

Felix Stevenson

Autograph


A few days later I try a venue for Steve Hackett who was the lead guitarist of the band Genesis from 1971 - 1977. He arrived and venue and the security guard was literally trying to physically tackle but he did do photo ops.

Steve Hackett


The days leading up to the end of October were not too good. On one day I tried a train for actress Lauren Graham. Waited and when it seemed like she should have arrived, but I found out that the reservation was canceled 1h before the train was supposed to depart. PUNCH. 

Then I thought I'd try for Randy Bachman. I have the photo op but wanted autographs on albums I already got signed by Burton Cummings. Saw him at the hotel and he completely declines. As a hail Mary I went to check a spot for Lauren Graham but nothing there. 

The day after that was just as bad. Tried for Daymond John from Shark Tank but saw him too late and ran up but by the time I got to him he was already in the car. At the same place I saw Michael Phelps and he was his usual asshole self. At another spot I tried Lauren Daigle. Mooched inside the event but she was surrounded by security. Sadly, she was taking her time to leave, and I had a non-combo related endeavor I had to get to. I left and about 30-40 minutes later she came out and stopped. I seem to have a Lauren Daigle curse.

Breaking my long running Carlos Santana curse

As most of you have already seen, 2025 was the year I broke my Bill Gates curse and finally scored a combo from him. But in October 2025 I also broke yet another curse! 

Back in 2013 I tried Carlos Santana at an event. I would see him go in and out several times, but I only managed to get a signed 8x10 the first time I saw him. Couldn't get the op and he didn't do anything more the other times he was seen. 

Fast forward roughly 8 years later I had hotel info and his check in time at a hotel. So I blended inside the hotel and waited. He comes in with his wife and handler, and I try asking for a photo op but to no avail. One and one and nada! At this point I quickly exit the hotel since security saw what I was doing. 

Next up it's 2023 and I had an incoming flight on him. It was very low key, and I only told one other person. It was an evening flight coming in and I thought to myself surely only 2 people at night, I'd be ok. But no. He landed with his wife and there were people with him. He completely denied the photo. His people said no. I then tried to get my vinyl signed but still nothing. 

Now back to 2025. I was at Chiller Theater and Chill Out. Impromptu info came for Carlos Santana. He's not getting any younger, so I thought I better do this. I left Jersey earlier than I was initially planning to and head to the venue. He left the venue quickly with security, so I had to rush to the hotel and beat him there. Which happened to be in the exact same city and exact same hotel as my previous hotel encounter with him.  

This time I decided on a different strategy (perhaps foolishly, perhaps not). I wanted to wait till he signed for graphers then piggyback on that and say I had nothing to get signed I want the op (indeed I didn't have anything to get signed because this wasn't planned). After he signed I tried to ask for the photo op. He was agreeing and his bodyguard was cock blocking me. I manage to get in a position for a selfie, but he isn't truly posing despite agreeing to the photo op. Yet another FAIL! Invalid op! So close yet so far! You can even see the bodyguard photo bombing me.



For those keeping score, my score is now 0-4 photo op wise, 1-3 autograph wise. 

But 2025 I would have yet another chance at Carlos Santana. He had an early morning flight not too long after my last encounter. I was dreading this setup. And incidentally, the exact same airport as my previous airport encounter with him. So, I failed twice in the same hotel. Cosmically speaking this means I'm going to fail twice in the same airport. Right? Especially in the early morning. And to boot, he may even have shades on even if he agrees to the photo op. 

Wake up around 5:20 am, go to the airport, get my free parking spot, walk inside the airport, truly dreading what's to come. So now we are 2 people waiting at the airport. Debating what to do. Wait here? Go through security try at the gate? Decided to wait and see him first. A little after 7am I see him, his wife, and the same bodyguard who was cock blocking me at the hotel.

Now here is where the combo Gods shined upon me. The cock blocking bodyguard goes through TSA the normal way, whereas Carlos and his wife go the fast way. So here I have a dream setup presented to me by the combo Gods. Carlos walking on public property with no security and no bodyguard! Just him and his wife. AND no shades! Again, dream scenario, dream setup! 

Waited till they parted ways and the bodyguard was out of sight. Then approached them as they walked. Asked Carlos for the op and to my bafflement he stopped and did ops! This time I got a valid selfie! I couldn't believe it! I did try to get my vinyl signed after the op but he said he was done. Followed them a little more to plead a little more but to no avail. 

FINALLY, I broke my Carlos Santana curse!

Saturday, January 3, 2026

Chiller Theater and Chill Out Cons in Jersey

During Halloween weekend in October, I attended both Chiller Theater and Chill Out Cons in Jersey. Both cons had names that I was excited to meet and were taking place the same weekend only 5 minutes apart.

I start Friday with Chiller Theater. First, I get Dave Davies of the Kinks. Upgrading my photo op from years ago where his eyes are closed. Then Marc McLure who played Jimmy Olsen in the Christopher Reeves Superman movies and also from Back to the Future. Sadly, I anticipate this will be the last name I ever meet from the Christopher Reeves Superman.

From the Night of the Living dead area I get photo ops with Belinda Balaski, Dick Heckard, Terry Gindele, Judith Ridley, Sharon Carroll, and Gary Streiner.

Then I get OG SNL cast member Garrett Morris. Then one of my top wants from Chiller Mimi Rogers (Austin Powers), Sheree J. Wilson (Dallas, Walker Texas Ranger), Donna Mills (Play Misty for Me), and Bill Smitrovich (Life Goes On, Miami Vice).

Next one of the last names I never met from Terminator 2, child actor DeVaughn Nixon (also in The Bodygyard) and John D LeMay from Friday the 13th fame. Ended the evening with Ricky Byrd of Joan Jett and the Blackhearts fame.

Dave Davies

Marc McLure

Mimi Rogers

Full list of Friday photo ops


Saturday starts at Chill Out. First up is Marcus Chong from The Matrix. Then one of my top wants for this show, Tracy Scoggins from Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman. Next I get actor Whip Hubley (Top Gun, Species) and dual and single shots with Catherine Bell (JAG) and James Denton (Face/Off). 

The only wrestling name I would get from that con would be Cyndi Snow. She was the Godfather Ho who won the Hardcore championship. She had a stupid Halloween outfit, but at least she didn't charge for photo ops. I guess free is free. Ended my time at Chill Out with Vanessa Marcil from Beverly Hills 90210 fame.

Went back to Chiller to round off a few more names. I got Taral Hicks (A Bronx Tale), Joyce Bulifant (The Happiest Millionaire, Airplane!) who looks fantastic for 88, Phil Morris (Mission: Impossible), and Steve Railsback (Helter Skelter). After this I would promptly leave Jersey and head towards home to try for Carlos Santana. 

Vanessa Marcil

Tracy Scoggins

Full list of Saturday photo ops

2 cons 1 day: CSA Show, Carlisle Comic Con, and more

On a day around mid-October I decided to hit up two cons plus a comedy show. First was CSA show. It only had one movie name that I wanted, namely Samm Levine. But I got photo ops with Mark Moseley, Muggsy Bogues (update), and Gheorghe Muresan (update). I actually like this photo with Gheorghe better than my previous one because you can see how big he is compared to me. Then I went to the table of Samm Levine and got the photo op.

Full list of CSA show


Then I made the impromptu decision to go to Carlisle Comic Con in Carlisle, PA. My driving force to go there was for actor Aaron Smolinski. He played the child Superman in the original  Christopher Reeves Superman movie. Hardly anyone left for me to meet from the Reeves Superman movies so couldn't pass up a chance for that. I drove there and as soon as I got there I went up to his table and got a photo op with him and a second with him holding a poster of the iconic image of him lifting the car.

Next I went up to the table of Jason Paige who sang the English version of the Pokemon theme song. I got the free photo op. He was signing Pokemon cards which to me doesn't seem valid. To boot, some cards were encapsulated and graded, and he was signing them on the plastic capsule. Like, what is the point of that?

I then got free photos with comic book artists Mark McKenna and Rick Hoberg. I showed Lorenzo Lamas my photo op from RICC years ago. I then got an upgrade with no beard. I also showed actress Jamie Donnelly my Grease group op from Chiller years ago. I then got a solo shot. Ended the con with a free photo op with animator Rick Catizone.

Aaron Smolinski

Full list of Carlisle Comic Con


Drove out of the con and on the way home and decided to stop by a venue. Two actors were doing a comedy show. Ronny Chieng (Crazy Rich Asians) who I have, and Hasan Minhaj (The Spy Who Dumped Me, No Hard Feelings, Tron: Ares) who I don't have. Wait there and they came out late, and when they did come out they came out at once which complicated things

 They signaled for us over to come but that did not sit well with the two security guards who were yelling at us saying we're trespassing. Despite the chaos we got photo ops. One of the security guards (who I've known for years) asked me for a ride to the metro to make up for the trouble I've caused. I waited for him to go back inside and get his stuff then gave him a ride to the metro.

Ronny Chieng

Hasan Minhaj

Friday, January 2, 2026

Scattered meets throughout October part 1 - Colin Farrell, Gary Numan, and more

In early October I would go for actress Eva Marcille. She isn't nice but was doing a meet and greet for her marijuana merch. Went in line and got the photo op. Then went to a venue for Natalie Grant. Never saw her and waited I then left assuming this was cooked. But after I left a van pulled up and she got on it before doing a photo op. PUNCH. But based on where she got dropped off at the airport, I was able to guess her flight. I went there and she was nice as can be.

Eva Marcille

Natalie Grant


Next day tried for Rene Rapp at a flight. But she was not having it and did nothing for no one. Went to Fairfax Anime Con which was very close to the airport. Got inside and tried to mooch a photo op with Mark Hildreth but to no avail. 

Later in the evening I went to an easy music venue. This is more quantity than quality. I got the opening band King Youngblood. I got an upgrade with Stephen Perkins of Jane's Addiction, Derek Day, Norwood Fisher who is an original member of Fishbone, Scott Page who played with Pink Floyd, Kenny Olson who played with Kid Rock, Will Champlin of The Voice, and Roberta Freeman. 

Full list of photo ops


Fast forward around mid October I'm trying to get a photo op with Charlie Kirk's window, Erika Kirk. While waiting randomly spotted is Jack Carr just sightseeing. He is the author of The Terminal List which got made into a TV show. Also got Pat Eilers and Paolo Zampolli. Sadly when Erika Kirk came she was surrounded by guards. On exit they  came out a different way but it wasn't much better as the same guards prevented us from getting Erika. I got Tucker Carlson who I already had. 

Later that evening I went for Bret McKenzie of Flight of the Conchords. He was also in the Lord of the Rings movies and The Hobbit. After his show he was walking around and he was nice.

Bret McKenzie

Full list of photo ops


Next day I start at a venue for singer Gary Numan and the band Psychedelic Furs (two originals the lead signer and the bassist)Numan is best known for the classic song "Cars". I see barely valid drummer Zack Alford walking around and get a photo op. Also saw Amanda Kramer but she declined saying she didn't look good. 

Went to another venue where I got Sean Spicer and Stephen A Smith. Then go back to waiting for Gary in the evening. It was looking dim but finally see him and he signs and does photo ops. This was very good fortune because after the show ended, he only did send ins. 

Leaving the venue I got Amanda Kramer, Peter DiStefano (original member of Porno for Pyros), Richard Butler the original lead singer of the Psychedelic Furs, and Rich Good. Sadly, could not get Tim Butler the original bassist of the Psychedelic Furs as he didn't come over. 

Gary Numan

Full list of photo ops

Autographs


There was a film festival and it starts with flights. First flight is for Zoey Deutch. I got her before so this is mainly for autographs. Got 2 things done and other photo op.

Zoey Deutch

Autographs


Next day starts with a flight for actor Colin Farrell. I have the photo op but I wanted an upgrade since my photo op from NYC isn't too great. Plus of course autographs. When we saw him there was an airport greeter trying to stop us. Literally using her hand to stop us and when I shoved her hand away so it doesn't come in my photo she goes "don't touch me". Despite all that got the photo op and autographs as Colin was cool.

Then I go to the venue. I missed Dianne Warren stopping but it's ok I met her before. Wait in the lobby. I see Joel Edgerton, someone whose autograph I need. Got him to sign my photos including a Star Wars photo already signed by Bonnie Piesse (which he commented on). I got another photo op as well. Elizabeth Olsen was around and people got her but thankfully I didn't need her. Went a little off site for actress Nina Hoss and she was nice. Came back to the main venue and waited for Colin Farrell and got an even better photo op. He said "didn't I get you at the airport" and I said the handler ruined it.

Colin Farrell

Full list of photo ops

Autographs

Thursday, January 1, 2026

Full New York Comic Con 2025 week report

In October I would attend New York Comic Con. But my trek would start a couple of days before the actual event.

Day 1 

My first day's main theme was a rather ambitious goal. Try to upgrade my Jennifer Lopez photo op. Start my day at a spot and it's off to a bad start as I miss actor Mason Thames. PUNCH. But I do get actor Lukas Gage. J Lo comes in with shades and did a little bit but I fail to get anything. Leaving she uses the garage. Tried another spot for J Lo and she garaged in.

Since she garaged in the assumption is she would garage out. At this point I focus elsewhere. I got to the hotel for the tv show The Last Frontier. The spot for the premiere was packed. The hotel was less than 5 people. I liked this better. I got producer Jon Bokenkamp, actress Simone Kessell (Yellow Jackets), my main want from this spot actor Jason Clarke (John Conner in Terminator Genisys), and actress Haley Bennett. Dominic Cooper was there but didn't need another photo op. And I missed actor Dallas Goldtooth.

Later I found out that J Lo actually WALKED OUT of the previous spot and there was almost no one waiting. PUNCH. But I guess can't be in 2 places and not like I wasn't successful in my choice. Tried J Lo at another spot where she drove out. Tried pleading for a roll down at a light to no avail. 

After being defeated by J Lo (a recurring theme for 15 years now), I shift to the "easy" show spots. First one is Kathleen Chalfant (Law and Order) and Ellen McLaughlin. Have Ellen need Kathleen. They came out and were nice as can be. Next one is for actor Chris Bauer and actress Dylan Gelula. Sadly, Dylan isn't performing. PUNCH. But I get Chris Bauer, singer Nellie McKay, and Mary McCann. This ended my evening.  

Simone Kessell

Jason Clarke

Haley Bennett

Full list of Day 1 photo ops


Day 2 

Next day would be a horrific day. It stars with a spot for Ryan Reynold and Jared Leto. Never got Ryan and could use a Jared auto. Both use the garage. Went to another spot for singer Jewel and she too garages. 

Next up I try a very low-key spot for Jodi Fister. I bailed on a spot for Ricki Lake for that. When she came it was just me and Radio Man. She declined photo ops and used the excuse she was late. When she went inside the elevator was not there I tried to go in and plead more but got shot down again. I then botched the exit as I never saw her, but I heard she did sign (the theme for her as of late is signing and no photo op). And in doing so I missed Ricki Lake doing photo ops. Double PUNCH. 

After this horrific day went to another event where lots was happening. I got a fresh photo op with actress Bridget Everett (Trainwreck) and another photo op with Julia Fox. Saw Mick Jagger and pleaded for the photo op but of course he denied. 

Went to a hotel to see what could be had but there was nothing. As the saying goes in NYC, if all else fails, go to the "easy" show spots. So, I went again for Madeline Brewer and yet again she was not performing. So, I bailed and quickly went to another show for actor Sam Robards (AI, American Beauty). He was super nice and got I others in the show. 

Went off to the next show got singer Kurt Elling and Brazilian singer Paulo Szot. Some other actors were there but they didn't come out. Then to the final show for the evening. Some of my main goals are actresses Erin Darke and Kate Burton. But there's 2 shows exiting and lots of people to get. Sadly, I'm the only pro grapher there and everyone else is regular audience so I would suffer a lot trying to get people. Because if the celeb didn't stop on the railing the idiots on the railing didn't call them over.

Luckily there was one African guy who actually knew his stuff, and I was able to get help from him to point out people. So I would show him photos of my main targets, and he was able to tell me if they walked out or hadn't walked out yet. And when I showed him Erin Drake he pointed her out to me she was just in the middle of the room chatting with someone and no one was even asking her! Same for Kate Burton. She was about to leave but thanks to this guy pointing her out I quickly went up to her and got the photo op.

Despite the struggle, the spot was a sweeping success. Besides Erin and Kate I also got Dariush Kashani (Ghost Whisperer), Stephen Kunken (The Handmaid's Tale), Natalie Gold (Birdman) and several others. This ended my evening. 

Full list of Day 2 photo ops Part 1

Full list of Day 2 photo ops Part 2


Day 3 

This is the first official day of comic con. But it starts away from comic con for actress Emilia Jones. Wait for her and she is nice as can be. Even removed the shades. Waited at another spot then headed to the Javits Center. I didn't go to a morning spot for the NCIS cast (Michael Weatherly who I have and Cote de Pablo who I need) and that would be a fatal error. More on that in a bit. 

First NYCC get is illustrator Tom Richmond from Mad and Cracked magazine. Then I get vendor guest Chris Casamassa who played Scorpion in the 1995 Mortal Kombat movie and a free photo op with vendor guest Carla Perez from Power Rangers fame. 

Next I go to the Cote de Pablo and Michael Weatherly NCIS panel. Sadly they closed the lights as they exited. I went up to Cote and her handlers were trying to stop me but she was nice. I got the op while it was pitch black and it came out blurry. I did try to fix it a little but damn I should have gone to the morning spot where they walked and did ops. 

I did a free signing for the Jujutsu Kaisen cast and got a poster signed by Adam McArthur (Yuji Itadori), Robbie Daymond (Megumi Fushiguro), Anne Yatco (Nobara Kugisaki), Kaiji Tang (Satoru Gojo), and Kayleigh McKee (Yuta Okkotsu). They were strict on no photo ops. 

I get actor Wes Chatham (with Alona Tal photo bomb) and get actor Ioan Gruffudd (Mr Fantastic in the 2005 Fantastic 4) in the paid area. Got a photo op with screen writer Genndy Tartakovsky (Dexter's Lab, Powerpuff Girls). And from the Alien Earth panel I scored 2 people out of everyone, namely Alex Lawther and Alex Lawther.

Next, I try again Madeline Brewer at her show. This time she was there looking like a million bucks signing show programs. I ask her for a photo op and she says she is sick! WTF! I am cursed with this woman! I could have chased her down the block but the security guard there has been working this venue for as long as I can remember. So I didn't dare try anything as I don't need to have a place in his memory. Got combos from other people in the show but I had them from before.

Went to the next spot for actress Betsy Aidem and she was nice. Got her and some barely valids in her show.

Emilia Jones

Cote de Pablo

Ioan Gruffudd

Full list of Day 3 photo ops


Day 4 

The starting point is some author panels at NYCC. First is Veronica Roth from Divergent fame. Got her and author Marie Lu but she declined autographs. Next up is Ann M Martin (The Baby-Sitter's Club). She was cool signed with her own pen, and I managed to squeeze in a photo op.

Then I did a free signing for Bonnie Gordon, Dan Hageman and Kevin Hageman, Brett Gray of Star Trek Prodigy fame. Easy going and they were all nice got multiple ops. Screenwriters/producers The Hageman brothers also did Hotel Transylvania and Lego Movie.

Went for author Jim Butcher (The Dresden Files) who was super nice. Then got horror actress Ruby Modine and director Mike P Nelson. Then I saw some AEW stars. Got Swerve Strickland update and an upgrade with Tony Khan. Couldn't get Dean Ambrose but that's ok I have him.

Stumbled upon people giving out free Muppet sketches. Got combos and art in the hopes that there would be a diamond in the rough but no such luck. Now here is where I botch NYCC. First botched Invincible panel cause by the time I got there it was only the moderator. 

Then I decided to bail on the Blumfest panel at the end for the "easy" show spots. No names had been announced for it but turns out Mason Thames was there. Marking my second botch on him for the week. Jason Blum, Ethan Hawke, Madeleine McGraw, Demián Bichir and Miguel Mora were all there as well. But I have all these minus Miguel Mora. 

For the show spots I go for actress Helen Shen and unlike the last time she was actually performing. She was super nice. Also got another photo op with Andrew Barth Feldman.

The final spot for the evening was for something I've failed on many times for the past 10-15 years, Bradley Cooper autographs. I got the photo op 2 or 3 times. Every time I tried to get him on my Hangover photos, either he sneaks, or he doesn't stop, and there was even a time I saw him by chance and didn't have my items. I arrive at the spot and turns out he stopped earlier in the day. Wait for him to leave he exits one building and enters another. 

The car moves to the back and wait there. Bradley Cooper exits and I manage to score a total on THREE autographs. One on my magazine and two on my Hangover 8x10s, completing them (aside from the baby). Laura Dern did nothing but thankfully I had no need for her. I got a much needed upgrade with Andra Day. Needed actress Christine Ebersole but never saw her. Overall not a bad day aside from a couple of NYCC botches. 

Full list of Day 4 photo ops


Day 5

This day starts at a hotel for the cast of the IT TV show before they head over to the Javits. Got actors Jovan Adepo, Taylour Paige, and Kimberly Guerrero plus screenwriter Jason Fuchs. A good head start as I head to the Javits. 

Get to the Javits and start with a signing for artist duo Akira Himekawa (A Honda and S Nagano). They did photos and got a signed print. Went to the IT panel and was successful. Got actor Stephen Ride (Also in Daredevil), the creator of the show Andy Muschietti (who also did a sketch) and his wife Barbara Muschietti. After the panel I scored actor Isaiah Mustafa.

After the IT cast I got 15-year-old actor Yonas Kibreab, an upgrade with Wayne Brady (no shades), and I got a better shot with Stephen Rider than in the IT panel. Now came the most mind-blowing thing. Brendan Fraser, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Annie Murphy, and Elizabeth Hurley all came through. None were announced for NYCC. WTF? 

At first, I asked Brendan because he was the only one I instantly spotted but he declined. The one I never got in this bunch is Elizabeth Hurley. So when they left, I immediately called for Hurley and she was nice! What a fantastic and unexpected score that was! Thankfully I had the other three so no loss in not getting them. 

I go to another panel and get actor Connor Ratliff (2024 Mean Girls), and I also get another photo op with Krysten Ritter while she was walking about. I had asked her earlier she said on the way back then as I was sitting down, she saw me and called me over for the photo op. What a nice lady. Not often celebs keep their promises much less go out of their way to do so. 

Then hit up the Star Trek panel. Sadly, with all the people there I had to focus on what I wanted the most. That is actor Paul Giamatti. I run to him and get him to pose for me! I'm the only one that got that. I also got actor George Hawkins but wasn't able to get much else. Even botched an actress as she agreed to pose but moved away quickly. 

After this I got actor Jack Haven (Bill and Ted Face the Music) then would try one last panel for Jurassic World: Chaos Theory but they shut the lights as they exited and wasn't able to get them or find them. FAIL! This ended my time at the Javits as I quickly went to the hotel for the Mortal Kombat II movie cast.

At the hotel a few of us are waiting and it is looking hopeless. But eventually a van comes. I chose to leave Karl Urban to those who needed him while I focused on people I needed. I got photo ops with Adeline Rudolph (Kitana) and Martyn Ford (Shao Khan). And I decided to not ask Ed Boon (co creator of Mortal Kombat) for photo ops and instead focus on autographs as I got him to sign blanks (I got the op years ago at NYCC). Told him how I was a fan since the early 90s and he thanked me.

The final late-night spot for the evening had Amy Poehler and Role Model. And randoms also show up. Both Amy Poehler and Role Model were not accommodating but thankfully I have them both. From this spot I got Mary Beth Barone and Benito Skinner. Then came actresses Annie Murphy and Kathryn Newton which are good names to get if I didn't already have them. My final op for the evening would be young actor Kam Patterson. Based on who was inside there was nothing worth me waiting for. So, I decided to call it a night and sleep.

Elizabeth Hurley

Paul Giamatti

Full list of Day 5 photo ops Part 1

Full list of Day 5 photo ops Part 2


Day 6

The final day of NYCC. And this day would be relatively laid back. My first and only panel would be Little Shop of Horrors where I hope to finally break my Madeleine Brewer curse (for those keeping track, I failed three times. Twice she wasn't performing and once she declined photo ops). In the panel were other actors from the show who I already had and composer Alan Menken (original versions of The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin). 

After the panel I finally break the damn Madeleine Brewer as she agrees to photo ops. And I get another Alan photo op as well as autographs on blanks. My final photo op at NYCC would be actress Bryce Dallas Howard (Jurassic World, Spiderman 3, 2016 Pete's Dragon, Rocketman) in the paid area. Overall, my time at NYCC 2025 was full bumps and bruises but I'm glad I went.

Despite the rain I decided to try for a couple of "easy" show spots to round off the evening. First, I go up to Nathan Darrow (Billions, Mr Freeze in Gotham). He was very nice. Next show I decide to go back and try for actress Dylan Gelula and this time she was performing. Get that photo op as well. This would be my final NYC photo op of 2025.  

Madeleine Brewer

Bryce Dallas Howard

Full list of Day 6 photo ops


Now to showcase autographs obtained:

Kamuda Art Print

Jujutsu Kaisen poster

Alan Menken, Andy Muschietti, and Ed Boon signed blanks

Ann M Martin signed books

Bradley Cooper autographs