Rhode Island Comic Con 2023 report

Initially I wasn't going to go to RICC. There were several mid-level names I wanted. But nothing too great. Then they added Carrie Anne Moss. That tipped the scale for me.

Arrive in providence and start getting ops before going to the con the next day. I get some of the X-Men voice cast and more!

I get Cal Dodd (Wolverine, fresh), Harry Lennix (Man of Steel, update sadly as I have him), David Henrie (Mall Cop 2, fresh), George Buza (Beast, fresh), Lenore Zann (Rogue, fresh), and animator Larry Houston (fresh). Wanted to get a better op with TC Carson but sadly it came out blurry. No big deal. Saw plenty of other actors walking around such as Shannon Doherty, Seth Green, Robert Smigel, and many others. But had no need to get more ops with them.

While walking outside we run into Logic. He does ops! Don't know his work but I do know the name. This ended the evening.

Logic

Full list of day 1 photo ops

After I commandeer my free parking spot, I walk to RICC. I start with comic book names. First I get Jim Salicrup who did work for Marvel. Then Jim Lawson who worked for the TMNT comics and also created the Rat King. 

Then I get actor Jordan Elsass, the only actor there from Superman and Lois appearing that I didn't have. Then I got actress Katy O'Brian (Ant Man, The Mandalorian). 

I split the pro op with Carrie Anne Moss. Unfortunately I should have gone Sunday because she did table ops and her hair was down. Big botch!

I go for Star Wars prequal names Nalini Krishan and Mary Oyaya who played the Jedi Barriss Offee and Luminara Unduli. I was on the fence for them but since the price was so good and I have so many from the prequals I got a dual shot.

Then I got Rodger Bumpass of Sponge Bob fame. He was also in the Arnold movie The Running Man. Then it was off to more X-Men voice actors! I got Chris Potter (Gabmit), Alyson Court (Jubilee, Lydia in Beetlejuice cartoon, Clair in Resident Evil), Alison Sealy-Smith (Storm), Ron Rubin (Morph), Adrian Hough (Nightcrawler).

With the bulk of my meets behind me, I then get Dorothy Lyman (Mama's Family) and Lauren Tom (Futurama, King of the Hill). Then get another X-Men voice actor Chris Britton (Mister Sinister). 

Then go to Paige Turco AKA April O'Neil in the Secret of the Ooze. Unfortunately, I upset her when I was trying to direct a photo op that was splitable. It lead to an unpleasant scenario but I do it all the time with other celebs. As a paying customer you should have a say. Don't know why she got so upset with me. But I did get the op. Last op I got was with actress Kimiko Glenn. 

I went back to Jim Lawson to get an autograph (which was free). He normally sketches a turtle with his autograph but I asked him to sketch the Rat King. I wanted to get an op with Marvel artist Joe St Pierre but he wouldn't remove the mask making the op worthless.

Carrie Anne Moss

Lauren Tom

Full list of day 2 photo ops part 1

Full list of day 2 photo ops part 2

Jim Lawson Autograph

Post Chiller meets in NYC, including miracle info

With chiller done, it was off to NYC. I hit up the "easy" show spot. My goal is actor Sean McGinley who was in Braveheart. And he was super nice. I also get other actors before and after him. None I'm too familiar with. Namely, Raffi Barsoumian, Mary Wiseman, Oona Roche, Owen Campbell, John Keating, Erin Wilhelmi. Most of those are young and have been in stuff so the potential is there. In the case of Raffi he has his eye closed in the shot I asked for another take and he claimed it's his thing to close his eye when flashed. So my second shot is basically the same as the first. After this was done I tried for Melissa Ethridge again since there was nothing else I could do at that point but she doesn't come out. 

Now there was one final spot for the evening, but I didn't have the information. All my usual contacts in NYC were out of commission. I didn't know what to do at that point. Do I go to try and bust my ass off to get the info myself (and possibly fail), or do I call it a night, park my car, and sleep. Figuring I'm too old for this, I lean towards calling it a night. Before the final decision, I decide to go to Taco Bell to get some food. 

While in Taco Bell I run into a Master and his minion who just came from a successful Daniel Radcliffe rack fest (I guess I should have been there instead). I shoot the breeze with them and they tell me about a lady photog who is on her way to Taco Bell to eat. This was a miracle from the combo Gods, because this lady always has the info for that spot. So she arrives and I plead to her to share the info for the next spot. She goes "are you driving?" and I go "absolutely". The combo Gods sure looked out for me here! I walked into the right Taco Bell to get some food and I got the info I was looking for. This could not have been planned! After we all ate, it was off to the next spot. 

It is off to a good start as I get a photo op with HER. I know of her and saw her in a movie though I'm not too familiar with her work. She was very nice. Foo Fighters are out and about. Grohl does nothing. But I manage to score Chris Shiflett who I failed on in the past! This completes my Foo Fighters photo op wise. I actually neglected to bring my album which needed just him however he likely wouldn't have signed it anyway as he doesn't normally sign. I saw other Foo Fighters but had no real need to bother them but I got another op with (Nate Mendel.

Besides HER and Foo Fighters, at this spot I get Jeff Ross (update), Mikey Day (update), Punkie Johnson (update), Michael Che (update), Chloe Fineman (update), Michael Longfellow (fresh), John Mulaney (update), James Austin Johnson (fresh), Keegan-Michael Key (update), Andrew Dismukes (fresh), Padma Lakshmi (update), Marcello Hernandez (update), John Radzinski (fresh), and Sarah Sherman (fresh). 

While all this was going on Chris Rock came out. He was being nicer than usual. Since I didn't need an op I got an autograph but he was doing ops. HER also came out and I got an autograph from her. 

I'd say overall a solid haul to end the evening.

Sean McGinley

HER

Full list of photo ops part 1

Full list of photo ops part 2

Autographs

Next day would sadly be pretty lackluster. I try for Dominique Thorne and Lucy Devito but never see them. Go try Dianne Wiest exiting but she is nowhere in sight, probably snuck out. 

Since there is nothing else to do, I figured I'd go improve my photo with Eric McCormack. While it lets out turns out Jason Alexander is there. Great name but I have him. I get an update. While waiting for Eric I also get an update with Laura Bell Bundy plus other names. This ended my time in NYC.

Full list of photo ops

Chiller Theater Halloween 2023 report

In the end of October I would attend Chiller. Prices are sky high but with all kinds of splits with multiple people and skipping some names I managed to make it through Chiller. My main want there is Peter Billingsley AKA Ralphie. Unfortunately he is pro only which put a damper in things. I really hate pro ops.

First up I get Brett Butler (Grace Under Fire). Then another top want from the con, Kevin Dillon (Platoon, The Doors). After that a dual shot with Stanley Livingston and Tina Cole (My Three Sons). Then Darlene Vogel (Back to the Future II), Norbert Weisser (Hocus Pocus, The Thing), Michael Swan (F13th part 4), and Kristen Cloke (Final Destination).

I go to the Christmas Story room where I need RD Robb. He was also a voice actor in the He-Man and She-Ra Christmas special. Anyone vintage Filmation is awesome to get. I get the photo op. Then I get a free update with Ian Petrella of Christmas Story fame.

I then go to the pro op session of Peter Billingsley. I opted for the solo shot to save money since I have ops with all the other kids from the movie. There was also an event in NYC for Sofia Coppola that would have potentially conflicted with the Peter pro op, but thankfully I decided to sit that one out because Sofia did not stop (spoiler alert, I would try again for her in the future). After the con I got a photo op with Harrison Page (Lionheart).

Peter Billingsley

Full list of day 1 Chiller ops

Day 2 starts off with Swedish actress and model Christina Lindberg. Then Jeremy Davies (Helter Skelter), and Erika Anderson (A Nightmare on Elm Street 5, Twin Peaks). After this I go for a vintage Disney voice actress. Namely Mimi Gibson from 101 Dalmatians! Then Cynthia Pepper who co starred in a movie with Elvis. Then another vintage Disney name, original member of the Mickey Mouse club, Sharon Baird! I get a photo op with a Mickey Mouse Club book that I brought. 

On to wait for Emmanuel Lewis from Webster. Get a photo with him. Then it was off to the Willy Wonka room. I have ops with Peter Ostrum and Jule Dawn Cole but they are bad table shots. Since I had splitters no time like the present to upgrade. Also Peter has no facial hair and in my previous shot he has a mustache so that was another reason to upgrade. Ended my time at Chiller with Karen Grassle (Little House on the Prairie). 

Sharon Baird

Emmanuel Lewis

Peter Ostrum

Full list of day 2 Chiller ops

Scattered meets throughout October: Kevin Feige, Jeffrey Katzenberg, Paul Reiser, and more

Kick off October similar to how I ended September. With Martin Sheen. The reason I wanted to go was for actress Melissa Fitzgerald. I already have her and wasn't planning to hit up that spot. But in my op with Melissa she is squinting and I saw someone get a shot where she's not squinting. So I thought I could upgrade that and in the process get another autograph from Martin.

Wait for the spot to let out, Melissa is nice as can be. Sadly she is squinting again in my shot. SMH. I got another combo with Martin Sheen. 

Melissa Fitzgerald

Martin Sheen

Autograph

Next up to Books and Greeting in Jersey for Geri Halliwell. I got the book signed, a vinyl signed, and of course the photo op. This marks my second ever Spice Girl. Sadly this means I now started a project. ughhhhh! 

Geri Halliwell

Autographs

Then to a venue for singer Leigh Nash. She is the lead singer of Sixpence None the Richer who sang late 90s hits such as Kiss Me and There She Goes. She was nice and sweet as can be. 

Leigh Nash

Then another venue for an actor that has eluded me for years. I've either missed him or he denied me. Paul Reiser who was in Aliens and My Two Dads (in fact the only one of the main 3 of that show that I am still missing). Waited and came out barely did a combo per person. Success!

Paul Reiser

Autograph

On a day towards the end of October, I would hit up CSA show. There were 3 celebs there I could get. Kyle Davis (F13th 2009), Daniel Zacapa (The Sandlot), and Alexis Knapp (Pitch Perfect). Got them all no issue. I tried to mooch ops with sports names Bernard King and Allen Iverson (since they have been in movies) but to no avail. Though I would later find out Iverson did free ops outside after his appearance.

Go to the next spot where I'm waiting for Kevin Feige, producer of the MCU. While waiting we are told that Dave Filoni of Star Wars fame is supposed to show. This excited us big time! First up got composer Michael Giacchino (update), then finally Kevin shows up as is nice as can be. I get him on items already signed by the Russo Brothers. Then get director Michael Mayer. We wait for Dave and never see him so we assume he's not coming.

I go to the next spot for singer Martha Reeves (Martha and the Vandellas). She comes out and is nice even removing her hoodie for the photo op. 

Sadly I would later find out that Dave Filoni did indeed show up. PUNCH! He must have come through a different entrance. 

Alexis Knapp

Kevin Feige

Martha Reeves

Full list of photo ops

Kevin Feige autographs part 1

Kevin Feige autographs part 2

A few days later I go to another spot where you basically stand and see who shows up as you never find out who is there till the event has almost started. B52s were known in advance but never saw them (I still need Fred from that band). It is off to a good start as I get producer and former Disney chairman Jeffrey Katzenberg. Some great Neo Classics were done under his belt either as producer or chairman. Movies as The Black Cauldron, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, The Nightmare Before Christmas, The Lion King, Shrek, Shrek 2, to name some. 

Unfortunately it was downhill from here. I got John Stankey (CEO of AT&T, who cares), actor John Leguizamo (already have a few ops), singer The Kid LAROI (never heard of him before I got the op), singer Vance Joy (never heard of him before I got the op), and John Kerry (have him and don't even care to begin with).

Jeffrey Katzenberg

Full list of photo ops

The week of multi events and multi cons in multi states

The week of New York Comic Con in October had tons of events and tons of cons happening all over. There was no way one could swing everything. No matter what route you go, you will miss something. I ended up doing what seemed both logistically and financially feasible and getting what I could get. 

No rest for the weary as I was just a couple of days after Bob Odenkirk at Bookends, I ended up back to Bookends for the Arnold singing. I had no ticket to meet him, but that's ok cause I have two ops with him and had no need for bearded old man Arnold. I wound up having someone get a book signed for me. Then it was off to NYC.

I get into the city to the "easy" show spot where I missed a couple of names a few days ago. Got Bobby Cannavale to sign for me (no need to ask for another op), I got Denis O'Hare to sign and do the op (fresh), and I got autos from David Hyde Pierce. The spot (and evening) ends with an update from actor Steven Pasquale. Director Joe Mantello remembered me from the other night.

Next day start up at NYCC. This year due to the strike NYCC was not very lucrative. A lot of paid meets and almost no free meets. So I decided to sell my 4 day pass for a profit. I then bought a Thursday pass off of ebay for slightly below retail. I start outside as I get an op with actress Diana Lee Inosanto. Considering she was on my list of people to possibly pay for, a good start. 

Went inside and stood in line for a free Futurama signing with a bunch of the writers from the show. The signing was nice and smooth as I got free combos with Peter Avanzino, Edmund Fong, Crystal Chesney-Thompson, Claudia Katz, Lee Supercinski, and David X. Cohen. Then via split I get an upgrade with Juliet Landau from Buffy and Angel (she has shades in my old op).

Then I go to the Animaniacs panel in an attempt to get a photo op with Tom Ruegger. But I fail on that front. Then I go to his table and manage to score a free op. Next up the panel with director Renny Harlin (Cliffhanger, Die Hard 2). I met him at a previous NYCC but I figured I'd get an upgraded shot plus autos. This went very smoothly as he was nice. Also got producer Courtney Solomon. Then I go back outside to wait for director Jason Blum. Manage to score him and get another photo op with Diane Guerrero.

I left NYCC and went to another spot to try and get Nathan Lane. Other people were present but no one I really needed. I arrive there and made it just in time. But sadly he blanks. I get yet another photo op with John Mulaney.

Go to the next spot to wait for Adam Driver and Penelope Cruz. It was either this or exits for the Nathan Lane spot. So I chose this. Wait and wait with a mob of combo hunters. Eventually they come in. Penelope does autos no ops going in and Adam stops for autos. By MIRACLE I get the only photo op Adam did! SCORE as he was the last big name I still needed from the sequel Star Wars trilogy! Waited for exits and got an update/upgrade with Penelope Cruz as Adam left and did nothing.

Go to the last spot for the evening and get some autos from JJ Abrams (no need for another op). 

Denis O'Hare

Juliet Landau

Adam Driver

Penelope Cruz

Full list of Day 1 photo ops

Full list of Day 2 photo ops

Autographs

Futurama poster

Arnold book

The next day it was off to Gettysburg, PA for actor Billy Campbell. Arrive at the first location where he and Stephen Lang are doing a signing. They were trying to forbid items outside of the movie Gettysburg. But Billy is nice as can be and Lang begrudgingly does one for me (didn't need another photo op with him especially the bad mood he was in).

To the next signing at a pub, I get a combo with Gettysburg director Ron Maxwell (on my laserdisc already signed by the main actors), actor Brian Mallon, and actor John Rothman. Then the next location I get actors Bo Brinkman and Patrick Gorman. Then the next spot I get author Jeff Shaara. And finally the last spot for Maxwell Caulfield and James Lancaster (have Maxwell but needed James) but the event was done by the time I got there. 

Off to King of Prussia, PA for the Ozzy event. I had no plans to spend money on Ozzy or his family (already have Ozzy and Sharon). All I got at this event were free ops with actor David Dastmalchian and horror publisher Jim Warren. 

I wanted to get the 2 girls from the new Exorcist (Lidya Jewett and Olivia O Neill). But they had a high auto price with free ops. In what is one of the most baffling experiences, I offered the handler half that price for only the op and she outright refused. The entire time I was there the girls were doing basically nothing, even leaving the table and playing around the con area. In fact the whole time I was there I think JOresky was their only customer. Yet they refused my hard cash for simply snapping a photo. Before leaving and as they were packing up I offered them one last chance to take my money and they declined. Doesn't seem like a good business decision on their part to let cash like that walk away.

At this point it was decision time. Do I go to NYC for one more day of NYCC or do I go home? I had a seller for a Saturday pass. But with the price of the pass coupled with expensive photo ops and practically no free ops and on top of that Chiller, RICC, and other stuff coming up, I decided to go home and live to fight another day.

Billy Campbell

David Dastmalchian

Full list of Day 3 photo ops

Autographs

Wake up next day and head to Nightmare Weekend in Richmond. My final event for the week in the week of a million events. My main goal is Joe Dante, director of Gremlins. First up I get actor Griffin Dunne to complete my American Werewolf in London laserdisc and get the fresh op. Then a free op with radio host Dave Schrader. Actor Ian McCulloch is sitting by himself, unlike the Exorcist girls he actually cuts a deal with me and takes half the price for an op only. 

The Chiodo Brothers (3 brothers who did a lot of puppets and effects for films) were there signing. I scored a free photo op with all 3. And finally got Joe Dante. I had a Gremlins laserdisc signed by Stephen Spielberg. But after much thought I decided to save money on the auto and keep the item a Spielberg only item.

Joe Dante

Full list of Day 4 photo ops

Signed laserdisc

I got SHOT THROUGH THE HEART in NJ and NYC in October

In early October I decided to try a spot for Bon Jovi. It was a big risk because I had no idea if Bon Jovi would even show up to the spot. But if he did show up, he has stopped for people waiting in the past. To add to all this risk, the weather called for rain. But I also had other stuff I could do including a Bob Odenkirk book signing. So after much thought I decided to take the risk. This plan meant I had to skip Stellar con in Maryland. 

Wait at the Jon Bon Jovi spot and I'm joined by markedout member Greg2600 and other NYC combo hunters. We wait and eventually he does show up and takes care of everyone on the railing. It was quite a surreal sight to see Bon Jovi, who is normally a dick, do multi combos for all waiting. It may be the most I've seen any big name ever do for free.

After this I head to Yonkers, NY for a bottle signing with Glenn Howerton and Charlie Day. Some signings included Rob McElhenney too, but Charlie Day (Horrible Bosses 1&2, Monsters University, Luigi in The Super Mario Bros movies, and more) was the only one I needed as I had the other two. Markedout board members Greg2600 and Lanza would join here. Go to the bottle signing, go through the line, stand next to Charlie, get the photo op! Success! 

I then head to NYC to a spot with actress/director Rebecca Miller and actress Marisa Tomei (the latter whom I have). My hope was that Rebecca's husband Daneil Day Lewis would show up. But sadly no luck on that front. Marisa came in and blanked and Rebecca came in and I got the fresh op. I should have been at this spot the prior evening as Anne Hathaway did combos and I need her on items (plus the op would have been a nice upgrade).

Next up, I hit up the "easy" show spots in NYC. First spot I wanted actress Marylouise Burke (Sideways, Meet Joe Black). The spot lets out, I get Christina Kirk and others and finally Marylouise Burke as she exits. She is nice as can be. 

Next spot has lots of names. I needed actor Denis O'Hare and others. I went inside not knowing at the time they actually set up a railing at that spot. There I spotted and got actress and singer Tracie Bennett. After this I saw they had it setup and sadly missed two names I wanted that already went through. Denis O'Hare who I never met and Bobby Cannavale who I met but had items for. But I got Micaela Diamond, David Hyde Pierce (repeat), Amber Gray, Rachel Bay Jones, director Joe Mantello, Patti LuPone, and Jeremy Shamos. I would have to come back in the future to get what I missed.

Jon Bon Jovi

Charlie Day

Full list of photo ops

Next day I attend the Bob Odenkirk signing with his daughter at Bookends in NJ. Never met Bob. This was quick and easy. Sadly he did extras and I stupidly had none. Maryland combo hunter Joe C kinda photobombed my Bob shot, so I got another. 

Bob Odenkirk take 1

Erin Odenkirk

Bob Odenkirk take 2

Autographs

Last round of September meets

The last day of September I would start with a flight for actress Lynn Whitfield (Stepmom, Head of State). She arrives and is very nice. Signs and does photos no issue. 

Then wait at the hotel for the band The Whispers. There's two originals and one semi original. Wait for them to leave for their show. First up are the twins, Wallace and Walter Scott. They are very nice and happy to do ops. Then Leaveil Degree who is also super nice. 

After this I go to another venue I wait for singer and actress Freda Payne. She comes out and is as accommodating as can be. Signs and does photos. This is sadly where the nice and friendly ends. 

Because I would try for actor/rapper Bow Wow at one spot and the venue employees were being assholes even trying to say they own the sidewalk. After a curse fest I leave this venue to go to the second venue. In this venue the staff is more civilized, but he declines 3 of us waiting. 

Full list of photo ops

Autographs

Some scattered meets throughout September

Kick off September with Ben Gibbard, lead singer of Death Cab for Cutie. Unfortunately he is a complete dick. Had a mask, wouldn't remove it, and wouldn't even sign 8x10s I had only would sign albums. 

Distraught with this, I go to a theater for Tommy Wiseau from The Room. Not really someone I am a fan of, but so many love to meet him and I'm in town after the Ben Gibbard failure so I thought might as well.

He did nothing going in then at the merch table had a glass pane! WTF? TWICE covid reared its head in one day in September 2023?? HOW! BUT manage to convince him to come around. 

Ben Gibbard

Tommy Wiseau

Tommy Wiseau

Next up, a day for some music meets. First up, wait for Billy Idol. I have him but always good to get more autos from him. While waiting I see Steve Stevens and I get an update/upgrade with him. Billy Idol came and signs. Thankfully I have a perfect shot so could focus on autographs. 

Then to a venue where I try for Scott Stapp of the band Creed. After the venue lets out I get some barely valids and finally Scott Stapp who was nice.

Full list of photo ops

Autographs

Then I go to a flight for actor Patton Oswalt. See him wearing a mask. Ask him to remove it for the photo which he does. Signs only one per. Then I head to a comedy venue for Gary Owen. Go inside and he is doing a meet and greet. Also grab the opener (whoever he is).

Patton Oswalt

Gary Owen

scrub

Autograph

Next up a flight for Meagan Good and Jonathan Majors. They were both super nice, I shot the breeze with them about the previous times I met them. I reminded Meagan about the Autistic French Canadian at NYCC that planted a kiss on her. She said she "vaguely" remembers that. 

On to an event for Mark and Patricia McCloskey, who are famous for holding a gun on blm rioters. Got up to them and they even had 5x7 photos that they give out to get signed. I told them that I had my own 8x10s. They told me how they get TTM requests from all over the world even Russia and China.

Then to a venue for 3 Soprano actors. Vincent Pastore, Michael Imperioli, and Steve Schirripa. Met Vincent need the rest. The venue is huge and has like 7 or 8 entry points. Could never figure out how they entered or if they entered before or after I got there.

Wait for exits, it was hell because it was raining. People exited. See Vincent exit from the same door as the audience and get a photo. Time passes and it's looking hopeless as the staff says they are gone. Not long after the other two come out a door the same side as the audience door and I manage to grab photos! It was a tough one especially since everyone got in regular cars.

Mark McCloskey and Patricia McCloskey

Full list of photo ops

Autographs part 1

Autographs part 2

Another flight, this time for Vonda Shepard, who song the Ally McBeal theme song. She had a mask on. I tried asking for a photo she denied. I explained that I wanted a selfie not a pap shot. She took the mask off and did a photo.

Vonda Shepard

And lastly, went for a Martin Sheen flight. This was to get an autograph since I have the photo. This flight was a rare occurrence as I would be joined by markedout member Greg2600 and former board member heelorton. While waiting we randomly see Herbie Hancock flying in. So we get ops. Finally, Martin shows up. He does photos and autos. I get an autograph.

After this I go to an evening show to try for actress and singer Katelyn Tarver. She does a meet and greet after the show. While waiting I see singer Jack Gray who. Not familiar with him but I get an op. Then get Katelyn who was nice as can be.

Herbie Hancock

Jack Gray

Katelyn Tarver

Katelyn Tarver

Autograph

A few movie meets and a music legend

Start off a day with an event with some movie names. I enter the hotel where the event is at and my first get is actor Ramon Rodriguez (Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen). He was cool. Then I get director Angel Manuel Soto (Blue Beetle). And finally get actress Camila Morrone. I didn't like my shot so I waited more till she left the event to go to the bathroom. On her way back I got another shot. She was super nice. Eugenio Derbez was also there but I didn't need to wait for him since I have him.

Later that evening I went to a spot for legendary singer Peter Gabriel. I was very nervous at this spot because it's the type where they can kick you out and many times they do. So I had to hide and stay as low key as possible till the time was right. There used to be a black woman who used to come out and scream at graphers. We used to refer to this spot as "the one with the crazy lady". She has since left. But tons of workers there who can still yell at you and bully you.  

I see his vehicle, it's the witching hour. I get out of my car. Literally I am shaking and can hear my own heartbeat as I approach and I'm nervous that someone is going to yell at me. Shockingly no one does and workers just look on. I ask a man who has Peter's build for an op but turns out not to be him when I see the face. Then I finally see Peter and ask for the photo and he graciously accepts. I ask for autographs and he signs two for me. I promptly left. This went smoother than I would have ever imagined. 

Ramon Rodriguez

Angel Manuel Soto

Camila Morrone

Peter Gabriel

Autographs

New York City and surrounding areas in September

Day 1

After much decision making, I decided to start a multi-day trek in the NYC area with a Bernie Taupin signing at Books and Greetings in Jersey. He was the song writer for Elton John. The book signing was smooth but he didn't do extras. Got the photo op and signed book.

After this it was off to NYC. I hit up the "easy" NYC show spots. First spot is for actors Ron Canada (National Treasure, Ted 2) and Bryan Batt (Mad Men). Get Bryan first, then Marcia Cross who I have. Photo didn't turn out good and the second take she purposely looked away cause of the flash. But I didn't care since I have her already. Then get Ron. Everyone here was nice. 

For the second spot, my goal was Vanessa Bell Calloway (Coming to America) and Leslie Odom Jr. I get Kenny Leon, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Kara Young, and finally Leslie Odom who is doing mask shots. I wait till it clears out then ask him to remove the mask for the op. He agrees but I get a no good photobomber.

Go to my last spot for the night to see what can be had. I see Erin Moriarty with her dog but she does nothing. I already have her anyway. It's slow otherwise. I get actors Evan Mock, and Young Mazino, and I get an update with Lana (after I previously paid for her at a wrestling con, ughhhh).

Bernie Taupin

Vanessa Bell Calloway

Full list of Day 1 photo ops

Day 2

Wake up and go to a spot and get hockey player Henrik Lundqvist on my way to my first spot for the day. My first spot I try a spot for Carrie Underwood but she garages. 

Next spot I would get results. First actor Geoffrey Cantor (update) then Carrie Preston and Michael Emerson. Carrie has shades but I have no shades shots with her from before. Michael is a fresh name. Then I get Oscar Isaac (update), actress Michelle Hurd and her sister Adrienne Hurd (both fresh), Mike Doyle (fresh), Jaimie Alexander (shades, but agian I have her), and actress Jill Hennessy (fresh, Robocop 3). I missed actress Ellen Barkin but it's ok I have her already.

Then to the next spot to see what could be had. I see Erin Moriarty checking out. I get my third photo op with her. It's funny cause I hear how so many NYC combo hunters have trouble with her, yet this is my third shot without even trying. Wish I were so lucky with so many other names everyone but me seems to have. Then get more repeat shots, this time with Jessica Chastain and Jenna Bush Hager. 

Go to the "easy" show spots. First spot I get Peter Friedman. He was in some episodes of the Muppet Show, and in Single White Female, among other things. And I get Sydney Lemmon (Fear the Walking Dead). I then go for Melissa Etheridge but she doesn't stop. In the final spot I look for Roger Bart but don't see him. I get some barely valids. 

Full list of Day 2 photo ops

Day 3

Back to Jersey this time at Bookends for a Millie Bobby Brown book event. This went smoothly and was pre signed books plus a pro photo (which I'm not a fan of because they are low resolution uploads). It was a quick meet, but I got the upgrade/update over my old photo op. 

Back to NYC where I try for singer Owl City at a venue but sadly we never see him. I then try entry for Melissa Etheridge. I make it as she is pulling in but she doesn't do the photo with me but signs for others. I'm having a harder time getting this woman than I should. 

Next up I go to a spot for actress Melissa Barrera from Scream fame. Got into the venue and she is nice. I also got her sister Mayelah. 

Back to the "easy" show spot where I meet up with markedout's Greg2600 and we are waiting for Roger Bart. Finally see him and he is nice. Back to try for Owl City but again he is a ghost and we never see him.

Millie Bobby Brown

Melissa Barrera

Mayelah Barrera

Roger Bart

Day 4

Next day I sleep instead of attending a Millie Bobby Brown pop up event. That was a dumb move on my part because she did photo ops MUCH better than at Bookends and you could use your own camera.  PUNCH! Then I go for Melissa Etheridge again and this time she remembers me from the previous 2 times. She signs an 8x10 and I plead for the op she says "ok just because I'm in a good mood". Of course after I get her she starts doing ops most every night (spoiler alert I would go for an upgrade in the future). 

I go to the next spot for an event for the movie King of Knives. I look up the cast and there's a couple of decent names. But no indication on who will be at the event. I successfully mooch into the event to watch the q&a so now I knew who to look for. The only solid name was actress Mel Harris. Got the photo with her plus others. 

Wait for actor Philip Ettinger and get him as he enters. Then I get an upgrade with actor Dante Basco (Hook), a fresh photo with actor Paolo Montalban, and actress KC Concepcion. JK Simmons was due but I have him so I left to try an "easy" show spot (JK didn't even stop from what I heard). At this spot my main want is actress Nicole Ari Parker (Boogie Nights). It was a little bit of a struggle but I got her as she came out an she signed my program. I also got actor Jon Michael Hill (Elementary) who was super nice plus some barely valids. This ended my night.

Mel Harris

Dante Basco

Paolo Montalban

Nicole Ari Parker

Full list of Day 4 photo ops

Day 5

My final day I would try for actress Amy Ryan. Figured may as well do one last thing before leaving the city. I don't spot her entering but I get her on exits along with actor Mike Doyle (upgrade from a couple of days ago where he had shades). I also get actor Kevin Kreider. 

Kevin Kreider

Mike Doyle

Amy Ryan

Autographs obtained

It was an ORDINARY WORLD in RIO as I was HUNGRY LIKE A WOLF

I feel these guys deserve their own report. I went for the band Duran Duran, who sang hits such as Rio, Ordinary World, and Hungary Like a Wolf. All four current members are original/core member. Missing just one member (Andy Taylor) who is battling cancer. 

I go to the hotel and wait. I actually see the main guy, Simon Le Bon! From what I hear he retired from autographs so I ask for the op. Sadly it's not the best op as he is looking at me and not at the camera. Wait some more and I see Roger Taylor. He's nice as can be, takes the photo and signs. More combo hunters join. Thankfully Simon makes his return and this time I get a proper photo op. 

Wait even more, see John Taylor and he is nice as can be. Signs and does photos. At this point it's getting late and sadly we never see Nick Rhodes. So, the other combo hunters leave, and I'm getting ready to leave. But wait! I see a car pull up. I wait to see who comes out, turns out it's Simon and Nick! YES!! I was so close to calling it and Nick shows up! I get the photo op and he signs for me. Sadly he ruins one of my 8x10s by signing over another auto. Oh well I guess if he shows up he can ruin me an 8x10. 

Overall a success and I'm happy to get this legendary group who has such awesome hits under their belt.

Simon Le Bon take 1

Roger Taylor

Simon Le Bon take 2

John Taylor

Nick Rhodes

Autographs

September cons: Mid Atlantic Nostalgia and Baltimore Comic Con

For cons in September, I would do two cons in the same weekend. First off, Mid Atlantic Nostalgia show. Unfortunately my #1 want from this show canceled. Nicolas Hammond AKA Spiderman. With that gone I would still need the Bond girls and other names.

At this con I would get Sivi Aberg (60s Batman), Diane Baker (The Net, The Cable Guy), Ellen Bry (stunts in Reeves Superman, Deep Impact), Tara Buckman (The Cannonball Run), Kristina Wayborn (Octopussy), Lynn-Holly Johnson (For Your Eyes Only), Kathleen Beller (Godfather II), Mary Stavin (Octopussy, A View to Kill), and Inga Neilsen (60s Batman). I would end this con with a free op with Chris M Allport.

Full list of photo ops

Next day I go to Baltimore Comic Con where I would get lots of comic book names. I would have to run around a lot but I would manage to get most everything I wanted. My main goals were Louise Simonson (met her before but needed her on my Death of Superman book and Superman comics) and Jon Bogdanove who created the character Steel (fresh meet, need autos on my Death of Superman books, Superman comics). 

First up I get Louise Simonson to sign my Death of Superman books and Superman comics. Then get an updated shot with her and her husband Walt Simonson (Robocop vs Terminator comics). Then on to my main want, Jon Bogdanove. Signed my Death of Superman books and Superman comics plus the op! Success! 

Forgot to get Bob McLeod to sign my Superman comic at Steel City Con, so I rectified that here and got another op. Then got ops with Terry Kavanagh (Spiderman) and Howard Mackie (Ghost Rider). Had Ghost Rider comics for Howard but didn't want to pay. Then got an op with Jan Duursema who did work for Star Wars comics. She gave me a free signed flyer. 

Then get a photo with Mike Grell (Green Lantern) and go to my other top want for the day, Michael Dooney of TMNT fame. He did work on the comics and even did the artwork that was used for the first NES game. Signed a comic and NES cover printout for me and did the op.

Then got an op with Marc Hempel (The Sandman). Then Todd Dezago who also signed my Spiderman comic plus the op. Then got the op with Adam Hughes (Wonderman, Catwoman). Got cinematographer Mark Irwin (Robocop 2, Scary Movie 3, many others) and an upgrade  photo op with Brian Michael Bendis (Spiderman, Avangers).

Goeff Johns, who did work on DC comic books and produced some DC comic book movies, had an expensive $100 ticket that gave you 4 autos and a signed print. I befriended someone in line and he just let me hang with him and gave me 2 of his auto tickets. And I got the op. I told him I'd hold his spot for him to find an item to get signed in the con area. Even offered him the blank photo paper I got signed. He just wanted his 2 comics signed and nothing else. Offered him money and he wouldn't even accept money from me. 

Then go to Barry Kitson who signed my Superman comics plus the op. Got Arthur Adams (X-Men) and lastly got Mark Waid again. I got him before but he signs one free comic per person. So I got another Flash comic book signed.

Overall it went pretty smoothly. Daredevil artist Lee Weeks canceled. And I never managed to see Garth Ennis from The Boys. Money wise I paid Bob McLeod $10 to sign my comic book and paid $10 total for Barry Kitson to sign 4 comics. So I spent $20 total on this con. Eat your heart out inflation! 

Full list of photo ops

Death of Superman, added Jon Bogdanove and Louise Simonson

Misc Superman comics signed by Barry Kitson and others added Jon Bogdanove, and Louise Simonson

Spiderman signed by Todd Dezago, Flash signed by Mark Waid, TMNT signed by Michael Dooney

Geoff Johns autographs

Some Scattered meets throughout August

First goal is Gavin Rossdale the lead singer of the band Bush. Sadly he's the only original member of Bush. I arrive at the spot and Jay Z is leaving but I don't bother doing anything. And indeed it is fruitless as he garages out. 

First I get Nik Hughes, the drummer of Bush since 2019. He was nice. Then I see Dave Chappelle leaving who was doing nothing for any graphers asking. But I didn't bother and just watched him get in the car with his family as I already have a few ops with him. 

Finally get Gavin and he is nice as can be. Signs and does photos. And get Chris Traynor, the guitarist since 2002. Sadly was not able to get Corey Britz, the bassist since 2010 as he got in the car before I could ask. But got Gavin so mission accomplished. 

Nik Hughes

Gavin Rossdale

Chris Traynor

Autographs

Next up actress Maria Bamford from Stuart Little 2 and Adventure Time. She was nice as can be when I asked her.

Maria Bamford

Then I go for actress and comedian Cristela Alonzo from Cars 3 and the Laundromat. She was walking from her hotel to a restaurant and was nice.

Cristela Alonzo

And finally went for William Goldsmith the original drummer of Foo Fighters. He was in the first couple of albums before Taylor Hawkins. I went up to him and he begrudgingly did a combo as I get him to complete the first Foo Fighters album already signed by the other 3!

William Goldsmith

Autograph

August cons: Steel City, Station Unity, and more

First con in August is Maryland Pop and Horror in Maryland. I go there and get one name. Former child actor Oliver Robins from Poltergeist fame. Quick and easy.

Oliver Robins take 1

Oliver Robins take 2

Next up, a weekend with both Station Unity in Maryland and Steel City Con in Pittsburg. First up, Station Unity. Get Erica Cerra (Hera in Percy Jackson, Blade: Trinity), then Salli Richardson who voiced Elisa Maza in Gargoyles, one of my main wants from the con. Then my top want from the con, Matt Hill AKA Captain N!

Then get Travis Wester from Eurotrip, Isaac C Singleton from Pirates of the Caribbean, Ingvild Deila who was Princess Leia in Rogue One, and finally Chase Masterson from Star Trek fame.

Full list of Station Unity photo ops

Then I drive to Pittsburg for Steel City Con. First up, Bill Morrison who worked on The Simpsons comics. Then Patricia Velasquez from the Mummy, one of my main wants. Then get Josie Bissett from Melrose Place. Then got actor Zachary Gordon. Then rapper Method Man. Not really a name I'm a huge fan of, more of a big name I know who he is. And finally my other main want, Warwick Davis. I met him at Star Wars Celebration over 10 years ago but I don't like my photo op with him, so I was happy to upgrade it. And due to commissions I had the op was paid for. As a bonus, I got a photo op with his wife Samantha Davis. She was in some of his movies and was happy to do ops. I also met David Faustino and Katey Sagal again but only got the autos I was commissioned for. Same for Billy Dee Williams.

Patricia Velasquez

Warwick Davis

Samantha Davis

Full list of Steel City photo ops

Last con for August was Fairfax Comic Con in Virginia. I only got Marvel comics artist Mark Mckenna and actress Maria Canals Barrera (Hawk girl voice actress). 

Mark Mckenna

Maria Canals Barrera

Kicking off August in New York City for a major tune!

When it comes to film composers, I seem to have done pretty well. I have the combo with John Williams. I have the combo with Danny Elfman. So it was fitting that I would try to complete this trifecta with Alan Silvestri, the composer of the iconic Back to the Future theme song. So I decided to go to NYC with the intent of doing just that. 

So I arrive in NYC, go to the spot. The venue has a front and a back. I hang at the front then check the back. I see 3 people waiting in the back. They are in the "special" realm. I then leave the back for the front. I missed Bob Gale but it's ok I have him. Come back 5 minutes later to the back, turns out I just missed Alan stopping by minutes! I made it to NYC on time but was one upped by literal retards. That is quite the PUNCH. So now I would have to wait for exits. 

While waiting there's a spot for singer Elle King. My previous experience with her, she wasn't nice or accommodating. So I wasn't too keen on waiting, and I told Vanessa the Jersey Shore stalker as much. I then get a call apparently Elle King wants to talk to me. I quickly rush there. Elle King is there with her mother and wants to know why I said she wasn't nice. So I explained to her what happened years ago where she did a couple of people on the railing and not much else. And she apologized. And I asked if we could do a photo now and she did a photo with me. 

Now it's time for exits at the main spot. I see Alan come out and fight my way through the crowd and score the money shot right there! Success! I also get him to sign my Who Framed Roger Rabbit laserdisc. While there I would get other photo ops. Randomly spotted is singer Jon Secada! Nice as can be. His daughter is performing that's why he was here. Also got director John Rando and some other barely valid actors. 

Go to the next spot where I get author Michael Klastorin. Actor Adam Godley is randomly spotted and I get him. Sadly it's just an update. Huey Lewis comes out. Get a combo with him (sadly just an update as well). Alan Silvestri and I get another combo, this time I have him sign the show program. Got John Rando to sign the show program as well. Bob Gale is still not being nice but thankfully no big deal.

I waited for Roger Bart to come out but sadly I never see him. Not sure if he was here or I couldn't spot him. Spoiler alert, I would make this up in the future. 

Next day I try a couple of spots and see nothing. Then I go to a spot for DJ Pauly D. And possibly more cast members of Jersey Shore were there. I wait and finally see Pauly D and get the photo op. I then give up on that spot and go to another spot. I see other combo hunters waiting but no celebs. Go to yet another spot where I hope to see Richard E Grant but his event was canceled and seems he left town. Adam Sandler is there with his daughter. I get an auto. No need to bother him for a photo op. I probably should have tried to get a photo with his daughter since she has been in movies with him. 

Then I go to a spot for actor Casey Cott. The audience from the show makes it a massive crowd but he stops for everyone. Try a last spot for actress Juliette Stevenson but she was replaced for the evening. What bad luck. This ended my time in NYC.

Elle King

Alan Silvestri

Autographs

Full list of photo ops

Scattered meets throughout July part 2

Let's start this is a WWE haul. Sadly it would be almost entirely repeats. My main goal was a flight with both members of Pretty Deadly whom I never met. I so wanted that dual shot. Then I get a huge PUNCH. Elton Prince got injured and was sent home early! So now it was just Kit Wilson on the flight. 

Go to the airport, and first up I get an op with Asuka. Then Charlotte Flair, Austin Theory who unfortunately wouldn't sign. Then I get Bianca Belair (my first photo with her in a while). Charlotte would criticize us at the airport saying "we do signings across the country". I of course did not argue with her, but the problem with her response, many names do not do signings. At least not while with WWE. You see the Jay Usos, Kevin Owens, and Charlotte Flairs of the world doing signings. But how often do you see WWE signings for names like Maxxine Dupre, Bronson Reed, or Veer Mahan? The answer is pretty much never. Tons of names don't do signings and the only way to get them is via "alternate" means or wait for them to get released so you can MAYBE pay money for them at a con. Sorry Charlotte, but my way is the smart and efficient way. I can go to the signings she speaks of and get 1 or 2 people. Or I can do it my way and get 10+ people. And that's not even bringing up the fact that the Fitterman signings cost an arm and a leg these days. 

Then to the flight that would have been Pretty Deadly. Wait and get Kit Wilson who is nice as can be and signed my 8x10s. Walk to another part of the airport for more flights. On the way to the second area Fandango is randomly spotted shopping for sun glasses. WTF? Apparently he happened to be connecting because he had an Impact taping in Detroit. Get a photo op and get him on the WWE_E V4. While we were getting ops there was an Indian girl working the store and she goes "what am I missing?" to which he replies "I used to be famous". 

Go to the second area and get a dual shot with Dominik Mysterio and Rhea Ripley. Doesn't quite make up for no Pretty Deadly shot but at least it's something cool and unique. Then Maxxine Dupri, Chad Gable doing a "shhhhh" pose, Otis (plus auto on WWE_E V4), and Finn Balor. A cunt photo bombed me and ruined my Balor op and even bragged "I photobombed you". I wanted to curse her out but being at the airport I didn't want to cause a scene. Also saw Matt Riddle sitting down wearing shades but had no need for another op. Gunther was due to fly out but didn't bother waiting for him since he shut it down at airports. Left the airport and mooched a nice breakfast. 

Bianca Belair

Kit Wilson

Fandango

Dominik Mysterio and Rhea Ripley

Chad Gable

Otis

Full list of photo ops

Autographs

WWE_E V4

Otis (Heavy Machinery)
Fandango 

Next up, a book signing for George Brown, the drummer and a founding member of Kool and the Gang. Went up to him was cool, signed and did ops. 

George Brown

Autographs

Next up, I wanted young up and coming actor Andrew Barth Feldman (No Hard Feelings). Wait for him and see him. Got the op, he signed but not for me. So I would have to come back for him. I also get Alex Boniello (Ghosts), Myles Frost, Terrence Johnson, and Sammi Cannold.

Then go to the airport for Stephan Jenkins of Third Eye Blind. I got him before but I wanted to upgrade my shot and get his autograph. He wasn't very friendly and we had to really talk him to do anything. But I did get the combo. Then on another flight I got other members of the band. None of the others are original but they have been in many albums.

Went back to the previous spot to try to get more actors and Andrew's auto but that didn't work out as they came back fast. But I did rush to the venue and get wheelchair bound actress Ali Stroker. She was very nice.

Full list of photo ops

Andrew Barth Feldman

Stephan Jenkins

Next day was a signing for Post Malone at Sound Garden in Baltimore. I admit I'm not a huge fan of his but he's a big name and could branch out to other things. And here was a signing that was practically free. So I figure better go for him than regret it in the future. Before the signing I went to get Andrew Barth Feldman to sign for me and was successful. Then it was off to the signing. Lined up and the line was huge. By the time I got to him he was doing autographs even though it was advertised as photo only. But afterwards they shut down autographs. He was nice as can be, got the photo op and 2 things signed. He marked out for the TMNT Ray Fillet photo I had for him.

Post Malone

Autographs

Next day I go back to the Andrew Barth Feldman spot for the last time and get some of the other actors I missed. I was in town and the timing was right.

Full list of photo ops

This day, I would have a flight for Andy Summers, guitarist of the Police. Go to the airport and he declines at first but then get him to sign and do photos. Success! 

Next spot is for basketball player Kevin Durant. He has some movie credits so I thought why not. While waiting I get tennis player Andy Murray. Kevin is sadly not accommodating and fail on that front as he leaves.

Then to an event for rapper Chino XL who has TV credits. While there get some barely valids and also rapper Nine. Get Chino XL as he arrives.

Andy Summers

Autographs

Full list of photo ops

And finally ended the month at the airport to get a Penn and Teller dual op. They were very nice and signed as well.

Penn and Teller

Autographs

Scattered meets throughout July part 1

First off, while doing 4 cons in 1 weekend, I stopped by a spot in NYC for actress Emily Bergl (who somehow had eluded me for years). Got her and others. I then went to another spot to  improve my photo op with singer/actress Jojo but to my dumb luck she didn't come out that night.

Full list of photo ops

Next up, went to a spot mainly for actor Derek Theler. While waiting I grab others there, most notably record producer Jimmy Jam. Sadly never see Derek, so I go to another spot to get other actors. I get Shawna Hamic (Orange is the New Black), singer Brooke Simpson, actress D'Arcy Carden (update), actor Brandon Scott Jones (Ghosts), Paul Welsh (Crazy Ex Girlfriend), actress Karole Foreman, and actress Liz Mikel (Friday Night Lights). Needed Neil Casey (2016 Ghostbusters) but never saw him.

Take some time out and later that evening I go to the original spot cause I get a tip that Gabourey Sidibe AKA Precious has an event. I have her but could use a better spot. I go there but her event is done. I decide I will wait a little more for a Hail Mary stroke of luck that I see Derek Theler. And lo and behold I see him in the lobby with his girl. I couldn't believe my luck! I ask him for the op and he is nice as can be. 

Derek Theler

Full list of photo ops

I try again at the spot for Neil Casey. This time I thankfully see him. Also get comedian Dan Black. John Gallagher Jr is due. Thankfully I have the op from before so this time I'm focusing on autos. He is rushed in I manage to get the autos. I let others who don't have him get the photo op.

On to another spot where I want to improve my photo op with actress Keke Palmer. The venue security is trying to stop us from being in position but since it's a sidewalk we largely ignore him. As she pulls up we call her over and she approaches us. We get photos. Failed on the autograph.

Keke Palmer

Full list of photo ops

Autographs

Next up, a flight for musician Joe Satriani. I got him before but it's a socially distant shot. So I thought I'd go upgrade it. He was cool and did ops and signed.

Joe Satriani

Autographs

Next day a WWE flight for Gunther and Ludwig Kaiser. I wanted to get autographs as I have the ops but they declined doing anything at the airport. Matt Riddle was on the same flight and I got another photo with him.

Matt Riddle

Day after that I decide to go for rapper Wale. I wanted him mainly for his WWE connections. When he entered he did nothing, when he left I had to go after him to get the op. Event security was trying to stop me but since we were on public property I largely ignored him and called for Wale as he himself was surrounded by his people. Eventually Wale stops and lectures me about getting in people's faces then finally says "come on let's do it" and I get the op. After that I get some soccer names I never heard of. 

Wale

Autographs

Full list of photo ops

Kicking off July with wrestling and some celebs

Kick off July with a short trip to the former ECW Arena for Icons of Wrestling AKA RF Con. My reason to go was basically the 82-year-old Jules Strongbow, whom I never met. Even better, they added Kwee Wee from WCW fame, a rare name I never got! 

I arrive there and my first op is with Pierre Ouellet. I met Pierre before but my first op he has the eye patch as Jean Pierre Lafitte and my second op he is in his PCO get up. So I was happy to get an op with plain Pierre Ouellet. Next up, Private Party. I already have Isiah Kassidy but never met Marq Quen. So rather than pay for the dual shot I opted to save money and get Marq by himself. 

Then I finally get Jules. I got the full combo, getting him to sign a magazine pin up already signed by Chief Jay Strongbow. He was quiet and not overly talkative or friendly. But I got the combo and that's all that matters. 

Then to Kwee Wee who was friendly. The combo price was not much more than the op price so I opted to get the inside cover of my WCW book done. Ended my time at RF Con with a Brandi Lauren photo op. 

Pierre Ouellet

Marq Quen

Jules Strongbow

Kwee Wee

Brandi Lauren

Jules Strongbow Autograph

Then a day where I would have to juggle both WWE and some celebs. I start with the celebs where I go to the airport. Incoming is Alfonso Ribeiro AKA Carlton Banks from Fresh Prince of Bel Air. He signs my 8x10s but says he doesn't do ops with his family. No problem as I have him. I then go to the hotel where I missed Belinda Carlisle by 2 minutes. I have her but would have liked an update op and auto (spoiler, I would get her next evening). 

First I get actress Adrienne Warren (fresh). Now here I have a decision to make. There was a mass WWE flight and I had to decide if I wanted to go to that flight or stay here. It wasn't 100% certain where the WWE flight would let up. But I decided to stay put and the WWE flight would wind up being a rack fest. However, there was only one name I needed on that flight and I would make that up in the next couple of days. 

Staying put I get two members of Boyz II Men. I got a combo from Shawn Stockman (fresh) and an update from Nathan Morris. Then I got one of the barely valid members of the band Chicago.

Full list of photo ops

Now I leave this spot to do some WWE inbounds. Baseball player Coco Crisp is spotted randomly. No idea who he is, but when in Rome. I wait till others get the op then I ask him.

First flight I get JD McDonagh (fresh and auto), Indi Hartwell (fresh and autos), Nikki Cross (update), Maxxine Dupri (fresh and auto), and Chelsea Green (no hat upgrade and auto). Odyssey Jones whom I never met was supposed to be on this flight but sadly canceled. 

Next flight I would get Kayden Carter and Katana Chance, both fresh and autos. Tegan Nox was on the flight, and I am 0-3 for her (first two times were mask shots, third time she no showed the flight). She walked by us, I spotted her, and one person insisted in wasn't her and we were busy with Kayden and Katana so she disappeared. I would have to wait till outbounds for another chance at her. I am now 0-4 for Tegan Nox. 

We wait and see who is on the next flight and Candice LeRae, Apollo Crews, and Tommaso Ciampa, all of which are updates. Wait for another flight but no one is there.

Indi Hartwell

Kayden Carter and Katana Chance

Full list of photo ops

Next day I was hoping to get Chicago. The 3 originals left in the band are Robert Lamm, Lee Loughnane, and James Pankow. From this I need a Robert combo and a James auto. Sadly I only got an updated op with James as they were all not very accommodating throughout the day. I also got a couple of the barely valid members. 

I got another op with actress S Epatha Merkerson and an upgrade shot with actor Charles Esten. Then Nathan Morris from Boyz II Men, whom I never got. He wasn't trying to stop and I got a bad selfie as he went for a walk but as he returned I barely managed to get a full combo. This completes all the Boyz II Men members that actually tour. Still missing one guy.

The duo Maddie and Tae were not trying to stop leaving or coming back. So no one got them. Babyface was barely stopping but I didn't put an effort on him since I have him.

Belinda Carlisle didn't stop leaving but on returns she did. I got a combo with her. Alfonso Ribeiro was due back but I had no interest in waiting since I had nothing to get signed and already have a great photo op. So I left and it was time for more WWE.

Nathan Morris

Belinda Carlisle

Full list of photo ops

Next day is the next round of WWE airport meets! It's off to a good start as I get a fresh meet in Zoey Stark (and auto). Then approach Damian Priest and get an upgrade. He was cool about photo ops. Then get JD McDonagh again. Also saw Indi Hartwell but didn't bother her.

Go to another area where I see Rea Ripley. As people got her I told her I met her before so I'll just say hi. She thanked me. I did get a full body standing shot with Matt Riddle as my previous ops were selfies. Saw Apollo Crews, Akira Tazawa, Io Sky, and Kenny Dykstra but I had no need to bother them. 

Then went to another area where I was expecting Tegan Nox. Saw Kayden Carter and Katana Chance but we all just said hello to them. Finally see Tegan Nox and finally break my Tegan Nox curse as I get a no mask op and autographs. Also see Liv Morgan and got another photo op with her. I consider this an upgrade over all my other ops. Saw Ivar of the Viking Raiders and called it quits soon after and mooched some breakfast.

Zoey Stark

Damian Priest

Tegan Nox

Liv Morgan

Full list of photo ops

Now to showcase some autographs from all this

Alfonso Ribeiro

Music autographs

WWE autographs

WWE_E V4 autographs obtained:

Chelsea Green
Maxxine Dupri (inside cover)
JD McDonagh (inside cover)
Zoey Stark (inside cover)
Tegan Nox

4 cons in 4 different states in 1 weekend

In early July I would attend a total of 4 cons in 4 different states in just 1 single weekend (Friday through Sunday). I think this is a new record for me. Let us begin. 

Con #1: Friday, Blerdcon, Virginia

This one starts at the airport the evening before I attend the con. I needed one rare awesome voice acting name, namely Cree Summer. She was Elmyra in Tiny Toons and Penny in the Inspector Gadget cartoons. Unfortunately, Rachel True was also on the same flight and I correctly anticipated this would cause issues as they would likely exit together. They both come out together greeted by con security and hardly want to stop. Cree was even shocked I tried to ask her. Cree does an op with a mask with someone and doesn't agree to take it off, so I don't even bother trying to get an op. Rachel did an op then I figured I may as well get an update since I'm here. She claimed to have remembered me from before. Not sure how possible that is considering I got her at Monstermania in 2015. But I played along and told her truthfully that I did indeed meet her at a con and I talked her into doing a non con op. Both refused to sign. With that fail, I had to attend the con the next day.

Rachel True

I go to the con the next day and line up for Cree Summer. Also hiding my face from the security guard who saw me at the airport the prior day. Get the op with her. I also got a photo op with deaf child actor Keivonn Woodard.

Cree Summer

Keivonn Woodard

Con #2: Saturday, Contropolis, New Jersey

The evening prior I arrived in Secaucus. Good thing about this venue, indoor parking garage. Perfect place to park and sleep as it shields you from the hot July sun.

I didn't have very many wants, but the wants I did have were somewhat rare. Mainly James Pax (Big Trouble in Little China, Nasty Boys), Ernie Reyes Jr (TMNT2 The Secret of the Ooze), and Angela Goethals (Home Alone). Luckily I had splits for most everything. 

Start with Angela Goethals who is super nice. Then James Pax, Marti Matulis (The Mandalorian), Stephanie Czajkowski (Doom Patrol), then Ernie Reyes Jr. Ernie told us how he was living without a kidney for 7 years now he has one kidney. Ended my time at this con with Israel Juarbe (Karate Kid) and Ray Porter (who voiced Darkseid). 

Full list of Contropolis photos

Con #3: Saturday, Eternal Con, New York

Me and one buddy left Contropolis and drove off to Long Island for Eternal Con. Took longer than expected to get there cause there was crash after crash after crash. Don't think I encountered so many car crashes in such a short period of time. 

I had one main want, the 98 year old David Frankham. He was in Return of the Fly, the original 101 Dalmatians, and lots more. 

Get to the con and got David. It's amazing to see him, 98 years and he can still smile, pose for ops, and sign his name. How some people are so blessed. 

To make my time here more worthwhile I split a photo op with Todd Stashwick (Picard, You, Me and Dupree, among others). And I ended my time here with Pete Cannarozzi who did music for Thundercats and was a voice actor for Silver Hawks.

David Frankham

Todd Stashwick

Pete Cannarozzi

After this con I did some NYC stuff (to be reported) and was off to my final con for the weekend.

Con #4: Sunday, Shore Leave, Maryland

This con had 4 names I wanted at this con. Grace Park, Ben Browder, Penny Johnson Jerald, and Peter Macon. Unfortunately, I had no splits for anyone and 3 of those were just too expensive. So, I only got Peter Macon (Family Guy). I tried to mooch the other 3 after the show to no avail. But the attempt wasn't 100% for nothing because I did get another photo op with Robert Picardo (coach in Wonder Years). It is an upgrade because in my previous shot he has facial hair. I got him clean shaven. 

Peter Macon

Robert Picardo