90s Con in Connecticut

The first ever 90s con had such an awesome line up. It's amazing the array of guests they had. I needed 13 people which is unusual for me these days unless it's something like Chiller.  To boot I wasn't able to make Christmas Con last December but the names I needed from there were booked here. And while I needed only a fraction of the line up, 13 people was still a lot of money. I came into the show with some splits but thankfully I saw someone there unplanned and split most everything else. This was truly an angel sent to me from the combo Gods!

I was also thinking of upgrading my TLC photo ops as I got T-Boz with shades and Chilli with hat and shades at the arirpot in the past. But it seems Chilli wore shades anyway and both had COVID ridden photo ops. This combined with $150 for the pro op and $50 for the solo ops, I promptly scratched them off of my list. I also scratched off Christy Carlson Romano from my list because she was only doing expensive pro ops that I had no interest in paying this kind of money for her.

My top wants here were Reginald VelJohnson and Jo Marie Payton from Family Matters and Andrea Barber from Full House. They are amongst the last names I need from these two shows. 

First off I get Andrea Barber from Full House. Someone I failed on in the streets. Then Vinessa Shaw from Hocus Pocus, and the Family Matters cast that I needed in Jo Marie Payton and and Reginald VelJohnson. 

Then I get Joey Lawrence from Blossom. People were not at their tables so I went to the comic book area to try and get a photo with Nancy Silberkleit of Archie Comics fame. But sadly she had a mask on for ops. Thankfully this would be the only time COVID would get in my way as far as 90s con goes.

Then I got Matthew Lawrence from Mrs Doubtfire, Jenna Leigh Green from Sabrina, and rounded up the Lawrence brothers with actor Andrew Lawrence.

Then get Trina McGee from Boy Meets World. Really hope they book the mom and dad of that show in the next 90s con. Next up someone who is a bitch on the streets, Mara Wilson from Mrs Doubtfire and Miracle on 34th Street. She was doing over the table shots, but I found the best angle and it looks great. Definitely better than paying for a pro op.

Round up my time at 90s con with Beth Broderick and Caroline Rhea of Sabrina fame. 

Sadly there were autographs I could have used, Andrea Barber on a Full House cast, Scott Wolf on a Full House Cast and Aladdin items, Mara Wilson and Matthew Lawrence on a Mrs Doubtfire DVD signed by both Lisa Jakub and Robin Williams himself, but with prices at cons being so high and more upcoming cons in my calendar, I can't be paying for both autos and photos. I have to pick one and even then I struggle to do so.

After this left Hartford and stopped by Stamford to get a photo op with WWE Headquarters. They were supposed to start moving in 2019 but those plans were shelved due to the virus.

Andrea Barber

Reginald Vel Johnson

Jo Marie Payton

Full list of 90s con photo ops

WWE HQ in Stamford, CT

Monstermania, Winter Con, and NYC meets

This was a weekend of 3 cons (Monstermania, Winter Con, and 90s Con). I feared the worst in terms of spending money, but only ended up spending a fraction of what I feared as I would wind up splitting almost everybody at each con, be it a combo split or an op split. I would also get zero autographs combined in all 3 cons. So that further cut down on costs. 

My first stop would be Monstermania in Cherry Hill. This would be my first major non-wrestling con of 2022. Praise the lord, I didn't need the major Dexter names cause I had them. It was a nice feeling not to have to worry about standing in line for the likes of Michael C Hall. 

First up I would get Logan Kim from the new Ghostbusters movie. Then Teo Briones from the Chucky TV show. Next up, the only Dexter names I would get as I had the rest, Erik King and CS Lee. Then my main want from the show, Thora Birch from American Beauty and Hocus Pocus.

After this it was smooth sailing at Monstermania as I rounded it up with director Steve Miner and actress Steve Miner actress Barbara Crampton.

Go to NYC and meet up with Venessa and David. We pass by a spot and see a celeb car. Turns out it's Kristen Stewart but sadly she doesn't stop. 

Thora Birch

Monstermania photo ops

Next day I wake up and it's time for Winter Con in Queens. Sadly I would find out my main want Nick Stahl AKA John Conner in Terminator 3 canceled. PUNCH. 

First up I get signed a Funko pop toy of Nick Castle for someone. Since he was free ops with the auto, I got the update. And it's an 11 year update as my op with him is from 2011.

Then I got composer Alan Howarth. He did sound in many great movies. Then rare actors from the movie Aliens, William Hope and Ricco Ross. I rounded this con with finally getting a photo with actress Jennifer Blanc. Always saw her at cons but never got her. I figured the price was good.

Got some rest in the car as I still had a long weekend ahead of me. After that got a tip for Lenny Kravitz at a hotel. I joined Vanessa and David there. It was freezing cold. Wait and Lenny finally goes into his vehicle, signs, and is super nice. I ask for the picture he agrees. Unfortunately he doesn't agree to remove the mask. So my first NYC photo op of 2022 is worthless.

Next we try a venue for Slash of Guns and Roses but it was done. Then finally the last spot for the evening where we were expecting actress Zoe Kravitz and others.

Coming in she blanks, but going out she signs and gives a horrible autograph. I get two things done. She didn't do photos but thankfully I already have the photo.

Besides Zoe I get a fresh op with actor Gianni Paolo and repeat photo ops with Whitney Peak, Kate McKinnon, and Alex Moffat. I saw Lorne Michaels and tried to get an autograph but sadly he didn't spot. So NYC was largely a bust. Then it was off to Hartford for 90s con.

Winter Con photo ops

Full list of NYC photo ops

Autographs

An array of music meets and more

So there was a music event. The guest of honor was Lionel Richie. My main want is Boyz II Men who I never met. I arrive and see 2 of 3 members go in the car but sadly miss them.

Then I see Gloria and Emilio Estefan (whom I have multiple ops with). I get them both to sign a magazine cover. I also see Lionel (whom I also have) but he declines signing. Largely a bust.

Next day I go to the hotel and miss country singer Luke Bryan posing for ops by about 40 minutes! This would be the only opportunity cause he declined when I saw him leaving the hotel. 

Then I see singer Miguel. Not familiar with his work but he was nice and I got the op. Saw Andra Day who I have. People asked and she stopped so I got another photo op since she was being so nice. Saw Nathan Morris of Boyz II Men who was nice as can be and I got a combo with him. The other two then entered a vehicle and sadly didn't stop. Also saw actor Anthony Anderson but I have so many ops with him didn't need to ask.

On returns I see Estefans again but not much else. Was hoping for Boyz II Men but then I see that they have a show the next day like 40 minutes away. So they will probably check in somewhere else! Faaaaaakk!!

This spot was dead and got a tip of an afterparty at another spot. Was hoping to see Boyz II Men there but "only" saw Anthony Anderson, Lionel Richie, and Miguel. Got the full combo with Lionel and another photo with Miguel. 

Overall I didn't leave empty handed but missed out on fresh ops.

Full list of photo ops

Autographs

Next day I go to the airport for the Dutchess of York Sarah Ferguson flying out. She is nice as can be as she exists the vehicle but sadly declines to remove the mask. BUST.

Sarah Ferguson

Then I get a call from another combo hunter for the hotel of country band The Oak Ridge Boys. They are an old school country band known for hits like Bobbie Sue and Elvira. The setup he described was a dream setup. Their bus is parked in a parking lot across the street from the hotel. And they will all walk to the bus. Hearing this, I could not pass this up.

I was impressed cause everything he said came true. Four old men were walking from the hotel to the parking lot. It's amazing how many young folks want the vehicle right by the door yet these guys are walking a long distance across the street. 

First up is Duane Allen. He came through not long after I arrived. Was nice but personalized my blank photopaper. Took like 3-4 hours but we finally see another one, this time Richard Sterban who was the least friendly of the four. I asked for the op he goes "what is it you want?" and I explain and he poses. My buddy asks for the auto which be begrudgingly does then ignores my request for the auto.

Next is Joe Bonsall who was crossing the street limping. Nice as can be, signed and took a photo. And finally William Lee Golden who was also super nice.

The Oak Ridge Boys

Autograph

A couple of quick cons and a fresh prince

First off, I went outside a venue with markedout's adelta to meet DJ Jazzy Jeff AKA Jazz from the Fresh Prince of Bel Air tv show. He came out and we got combos. Nice guy.

DJ Jazzy Jeff

Autograph

Next day I would go to FairPoint Con in Hunt Valley. I would split ops and hang out with markedout's CMShowstopper. 

Arrive and both Maisie Richardson Sellers and Sam Witwer are not at their table. I met Sam before but he had a horrid beard in my photo op. So I thought I'd upgrade to no beard. 

While we wait I get a free photo op with Shannon McRandle, who was the model for Mara Jade, one of the most popular characters in the now invalid Star Wars Expanded Universe. 

Maisie and Sam return, and I get ops with both. Sadly with Sam he had a glass pane, but the way the photo was taken honestly makes it the most acceptable form of a virus era photo op. It was taken from the SIDE so it looks ok. Had it been taken from the front zero chance I would have done the shot. 

Shannon McRandle

Maisie Richardson Sellers

Sam Witwer

And I also attended a small con called Fairfax mini comic con. This is the same venue as CSA show, which is the easiest con venue for me to get to. So if there's one person I could get I'll go. Mask use was roughly about 50/50. Higher than I imagined. 

I enter and first name I go for is child actor Thomas Parobek who played little Johnny Lawrence on Cobra Kai. His parents were manning the table and seemed happy I was getting the op. 

Next up I try looking for Gary Cohn. I see a guy on a table with no banner and I ask if he's him. He goes "I used to be, this is what's left of me". He is a comic book writer and he wrote some of the early Masters of the Universe mini comics that came with the original figures.

I had 3 mini comics to get signed, already signed by the artist at a monstermania. When I pulled them out he tells the woman sitting next to him that he wrote like 6 of them and this is what he's most remembered for. Said he remembered being told about the character He-Man and thought to himself "they aren't even trying". Then goes on to say "But what do I know".

He signed them and I got the photo op. But his autograph, damn how horrible. There isn't much worse, and it's certainty the worst autograph I've ever seen from a comic book name at a con. I then asked him why he has no banner apparently the 2h drive was a 5h drive cause he got lost and he didn't want to bother bringing the banner from his car.

Thomas Parobek

Gary Cohn

Jason Keith

Autographs

In the bottom you can see the horrid Gary Cohn autograph. I realize free is free and I'm certainly not complaining, but damn it's a bad auto.

Two day endeavor for a couple of actors

So there was a 2 day show with a bunch of names. Mostly barely valid names. The biggest name was Vanessa Williams but I have her. Other names of note were LaChanze (who was a voice actress in the 1997 Disney movie Hercules) and Andrew Rannells (who was in the movie The Intern)

The first day I try after the show. Got a few people on the program and mostly mask shots. I see LaChanze who goes "oh wow" when she sees my 8x10 from Hercules. Sadly she doesn't remove the mask. 

One name of note that was super nice did no mask shots is Andrea McArdle who is pretty big as far as stage actors go. She played Annie on stage.

Sadly the venue said no one more is coming out due to COVID. Waited while most of the crowd left but saw no one else and didn't see Andrew. Checked out the hotel but just saw Andrea again.

Full list of Day 1 photo ops

Feeling a bit crushed on day 2 I would try a different approach. Entries into the venue, hotels after. Spoiler alert, this would prove a much better strategy. Start with entries and some have the mask some do not. Get more autographs on the program. LaChanze shows up with no mask and happily takes photo ops of people waiting. To show you how unpredictable combo hunting can be, this was someone who didn't want to remove the mask the prior day, and here she was showing up and taking photo ops like it was still 2019! 

Dr Fauci showed up to see the show but didn't stop when asked. Steny Hoyer also showed up though no one asked him (I actually have the op from long ago).

On exits I wait to see if I can get Fauci to at least sign but he declines. Then off to the hotel and wait. After a little while see Vanessa Williams walk in and ask her for an autograph. She puts on the mask and signs. Luckily I didn't need a photo op. Eventually Andrew Rannells shows up, we get no mask ops, and promptly exit the place so the hotel would have no chance to realize we were there. I would find out that at the venue they kicked everyone off citing COVID. So this time no one came out at the venue. 

Sadly it was more time than I wanted to put for these names, but at least I got no mask ops and some autographs. 

Full list of Day 2 photo ops

Autographs

First con of 2022: Baltimore Celebfest 3

I would attend my first con of 2022, Celebfest 3 in Baltimore. Thankfully I would have markedout's adelta to split many of my photos with. Otherwise I would not have gotten as many people as I did. 

First off, 2.0/Daniel Garcia photo op. I needed only Matt Lee of 2.0 so this good to split. Then I get my first ever member of Lucha House party, Lince Dorado. I'd seem them at airports in the past but they would never do ops because they were unmasked.

Then Ethan Page and Nick Comoroto of AEW fame, and Jessi Kamea of NXT fame.

adelta spots Judge Jeff Jones of ECW fame. I get a selfie. Honestly I don't think I ever got him so that's a nice bonus.

Then Lady Frost and Leila Grey. And after many failed attempts in the past, I finally got a good shot with Lana. The only time she ever said yes to a photo with me, she had hat and shades. Other times she declined. So that was a much needed upgrade. 

Ended this con with a photo op with masked Preston Vance (AKA Ten) since I got him unmasked already (that sounds so wrong in this day and age)

Lana

Full list of photo ops

First wave of 2022 celeb endeavors was largely a bust

The first wave of 2022 celebrity meets did not go so well. My first endeavor, my main goal was actress Tamara Tunie from The Devil's Advocate and other things. Keith David and Vondie Curtis-Hall (Coming to America) were there but I have them. I arrive there and it let out. I see Tamara. Got her to sign, but unfortunately she doesn't remove the mask. Off to a bad start.

Actor Dion Graham from The Wire is taking off the mask for photo ops and I get one. I guess that makes it my first celebrity photo op of 2022 (as I don't count mask shots). Although he's not even on wikipedia, just imdb.

I also get an autograph from Keith David on a They Live photo. Not bad considering this costs money at cons. Then I wait for Vondie Curtis-Hall since I printed for him. He comes out with a mask but thankfully I didn't need to ask him to remove it, so I get the 8x10s done he goes "you got a photo of me from every era".

I saw Christian McBride outside. I asked him for a photo and ask to remove the mask and he did. Sadly in all this mask talk I forgot to remove my beanie. 

While outside Keith David also took the mask down for photo ops, so I thought why not get an update.

I tried to wait for Tamara to come outside to try again for a no mask shot but never saw her.

Full list of photo ops

Autographs

Next up, the comedy tour with Jason Bateman, Will Arnett, and Sean Hayes. I need Jason, have the other two. My first stop is the hotel, I see Jason up a driveway no mask, ask for an op, he declines. 

Next up try the venue. I am one one side of the venue while another combo hunter is on the other aside. I chose the side where we normally see celebs go in and out. Then I get a call that he was on the other side. I run and ask but he declines and goes into the venue! To boot he did one photo op no mask before putting the mask on and doing more photo ops. Had I been there I could have been the first to ask. Plus he signed! PUNCH. 

Will Farrell (who I have) was a surprise guest there. Wait for exits at the side where celebs usually come in and out from (ie where I was initially waiting). They all blanked. 

Then back to the hotel where I pleaded Jason for a photo op to no avail. Shockingly Will Farrell was being the nicest one. He signed blank photo paper for someone and took mask shots. Thankfully I have him so I had no need for a mask shot. But I figured I could salvage this with a Will Farrell autograph. So I ask for an autograph, he says he already signed for me which of course isn't true. I plead some more and say he didn't get me. He agrees to the autograph, takes my sharpie, then goes "oh that's just a blank paper". This was after he just signed one a minute ago! WTF!