Chiller Theater Halloween weekend 2013

The last weekend of October I decided to attend Chiller Theater and do some stuff in NYC. 

Sadly, the prices at this Chiller were insane. What should have been combo prices were photo op prices. I had to make a lot of cuts and a lot of improvising to get some stuff. It is horrible to think about that this is only going to get worse simply because people desire combos and their spending habits are inelastic when it comes to combos. Another example of an economically inelastic commodity is gas. Economics 101, no matter how high the prices people still fill up with gas. I of course concentrated on photo ops. 

On the positive side of things, no pro photo ops were forced. You could get them if you wanted to but everybody did table ops no problem. 

Friday

We arrive at Chiller Friday and thanks to someone giving Joresky a ticket I manage to mooch my way in (Joresky already had one thanks to his vendor friends). A good start. Thank you mooching Gods for helping me out. 

The first person I go to is Ken Page, who I know best from Nightmare Before Christmas. I wanted to get him on my Nightmare Before Christmas laserdisc already signed by Chris Sarandon. Sadly it was $40 to get it signed because my LD was considered "premium" item and $15 more than an 8x10. I chose to pass on the autograph and get a photo op only.

Next up was Paige O'Hara who voiced Belle in Disney's Beauty and the Beast. I got a combo from her on my Beauty and the Beast laserdisc. She actually marked out over the LD and began to flip through it and and marvel over it. HCIT! 

Now I had a 2001 Space Odyssey soundtrack on vinyl that I purchased for $5 a year or two back. Would have been nice to get Keir Dullea and Gary Lockwood to sign it. Sadly at $30 a pop I had to pass on that. I ended up going the photo op only route there. Gary even asked me where I was from. 

Ace Frehley, an original member of KISS, is a semiat Chiller. But I never paid for him. However, since I got Peter Kriss outside a hotel and got Paul and Gene at their book signing, this was the last original member of KISS I didn't have a photo op with. So I caved in. Sadly, the photo ops were taken with their crappy digital! Each time he does Chiller he has long lines. He cannot afford to go to Best Buy and pay $100 for a digital camera? Even THAT would have been a huge upgrade from the piece of crap they were using. Before the guy took the photo op I asked him to come closer to the table, which he did. Before leaving I also asked to look at the photo op to make sure it came out half decent. He showed me the photo op then I was on my way. Couple of days later it was posted on his web site. While the photo op is passable, for a paid photo op it is absolute shit 

I then go to Peter Fonda and grab a photo op. Then to the Christmas Story room where I get photo ops with the two bullies Yano Anaya and Zack Ward. Already had the others. Now it was off to the Willy Wonka room where I basically needed everyone. First I go to Diana Sowle. Her photo op price was a refreshing $5. She struck major conversation with me, talking of her kids, asking where I was from, and asked how popular the movie is in parts of Europe, who I was going to see in NYC, and much more. She just didn't stop and kept going and going and going. While she meant well I had places to be and people to virgilize. I just didn't have the heart to tell off an old lady like that. The stress I was feeling was like someone who had to take a huge shit but had to do all he could to keep it from bursting out.

When the conversation finally did end I managed to score free photo ops from the Willy Wonka Kids! All but Denise Nickerson who played Violet Beauregarde. Apparently she had some sort of medical emergency and had to go to the hospital! One less photo op for me  Periodically I would check to see if she made it back but no dice. 

The Wonka Kids did have an $80 group "pro" photo op, but I happily chose to stick with my free individual photo ops. 

After the free Wonka Kids photo op (thank you mooching Gods) I then get a photo op from Tahnee Welch. Wanted an autograph on a playboy but could not spend money on it. 

I also decide reluctantly to get a Weird Al autograph. I figure that Weird Al has given me so much entertainment in my lifetime I can afford to pony up some cash for a guaranteed autograph and some face time with Weird Al. 

My final guest at Chiller on Friday was C Thomas Howell from ET. I did want Corey Feldman but sadly he wasn't doing any photo ops on Friday. 

After Chiller I mooched a few photo ops! John Savage, Peter Barton, Jill Schoelen, Robert Hays, Chuck McCann, Yukiko Kobayashi, Scott Wilson, and Angel Salazar from Scarface. Not too shabby. A decent round of blessings from the mooching Gods, and one that is much appreciated when money is so low. Perhaps one of the most humorous things of the evening was seeing Gary G Watson, who has photo ops with the likes of Frank Sinatra, Michael Jackson, Christopher Reeves, and many more, mooch a photo op with Andrew Anderson. The mind boggles. 

The evening at Chiller was concluded with a bite of poison when we found out that one of our NYC allies got a photo op with Rick Moranis. Joresky had the text but he stupidly did not follow it up! 

Gary G Watson offered Joresky a free room to sleep in. While I could have had that as well I didn't for two reasons. 1) I don't like to owe people and 2) I cannot stay in the same room as Joresky's snoring. So I elected to nap in the freezing car, no snoring, free, and without debt to anyone (though mainly for no snoring).

Full list of Friday photo ops part 1

Full list of Friday photo ops part 2

Paige O'Hara

Ace Frehley

Diana Sowle (Charlie's mom)

Michael Bollner (Augustus Gloop)

Julie Dawn Cole (Veruca Salt)

Peter Ostrum (Charlie Bucket)

Paris Themmen (Mike Teevee)

Both autographs I got at Chiller

Saturday

Round 2 of Chiller starts Saturday morning. I still needed Corey Feldman and also to see if Denise Nickerson would return. I find someone selling their extra ticket, and I get that. Saved money right there. 

I have a spot held in the Corey Feldman line. He had a $40 "pro" photo op so I was essentially praying to the mooching Gods that he would do table ops. While waiting me and Joresky decide to split a Weird Al photo op. I have a street photo op with him but he is looking down at me rather than at the camera. We get the Weird Al shot though for some reason he is leaning towards me. 

Then it's time for Corey, and YES he is doing $10 table ops! Victory! Thank you mooching Gods. Now I had a laserdisc of the first TMNT movie that I wanted him to sign (he voiced Donatello in that). I paid the combo price. Sadly his handlers said that he has to personalize. I simply told them if that were the case to refund me the autograph portion of the combo price and that I would just get a photo op. They agreed. So money saved right there. Now I could have in theory deleted the personalization, but I chose not to go that route. First off all the whole appeal of a paid setting is being able to be demanding, something you cannot do on the street. They were taking that away from me. If I don't want my name I don't want my name. I am paying money! And second what if I end up ruining the LD by trying to delete? I lose an autograph I paid money for. I deiced it was not worth risking. So I got the photo op and moved on. 

Checked again for Denise Nickerson but sadly she is only doing autographs in her hotel room (where you give the items to her handler). So that did me no good. Besides that there were two guests I wanted that cancelled, namely Lou Gramm and Eddie Money. 

My last Chiller photo op would be a free photo op with the Angry Video Game Nerd. 

Leaving Chiller with mixed vicotry and defeat, we head to NYC. First we try for Arthur Darville cause Joresky needed a poster signed. David Patrick Kelly was also there but I had him. I got a couple of  names. No Arthur so that was a bust. 

We then go to another spot to wait for Ian McKellen AKA Magneto. We see he but he politely blows us off saying to come back later. Ian was one of my top wants here, and I missed him a few months back where he was standing right next to me and I didn't realize it. So this was a mistake I needed to correct. Sadly I would have to live to fight another day here. 

While we waited for him we did spot a very random Rob Van Dam. I got him before but I got a photo op just for shits and giggles. 

After a while we headed to another spot to try to meet Ed Harris, Amy Madigan, Glenne Headly, and Bill Pullman. Out of those four I never met three. Additionally I had an Apollo 13 laserdisc with Bill Paxton and Kevin Bacon just waiting for Ed Harris' autograph. We wait and we see Pullman. I get an autograph from him since I don't need a photo op. Ed Harris and Amy Madigan walk out and chaos ensues. I manage to get Ed on my Apollo 13 laserdisc and my 8x10 but sadly no photo ops. I tried to follow, beg, and plead but to no avail. In the chaos I missed Amy Madigan as well. No one saw Glenne so she must have slipped out in the chaos. 

With all the energy I could muster up, I then RUSH to the Ian McKellen spot thinking I missed out, but I made it with 10 minutes to spare! While waiting I get Billy Crudup to sign my 8x10 and one extra item (already had a photo op so didn't bother), got an autograph from Patrick Stewart, and a combo from Shuler Hensley. Then the witching hour comes, Ian McKellen shows up. He is doing some photo ops here and there and the security guard warns me no photo ops. As I get him to sign for me I remind him of our previous encounter and he goes "ohh yes" and posed for me!  VICTORY! Got one of my top photo op wants and corrected my mistake from May! I couldn't believe it! Didn't even have to beg for it! Feels so good to have won this round! Sometimes it does pay off when you cut your losses and live to fight another day. 

After my victory, we headed to another spot where we were hoping to meet Edward Norton and Janelle Monae. And who shows up randomly and unexpectedly? Stephen Speilberg! Sadly, he didn't do photo ops. But I happened to have a magazine with Speilberg on the cover and my Jurassic Park laserdisc that I wanted Jeff Goldblum to sign. I got him to sign both! Tried to beg for the photo ops but to no avail. Still two items from Spielberg is no failure. One woman even asked us "how did you guys know he'd be here" and we responded truthfully, we didn't. 

Edward Norton does nothing for no one going in or out. I get a Janelle Monae photo op going in and manage to beg for an autograph on the way out.  

Full list of Saturday photo ops

Corey Feldman

Weird Al Yankovic

Ian McKellen

Sunday

After some sleep and some food, we go to a nice stress free indoor spot. At this spot I rack one person after the other. It starts with photo ops with John Glover and Ethan Hawke, neither one of which I had. Then my main want who has eluded me in the past Jeff Goldblum shows up and is very nice. We get photo ops and he says one per person but I manage to beg for a second item. Both my Jurassic Park laserdisc and my Lost World laserdisc. We then spot Laurie Metcalf. She has shades on but takes them off for photo ops! I get my two 8x10s signed. And finally Daniel Sunjata from Dark Knight Rises who does photo ops with us! This was a huge sweeping victory for me as I got five fresh photo ops with very little effort put into it! Plus autographs on laserdiscs! On our way back to try for Ed Harris again, we see a horse pissing on the street and I take photos of that. I had never seen such a sight before so it was pretty damn fascinating. 

We stop at a spot to see if anything is cooking and we see 98 year old actress Ellen Albertini Dow. Joresky gets a photo op but I pass since I have one already. Now back to try again for Ed Harris, Amy Madigan, and Glenne Headly. We only see Glenne and she was very accommodating doing combos with everyone. I got a photo op and autographs on my 8x10 and Dick Tracy DVD. Joresky heads to the Ian McKellen spot so he can get a photo op. I wait this out more to see if Ed does come up, but to no avail. I then join Joresky. I got autographs from Billy Cudrip, Patrick Stewart, and Ian McKellen. Joresky has to persist, beg, and plead for his McKellen photo op which he ends up getting. I even attempt to follow McKellen after he left the spot in the hopes of scoring an autograph, but he blows me off. 

We then decide to call it a night when Joresky finds a hot spot. At this hot spot Joresky sees Rose Byrne and points her out to me. I then run to her and ask for a photo op and score the photo op! This ends a very fruitful round. 

Full list of Sunday photo ops

Glenne Headly

Rose Byrne

Jeff Goldblum

Ethan Hawke

Now to showcase all the street meet autographs:

Ed Harris, Bill Pullman, Glenne Headly

Ed Harris signed the Apollo 13 LD in black to the left of Bill Paxton. Tried to get him to switch pens but he wouldn't. Also signed by Kevin Bacon in silver. 

Stephen Speilberg, Jeff Goldblum, Laurie Metcalf, Janelle Monae, Billy Crudup

Speilberg signed the Jurrasic Park laserdisc in silver on top, while Goldblum signed it in gold. Also signed by Wayne Knight at the bottom. 

Lost World laserdisc signed by Jeff Goldblum

Goldblum signed it in blue. Also signed by Richard Schiff bottom right. 

Carol Brunet and more

The month of October is about 2/3 done, Carol Brunet and other celebrities were coming to town. I had no idea how friendly Carol Brunet is and she was a want of mine. Plus I have a very nice Annie laserdisc already signed by Aileen Quinn. 

I found a flight on her and figured I'd try for her in a setting where there wouldn't be 20-30 people present. 

I go to the airport and it's just me and one other person. She is nice as can be, and me with only one item She is more than happy to do a combo. I told her I'd see her Sunday. 

Fast forward to the event. First celebrity we see is Julie Andrews who as expected does nothing for no one.  Bruce Vilanch is next and is as nice as can be. Got a photo op. Vicki Lawrence is next and is nice. Got a photo op. After a long wait Lucie Arnaz, the daughter of Lucille Ball shows up and is nice as can be. Got a photo op and three photos signed. 

Tim Conway is next and does stuff no issue. Got a photo op. Next up is Tony Bennett who does only one photo op. But that was fine by me since I have a photo op. He did one item per and I got him on a nice double vinyl set that I purchased for 50 cents! 

Tina Fey shows up and is actually SUPER NICE! Wow I couldn't believe it. I had one 8x10 of her and Steve Carell  already signed by Carell that I've been carrying around for over 2 years and failing to get, even in one on one situations! I finally got it signed. She said she'd do photo ops later when she's dressed up, but I didn't care as I had a photo op. 

Amy Poehler does autographs and no photo ops. No issue for me as I have a photo op. I got her on two. Rashida Jones does nothing going in but when she comes out she does autographs but no photo ops. That sucked for me as I never got her before. Got one photo signed. Next up is Rosemary Watson who was surprisingly not the easiest person to get. But I got a photo op. Martin Short who used to be super friendly did one round of autographs the whole day and no photo ops. I have a photo op with him so no big deal. But was shocked he didn't do them. I got three photos signed. 

Carol Brunet finally shows up and her handlers say she will do stuff going out. As she goes in she tells me "hey I remember you" referring to the encounter at the airport. HCIT! 

Going out she kept her word. Even though her handlers were saying one per person she did more. I got two. Then Maya Rudolf shows up and is super nice. I got her on two photos. Didn't need a photo op. 

We never saw Julie Andrews leave. So she must have snuck out to avoid us. 

Fast forward a couple of hours and arrivals begin again. We saw randoms in Laurence Luckinbill (Star Trek) and producer George Schlatter. Got photo ops with both and Luckinbill to sign a blank. Most everyone who stopped before didn't stop, but shockingly Tina Fey did! I couldn't believe my eyes as I saw her be super nice signing and doing photo ops with everyone (as she promised), and I had nothing more to get signed since I wasn't expecting her to do much of anything Tony Bennett did nothing for no one this time. Never thought I'd see the day when Tina Fey is friendly and Tony Bennett is not. My reaction was a mixture of this face  cause I was so shocked, and this face cause I had no more merch on me. I did get another photo op with her but that was no big deal for me. After the dust settles and 20 minutes into the event, we see Julie Andrews enter. We were three people but she does nothing for no one using the excuse that she's late. In her defense she was late, but doubt that would have made a difference. 

After the event is over we watch for exits, but sadly we were all watching the wrong end. We notice people trickling out from another spot and by then we had missed half of them. It wasn't all for nothing though cause we spotted Tony Bennett and managed to get one per person out of him. I also got Tim Conway and Maya Rudolf on a program. We Saw Julie Andrews slip away. And I tried begging Rashida Jones for a photo op but to no avail 

This ended a very fruitful venture. 

Carol Brunet airport photo op

Full list of event photo ops

Tony Bennett vinyls and Annie laserdisc

Full list of 8x10s I got signed

Laurence Luckinbill blank

New York Comic Con 2013 weekend part 2

NOTE: IF YOU DIDN'T ALREADY PLEASE SEE PART 1 OF THE NYCC REPORT (SCROLL DOWN)

Saturday

Saturday starts with a Green Power Ranger suited Jason David Frank photo op. To cut costs I split that one with Joresky. Came out awesome especially since gimmick photo ops are pretty rare outside of wrestling. Then I go in line for a paid signing, namely Bruce Boxleitner from the Tron movies. When I go up to him I ask for a photo op and get that for free 

I then run to join Joreky at the Frank Bello line (bassist of Anthrax). Get a free photo op no problem. Since I got an autograph before, this technically completes my combo. I dash to the Misfits booth and Jerry Only is by himself there. So fan friendly it is truly sad more cannot be like that. He did a photo op no problem and gave me a signed poster. Though he signed it in a crappy white paint marker  More importantly though I got him to sign my WCW book which he marked out for and thought it was cool that he was signing it. He said he didn't even know they made a book. He also said the rest of his band will be arriving. They're not original members but they do make a cool photo op so I would make a mental note to come back to this booth. 

I did attempt the Robot Chicken signing despite having no ticket. Sadly they were vigorous in checking and that was a fail. But I've gotten them before and only needed a photo op with one actress (Seth Green's wife) so no huge loss. 

I then go to artist's alley to see what's up with Kevin Eastman. He has a slow moving line. They say he has a panel to get to so at one point he will come down the line and sign autographs. I already got a combo from him before but he's a good name to get again, especially since I had my old school TMNT photo signed by Rob Paulsen the day before. 

While there I try to call , Joresky, and one other friend to come. All but Joresky arrive. Kevin Eastman goes down the line and signs whatever people have. Got him on my 8x10 but didn't bother with a photo op. Then I rushed to the Ed Burns panel where I got both him and actor Robert Knepper! 

Afterwards I meet up with again so I can split a David Duchovny‎ photo op with him. That goes smoothly. There was another spot I could have gotten him later that evening, but I figure 1) A guarantee is a guarantee and 2) If I go there I sacrifice other combo opportunities. So I declared that this is the best way to do it. It was a wise decision on my part because he apparently did nothing for no one later that evening. 

Then off to the Teen Wolf line, the only signing where I actually won the ticket via facebook. They were even kicking out people who had no tickets. While there I decide to run to the Misfits booth since it's close to this signing. Misfits had a line but I manage to go to the front and explain that I have a signing to get to and I only want a photo op. Got a cool looking group shot. While there I also got John Cafiero from Osaka popstar. 

Then back to Teen Wolf. Joresky joins up with me in an attempt to get into the Teen Wolf signing. While we wait he gets the brilliant idea to get some old TMNT comic books for Kevin Eastman. I ask him to pick some up for me since he's a name worth virgilizing. He goes and comes back with some nice mint comic books. As we approach Joresky manages to mooch his way into the signing by agreeing to pre order a DVD. As luck would have it they were cash only so he couldn't pay. We were both inside and we got combos with Jeff Davis, the creator of the series and by two actors who are on the show Dylan O’Brien (Stiles) and Linden Ashby (Sherriff Stilinsky, also played Johnny Cage in the Mortal Kombat movie).

We then rush to the autograph area in the hopes that we can get to the signing of Hercules: The Legend Begins. This looks like a movie I would enjoy, so if I could get some combos I could enjoy it much more as I watch it. They were giving out posters and we got combos with Scott Adkins, Gaia Weiss, Kellan Lutz (Hercules), and Renny Harlin. The last one turned out to be a huge score as he directed movies like Nightmare on Elm Street 4, Cliffhanger, and Die Hard 2. Goes to show you how you should always get the photo op first, ask questions later. 

Rush to a panel, I score to more photo ops. Chris Elliot from Scary Movie 2 and Groundhog Day, and Maria Thayer from Forgetting Sarah Marshall. Both nice as can be. 

Now it was time to go back to Kevin Eastman, where Joresky still needed a combo and I had new comics to be signed. The line was slloooowwwww mainly because Eastman is that damn nice and doing sketches for free. Same deal as before they announced he would go down the line as the signing ended. While waiting Joresky goes to buy more comics. We were near the front and we had a place to be (namely Brooke Hogan panel). I go up and ask when he's going to go down the line, and they initiate it! He does combos with us and signs all our comics! Success! Now we run like a rocket to Brooke Hogan! We make it with a few minutes to spare, mooch our way, and bam! We score combos! This ends our Saturday at NYCC. 

We have some time to chill, so we eat $1 pizza slices, my first meal for the entire day. It tasted good. At our next spot to go for Debra Jo Rupp from That 70s Show. I get a combo and extra from her. Then Joresky spots Dr Ruth as a random! We get photo ops!

After that we go to the next spot and score actress Kathryn Erbe and actor John Pankow. Then off to meet Terence Mann from Critters. While there Joresky with his supernatural spotting abilities sees Hank Azaria. I take another friend who doesn't have him to get a photo op then I get one just because he was there. Terence Mann is as nice as can be and we score other  names while there. 

The final spot of the evening was a shot at glory, namely Katy Perry, John Mayer, and Bruce Willis. As expected none of them did anything for no one. Bruce Willis even said "Now is not the time". My only score at this spot was a photo op with BJ Novak (someone I didn't even stand in line for at NYCC). This ended a long and exhausting Saturday.

NYCC Saturday photo ops part 1

NYCC Saturday photo ops part 2

post NYCC Saturday photo ops

The Green Power Ranger

David Duchovny

Brooke Hogan

Frank Bello

Bruce Boxleitner

Debra Jo Rupp
Dr Ruth


Sunday

This day would be the least stressful day of all, cause all of the NYCC portion of this day would be spent in the autographing area. Also, I would unintentionally get what I consider by biggest score for the entire NYCC weekend. More on that later.

I hold a spot in the Lemony Snicket line. He authored "A Series of Unfortunate Events" which was made into a Jim Carrey movie. So in my view that makes him a worthy combo. While that was happening I stood in line to get White Power Ranger photo op tickets for me and Joresky. This would take forever. While there though I chatted with one guy who is an expert on street meets. He knows exactly where and when to stand. And if you see him standing someplace it's a place you want to stand. At NYCC however HE was the one asking ME questions. It truly felt like some parallel universe. 

While there I also see Bobby and Peter from the Netherlands and to my knowledge it is the first time I've seen them outside of a wrestling setting. 

Anyhow, we start with Lemony Snicket. Nice guy but I got a gay vibe from him. When I go up to him he goes "hello there little boy". I get two books signed plus the photo op. There were other authors in that table but no one was going up to them. Everyone was going to Lemony Snicket. Must have sucked to be them. 

Me and Joresky go to John Morton cause we figure he would be quick and easy. But of course there's a little girl telling him her life story as if he's the biggest star in Star Wars. He basically wore the Boba Fett suit in a single scene in Empire Strikes Back. Definitely a valid Boba Fett and someone you want to get if you're a Star Wars fan. But hardly anyone to scream for. Very nerve wrecking to see people tell their life stories when you have places to be and people to virgilize. But wait! While there we see Jerry Ordway right next to him! The guy we couldn't find on Friday! What luck! We don't have to look for him later on! I get my trade paperback of "Death of Superman" and "World Without a Superman" signed for free both of which he co wrote. Got a free signed Shazam poster from him. And of course a photo op. Nice as can be. Finally we make it to John Morton and that's a quick combo. I got him on my Boba Fett figure already signed by Jeremy Bullock. He goes "oh wow you got Jeremy on it" and asked me where I wanted it signed. 

Me and Joresky then stand in line to split a Chloe Grace Moretz photo op. She was looking so damn hot. For whatever reason she is leaning more towards me in the photo op. 

Next up is White Power Ranger suited Jason David Frank photo ops! I split this one with none other than  and it came out very well. 

Without going into detail on how, I managed to obtain autograph tickets for both Person of Interest and The Following. I got two of each, one for me and one for Joresky. Now it was time for the Person of Interest signing. Joresky was no where in sight (likely busy with Stallone) and Woodmo was there needing a ticket. So I offered him my POI ticket, he was more than happy. While waiting me and Woodmo checked the Kane panel to see if he had a mask on, cause a photo op with maked Kane would be cool. But we found out that Kane was not masked and Hornswoggle was not leprechaun suited. So we went back to the POI line. 

We got there. First score was Len Wiseman who directed several movies. Next up were actors Jim Caviezel, Kevin Chapman, Taraji P Henson, Amy Acker, and Sarah Shahi. All but Taraji were first time meets. In the case of Jim Caviezel my first shot was bad but he gladly took a second. Even though I had no idea who that was. But when I joined Woodmo to get in line for The Following he informed me what a huge score that was. He played the title character, Jesus Christ, in Passion of the Christ! My reaction was this face  I could not believe it! From all I hear he is apparently impossible on the street! So to score someone I wanted without even trying made this an extravagant victory! I consider this my best score for the whole of NYCC weekend. Goes to show you that one should always take photo ops first, ask questions later. 

The Following signing was sadly not as successful. They treated fans like cattle even offered signed posters to "avoid the wait". Really?  I stood in line for a signed poster or to see celebrities? What rubbish. Photo ops were impossible there despite my attempt. But I already had photo ops with Kevin Bacon and Shawn Ashmore so this made it less painful.

Next up was RL Stine. Unfortunately the line had been cut off, and it was looking hopeless on that front. So me and Joresky decided to take our spots in the Sleepy Hollow line. But as the RL Stine line dwindled we saw a window of opportunity to mooch our way in that line. We offered the last person in line a free book and I let Joresky mooch in the line. I figured I would stay out of it to increase his chances since he's a big fan of RL Stine. Joreskly got his photo op, two books for himself, and one for me. Then I slipped in line and got a photo op for myself! What looked like a hopeless case turned out to be a success! The final stop was the Sleepy Hollow signing, where we scored combos from everybody, namely writers Roberto Orci and Alex Krutzman who co-wrote the Transformers movies. And actors Katia Winter, Tom Mison, Nicole Beharie, Orlando Jones, and Phillip Iscove. Photo op with Jones came out blurry but no big deal cause I had him. Nicole Beharie made a funny face looking at me. 

Now there was an issue where Froggys could not locate the digital copies of the celebrity authentic guests (in my case for Chloe). After much back and forth Froggys himself told us to email him for digital copies. It took a week but I finally got mine. 

As we were leaving the city we got a tip for Keanu Reeves. Against our better judgement we decided to check it out. We knew it would likely be a bust, but you gotta play to win. We got there in time but as expected he did nothing for no one. After some $1 pizza slices, we ended our very fruitful adventure. 

NYCC Sunday photo ops part 1

NYCC Sunday photo ops part 2

The White Power Ranger

My greatest score for NYCC weekend, Jim Caviezel

Now to showcase some autographs from Friday through Sunday!

Signed 8x10s of Roger Rees, Brooke Hogan, Debra Jo Rupp, and Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio

Jerry Only autographs, Last Unicorn book signed by Peter S Beagle, Boba Fett figure signed by John Morton.

Max Brooks and Shane Davis signed comics, TMNT comics signed by Kevin Eastman, and TMNT 8x10 signed by Rob Paulsen and Kevin Eastman. 

Superman books signed by Jerry Orday, RL Stine signed book, and Lemony Snicket signed books

Jerry Ordway signed poster

Dark City, Dark Knight Rises, and Man of Steel items signed by David S. Goyer

Curse of Chucky signed poster, Brad Dourif signed Chucky figure, and signed posters of the Following, Vampire Academya and Sleepy Hollow. 

Signed posters of the current TMNT, Person of Interest, Hercules, and Teen Wolf

New York Comic Con 2013 weekend part 1

NYCC is a convention I always dread and look forward to at the same time. On one hand you get so many free combos in organized or semi organized settings, on the other hand you have to fight tooth and nail for these combos, and even break the rules. Let us see how all this played out. I will divide this report into two. Part 1 is Thursday and Friday, which you will read here. 

Thursday

My NYCC journey actually started away from NYC about 1 hour from my house. It was an event where I planned to meet X-Men actors Ben Foster and Taylor Kitsch. Director Peter Berg was also supposed to be there. 

I get myself into the event. Turns out Ben Foster no showed! Sucks cause I had photos for him to sign, but not a huge deal as I already have a combo with him. Then I see Taylor Kitsch and ask for a photo op. He was nice and can be. I could have asked for autos right there and then but I didn't want to risk losing my good standing among some of the people at this event. Though I probably would have been ok. I walk around and see Peter Berg and get a photo op. He's as nice as can be. 

The event ends and I wait outside for Taylor. He signs my 8x10s no problem. 

Former US Navy Seal and book author Marcus Luttrell comes out. I figure might as well ask for a photo op. The woman with him (his wife maybe?) goes "you got a photo inside". I look at her with this face and tell her "no I didn't" she goes "I know I saw you but go ahead". I then proceed to show her the photo ops I did get inside as I take a photo op with Marcus, who was nice as can be. 

Full list of photo ops

Taylor Kitsch photo op

Taylor Kitsch autographs

After this I head to Joresky's place to spend the night.  

Friday

We arrive at NYCC and get some info for a Vampire Academy signing. We find the table and line up for it. Not far from there is a Felix the Cat booth. I go up to what seems to be the creator of the character, but turns out it's his son. I get a photo op all the same as nothing else is going on. While the Vampire Academy folks were all  names for me they all look like awesome "you never know names" so I figure I might as well get them while they are happy to be doing combos. And boy were they all happy! The signing included actresses Zoey Deutch, Lucy Fry, Sami Gayle, actor Dominic Sherwood, director Mark Winters and writer/creator Daniel Winters (he also wrote Batman Returns!). I got photo ops and two signed posters. Plus it does look like a decent movie so I may have to check it out. 

After this I go to the booth of John DiMaggio (Bender in Futurama) and elect to only get a photo op to cut down costs. Then to a free signing with Dave Wyndorf, lead singer of hard rock band Monster Magnet (only cause Joresky wanted him, no idea who that is). 

We then get info for the Chucky signing, which was one of my main wants as far as the ticketed signings go. Joresky got a ticket thanks to a friend of his, but I remained ticketless. I stand in line regardless then I SCORE a ticket on the floor! I couldn't believe it! Before I get to the signing table I see someone getting ready to leave. I chase him down and beg for a photo op which he didn't want to do saying he had to leave. But I eventually score that photo op. I had no idea who that was at the time but turns out it's Alex Vincent AKA Andy from the Chucky movies, a want of mine who charges money at cons! As I get to the official signing Jennifer Tilly is her usual friendly self. But I had no need for a photo op. Got her on the Chucky poster though. Also got combos with Don Mancini (director), Brad Dourif (voice of Chucky), Fiona Dourif, and Danielle Bisutti. Besides the poster I had Brad Dourif sign my Cult Classics series 4 Chucky figure! Always a great feeling to get for free somebody who charges money at cons. 

Then I stand in Veronica Taylor's short line and get a photo op. She voiced April O Neil in the 2003 TMNT cartoon. Next up, free combo with Max Brooks (son of Mel Brooks and author of World War Z). He and Shane Davis signed a comic book they were promoting. 

Now I wanted to virgilize David S Goyer, who wrote Nolan Batman, Man of Steel, among others. I had a friend hold me a spot as I go to get Tyler Mane. A good name both wrestling wise (WCW) and movie wise (X-Men). He was charging for autographs, but I go up to him and ask for a photo op and he does it without charging me money even coming around the table for me!

Back to David S Goyer and the cast of Da Vinci Demons. I go to to Goyer he goes "I'm only supposed to sign one but I'll do two". I get him on my Dark City blu ray cover and my Man of Steel magazine. But after some persuasion I get him on my Nolan Batman Trilogy booklet from the blu ray set. Then got a photo op with him and the rest of the cast (Tom Riley, Blake Ritson, Laura Haddock, Gregg Chillin). 

Next up was the TMNT signing. Joresky was already there, with a ticket. But I was ticketless. Despite that I manage to get in the signing and scored everybody! Rob Paulsen (voice of Donatello, voiced Raphael in old TMNT series), Greg Cipes (voice of Michaelangelo), Hoon Lee (voice of Master Splinter), Josh Stermin (writer/executive producer) and JR Ventimilia (writer/executive producer). Didn't need a photo op with Rob as I got one last year at NYCC. But I happened to have a vintage TMNT 8x10 on me. The one he signed for me last year got smudged so I was happy for this chance to make it up! And for free nonetheless since he charges as cons! I quickly whipped up my 8x10 and had him sign it. Also got two posters done by everybody. 

We then went to artist's alley. We look for Jerry Ordway, co writer of the Death of Superman story line, but sadly he had gone for the day and was not due back till Sunday. I wanted Peter S Beagle, author of The Last Unicorn. I go there and see his handler discussing prices with a group of girls (how much for DVDs, blu rays, books, etc). While all this was happening I ask him if he could sign my Last Unicorn graphic novel. I wanted it on the title page but he wanted to sign another page. I didn't want to argue so I could discretely walk away from this without paying money. But he wanted it in gold which wouldn't look good on purple. So I ask him to use black which he does. Then I get a photo op and casually walk away with my free combo as his handler is still talking to the girls. We then find out Kevin Eastman is not due till tomorrow. The final get at NYCC is a photo op Liam McIntyre which I split with Joresky. 

I left NYCC having forgotten about Jerry Only of the Misfits, but no big deal as he would be there Saturday. We also missed Jerry Ordway but he comes back Sunday. 

Here is where I got screwed hard. Joresky had some info on Thomas Ian Nicholas. I needed a photo op with him so I drove to the spot. Turns out the time Joresky gave me was completely wrong! And I missed a couple of celebs at another spot where Joresky was 

Had I known the true time I would not even have gone to begin with. So I cut my losses and joined Joresky. We decide, rather stupidly to try for Daniel Craig and Rachel Weisz. Already have Craig so Weisz was my main want. We run into none other than  at this spot! When the witching hour came Craig actually posed for me for a split second but I failed miserably. A photo op without a mustache would have been cool but not a huge deal. Weisz was worse than Craig with photo ops. I did however score autographs from both on a program (which technically completes my Daniel Craig combo). So I guess it was at least one step above a complete failure.

Now remember the Mary Elizabeth spot where I would live to fight another day? This day would finally be here! I arrive and there's a woman waiting to meet up with Roger Reese (she must have been his friend or something). So I knew for a fact he was coming out of that particular door (the place has two doors). He comes out and is as nice as can be. I get a combo. I then wait some more and Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio from Scarface is there in all her glory! Got a combo and extra from her! Success! We see Alessandro Nivola again but have no need for him I just tell him hello and that I got a photo op with him and he gives me the thumbs up. HCIT. 

For the final spot of the evening, we are outside a venue for Ginger Baker, the drummer of Cream. I would not stay till he comes out (though no one was able to get him). But while there I got a photo op with the drummer of Red Hot Chile Peppers, Chad Smith. This ends a very fruitful day. And it was off to sleep.

NYCC Friday photo ops part 1

NYCC Friday photo ops part 2

post NYCC Friday photo ops

Brad Dourif

Liam McIntyre

Tyler Mane

Roger Reese

Chad Smith

Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio

Stay tuned for part 2 of my NYCC report which will be Saturday and Sunday (and the full list of autographs from Friday through Sunday at the end of part 2). 

Legends of the Ring, Exxxotica, NYC

First off I apologize to everyone for slacking off on reports. October has been an ultra busy month for me. It started in early October with Legends of the Ring/Exxxotica weekend (this report). And it would be the start of a long and grueling month. I am totally drained. But let us begin. 

Saturday

We arrive at Legends of the Ring. Sadly Dusty Rhodes has left and he was Joresky's top want for the con. He was scheduled till 12pm and we had arrived with 30 minutes to spare  I have never heard of any signing at LOTR finishing early. 

While there I speak to  who hooks me up with Pete Doherty photo ops. Thank you Kenny!

I should add that there were TONS of people mooching at the hotel. One guy was even bragging about mooching 16 photo ops (both superticket and vendor guests). 

Next up we head to Exxxotica in Edison, NJ. We enter the con and it was definitely a different kind of con. Sadly, our top want from the con, Ron Jeremy, was no where in sight  And none of the workers knew anything. I finally found someone who texted the promoter of the show and apparently he's not arriving till 8pm We had no intention to stay this long. 

At this point the con was drunk and salvage. Jenna Jameson was scheduled to be there and I had some 8x10s on me. For $10 she signed me two and did a photo op. Already had a photo op but she looked different. Besides Jenna I got a $5 photo op with Nina Hartley just to get something over nothing. When taking the photo op it seemed kinda awkward as she was positioning my hands in "special" places. I felt like a virgin getting his first feel as I am not used to this happening in a meet and greet setting. When we were done with the photo op she even went so far as to hug and kiss me. Again, was caught off guard as I'm not used to that in a meet and greet setting. Did not waste money on anyone else at this con. Also said hi to  who had at least one guest at the show. After this failure it was off to NYC. 

We hit up a spot that I was personally against hitting up. We see Ben Stiller, Christine Taylor, Kristen Wiig, among others but they were hardly accessible. Pity cause I would have liked a Wiig photo op. Move on to the next spot where I was hoping to score a big want of mine, Michelle Williams. Sadly there were ebayers and she did nothing for no one. As I would later find out going out she scribbled some bad autos. 

Next up is Tom Skerritt from Alien and other stuff. He was super nice and did combos no problem. I run to re join Joresky to get Roger Rees (Robin Hood Men in Tights), Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio (Scarface), and Alessandro Nivola (Jurassic Park 3). Sadly I just missed Roger and we did not see Mary so she must have left from another door. We did however see Alessandro Nivola who was with his family and more than happy to do combos. Got a combo and an extra. While things didn't go the best regarding this spot, I would live to fight another day. 

The last spot for the evening was for Miley Cyrus. While there I get a bunch of other photo ops. Regarding Miley, coming in there is a HUGE mob of paps and graphers. One girl grapher even just backs up and says "nooooo" when she sees how unruly everyone is. As expected, she does nothing for no one. 

Now here's where something rather humorous happened. While inside Miley takes a photo in front of the window. When that happens a couple of girls are jumping with mega joy as they see themselves "featured" in the tweet. Here is the photo. 

Coming out I see her starting to take a couple of photo ops. I creep in and manage to my shock SCORE a photo op. Seconds later the mob starts to pile up, and Joresky was not so lucky with his attempt at a photo op. He would be super miserable for an entire evening and all of sunday, cursing everything and everyone out. 

Personally I could not see why he was so devastated over a Miley shot. I could understand over Katy Perry who is he a fan of but Miley? He is not a fan of hers. He was only upset he didn't get her "because she's huge" and cursed me out for not appreciating my photo op more. 

Full photo ops for Saturday

Miley Cyrus

Tom Skerritt

Alessandro Nivola


Sunday

Sunday starts at a spot for Orlando Bloom (featuring a miserable Joresky). Bloom himself did nothing for no one but I scored photo ops with Christian Camargo, Justin Guarini, and Geoffrey Owens (Elvin in Cosby Show), among others. For Owens we were about to give up and Joresky was convinced we missed him, but seconds later we see him. I try again for Mary Elizabeth but decided I wanted to go for another top want where there was only one exit. Namely: Elizabeth Olsen.

I rush to the spot and it was letting out. I get a photo op with Daniel Davis (Niles the butler in The Nanny). A good start. Then my top want from this spot shows up! She does photo ops till she goes "I'm done, I'm leaving". After she's gone I run a couple of blocks and manage to score an autograph, completing my combo with her! We see David Garrison. I get a photo op but had him already. We see TR Knight who I did not need a photo op with as I have him. Thus ends this round. 

Full photo ops for Sunday

Elizabeth Olsen

Daniel Davis

Geoffrey Owens

Autographs for both days

While nothing extravagant and with some misses (most notably Ron Jeremy and Michelle Williams), I would say overall decent. Was especially happy to get Elizabeth Olsen before she becomes as tough to get as her sisters. 

I had FUN with a BLONDE at Monstermania

On September 27 I decided to attend Monstermania in Hunt Valley. I chose that day because I had a flight on Ali Larter who was coming to town for the Baltimore book festival. She finally arrives and I quickly get a photo op. She was in a rush as she didn't even know where she was going. She met up with a driver but turns out that driver was set to meet Lee Meriwether and go to Hunt Valley. While we were all following Larter the driver even tells me "back off" while in an airport but rather than be nasty I simply said "dude, she's not even your girl, you're looking for Lee Mariwether who played Catwoman in Batman, she is older". 

Larter then told us she'd do one more and to please leave her alone as she needs to find out where she's going. As she is on the phone I go ahead and offer her a ride to Baltimore since she can't seem to find her driver and she goes "you're so sweet but no thanks". She called me sweet, HCIT! 

All in all I did get a combo and an extra. So can't complain. 

Ali Larter photo op

Ali Larter autographs

I head off to Monstermania where I had only two wants, Carel Struycken (Lurch from Addams Family and Addams Family values) and Michael Madsen (from Kill Bill and other stuff). I did want Sam Huntington who played Jimmy Olsen in Superman Returns but sadly he was Saturday onlyand I wasn't going to dedicate time and effort for him. He seems to be making rounds so hopefully I get another chance at him. 

First up I go for Carel Struycken who is as nice as can be. Went out of his way to stand and take photos with you. Next up I get Michael Madsen and get a photo op. To cut down on costs did not get any autographs from anybody. I wanted to get an upgrade is Lisa Lorring since she looked better than when I last got her (she lost weight), but decided against spending more money. Either way she does not look like the little girl that played Wednesday Addams. And I figured the only upgrade worth paying for is her as a little girl, which will of course never happen.

Carel Struycken photo op

Michael Madsen photo op

For my final combo related stop for the evening, I attempt for Cyndi Lauper. 

The setup was outside a venue. As far as regulars go you had me, one grapher, and one pap. As far as random people you had one guy and two black girls. 

Now that one woman who worked for the venue tried to tell us that she personally put her in a cab right after she went off stage and told us which train she left in. She was apparently "on her way home". She assured us she wasn't lying. The whole story seemed shady at best. I moved away from everyone and upon some magical research I confirmed that she was in fact not on that train. We were 99.9% sure she was lying, but now we were 110% sure. 

Then a security guard starts bothering people on the public sidewalk trying to tell them they have to leave. When he got to me asking what I'm waiting for (I had a guitar on me so it was obvious) I told him I was just on the sidewalk waiting. He asked for what I said nothing he needs to know. He said that perhaps he could help me. I told him that there's nothing he could help me in and I ended in a "thank you for your concern" and told him to have a good night. Essentially I politely but firmly made it clear that he had no legal authority over me on the sidewalk. Which is factual because nor is he a cop, nor is he secret service. 

As we were waiting Cyndi Lauper finally comes out. I start to mobilize and the security guard tried to tell me I can't approach her and I can't ask. Obviously neither legal nor acceptable for him to say that. I kept moving and demanded "get out of my face" and "stay away from me" and reminded him that I'm on a sidewalk. At this point him and one other guy were trying to block me and I quickly dash right in front of her car. At this point they put their hand on me and got physical and I yell and scream and gesture at them. And I quote:

DON'T YOU FUCKING TOUCH ME I WILL CALL THE COPS AND I WILL PRESS CHARGES ON YOU 

At this point the pap also takes pictures of the guards. I then point out now we have photos of assault. After which there is no more physicality. 

Cyndi Lauper then says "well there are four people it's ok". She signs my guitar and says "I'll sign this and if he hits me with it I'll beat him up myself" to which I replied "sounds like a plan". She did autographs and photo ops, even though her people were saying no photos. While a photo op wasn't necessary for me since I had it, she looked different (red hair) so I asked for a photo op. She said yes and as I prepared for a self blast. She said further away which I obliged. Besides that I also had the entry of the first Wrestlemania signed in the WWE_E V1. 

After she left in her car the whole thing ended then the first security guard told me to have a good night. And I yelled and screamed "IF YOU EVER TOUCH ME ONE MORE TIME I WILL PRESS CHARGES THIS IS YOUR WARNING"

He tries to outright lie saying "no one touched you" and the pap told me that if I want to press charges I should do it now and that he would be a witness. 

I said I'll forgive him but only this once, and we all left. As I left in the car the pap text'd me saying "that assaulted you just for asking for an autograph"



Red haired Cyndi Lauper photo op

Signed Guitar

Signed WWE_E V1 Wrestlemania entry