Andrew Marcec » WizardCon ’09

WizardCon ’09

Aug 10, 2009 | No Comments | @andrewmarcec

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What do comic books, b-rate celebrities, and people dressing up in out of this world costumes in August have in common? They all join forces one great weekend to form an intense super beast known only as a comic book convention. Wizard World Chicago was this past weekend, but oddly enough it isn’t in Chicago at all, it’s in Rosemont, IL at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center. I was lucky enough to be able to snatch up a ticket for the Saturday show and geek my heart out! This convention is very special to me, not because of who they get to attend, but because I attended this convention five years ago with some very good friends. It was our first experience at a convention ever, and this sparked our love.

Awesome Chalk Art

This is a day that needs it’s own special agenda. To start, the doors to the convention floor are advertised as opening at 10:30am. This is always a lie, true “conners” (that’s what I’m now calling people who attend conventions) know that the doors always open at 10:00am if not sooner. I started my day early, 7am, and after a delicious montage of an omelet and coffee was at the convention center by 10:oo am on the dot.

Crowded

The sidewalks were overflowing with people, many of whom were heavily costumed, and I wasn’t able to tell if the police were terrified or having a great time people watching. As I waited at will call in the convention center lobby, giddiness overtook me, and a smile formed on my face…and it stayed the entire time.

However, even though it’s all smiles, once you get your armband for your day, it becomes business time. People are disoriented in the morning, they woke up early and don’t fully understand where they are, and that there are no lines. This is when I’m thankful I wake up at 5am. I was ready. First stop…Edward James Olmos.

Edward James Olmos

Mr. Olmos was conveniently seated right near the entrance/exit. I was first in line. However I was astounded to see that he wanted $50 for an autograph and would do no posed photography. I’m not a rich guy, I couldn’t afford such a high end autograph, but I did manage to shake his hand and compliment him on his speech he made at the UN. We had a brief discussion about how we need to stand together in this time of world crisis and realize that there is only one race, the human race. I then congratulated him on all his sci-fi success (BSG is one of the best shows on TV, and Blade Runner was voted the best sci-fi film of all time).

SECRET EDWARD JAMES OLMOS TIP:

After complimenting him on his sci-fi success he gave me a little insight into the link between BSG and Blade Runner. If you watch the finale of BSG, then throw Blade Runner in, this what the future of humanity as become, almost a full circle scenario if you will. Gaff is also a direct descendant of Adama.

I couldn’t make this up if I tried.

Michael Hogan

Next was Michael Hogan. Mr. Hogan was great, his autograph was $30, but he would do posed photography. Mr. Hogan was incredibly animated and enthusiastic about sci-fi and the work that he does, which is so refreshing since so many actors take the work not out of love, but just to be working. One thing I was so curious about was his eye patch and if it was difficult getting used to. He said that it was incredibly difficult, more so later on in the day when his depth perception would be shot. Check him out on Warehouse 13!

Next up were the stars of “Buck Rogers”, Erin Gray and Gil Gerrard.

Erin Gray

I’ve been such a fan of Buck Rogers for years now, and was so enthused that they attended. I was armed with my complete collection for them to autograph. They both wanted $25…that I can handle. I spoke with both Erin and Gil for quite a while and were delighted at how much they appreciated their fans of all ages. Gil and I spoke for quite some time about Buck Rogers, he told me a few set stories, and gave me some insight into new Buck projects.

SECRET GIL GERRARD TIPS:

Frank Miller is still in line to make a Buck Rogers film.

Gil is co-producing a new web series for Buck Rogers.

Everyone involved with the show is seriously convinced that season 2 is what killed it.

Gil will be a captain in Star Trek Phase II. He shot it a month and a half ago.

Andrew and Michael Papajohn

(Don’t Hurt Me, Just Give Me A Chance!)

Next on the list was Michael Papajohn. Michael was great, a very enthusiastic actor that not only loves what he does, but loves all his fans. I spoke with Michael for at least 20 minutes. During the conversation he would yell at children with Transformers or Spider-Man t-shirts on and bring them over. His goal is to really get a fan base for him going as he broadens his work. He will next be appearing on True Blood. Follow him at www.michaelpapajohn.com or go to his Twitter @michaelpapajohn.

I got not one autograph, but two, and two awesome photos with him. He is someone that should be on everyone’s “must meet” list for sure.

Me and Michael Papajohn 2

There were so many other celebrities to meet and see, but as the lines got longer and the day drew on I started getting incredibly impatient. Celebs like former Boy Meets Worlder Kristiana Loken was mobbed as were Adriene Curry and Christopher Knight. The line for Ray Park was absolutely insane, and I didn’t even attempt to meet Rhona Mitra or Michelle Rodriguez.

As I was navigating the crowds I kept an eye out for cool booths and interesting costumes. One big trend I saw a lot of were skull caps with cat ears on them. I have no idea what that was about.

Artist alley was crammed with amazing illustrators, all willing to sketch just about anything you wanted. I had the pleasure of interviewing someone who is starting to make a great name for himself in the online comic industry Jaysin Osterkamp, illustrator of the comic “Lost”. Look for my interview with him soon.

All in all it was a fantastic con, and something that I feel everyone should do at least once in your lifetime.

What do you think? Are cons more overrated that they need to be? What was your best con experience? Best celebrity you’ve met? Check out all my photos in the gallery below, include more celeb pictures and some of the cool stuff I went home with! (Click the images for humongo size…I’m not kidding, these things are big)