Spooky Empire - Day 1

My Friday began in Dallas, as I was there for work. I woke up at 2am for a way too early flight home to Orlando. I landed, drove home to Titusville, spent a couple of hours getting my stuff together, and headed to the hotel. I checked in, dropped off my luggage, and headed to the con at 3ish.

I hung out at the entrance to the autograph area until they put VIPs in at 4. Got to see lots of my con buddies while I waited.

When they let us in, I bee-lined it to David Howard Thornton’s table. I’ve met him several times, but had picked up a few new things to get signed. He was awesome as usual. His line gets pretty crazy, so I'm glad I was able to knock him out early. I still have a few items I wouldn't mind getting signed, so we'll see if I have any money left over after getting the other guests I need. Make sure to click an image to see the full image. The gallery crops them to fit the window.

After that I was going to get in Elvira’s line, but she wasn’t there yet and barely had a line. So I went to get my biggest need of the con, Darren Lynn Bousman. He seemed relieved that somebody wanted his autograph. He was awesome. I had a bunch of stuff for him to sign, and then he gave me a full size Repo poster. We also chatted on camera, maybe for his podcast. This was the one of three guests that I was insanely excited for, and he didn't disappoint.

Cassandra Peterson arrived shortly after. She’s always a lovely meet, and this was no exception. I asked if she could write "Yours Cruelly, Elvira, Mistress of the Dark" on my large photo. She said she'd be happy to, but that my cutout was too small and she'd have to write tiny to fit it all in. So I removed the photo from the plastic and she gave me a killer autograph. After asking for a lot on the photo, I just had her sign the Funko Pop. Cassandra doesn't do table selfies, but I'll be getting a pro photo op later this weekend.

I was able to get Roger Jackson just before they let in GA. I absolutely love the Ghostface 16x20 I got signed. It’s definitely going on the wall at some point.

My other big priority for Friday was Jane Levy. I’d met her once before, but had a couple more cool items for her to sign. She actually remembered me from our previous meet, which was almost two years ago. She was great. I told her I’d probably see her again at another con in January. She said she’s going to remember my name next time. It would blow my mind if she actually does. I couldn't afford the selfie last time, so I grabbed one this time.

Another person that remembered me was Samantha Scaffidi. I’ve met her a few times now, and she always greets me like an old friend. I can’t wait until her Funko Pop comes out so I have an excuse to meet her again.

Right after Samantha I had Amelie McLain sign the same poster, as well as a Funko Pop and a Trick or Treat Studios figure. She had apparently never seen the poster before, and seemed to really like it. She was showing it off to her mom, and pointing out where she was on the poster.

Next up was Larry Zerner. He's another one I've met before, but I still needed him on my Friday the 13th franchise poster. This poster is really coming along nicely, but I'm definitely going to run out of room before I get everybody I'd like to get on it.

While I was at Shelly's table, Kane Hodder and C.J. Graham came over and looked at my poster. Kane didn't believe me that he had already signed it. While he was was looking for his signature, he noticed a signature that he felt was inscribed incorrectly. Both Kane and CJ made disparaging remarks about that signature, with C.J. telling me to remove his signature lol. It was in good fun, I don't think it was mean spirited.

Before the con, I totally forgot to go to the bank to get cash, and the ATMs on site won’t let you take very much out. So I was pretty limited on cash. So I spent most of the rest of the first day running around getting everybody that took credit cards. The first of those people was Tom Woodruff Jr. He remember me from Scarefest a couple weeks ago. I didn't have my Alien Franchise poster with me at that time because I hadn't gotten it back from having somebody get Sigourney Weaver to sign it at NYCC.

Next up was Jeff East. He said he had never seen this particular Pumpkinhead poster before.

My final meet of the day was Nivek Ogre. I didn't know what to expect with him, but man he is such a nice guy. He is so funny in Repo, and I really like his music with Skinny Puppy. I was glad to end the guy with an awesome meet.

I didn’t get quite as many autographs on Friday as I would have if I hadn’t forgotten to bring money (kinda important!), but still had an awesome first day. The Hyatt Regency is probably my favorite convention venue in the country, so I always especially love the fall Spooky.

I also don’t have a lot of photos with celebs to post today, as I’ve gotten photos with lots of these folks already, and don’t usually double dip. But there are a few!

I am definitely looking forward to day 2! Now for some stats:

Celebs Met: 14 Photos With Celebs: 4

Items Signed: 28

Autographs Obtained: 31