Between my full time day job, my children (aka the best kids in America), and the lack of extra spending money, I don’t get to go to conventions that often. I go to NYCC, but end up planting myself in a hall that doesn’t clear out after each panel (damn you main stage), furiously writing and posting everything I can for Geeks of Doom. My husband got us VIP tickets for Heroes and Villains Fan Fest in Secaucus, NJ this weekend, and I didn’t know what to expect. I knew the event was more focused, targeting a specific fan – lovers of comic books and comic-based shows. Even more specific – fans of The CW’s hit show Arrow, with Gotham, Heroes, The Flash, Comic Book Men, Agent Carter, Legends of Tomorrow, and wrestling mixed in.
More below.
We didn’t get to write that much, except the Stephen Amell/Cody Rhodes panel, and one or two more bits to come, but we had a lot fun and met a lot of people. This was our first time at one of these, but in almost every (very short) line, the stars would say, “I remember you!” or “Hi Joanne!” (That last one was for Joanne, obviously). The panel people even mentioned how they start to get to know people at these things.
Some highlights:
– Willa Holland initiating a hug – she could not be any sweeter.
– Katrina Law giving us rabbit ears behind our heads in the pic.
– Neal McDonough and my husband discussing the awesomeness of Ravenous.
– Milo Ventimiglia making me laugh with his silly selfie faces.
– Drew Powell asking us how Rockaway Beach was.
– David Mazouz being the nicest young man, while I gushed about what a fantastic actor he is.
– Ciara Renee trying not to agree (but I think she did), that Hawkgirl should’ve chosen Cisco.
– Danielle Panabaker saying she likes these smaller ones because she doesn’t get to meet as many people at the big conventions – press obligations.
– My husband and Cody Rhodes discussing wrestling action figures.
– Telling Caity Lotz where to get the unlimited root beer.
– Meeting Peter Pan. Robbie Kay is so mature – no wonder he can hold his own with the likes of Robert Carlyle.
– Deciding I was in love with Sean Pertwee. Husband told him that Alfred is his favorite character.
– Charlotte Ross and Paul Blackthorne being completely gracious and gorgeous.
– Not being able to speak when Stephen Amell and Colin Donnell put their arms around me and then looked into my eyes (separate occasions). I was in full on swoon mode.
I definitely spent some money, but the prices were reasonable. Most selfies were $20-$30, and while the photo ops were definitely pricier, they were still about half as much as a Comic-Con. Wild Bill’s gave you unlimited soda with the purchase of a mug, beers were $5, and the food was cheap. We got some great deals from artists and comic vendors as well.
Two people I missed on the personal level, and are first the next time I come are – John Barrowman and David Ramsey. I did get to hear the Barrowman panel in its entirety, as everything is in one big room. He is hysterical, and I also caught glimpses of him dragging fans up and down the bouncy slide. I wish I embraced every moment to the fullest as he does. His sister, author Carol Barrowman, was there as well promoting her (and their) novels. I may request some to review for GoD. I did get to stare at David Ramsey from other lines. I have never seen arms that big in real life ever. He should challenge some wrestlers too. We also enjoyed his panel with Holland, Donnell, and Law.
Next weekend is Walker Stalker Con!
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I agree with you a thousand percent about HVFF. I was there in January, and they were even fewer of us stuck at snowpocalypse with the few stars that were able to make it.
Yes, David Ramsey’s arms are amazing. Echo Kellum is utterly charming, and similar to John Barrowman in that way. Stephen and Colin are definitely hot, Willa and Katrina are very sweet .
Nancy
Comment by AgentCarterFan — July 5, 2016 @ 1:26 pm
I’m probably in minority, but I mostly disliked my experience at this con. being there on general admission may have something to do with it, but aside from sweetness of Katrina Law and hilarity of John Barrowman, I found the con to be extremely underwhelming and ridiculously overpriced given what it offers. my experience at NYCC for all its hugeness was much MUCH more fun, I loved the way it organized panels especially main stage ones, I liked that I didn’t need to buy VIP pass to see what and whom I wanted to see. heroes and villians, I ended up leaving even before cospay contest (and i LOVE cosplay) and was so annoyed with the whole thing that I decided not to come back on sunday. those prices for the kind of wait they put you through on general admissions, assuming you even get to see anyone seeing as actors need a break sometimes too – were insane. never again.
Comment by Leah — July 5, 2016 @ 2:03 pm