Maggie Grace Big Texas ComicCon 2025

I overheard this was the first time that Maggie Grace has done a ComicCon where she signed for paying fans. When she arrived, she mentioned she was nervous. She had just come from the photo ops and she wore a slightly off-white pant suit with low heels. She hair and makeup were done. The blouse she wore had long frilly sleeves that she was constantly pushing up her arm as she talked and signed.

When I finally got to her, she signed and asked if she could add the quote I agreed. I think this is perfect for this photo.

I mentioned she was part of the reason I got to go to SDCC so often.  The first year I went was just after the first season of Lost aired. She and Josh Hollway were on the Lost panel. The Wife was infatuated with Sawyer. After The Wife asked me a dozen times to confirm that Sawyer was there, she declared we would go next year.  And the unspoken part was to see Sawyer.  Josh Holloway did not attend that next SDCC. Grace laughed and said, you never know, Josh might do a ComicCon and then The Wife would be happy.

She shared a few brief memories of SDCC and the crowds before I left.

AH

Jamie Campbell Bower and others Big Texas ComicCon 2025

I need a little latitude on this one. I’m going to ramble.

For me, one of the longer lines at Big Texas ComicCon was the line for Jamie Campbell Bower. The girls were in line for Twilight or Stranger Things.  And before you guess incorrectly, I was in line for Stranger Things.

When I finally got in front of Jamie, I handed over the photo and he gave me a suggestion on color to use.  I vetoed and suggested another and he said his pens of that color were crap. So, we compromised with the light blue, which I actually like.

Then I mentioned SDCC. Yes, I’m known to do that. I told him I got his autograph there for The Prisoner. He looked up with shock.  He paused. Then asked me how long ago was that.  I told him I don’t remember but we were both a lot younger. (I checked and it was 2009) He smiled. Then he said wistfully, he could drink a lot more back then.

We briefly threw names back and forth about that show. Jim Caviezel and Lenny James were at the table and also signed. Then he mentioned Ian McKellen and Hayley Atwell were also in the show…which I did not know. They were not signing. Or at least I wasn’t aware of that.

He asked how I got the autographs for The Prisoner. He asked if I was press or a studio employee. I briefly said SDCC did a raffle and I was lucky. 

The AMC booth at SDCC also did credit card sized ID card. As a fan, they took your photo and assigned you a number.  I remember watching this updated version of the Prisoner not liking it. The version with Patrick McGoohan is a favorite and it was hard to see a re-visioning.

I’m posting an image of the signed item from SDCC. The signatures for Jamie and Lenny are much different from 2009. 

AH

Kristen Schaal Big Texas ComicCon 2025

The person in front of me painted a portrait of KristenSchaal. It was her character from What We Do in the Shadows. That is a tough act to follow and the only thing to do it compliment the fan and the art piece.  The painting was much better than anything I can do.

Kristen laughed with me as I said, I only have ‘this’ to sign. She repeated she was honored that someone would spend the time to make a portrait of her. The painting was pretty good.

I mentioned that I know her from The Last Man on Earth and only just started watching ‘Shadows’. We only recently got Hulu. She pointed out Harvey Guillen who was seated a few feet away and a big part of ‘Shadows’.  It’s nice when actors want to share attention and make sure others are not overlooked.

AH

Cobra Kai Big Texas ComicCon 2025

Big Texas Comicon brought in more Cobra Kai actors this year. I was able to add three more to my collection.

Dallas Dupree Young was friendly. As we chatted, it was odd to say, I live north of Dallas, when that is his first name. It’s odd to me. I’m sure most people don’t think twice. Since he grew up in Houston, he was no stranger to San Antonio.

Tanner Buchanan was very nice. He did something for the fan in front of me. He tracked down the paint pen that Dallas used on this photo so it would match. I mentioned that because it’s a small kindness that is very fan friendly.

Mary Mouser asked me if I minded if she added ‘Bonsai Badass’ to the signature.  She didn’t want to offend. I did laugh. It was sweet that she was thinking about the family atmosphere.  I was more than happy that she added it. 

I’m very happy I got these three in San Antonio. I have a few more cast members from that series to track down but I have a majority. I hope the actors still continue doing the convention circuit. The show seems popular even though it is finished.

AH

Luis Guzman Big Texas ComicCon 2025

While Luis Guzman hasn’t done many (if any) other conventions, he seemed very organized and wanted get to get the signature just right.  He introduced himself and let the fan say a few words. Then asked if they knew what color they wanted. That caught most of them off guard. They were more ‘fan’ than autograph collector. He was patient as he held up his suggestion and waited for confirmation.

For my turn, I handed him a pen and suggested a location.

As he finished, I mentioned The Count of Monte Cristo photos. I did remember him from that. I told him I enjoyed the book and I like him in that movie. His character had class and humor.

Then I was off to my next adventure.

AH

Christopher McDonald Big Texas ComicCon 2025

As I handed my photo to Christopher McDonald, he enthusiastically said, “Marty!”

Most of the table photos were Happy Gilmore and I’m sure most people were getting items signed from those 2 Gilmore movies.  I would have too if I found something I liked. This photo was great. Light background. Large area to sign. The actor ‘doing’ something and you can clearly see the face. It just screamed for a signature.

My only regret was not asking about the music video by Peter Gabriel: The Barry Williams Show. Maybe next time.

AH

Cameron Crovetti Big Texas ComicCon 2025

I will admit to watching The Boy and enjoying it. I will also admit, I feel awkward and sleazy afterward.  I know the show wants that reaction.

After Big Texas ComicCon announced Cameron Crovetti, I knew I was getting him when I found the photo with the Muppets.

When I handed over the photo, Cameron laughed. He said he loved that picture. It was a very different experience. As he picked up a pen, we both wondered what color would be best. It’s a busy photo. He experimented with one of my clear plastic top loaders. It’s how I carry the photos.  He used a couple of pens and we both agreed on the white.

After he signed, I mentioned it looked good. He paused and said he was practicing early that day.  I smiled and said it paid off.

AH

Happy Days reunion Big Texas ComicCon 2025

Once again, I drove to San Antonio for Big Texas ComicCon. This show is getting to be a favorite of mine.  I like the convention center, the amount of space designated for the autographs, and the guest list.

This year, they had a Happy Days reunion. Since I got The Fronz’s signature many years ago, I was focused on Don Most and Anson Williams. Both actors were friendly, eager to great fans, and chat.

I was at the convention early enough that most guests were not even at their tables.  After a short wait, I checked and both Don and Anson were signing.  I chose Don first.  He told me he got in the day before and explored the Riverwalk and had some good food.

Anson was the same. He was enjoying his time in San Antonio.

Happy Days was such a center piece growing up. The whole family watched. My sister and I didn’t always understand the references. People really swallowed goldfish? They stuffed themselves into phonebooths? What was submarine racing and how did they get them into a lake? It provided a space to asked mom and dad questions about the time and how things were different but, in some ways, the same.

AH

Peyton List Big Texas ComicCon 2024

I got to the convention on Friday. Later than I wanted (Traffic/construction). I had some hopes of getting a lot of Cobra Kai signatures Friday. After seeing the crowds, I jumped in the line for Peyton List and hoped I could get that before the show closed for the night.

Peyton also spent a lot of time with the fans. As she chatted, she learned about them. She gave an extra autograph to a teacher as a gift for the class. She mentioned how she wasn’t the best-behaved kid and thought maybe this would be a carrot for the kids.  Another talked about using her signed photo as a family gift for Christmas. She shut that down and had the young man pick out a photo for each family member and signed for free.

No one asked. She just did it. There was just respect and sharing. When it was my turn, I handed over the photo. She signed. Then I mentioned I was listening and watching as I waited in line. A cautious smile crossed her face.  I mentioned the free signatures she gave. She quickly dismissed that. I told her no one was watching; it wasn’t something she needed to do. She dismissed that too.  I followed up, that was why it impressed me so much. The little things like that, can make an impact. I was happy to see it and I wanted to say thanks for being a good person. I know my opinion doesn’t mean anything to her but it needed to be said.

AH

Xolo Mariduena Big Texas ComicCon 2024

Outside of Ralph Macchio and William Zabka, I think XoloMariduenda had the largest line and the one with the most anxious energy in it. I heard a lot of comments about waiting 4 hours and being asked to come back later. Or they failed to get him on Friday so they needed to come back on Saturday.  The lines I saw on Friday made me get there early on Saturday and get into his queue first thing.

Very friendly. He spent time with everyone. He seemed most excited about the Blue Beetle merchandise he signed.

AH

Jacob Bertrand Big Texas ComicCon 2024

Jacob Betrand’s character has a lot of character swings in Cobra Kai. He mentioned he was happy about that. The show did that with several actors. Someone asked if he had a favorite style of karate or how good he was.  I wonder how often that question gets asked.   I remember Robert Conrad mentioning everyone wanting to knock the battery off his shoulder.  Yes, I know no one know who Robert Conrad is or the commercial I referenced. Look it up. Jacob side stepped the question and went a different direction. Good for him.

AH

Hannah Kepple Big Texas ComicCon 2024

The person in front of me was getting her photo signed by Hannah Kepple. Hannah paused, then laughed, and said 'brain fart'. She tossed the photo aside and asked for another one to start again. We all laughed. 

After she signed my photo, I asked about ‘brain farts’.  She laughed loudly.  I said it was funny and wondered if the actors practice signing before coming out. This way they know what the photos were like and the pens.  She said no, but it was a good idea.

I mentioned the time I was in Houston and in Chloe Bennett’s line. She was having a horrible time and repeatedly asking for a new photo.  She had about 20 of them littered on the floor. She finally figured out what the issue was with the pen and got in a rhythm. We both laughed. Then I wondered if I was going to jinx Hannah.  So I said thanks and left because I could get blamed.

AH

Gianni DeCenzo Big Texas ComicCon 2024

Standing in line for Gianni DeCenzo was entertaining. Way more energy than I have...but he is 40 years younger than me. His table selfie photos were very creative. Very improv.  He did a chorus line kick for one girl. For another he did a bodybuilder pose.  The girl in the photo with him had bicep’s I’d kill for.  The handler said he was like that all day.  A regular energizer bunny.  Good for him.

AH

Vanessa Rubio Big Texas ComicCon 2024

A big reason I went to the convention was the Cobra Kai cast. I haven’t watched the latest season but I have watched the rest and I always enjoyed the Karate Kid movies.

All of the cast was fan friendly and interactive. San Antonio seemed to be a great spot for this ‘reunion’. The fans were very excited about getting to see so many cast members in person. Even though the lines were long, I did see everyone I ‘needed’.  Some actors I have gotten in the past so there weren’t on my list.

Vanessa Rubio was fun. She and I chatted about the drive from Dallas and traffic. Then driving 85 mph (legally) and passing the Eon’s Mega-building. Her handler agreed, the only way to get around Austin was using the toll road. We all know, the Interstate can back up any time day or night around the State Capitol.

AH

Joe Pantoliano and Kelli Green Big Texas ComiCon 2024

Big Texas ComicCom had something of a Goonies reunion. The Wife and I saw this in college as a ‘date night’. We saw a lot of movies that way. We enjoyed it. It didn’t sink into our hearts like it did for people 5 to 10 years younger than us.  My point, I didn’t get photos signed from Goonies when I met Joe Pantoliano and Kelli Green.

Joe was quiet. He signed my Matrix photo. We chatted about the movie Running Scared because he had the multi-color hair. We both laughed as we both are missing a lot of hair now.

Kelli was sweet.  Lucas was another date movie with The Wife. We both really enjoyed that movie. It’s sad but good. I’m sure she signed Goonies photos and maps all day long; this might have been the one exception.

AH

Eduardo Franco Big Texas ComicCon 2024

I missed getting Eduardo Franco in Dallas a year or two ago. He appeared just after a season of Stranger Things dropped. He was top of mind for a lot of people. He had a very long line and it was mostly very young girls.

This year, the line was shorter.

He is very tall. Over 6 feet. I saw him walking through the crowd. The population in San Antonio is short so he towered over most people. And that hair is sooo long. Am I jealous?  Yeah. I wish I had a full head of hair. Not that long but a full head of hair.

He was quiet and friendly. He offered a quote and I was happy. We chatted a bit and then I was on my way.

AH

Emilio Rivera Big Texas ComicCon 2024

When I say Emilio Rivera, you think Z Nation, right? Right…? Am I the ONLY one?

Okay, maybe not.
Again, my dad would be happy I got to chat with Emilio. He was very friendly and was asking questions back to his fans. He seemed happy to be there. He did think it funny that dad would not have let me watch the show when I was growing up. Different times and world.

AH

JD Pardo Big Texas ComicCon 2024

Back story – my Dad would have never let my sister and me watch Sons of Anarchy or M. C. Mayans growing up. But he is watching all of those now that we are out of the house. Parents, go figure.

I still don’t watch those types of shows. However, dad was more excited about me getting J D Pardo’s signature than I was. Yes, I did tell JD that.  Personally, I remember him from Revolution; much younger of course.

And I had to tell him how my friend, Daisy wanted me to say 'hi' and not worry that she was married. She could lose her hubby in a flash. He was caught off guard by that. Probably because I’m an old guy and not cute and perky. Which reminded me, he had a few women in line that spent a lot of time checking their makeup and the lay of their blouses as they waited. One lady hugged him at least 6 times and had a very glazed look in her eyes as her friend led her away.

AH

Garrett Hedlund Big Texas ComicCon 2024

This was my second trip to Big Texas ComicCon in San Antonio. I went last year as a quick one-day adventure to get David Harbour’s signature. I thought the layout of the convention was good. They had plenty of places to sit. Parking was much tougher this year but I learned more so it will be easier next year.

I’m glad I planned on 2 days this year.

My want/need list was massive and I doubted I could get everyone in one day.  While I might have polished it all off on one day, my stress would have been sky high. With 2 days, I had some time to pause and give my feet and back a break.

Garrett Hedlund made my list because of Instagram. Their marketing paid off. I saw a couple of clips from Tulsa King and decided to watch. If you know me, about 99% of what I watch is Sci fi, Horror, and Fantasy.  This is not the norm for me. I really enjoyed Tulsa King. Now The Wife thinks she can get me to watch Yellowstone…but back to the con.

Garrett was there on Saturday. I couldn’t find something to print. I chose the only table photo he had from Tulsa.  He was friendly. He was chatting with everyone. It seemed mostly about Friday Night Lights. I told him why I started watching Tulsa. He smiled.

I asked about the movie Pan and SDCC. I mentioned I got one of the cast signing, which included him. I told Garrett I was trying to be 'cute' when I told Hugh Jackman that he had a good Texas accent.  Hugh was not amused. Garrett smiled again. 

Then I was on my way to the guest.

AH

Frank Grillo Big Texas ComicCon 2023

This was the last autograph I got at Big Texas ComicCon. I looked for a photo of
Frank Grillo online, but didn’t see one I wanted to print. I decided to check out his table to see what he had. 

Since he had a prepaid option for his signature, I figured I’d have to go to another table to buy the ticket. One of the handlers said I could pay cash at the table. Since he had a table photo I liked, I got in line. 

As I was waiting, Frank and a fan were talking smack to each other. Good natured but intense. Very Back East. No smiles until you turn your head away; playing for the audience.

It was all because she wore a Phila Eagles Sweat shirt. Some of the exchange:

Frank: Ugh. I should charge you double for burning my eyes with that shirt.

Fan: You’re lucky I even came to see your loser face.

Frank: Oh, let’s get this over before I go blind.

Fan: At least I don’t like the Giants.

Then all smiles and a handshake. She went on her way without another word.

I step up as Frank and another handler are smiling. They had fun.

As he signed my photo, I asked if there was a back story. I was asking if maybe they knew each other. He said the only back story was he roots for NY and she’s an Eagles fan.

So, I said, And the only the only team you hate worse are the Cowboys.  

I think everyone in 20 feet of me agreed. Everyone hates the Cowboys. I paused after I said that. I was in San Antonio. I thought they really liked the Cowboys. Maybe that’s changed over the years.

Frank agreed with a smile, the Cowboys were the worse.

I did not bring up my football allegiance.

We hook and I left.

My convention was done. I drove about 5 hours. Spent less than 2 hours at the show and now I’m heading home.

AH