Paul Wesley Comicpalooza 2023

I was happy to get Paul Wesley’s autograph in Houston. While I never watched Vampire Dairies, I know he is a fairly big name. I’m happy he crossed over to Star Trek universe so can get a photo signed.

He was nice and shared a few sentences with every fan. I mentioned I was planning on going to the Star Trek Vegas convention. Paul said he never been to that. I told him he would enjoy it. He has done a bunch of Creation Conventions but this is just bigger. I’ll probably see him on a panel there.

AH

Alaqua Cox Comicpalooza 2023

Sometimes, I do things out of my comfort zone. I do it from ignorance, arrogance, or I’m pumped up on caffeine and sugar with the brain in neutral.

I truly didn’t know that Alaqua Cox was deaf. I saw a deaf interpreter at the table but I thought maybe that was for an attendee or maybe Alaqua was hard of hearing. I was wrong on both accounts. Nothing unusual about me begin wrong.

When it was my turn to get an autograph, I spoke the word, hello. I didn't look at the interpreter. Alaqua signed back. Then the caffeine and sugar took over.  I signed: How are you.  

I didn’t do it well but she understood and signed back to me. A lot. And fast. And I as lost. The sign language from college was 30 years old and heavily coated in dust and cobwebs and to be truthful, I was never very good.

I said I didn’t know more. Alaqua nodded and signed back. The interpreter, said thanks for trying and keep practicing.  I turned to leave but I paused. I said I wanted to try something. A joke.

Alaqua leaned back and I started. After the first sentence, I knew she didn’t understand what I signed.  That was bad. I blushed. I started again. This time I signed and spoke.

The interpreter was signing what I was saying. I finished. There was no reaction. Then Alaqua signed back to me. I heard the interpreter: Thanks. You still need to keep practicing.

She was patient and friendly but I knew I overstayed my welcome. I signed: thanks. Chagrined and embarrassed I took my autograph. THEN my brain re-engaged and I wondered what I just did.   I chuckled to myself. I was really out of my comfort zone.

AH

PS I was asked about the joke. I'm updating the blog to clean up my post and to add the joke. Don't hate me after you read it.

A man walks into a bar with a pig under his arm.

The bartender asks, 'Where did you get him?'

The pig say, 'I won him in a raffle.'

Jack Quaid Comicpalooza 2023

It was a toss up if I got something from Star Trek: Lower Decks or The Boys signed by Jack Quaid. I chose the Boys and was happy with that. I like the show more AND I’m a Billy Joel fan. I love the quote he added to the photo.

Jack knew the two people in from of me. I’m assuming they were Uber Fans. He had no issue with seeing them and he seemed very happy they were in line. He came out from behind the table and they hugged and chatted. One of the fans wanted his wrist signed. He was going to get it tattooed, so it was permanent.

Jack signed the wrist but wasn’t happy with that. the signature smears and the ink bled. He got a sheet of paper and signed that; which was a better signature. He said the tattoo artist could use the paper as a stencil.

I’ve seen autographs signed on skin before to get a tattoo made. I liked the idea of a stencil. It seems like it would look better. I guess you can consider that a Hint From Heloise for everyone wanting to do that.

AH

Erin Moriarty Comicpalooza 2023

Another actor from The Boys was Erin Moriarty. This was another actor high on my list for the Houston convention.

After she signed, I asked if she would get time to see anything of Houston. She said she never been to Texas before and she was looking forward to BBQ. She had heard that the ‘good places’ run out at lunch and there was no more. Erin asked me if that was true. I smiled and paused. I said for some places that was true. But many places, even good ones, are open for a dinner crowd, so they have BBQ for people at night.

She laughed. Erin mentioned that someone on set was constantly bragging how good Texas BBQ. He was always warning them they needed to get there early. I knew I stayed as long as I should and I thanked her and left.

AH

Anthony Starr – Comicpaloza 2013

There was a long line for Anthony Starr. Most everyone was there for the series: The Boys. It’s a very good show and I enjoy it…although I kind of need a shower after watching.  The show is poplar and the convention had a few people cosplaying as characters from the series.

Anthony was in another series that I really enjoyed too, Banshee. That’s another one you might need a shower after watching. It’s not my normal cup of tea but I found it captivating. It’s a crime series and not sci fi.

He was fan friendly and gave quotes and signed photos, pops, and art work. For one pop he signed, he asked the person what they wanted and where. He paused and channeled his ‘Homelander’. He told the person, he’d sign where he wanted because, well, he’s Homelander. If he didn’t like it, he’d laser him to death.  Everyone laughed.

While I brought a photo from Banshee, he had a similar one on the table. That stack appeared untouched as The Boys is very popular right now.

AH

Titus Welliver Comicpalooza 20223

The Wife and my Dad love the series, Bosch. I enjoyed Deadwood. Which means it was a no-brainer to get Titus Welliver’s signature at Comicpalooza in Houston. 

He was friendly and chatted with fans. When I mentioned how much The Wife and Dad enjoyed the series, he told me they will be very happy as 2 more series as coming to the Bosch -verse. Them he added that season 2 of Bosch legacy was around the corner.

AH

Terry Brooks Comicpalooza 2023

I have mentioned before I like Comicpalooza. They are a large show and have a wide variety of things to do. It’s worth the 4-hour drive to Houston.

Besides a nice list of actors, they also brought in TerryBrooks. A huge name in the Fantasy World. He has been writing for decades.

 The line moved fast but Terry was looking up and exchanging a few words with everyone. I bought a hardcover and got a nice signature.

AH

Terry Crews Comicpalooza 2022

The last autograph I got in Houston was Terry Crews. He was full of energy and chatted with everyone as he signed. 

He saw my photo and said: I have three guns there.  I have 3 guns.

I just smiled and didn’t ask more. It seemed it was something he repeated to people often. An inside joke?  Double entendre?  It seems better not to follow up on that.

He handed back the photo and I considered myself done for the show.

AH

The Magicians Comicpalooza 2022

I’ve mentioned before I enjoyed the show, The Magicians. Comicpalooza ended up with 3 of the actors at this show.  Two of the actors I have not seen before. I was pumped.

I was asked to wear a mask before I got in line. I was handed one to use.  I walked up to Stella Maeve as she was talking to the first couple.  They were Stella’s FIRST ComicCon autographs.  Everyone was excited.

When they left, I walked up and said, I was smiling under my mask. Then I blathered a bit about enjoying the show and the journey her character traveled. It was a good encounter.

Then I exited and walked over to Trevor Einhorn. He was also friendly. He commented on the photo I brought. He told me how trainable rabbits were. I just thought it was funny to have time traveling messaging bunnies.

AH

Michael Shanks Comicpalooza 2022

I have been waiting a long time to cross convention paths with Michael Shanks. I’m glad he made a stop in Houston so I could pick up his autograph.

As he signed, I welcomed him to Houston. And he added the humidity.  Texas is in a heat wave and Houston is very humid. So, it’s not a great welcome. As he signed, I pointed at a photo and asked if that was from Burn Notice.  Then he laughed and responded, yes and Miami has even worse humidity.

I left and was very happy to have added Dr Jackson to my collection.

AH

Jackie Earle Haley Comicpalooza 2022

As I waited in line. I saw a few Bad News Bears photos and jerseys. That film has made impression on America’s psyche. I know everybody loves JackieEarle Haley from Bad News Bears but I think of a few other movies first: Damnation Alley, Breaking Away, and Watchmen.

As he signed, I mentioned the first 2 movies. He said I was going way back. I told him that’s how long I have watching him in movies.

He finished and added the symbol/logo for Rorschach.

AH

Kyle MacLachlan Comicpalooza 2022

I’m really happy how this turned out. I took the time to find a photo I wanted. That was great because at Kyle MacLachlan’s table, he didn’t have any photos I liked. Most of them were from Twin Peaks. As I was waiting, I had several people excitedly ask where I got mine. They thought they missed it on the table.

Originally, I was going to have Kyle write: The Spice Must Flow. While he didn’t say that, it is an iconic phrase in the movie, Dune. But as he was about to write it down, I asked if I could change that. He smiled and lifted the pen from the photo. He asked what I would like.  I got a bigger smile when I quoted from the 'Litany'. After he finished, he agreed that seemed to fit better.

As he looked over the signed photo, he pointed out a couple of people standing in the sand. He named them. Some were his co-stars and some were the film crew. It was nice that he shared that.

AH

Emilia Clarke Comicpalooza 2019

The autographs for Emilie Clarke were pre-sold and they sold out fast. I barely had time to absorb the high price for her autograph before the decision was taken out of my hands and the ‘sold out’ notice was displayed. 

Then there was an announcement that 'some' autographs tickets would be available the day of the signing.  That 'possibility' was why I drove down to Houston the night before. I wanted to be at Comicpalooza bright eyed and bushy tailed when they opened. I had convinced myself I wanted that autograph. I spent Friday night in Houston and then I would drive back Saturday night after the convention. Easy peasy.

When I got to the autograph booth, the first thing I learned was yes, some autographs MIGHT be sold but that would be decided later.

After ‘later’ arrived, they said the line would form at noon. One of my collecting buddies helped with his VIP pass. I got to stand in that line with him which put me ahead of others.

Then they gave you a numbered ticket and those numbers would be called in order: later.  The time was not set. Just check back ‘later’. I love how specific they were.

My Saturday morning was productive and I got the other autographs I wanted. The afternoon was spent hoping for Emilia’s. Not as productive.

I went to a late lunch with my friend and as we were eating, he got a call from another buddy. His number was called and he could now buy an autograph ticket.  He left and did that. 

When he came back, he actually had his autograph in hand.  The lines were short and he thought I should go and check my number.  It was now my turn to rush out of the restaurant. (Hmmm, did I ever pay for lunch?).  When I got to the booth to buy tickets, I was told my number was good. Yeah, me!

I saw a LONG line to buy tickets and I saw a short line to buy tickets.  The difference?  The short line was ‘cash’.  Yes, of course, I went into the cash line. After a minute, they went though the cash line and asked for someone that was REALLY paying with cash. Apparently nowadays ‘cash’ means debit card. When did that happen?  I pulled my money out and held it tightly in my grubby hands. I was then escorted to the front of the cash line. Yeah me, again!

There was some sticker shock when I had to pay handling fees for cash. Ugh. That does not seem fair.

I now had my autograph ticket in hand and dashed over to the very short line to get my signature.  Houston PD stopped me. No, I was not speeding. I showed my badge, my ticket, and asked if this was the right line. Right line, wrong time. The signing was over for the day. Oh, so NOT ‘yeah me’…. I explain they just sold me the ticket. They can’t be selling tickets if she stropped signing. My logic was not strong enough for an appeal. Others were turned away too.

Even though I was told to ‘move along’ I refused. Not in a rude way. I just stepped back a few feet to give the Officer some space and I waited. This could not be the final answer. I waited some more.  And I waited some more. It ended up being the final answer. Emilia had left the building.

My ticket would be good for tomorrow. I was not planning on staying another night. While I always bring an extra’s day clothes, I really wanted to get back home. It was a long day. Since I could return the next day, I wasn’t getting a refund on the ticket. To be truthful, I did not want a refund. I wanted the autograph. I called The Wife and told her. She didn’t mind me out of the house for an extra day. She was having quality time with her crafting.

The cost of this auto just got more expensive as I had to spend another night in Houston. I hung out with my friend and his wife. We had a good time.

The next morning, I returned to the convention center. I got there early so I could be near the front of the line. As with other ‘big names’ security was tight. We had to leave out backpacks and packages outside of the little curtained off signing table. Then go through a metal detector. The process went smoothly. It was a cattle call, just move through the gates and get your autograph. 

She was smiling and trying to say hello, but they were moving the crowd quickly. At this point I just wanted to go home. Once she signed my photo, I picked up my autograph and left the building.

AH

Wilson Cruz – Comicpalooza 2019

While I have not watched the new Star Trek series, I think I’ll end up getting a lot of those actors’ autographs like I have done for the shows Flash, Gotham, and Smallville. Those are also shows I have never watched. One day…

Wilson Cruz was in Houston for Comicpalooza. He was friendly with his fans.  He had a nice selection of 'dead' photos scattered around him. He was struggling with matching the color of sharpie with the background of the photo.  After he signed, if he didn’t like the results, he tossed it to the floor. Finally, his handler said to take a few minutes and sign each photo with each sharpie to see which one’s work best.  That seemed logical.

The line did move faster after that.

AH

Nathalie Emmanuel Comicpalooza 2019

How could I not make the long trip to Houston for Games of Throne alum Nathalie Emmanuel? More on that later.

 While the line was long, it moved fast.  She had the process down pat. Eye contact and smile with a quick ‘hi’. Then she figured out where to sign. She let you say a few words and then handed back your item. Next.

Best laid plans of mice and 'adviser to the Khalessi'… the girl in front of me gushed. It was handled well. The guy behind was stressing on which paint pen to use. But the line went smoothly and I got my photo signed.

AH

Erick Avari Comicpalooza 2019

You know Erick Avari from dozens of fandom roles over the years.  The first thing that comes to my mind is Stargate.  You might remember him from Star Trek, the Mummy, or Heroes.

A nice guy. He was willing to chat about different roles.

AH

Jeremy Davis Comicpalooza 2019

The weekend after the Texas Frightmare and Fan Expo doubleheader in Dallas, I was drove to Houston for Comicpalooza. I drove down Friday night was ready to tackle a new convention Saturday morning.

The first autograph I picked up was Jeremy Davies. Being a Lost fan, I had to get a photo from that show. The Saving Private Ryan photo was very tempting too.

He was dressed in a vest and tie. He was at his table when the show opened. He was squared away when I walked up. We shook hands and I mentioned the first time I saw him was in Ravenous. He lit up.  He told me a buddy wrote the script. He was curious how I saw it. I’m assuming it wasn’t in the theaters long. Maybe it was straight to video.  I told hm I saw it on HBO or Showtime a long time ago. We chatted about that movie and Lost for a few more minutes.

A very nice guy.

AH

M C Gainey Comicpalooza 2018

Right After spilling Henry Ian Cusick’s coffee, I walked up to MC Gainey’s table. I checked if he had any beverages waiting to be tilted and then shook his hand.  When he asked how I was doing, I said, I just knocked over a cup of coffee and pointed to Henry. Who was greeting a fan but also wiping up the last of the spill.  MC said a smile that Henry deserved it.

Again, another friendly person. We spoke briefly and he signed for me.

AH

Henry Ian Cusick ComicPalooza 2018

After I was done with Jimmy Walker, the Good Times continued with Henry Ian Cusick. Yes, that was a pun. D and D were still with me. We were still smiling from the Jimmy Walker encounter.

Henry looked up and stared at me for a second. He furrowed his brows and asked if he knew me. 

Ohhh, so much ran through my feeble mind in the second before I answered.  I briefly thought about saying that was impossible as you cancel EVERY show you are scheduled in which I thought about attending.  I thought about politely saying no. I thought about saying I have that ‘face’. I even thought about say: Henry Baby, yes, of course we know each other…

I opted for: No, but if it means we get together for a beer at the bar and chat for a while. Yeah, we know each other.

Meanwhile D and D are laughing. Henry looked at his handler, then me, then said: sorry that sounded like a pick-up line didn’t it?  With a big smile to let him know I was not bothered, I said, Yes, it did it.  

Then the conversation was fast and furious. I can’t remember all of it. Henry was nice and rolled with the direction we took that opening sentence. Henry, D and D, and I all said inane things to further that narrative. It was a silly situation.  It was good natured. We were all laughing.  At the end, I think it was well established I was a cheap date as 1 beer would have me on the floor.   But everyone promised NOT to take any photos…

I felt bad for Henry as he was sucked in the muck with D and D and me. So I took a breath and pointed to a photo I wanted signed.  I told him I really enjoyed Lost. He didn’t have much to say about that and just thanked me for watching.

I turned to check if I was making anyone wait behind us. He told me not to worry as we had time. I mentioned I really enjoy The 100. I’m not the demographic of that show so I think he was skeptical that I watched. Since we were best friends and all, he wasn’t’ going to call me out on that.

I mentioned I loved the whole concept of: You are Wonkru, or you are the enemy of Wonkru. It was needed to survive. He was intrigued. I said that seemed to be what was needed to break the boundaries and work together. I asked if she can move off that platform.  He had a lot to say but stopped as he remembered that only 1 or 2 episodes had aired when we were chatting. He knew a lot more than he could say. 

He did ask if I was Team Octavia.  I smiled because that reminded me of Twilight and the Team Edward/Jacob. An image flashed in my mind of me on the couch with my Team Octavia banner in the crook of my arm as I angrily Twitted to Team Clarke: Clarke is a such a hussy.  She doesn’t deserve…

Hold it, I got caught up in the moment…

I looked at Henry and I saw the smile that said I needed to choose my next words carefully. From that smile I knew the plot was going to have a lot of twists. I didn’t continue. I knew I just had to sit back and literally watch the show.

Wow, what a great encounter. I thanked him and we shook hands. And as I let go, I knocked over his coffee. Then D and D said something like: Wow. He didn’t even have a beer yet.  We all laughed. It was a good ‘callback’.  He started cleaning up the spill.  I asked what kind of coffee he was drinking so I could buy another.  He refused with a smile. I left feeling slightly embarrassed but really glad I finally met hm.

AH

Jimmy Walker ComicPalooza 2018

I am a bad alumnus. Everyone knows it. Ask Jimmy Walker. He even told my friends, D and D, when we were at his table.

Feel like you’re in the middle of a story…

I caught up with some friends while at ComicPalooza. It seems things always get ‘strange’ when I’m around D and D. They were walking with me as I got the last few autographs at ComicPalooza. It’s good hanging out with them.

I walked up to Jimmy and he asked about Auburn. I get that a lot.  The ‘A’ on my golf shirt is often confused. I told him that it was Arizona. Then he asked about one of their sport teams.  I admitted I didn’t know. Teasingly he asked what kind of fan I was.  I told him I only wore the shirt.  He laughed and said:  bet you don’t even donate money.  With a big smile, I admitted I NEVER give money to the school. They already robbed me blind.  He focused on D and D and he pointedly said: He is a bad alumni. He won’t even give money to the school. Here he is wearing their shirt like he supports the college. Huh!

He had us all laughing. 

He picked up the photo and signed and told me he should write: bad alumni.

He was energetic and funny and memorable.

AH