Dean-Charles Chapman Rebel Scum Con 2026

Rebel Scum had some issues with ticketing. I spent 2 ½ hours in line to convert my paid bar codes into ‘tickets’ to present at the table.

The ONLY positive of this issue was there was still a hundred or more people in line behind me that were stuck. Which means, there were not in front of me to get autographs. Trying to be glass half full…

I walked up to Dean-Charles Chapman first. Just one other fan in front of me. They were having a good conversation. I listened and waited patiently. My patience was surprising because I just finished a 2 ½ hour penitence…but glass half full…

Dean-Charles was friendly. We chatted. He signed. Since this convention is in my home town, I offered a few suggestions for diner.

AH

Kit Harington Superhero ComicCon and Car Show 2023

For me, getting Kit Harington’s autograph was a big get. I printed the photo. I liked that Jon Snow was in the snow. Forgive me for the pun. Silly of me.

As I was standing in line before the signing, some other fans and I chatted about which color pen to use.  We agreed blue would be good.  It didn’t tun out perfect but good. The signature was much bigger than expected. The impact wasn’t as bold as I hoped. He did include the ‘Jon Snow’ which we were told he won’t do.

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

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

Isaac Hempstead Wright Alamo City Comic Con 2018

Game of Throne Actors are just starting to hit the convention circuit.  It’s was exciting to see Isaac HempsteadWright name on the guest list.

There were a lot of girls in line to see him. They were all very excited to see him. I did not know he was the girl crush type.   

He mentioned he saw see a little of San Antonio the night before. They went to the Riverwalk for dinner.  Yes, they had Mexican (Tex-Mex). What else do you eat when you visit San Antonio

AH

Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson TTM

Yes, I was able to get the household name of Hafþór JúlíusBjörnsson Through the Mail (TTM).

What!?!   You don’t recognize this champion athlete and an actor from one of the biggest shows on TV?  You cad!

Hafþór or Thor as his fans call him was a finalist for the World’s Strongest Man in 2012, 2013, and 2014.  He is also the current actor playing Gregor Clegane in Game of Thrones.

Oh, now you know him. Hmmpt!

One of my autograph buddies was able to successfully get Thor’s autograph through the mail. I have a second friend who is a HUGE fan of this guy.  While TTM is not really my thing, I contacted my autograph buddy and got the details so I could get a signature for a friend. Damn, I’m a nice guy.

While searching for a photo to send, I found photos of Hafþór with the Philadelphia Phillies.  That’s my team. Of course I had to send a photo of him with the Phillie Phanatic for me.

Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson signed my photos and returned them within a few weeks. A nice quick turnaround.

AH

Jack Gleeson Fan Expo Dallas 2016

This has been the biggest name I’ve seen on the convention circuit from Games of Thrones.  Dallas was able to bring in Jack Gleeson, the kid everyone loved to hate.

While 24 years old, he still looks much younger than his age. He was very friendly with the fans and chatted with everyone. As I stood in line I heard snippets of many diverse conversations.  He is very likeable which seemed at such odds to his vial character. I guess that is why it is called acting; to make us believe what isn’t there.

With me he lamented his lack of time in Dallas. It was a flight in, a couple of days at the show, and then a flight back.

AH

Miltos Yerolemou Space City Con 2014

Game of Thrones is a very well written series of books. There are lots of memorable lines and the TV show has done a great job of casting the characters and staying true to the books.

One of the characters that captured my interest was Syrio Forel. Whether a tip of the hat to Frank Herbet and Dune or totally unintentional, the character reminds me of Gurney Halleck.   

Miltos Yerolemou played Syrio well. He delivered those quotable lines with aplomb. When I got to the front of the line I saw his charisma.  Much like Kristian Nairn towered over me, I towered over Miltos.  He smiled. He laughed.  He told me what he wanted to write on my photo: What do we say to the God of Death?  Not today!

I thought it was perfect. It fit the photo.  It fit his character. It fit the reflections of Gurney Hallack I see.

After the convention I found out he held a class. He showed people what he learned about sword play for the TV series.   Normally, I avoid panels but this one seemed very intriguing. I regret missing it.

AH

Kristian Nairn Space City Con 2014

Surprisingly, one of the minor characters that doesn’t really speak in Game of Thrones was extremely popular. His autograph line wasn’t ever very deep but it was constantly filled with people and everyone wanted their photo taken with him.  There must be something going on that I am missing.

Kristian Nairn was very much the gentle giant much like his character on the show. He spent lots of time with people and talking in hushed tones that made me think the conversations were very personal.  The tattoos of stars on his temple were a surprise. You never see them on camera as his character has scars that creep down from his hairline.

He is taller than me. In fact, he towers over me at 6’10”. We exchanged a few words and he signed and I left.

Throughout the day I passed by and young girls were getting photos with him.  All with very excited faces.  It seemed the shorter the girl the more excited they were.  I had flashbacks to all of my college psych classes.  Freud came to mind but I’ll just leave it at that. 

AH

Gethin Anthony Space City Con 2014

Right next to Finn was Gethin Anthony.  He was just finishing up with someone as I crossed the space between podiums.   Like Finn, Gethin stood and spent more time in front of the signing area then behind it.

Since it was cold in Galveston this day, I asked how he was enjoying the cold.  With typical English pluck, he answered that ‘this’ wasn’t cold.   He mentioned the whole lot from Game of Thrones was happy to be enjoying the nice weather.  They had left cold dreary grey days and Texas weather was a nice treat.

Gethin was another very friendly actor and very generous with his time.  Again, he seemed to be really enjoying the whole experience.

AH

Finn Jones Space City Con 2014

The first autograph I picked up at Space City Con was Finn Jones from Game of Thrones.

As it happened no one is in line and I wasn’t sure if he was about to walk away.  He saw me and came out from around the podium they set up for him.  We chatted about visiting Texas and if he was enjoying it.  He was very friendly and open to just chatting.  He seemed excited to be at a convention and was intent on enjoying the ambiance.

Not wanting to overstay my welcome I picked a photo and he signed.  He turned do the next person in line and treated them just as warmly.

AH

George R R Martin LoneStarCon 3

A little over a year ago I wrote about getting George R RMartin's autograph and I didn’t even know who he was. I did it for a friend.  This time I knew who he was and I did it for myself.

While he wasn’t the first autograph I picked up at WorldCon, George R R Martin is probably the biggest name I got while there.  I think people came to WorldCon just to see George Martin. Hours before the signing people were circling to see if a line had started.

Because I did ‘a solid’ for other James Gunn collector, he saved me a place in line for George.  When I joined him, the line was about 50 people deep and still 30 minutes to before the signing. That’s impressive for WorldCon.

I chatted idly with my new friend.  We were very different collectors. But we had a lot of common ground and it was good conversation.  After a bit I noticed some of my sci fi geek friends. There are people I’ve known for over a decade.  I excused myself and waved them down.

As we chatted they eyed the Martin line which had grown to 100 people or so.  They mentioned the line was too long.  I tried not to smile.  A 100 people is cake walk to this SDCC veteran.

After chatting for 10 minutes, they went their way and I rejoined the line with my new friend.  Once George RR Martin got there the line went fast.  Martin is a signing machine. He knows how to process people.

This time I knew who he was.  This time he wasn’t making idle chit chat either - because everyone knew who he was.  As I got 2 books signed, I said I just found out he was from Jersey.  Being a fellow Jerseyite, I was proud of that.  He nodded and said he lives in New Mexico now.

And that was that. I left with my 2 signed books. 

AH

Esme Bianco #SDCC 2013

Another of my favorite booths to visit at ComicCon is Holzheimer’s.  They usually have a few celebrities signing at their booth. It’s rarely a long line or a rushed event.  You can have a bit of conversation without feeling like you are causing someone else to wait.  The guests really seem to enjoy themselves and Jackie (one of the ladies that that runs the booth) is friendly and always gives me a big smile when I stop by.

Now, I must admit, their web presence isn’t quite in the 21^st century yet, so I didn’t know who was scheduled until we dropped by on Preview Night.  I was told that Esme Bianco would be there.  The name didn’t ring a bell but the photos did. As with most of the characters of Game of Thrones, I can’t match names and faces or even how the actor looks like out of makeup and costume.  But from the photo they had on display I knew the character and was excited.

Esme was all smiles as she signed. I was slightly embarrassed to say anything about her character. She portrays a working girl.  She gets tortured.  She gets killed by horrid excuse of a human being.  It’s hard to say: Hey! I love our work!  What’s your motivation?

 So I smiled and said I enjoyed the show. I gathered my photo and thanked her.  I made sure to say ‘hi’ to Jackie before I left and moved on.

AH