2014 Motorcity Comic Convention

Several times a year, I attend pop culture conventions. Lines of people, sometimes in costume, sometimes not, waiting to meet their hero of a television show or movie.  Sometimes , its a favorite from the past and then again it could be an actor or performer from something current.

I mix and mingle with my fellow fans, (not in costume) get a few autographs and talk to those in attendance to find out what they collect, and their views on our hobby. From star quality, to price for an autograph, how nice where they? to was the experience as a whole, worth it?

This year was the 25th Anniversary of The Motorcity Comic Convention, the Mid-West's best organized and promoted event of its kind.  "We want to give our attendees the BEST bang for the buck" Said Michael Isabella, Vice President of CKC Agency, Public Relations "This was our first year running Motorcity Comic con, but the response has been tremendous. People have been very happy with the way lines were handled, times of signings were posted, and lines of communication between our staff, fans and celebrities were handled positively." He'd continue.

Attendees also loved the con and new management. "Everything was stress free, and easy. And everyone was so quick to help and answer questions. Said Jessica Rutter, who attended the con with her husband and autograph collector, Jon.  "Ive been doing this stuff for years and love it. Meeting people, getting autographs and taking photos. Its always fun here. I look forward to it every year." he'd say.

This years much anticipated lineup dazzled even the most jaded convention attendees.  “Lee Majors, Lindsay Wagner and Richard Anderson were incredible. It was so cool they were able to get all three here at the same time. And they were so nice!”  Added John Higgins who has attended MCCC for the past 12 years. I wouldn’t miss it. So much going on.

Besides The Six Million Dollar Man Reunion, stars of the original Karate Kid movie were in attendance all weekend. Billy Zabka, who played main antagonist Johnny Lawrence, and sensei John Creese played by Marty Kove, entertained long lines of fans all weekend. Zabka, and I talked about his ametuer wrestling back ground and how it gave him a little edge to the physical grueling training necessary for the role.  “Wrestling gave me the background, but the stretching, and daily workouts got me ready to play Johnny. It looks really natural on screen, but a lot of work went it to looking like we had years of martial arts training, when in actuality it was long hours, for a few months.” He’d say. “ I loved the role, and I’m so proud all these years later to be so closely associated with it.”

And don’t call him Shirley!  Another crowd favorite was the wise cracking Pilot from Airplane!  Robert Hays.  He told stories, and would inscribe your item any way you’d like. He seemed happy to be in Detroit. “Ive met some really nice people this weekend in Detroit. Its a good, hard working town, and area. Nice folks here.”

Who hasn’t seen Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory? At the con this year, everyone’s favorite TV obsessed 9 year old, Mike TeeVee portrayed by Paris Themmen had a steady line of 4 to 60 year olds. Behind his show table was an incredible movie poster from Wonka, and it was signed by most everyone who had been involved in the film. “The five of us kids see each other every couple of years. With life, and schedules how they are, it can difficult. But when we do, we have a great time visiting, and of course meeting old fans and new. I think its wonderful when a little ones eyes light up when they see me, or the pictures on the table. Their parents loved the movie, and now, they do too.” Mr. Themmen gives fans a replica Golden Ticket similar to the one in the movie with their autograph. “its the little things that make these experiences special for people. I want people to walk away from my table with a memory, not only an autograph.”

END OF PART ONE.

Next interviews with celebs and overall views!