Monster-Mania 13 August 2009

I’m a nerd. Plain and simple. I get off on having 12 different copies of The Evil Dead, whether it be a difference of a cover or a format, having all of it does it for me.

I love going to Horror Conventions. I like having all of it at my fingertips. I like going from a room filled with Horror Celebs and then trolling the merch for action figures and posters.

Working for Fright Rags, a company that specializes in Original & Licensed Horror Shirts, I get the opportunity to go to a fair amount of shows. By far, the best on the East Coast is Monster Mania.

Monster Mania is held in Cherry Hill, NJ twice a year (March & August). This past year they added another installment in Hartford,CT in June. Monster Mania is as fan-friendly as Conventions get. As someone who likes to meet my favorite Horror Celebs I enjoy the ease of meeting them. It’s not like you’re quarantined off from them like with some other Cons. MM embraces the fact that at any moment you could be sharing an elevator with Miguel Nunez (which I did).

This latest MM was held from August 21-23rd in Cherry Hill. It featured a bevy of big names; John Astin, Adam West, John Landis, Dee Wallace just to name a few. The thing about this Convention that excited me most was the prospect of a Friday The 13th Part 5: A New Beginning reunion. It’s always been my favorite of the sequels (I seem to always love the sequel which involves teens with problems - hello NOES 3:Dream Warriors & Sleepaway Camp 3!). Which reminds me, there was also a Sleepaway Camp reunion, but with Felissa Rose Esposito-Miller about to give birth and unable to attend, it was a small assortment of bit players and director Robert Hiltzik.

You know what I love? Horror Celebs who don’t take themselves so seriously. The kind who when you walk up to them to carry on about your favorite film of theirs that they only did to get a paycheck 20 years ago, they converse back. They’re even excited to talk about it with you! Dee Wallace is one of these people. The woman is recognizable in all genres albeit especially in horror. Let us reflect on the fact that she has been in Cujo, E.T., The Howling….ROCKADOODLE! She’s been a staple on both small and big screen since the 70s, and she has yet to slow down. When I approached her to wax on about my love for 1991’s Popcorn, she gladly told me how she was sure that “Every homeless person in Jamaica had taken a piss in that theater” referring to the theater that plays a main role in the film. She’s one of those people who you meet and she makes you feel like you’re the only person in the room. If you have a moment to greet her next time you’re at a Con, I highly recommend it.

You know what I hate? Horror Celebs who take themselves seriously…and who are there to take you for all of your dimes. The kind of people who ruin your childhood memories of them in your favorite films, because they’re all drugged out now. I want to name names, but at the same time, I don’t want to bias anyone, that’s not my goal here. We all have different experiences. All I can say is, if you’re like me and you’re sensitive, give yourself a little time for observation of your favorite horror celebs if you have the chance, before you approach them. Try to gauge whether or not they’re there to actually appreciate you for the fact that you’re spending your money on them…or whether they just want your money. It’s hard to hold back, but there are 2 instances where I wish I would’ve given myself the chance…and now my Return of The Living Dead vinyl is tainted…but maybe he was having an off…err…weekend? Is that possible?

All in all, it seemed like the Celebs who were there, were there for their fans, and all too eager to work for their money. Meaning they were polite, ready for picture-taking and baby kissing (in some instances). In terms of lines, MM does a great job of keeping order, and with the Celeb tables, they are usually spaced well so lines don’t run into each other that often. With the bigger names like Adam West and James Marsters, they are held in separate rooms off the lobby of the hotel so that the people who are willing to wait longer to meet them don’t bleed into everyone else. Much like they have done in the past for Robert Englund, Bruce Campbell and Corey Feldman.

The dealer room was full of a lot of the same great vendors that are always there, like HorrorMerch.com, LixOnline.com and that nutty guy Steve who always has a corner booth full of shirts from wall to wall, top to bottom. If you’ve never been to Monster Mania, the dealer room is set up with clear paths, and with what I would like to estimate at about at least 100 vendors, between the room itself and the hallway. In the hallway you can always find Troma, Amok Time Toys, FearWerx.com, eh em Fright Rags (fright-rags.com) and also Fear Is A Place which specializes in hand painted models. Everything is well spaced out and as with most Cons the only day where you really experience a crowd is Saturday.

As far as ticket prices go, weekend passes were $40, which includes admittance to any and all showings and panels, while daily tickets could be purchased for $20 each. MM also offers pre-show tickets, allowing you to enter the dealer rooms, one hour before regular folks, and also VIP passes which allow you early admittance, reserved seating at showings/panels, and a guaranteed autograph/picture from the top name at the Con. There is also a special MM room rate for the Crowne Plaza where the Con is held, but those have to be scooped up quickly after being announced, they go fast!

I had a great time at MM this past weekend. It had an all around good vibe, nerds getting together to nerd out. Great guests, and reasonably priced merch. Everytime I get ready to leave MM I cannot wait til the next one. And with that, March in Cherry Hill is already calling my name…

-Kristy.

For more information on Monster Mania and upcoming conventions visit their official website HERE, and their official Myspace page HERE. Also be sure to read our coverage of future Monster Mania events.