Paladin here, CCFMDS and I went on a new journey by attending the Wizard World Comic convention in Philadelphia PA as Press.

Apparently we have both agreed that the press pass is a free ticket, not a key that gives all access. However, we did get to enjoy some good old fashioned “stepping in” to enjoy the panels of actors–no obnoxiously long lines for us!

Armed with the tools of the trade, including a small bag to hold my note pad, business cards, pens and 2 movies that I had the intent to get signed by a very special actor; I was ready to attack this con with the intensity of a man sent on a mission–the fun was there, but I seriously was prepared to work. My camera was next to my chest ready to pull and my eyes were set to “target” my marks.

Then my vision cleared…There must have been literally over 1000 people there, getting pictures was next to impossible unless you wanted to pick fights all day, I almost took out this scrawny girl going up an aisle, I hope she heard my apology!

Upon entering we were given bags with a couple of magazines, a deck of Magic The Gathering cards, a $30 Showcase Collectibles card and some advertisements. Moving in farther some girls from KIN the Windows phone gave us weird magnets and an ad. (Later that day I approached KIN with a business card and asked if I could take pictures and get some info–denied!

The next step was to do a once over to see what was what. The first quality booth was Zenescope which I had the intention of buying 2 comics with Philadelphia sports teams outfits on sexy girls–I bought these later. They were even signed on the spot for nothing. I wanted to give a quick interview to the man who signed my books–told to come back later–did–too busy…

We were walking up an aisle and CCFMDS says, “There’s Vernon Wells.” Wells, as some may recall was Bennett in Commando and Wez in Road Warrior–for me he was Dabby Duck in Fortress (80’s). I was confirmed for an interview with him by the “press guy” with Wizard whom I couldn’t find when I got there. I decided to pull a business card and wait in his short line. I got up and introduced myself, and he told me that he didn’t know anything about an interview. The thing about Vernon Wells is that he is one of the greatest stars I’ve ever met, he took an interview on the spot! He was very friendly and I asked a lot of “what do you remember…” questions. He gave me great, positive answers–but that is for another article. Afterwards he signed my Fortress DVD and took a few pictures. I was so excited to meet him over the other talent there, to find out why, keep a look out for my interview!

After the interview CCFMDS introduced me to a pretty girl dressed as Poison Ivy, she shunned my business card and sent a plant after me but I got a picture with her and I wasn’t poisoned, it was nice of her, I think its cool that people do this sort of thing–it was a shame that she was the only costumed player we both were able to get, the others were crowded by the time we got around especially the one I wanted the most playing The Baroness from G.I. Joe! Damn!!!

Mid day, I sat in on the James Marsters panel which CCFMDS will cover, I sadly missed Bruce Campbell which was disappointing, but what are you going to do? At that point I had bought a G.I. Joe piece that I’ve wanted forever which was the HISS tank with driver. The box is a little beat, but it’s fine none-the-less. At this point I needed to get out of there, the crowd was getting to me and I needed a cigarette and something to eat, I was light-headed while waiting in line to go in from not having breakfast. I went out and smoked my way to a convenience store called Wawa and got a lousy (but tasty) cookie bar and a large Gatorade. I went back into the convention center and sat in peace with my nothing lunch and then returned to get into the Star Trek panel which will also be covered in an article.

After Star Trek we called it a day. We went to Outback Steakhouse for dinner as a treat and I had a drink which I rarely do–it was needed after that! Although a day at my “real” job is 100 times worse than a comic convention, it still wore me out!

All in all, it was nice, I just wish I was able to do more. I saw people whom I’ve only seen on the TV and I got to really get an idea of the current toy (over) prices.

Highlight of the day: Vernon Wells!

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