Our family attended the Comic and Pop Culture Screaming TikiCon in Niles, Ohio this past weekend. Now this was more than a comic show. This was a true convention! Fans in costume were prevalent and more than willing to pose for photographs. There was also a costume contest and a panel composed of members of the Society of Secret Identities (costume enthusiasts).
Celebrities were on hand for autographs, photos, and meet & greet. Most celebrities charge for photos and autographs these days. But Yvonne Craig, TV's 1960s Batgirl, was gracious enough to pose for a snapshot with my children. Since she was not able to stand due to a broken foot, she invited the kids to crawl under the table and join her where she was seated. She also gave the kids bat stickers.
Craig is a sweet person and a sparkling conversationalist who loves her fans. We discussed her work with Lee Majors and Elvis Presley. I could easily become this lady's biggest fan. She is quite down to earth in spite of her fame. As I later learned from her website, a percentage of proceeds from her autographed glossies goes to charity. If I had known that I might have bought one, but I may still order a picture sometime.
Noel Neill, Superman's Lois Lane in the adventure serial and the original TV series, was also very cordial and down to earth. She has also appeared in Superman movies starring Christopher Reeve and Brandon Routh.
We also enjoyed meeting Jeremy Bulloch, Bobba Fett on the Star Wars films Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. He posed for as snapshot with my son, a huge Bobba Fett fan. Bulloch was likewise a most personable and down to earth individual. Visiting with him was very easy.
I also met Malachi Thorne, the villain False Face on the Batman TV series. A truly nice guy. Also on hand were Margot Kidder and Sarah Douglas of Superman. And there was former Miss America and movie Catwoman Lee Meriwether, whose latest projects include an outstanding movie with James Garner called The Ultimate Gift.
And of course the day would not have been complete without meeting Adam West. Here is his picture with my children and me- -Dr. Retro unmasked. I told West that I had been his fan for 42 years. He told me that he was only fifty, but if that were true he would have been playing Batman when he was eight-years-old. I don't think so. I spent a great deal of my childhood pretending to be the Adam West Batman and I was thrilled when he returned to the part in cartoon voice overs. His voice is how Batman is supposed to sound--unlike the robotic voice of Dark Knight. It was the Batman TV show that got me into comics. The ringtone on my cell phone is the Batman theme.
Celebrity panels included a session with West and Julie Newmar (TV's Catwoman). On her way out, Newmar stopped and took notice of my daughter. Newmar bent down and hugged this eight-year-old exclaiming, "Hello beautiful. Thanks for coming." I always knew that my little girl was beautiful, but when Julie Newmar tells you that you're beautiful, it's official. Both West and Newmar commented on what a nice family I have. Of course I already knew that, but I sure appreciate the reminders just so I don't take them for granted.
As with most conventions, some comic creators were on hand including Gary Friedrich, co-creator of the Ghost Rider character which has become a feature film. The creative team of Tiny Titans were happy to autograph comics for my kids and artist, Baltazar, drew a sketch of Robin for my daughter and Cyborg for my son. The husband and wife creative team of Patrick and Shelly Block autographed copies of Uncle Scrooge for my kids.
On display were the 1966 Batmobile, Bat-cycle, and Bat-copter (rides were fifty dollars so I passed, but we did see it airborne). Other vehicles included Kitt from Knight Rider and Speed Racer's Mach V.
The shopping was fantastic with numerous vendors offering comics, movies, and toys--including many antiques. I was able to fill in several gaps in my collection completing runs of several series and for very cheap prices. The kids bought action figures and my daughter found some Barbies. My wife wore my Batman t-shirt with a picture of the cover from Batman # 20. She received so many compliments you'd think she was wearing the latest fashion from Paris. But this was Geekdom, not Paris. We had a blast! (at least the kids and I did).
I wish I could have met Adam West back then and saw the 60s Batmobile up close, too. That day must have been awesome for you guys. You took a nice pic of the Batmobile, by the way.
Posted by: Kevyn Hagemann | April 17, 2011 at 11:34 PM
Thanks Kevyn,
Judging from the link you are a car person. I always wished I had a Batmobile.
Posted by: Dr. Retro | April 23, 2011 at 04:37 PM