Batman Meets Batman

At a Hollywood Celebrities Show several years ago, I witnessed the crossing paths of two Batman past and present.  Adam West (Batman from tv and my youth) briefly chatted with Val Kilmer (the most recent big screen Batman at that time).
I have written about West's rigid stance about unauthorized picture-taking, but I couldn't let this moment pass without trying.  I managed to snap the picture below.  While it might not be the best shot, at least it did not incur the wrath of West (or perhaps he just didn't notice because of my sly photography skills.  Either way, I am glad I got the two Batmen in one shot. 
I don't know why some celebrities will pose with others and some won't.  I also don't know why some conventions organize such photo-ops.  I just know that multiple (connected) celebs together for photos is very popular with attendees

Val Kilmer and Adam West in Rosemont, IL-Late 1990's.

Friendly Encounters

This is a weekly feature highlighting friends who have met celebs.

When I first covered the Motor City Comic Con for Global Traveler, Press Liaison Valerie Schendel was a huge help in my effort. Valerie was very informative, helpful and pleasant throughout the process.
I asked Valerie to share a few photos and stories about her years working with the MCCC. She had some great stories to tell. She really seemed to love the convention. After attending my first one, I understood her enthusiasm for the MCCC. She wasn't just being a great Public Relations person. It was a great event.
One of the pictures she shared was of her and Adam West. West almost appears to be smiling. I always try to give the celebrity the benefit of the doubt on unpleasant experiences, but I have not had a pleasant experience with West in at least 5 different conventions.
West is very strict about being photographed. How strict? At the Spring 2010 MCCC, my friends and I were a good 50 feet from his booth when we were testing my camera by taking pictures of things in the opposite direction. West had one of the assistants ask (tell) me to stop shooting pictures.
I witnessed a similar scene involving others at another convention. I also witnessed West refuse to take a group picture with fellow celebrity guest Frank Gorshin (who appeared on Batman with West). I have also never seen him smile in any photo with fans.
Did I just catch West on a few bad days? Maybe, but I don't think so. I think that is just him. Either way, my stance remains the same for celebrities. If you don't want to be there, stay home. People pay a lot of money for West and they should not walk away feeling cheated.
If I am being unfair to West and he (or anyone else) wants to dispute it, I will be happy to report the other side. If I ever see evidence contrary to my belief, I will happily retract my statements. Until then, I stand by my observations.

Valerie Schendel and Adam West in Novi, MI-Early 2000's.

Adam West was no Frank Gorshin

When we last explored the events of Gotham City, we saw Frank Gorshin (aka The Riddler). Today, Adam West gets his time to shine (or not). As I wrote in the Gorshin piece, West was not very sociable at the event. I am not sure about the entire time, but when I was there, West did not pose with Gorshin, although they did chat (so I don't think there was a problems between them). Even West agreed to pose with me, he barely acknowledged me or the camera. He remained stoic, which left me feeling rather unsatisfied. Still, he was the Batman and meeting him and Gorshin was pretty cool. Too bad West didn't take more lessons from Gorshin who was polite and talkative.
On a side note, while West did not pose with Gorshin, you can see Gorshin clearly in the middle background of this picture.

Adam West and me in Rosement, IL-late 1990's.