Revisiting the Genie Francis Experience

Genie Francis was one of the most popular celebrity guests I have ever seen at any convention.  The Motor City Comic Con scored a great double feature in landing Francis and her husband, Johnathan Frakes from tv's Star Trek.  Between the two, they had almost every genre and fan age group covered.
Francis is best known for her role as Laura on tv's General Hospital.  I wouldn't call her a one hit wonder, maybe more like a one-role wonder, but a super big role it has been.
The reaction to Francis was crazy.  Women shrieked.  Some even cried.  There were also men who abandoned the usual macho shield and admitted they had watched her for years.
I don't think Francis had done many conventions before.  That could count for some of the zeal of her fans.  I think it is more than that though.  I think Francis is just one of the rare celebrities with whom people feel a genuine connection.  It's as if she grew up with us.
It's because of all of this that I would put Francis in my Top Ten of unique celebrity experiences.

Genie Francis and me in Novi, MI-May 2008.

On the Beat with Wolfman Mac

At the 2011 Motor City Comic Con, I had the pleasure of talking to Wolfman Mac, host of Wolfman Mac's Chiller Drive-In (formerly known as Nightmare SINema).  You can catch Chiller Drive-in every Saturday night at 10 pm on RTV-The Retro Television Network.
According to legend, Wolfman Mac has been around since the 1930's.  He searched for years for "an outlet for his love of B movies and hackneyed acting".  Then one day, he found an abandoned drive-in and met Boney Bob.  To read the rest of the story (and for a ton of more stuff), check out Wolfman Mac's Chiller Drive-In site.
Wolfman Mac has a huge following in the Detroit area, but his fandom stretches across the country, too.  The Chiller Drive-In booth was one of the most popular attractions at the MCCC.  Fans couldn't get enough of Wolfman and his show mates like Torg, Morbid Melvin, Son of Froggy and the rest.
Like last year when I met the Ghoul, I was excited about meeting Wolfman Mac.  He is a throwback to great tv I watched growing up, but he is connected to today's audience.  I could watch shows like this all day long (sometimes I actually do).
Wolfman Mac was kind enough to give me a few minutes of his time for a quick interview.  I really appreciate his time and consideration.  I hope to see him and his crew next year.  Until then, I will continue to enjoy his work online and on tv.

Cindy Brady and Johngy (Brady?)

I met Susan Olsen for the first time a couple years ago.  She was doing a convention with former castmates, Christopher Knight, Mike Lookinland and Robbie Rist.  In May at the Motor City Comic Con, she was joined again by Lookinland.
It was only natural that the two Brady kids would have adjacent booths.  Their banter was also very natural.  It was nice to witness.  They seemed like real siblings.  Both had an 8x10 photo of the other and were continually doodling on it, much like a sibling would do to another sibling's photo.  It was fun to watch.
Olsen said she keeps in touch with the other Brady castmates and loves doing these conventions, especially with any combination of other Brady mates.
Count Olsen as one of the former young stars who has avoided the usual pitfalls of early stardom.  Actually, I think that can be said for all of the Brady kids.  Some day I hope to meet the rest of the cast to see first hand.

Susan Olsen, Cuzz Gekas and me in Novi, MI-May 2011.

Super Pigs

A few weeks ago, I wrote about Super Pigs, a project to raise money to help comic artist Josh Medors with his medical expenses.  Medors has been battling a rare form of spinal cancer.  Fellow comic artists Steph and Sean Forney are behind this artistic way to help their friend and give collectors fantastically creative piggy banks!
At the the recent Motor City Comic Con, I had the pleasure of meeting the trio, along with picking up an Aquaman Super Pig.  It was quite an interesting site to see a table full of the colorful Super Pigs that they had created.
It was also very heart-warming.  This is about friendship and love.  Each of the pigs isn't just a work of art, it is a work of love and I plan on adding more Super Pigs to my collection.
They plan on having Super Pigs available at several comic cons throughout the summer.  While they have a lot of different pigs available, it is a good idea to check out the Super Pig page and ask for any specific pig you might want.

Josh Medors, Steph Forney, Sean Forney and me (and my Aquaman Super Pig) in Novi, MI-May 2011.

At the Motor City Comic Con

This is a special series about my friends meeting celebs at the Motor City Comic Con.

In 2010, Chuck "Cuzz" Gekas made his first trip to the Motor City Comic Con, although he had been to several similar conventions in the Chicago area.  Still, attending a convention with JayHawk Evans and me is always a different experience.
One of the great parts of the MCCC is the vehicle sections.  Aside from having great celebrity guests, there usually are a handful of famous vehicles.  Unfortunately, you usually aren't allowed to actually get in one, but you can get very close and get some pictures.  Would anyone really want to see me behind the wheel of that bad boy anyway?
Cuzz is striking his best Mad Max pose.  I did not pose with this vehicle, because I wasn't really a fan of the Mad Max series (I guess I was one of the few).  Now, had it been the Monkees Mobile...

Cuzz Gekas and the Mad Max vehicle in Novi, MI-May 2010.

At the Motor City Comic Con

This is a special series about my friends meeting celebs at the Motor City Comic Con.

In doing research for Global Traveler about the Motor City Comic Con, I came across a man known as J.J. Conquergood.  Conquergood is an MCCC veteran and was willing to share one of his stories for the good of all.
This year will be my third Motor City Con. Usually four of us travel an hour from Canada just to go. I attend mainly for the Star Wars actors. The first year I met Carrie Fisher. Last year it was Daniel Logan and Ray Park. Ray was an awesome guy, we talked about the hat i was wearing and how he bought a back pack from the same company. Then we talked about Canada, the guy was a real chatterbox. For the comics side I really look forward to meeting the Star Wars artists/writers. Because of my friend, we actually got to have dinner with Stan Sakai last year. I attend Fan Expo in Toronto every year as well, although it is much bigger, the Motor City Con seems to attract the same level of talent without the massive lineups you experience at the bigger cons.
As always, I appreciate Conquergood sharing his experience with Johngy's Beat.   Hopefully, I will run into him at the 2011 MCCC.

 J.J. Conquergood and Richard LeParmentier in Novi, MI-May 2009.

At the Motor City Comic Con

This is a special series about my friends meeting celebs at the Motor City Comic Con.

This is a real friendly encounter at the Motor City Comic Con.  There is no celebrity involved, just a couple of friends meeting for the first time.
I connected with Jamin Hillwig while researching the MCCC for a blog at Global Traveler.  Jamin was very helpful and provided several pictures, some good stories and a lot of excellent information.
Last year, we had a loose plan (more of a hope) to meet at the MCCC.  I knew Jamin would be wearing his trademark shirt and we knew what each other looked like, but without a phone connection, the chance of running into each other was minimal.
Luck was on my side when my friends and I went outside for a break.  While walking back into the convention center, I walked right by Jamin, then realized who he was.  Jamin and his wife Susan couldn't have been nicer.  It was great meeting them finally.
I love meeting my favorite celebrities, but meeting people like Jamin is especially rewarding.  Gaining new friends through all of this is wonderful.  Hopefully, I'll see Jamin again this year.

Jamin and Susan Hilwig and me in Novi, MI-May 2010.

At the Motor City Comic Con

This is a special series about my friends meeting celebs at the Motor City Comic Con.

One of the great things about the Motor City Comic Con is the attendees are often as entertaining as the celebrity guests.  I have met several "Superheroes", characters from Star Wars and other creatures.  Usually the costumed attendees are very willing to pose for pictures.

Leave it to JayHawk Evans to run into some angry Storm Troopers (are there any pleasant Storm Troopers?).  I don't know what Evans did to incur their wrath on this day, but having known him for years, I can certainly understand their response.

Fortunately it all ended well as the Storm Troopers let Evans go and he was free to spread his unique cheer elsewhere.

JayHawk Evans surrendering to Storm Troopers in Novi, MI-May 2010.

At the Motor City Comic Con

This is a special series about my friends meeting celebs at the Motor City Comic Con.

Several years ago, when I did my initial research for the Motor City Comic Con, the first person I encountered was Jack Odanovich.  Jack was a huge help that first year and I am still using his stories and pictures in my yearly MCCC recap for Global Traveler.
Jack is a great guy.  He attends many conventions in Star Wars attire, but he also puts on the gear for charity events.  He is a great photographer and he recently started a blog called Jack Odanovich Photography.
Additionally, his father Craig is an author, whose debut novel The Black Widow Trainer was very well-received by critics and readers, myself included.  I am proud to know both Jack and Craig.
Jack just might enjoy the MCCC more than I do (if that is possible).  He meets other Star Wars fans, mingles with the celebs and often has other fans request pictures taken with him.  One such celebrity was Kristy Swanson, of tv's Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
I want to thank Jack for all of his help.  I also wish him much luck in his photographic endeavors and encourage everyone to check out his site.

Jack Odanovich and Kristy Swanson in Novi, MI-May 2009.

At the Motor City Comic Con

This is a special series about my friends meeting celebs at the Motor City Comic Con.

I first met the Toth family through my initial research on the Motor City Comic Con for my blog for Global Traveler magazine.  Later that year, I met Tornado and his two daugters Layne and Peri Toth.  They were quite a family.
The young ladies are talented beyond their years.  They have about 100 projects happening at all times.  The sisters have Sisters Comics, a website detailing their past achievements, current projects and future goals.  They produce Lucky:The One Eyed Stray Dog, among other comics.  They also have illustrated a few books, as well as drawn fantastic photos of and for various celebrities.  If all of that isn't enough, the sisters are active in martial arts.
Meeting them was a real joy.  Their enthusiasm and passion for what they do is contagious.  They are great young ladies and Tornado is just as dynamic.
They are scheduled to appear at the Steel City Comic Con in late July.  If you are going, stop by their table to meet them.  You will walk away feeling great.  Unfortunately, they will not be at the MCCC this year, but they have given us a picture from a previous appearance.  How about that...Stan Lee a legend genius and Peri and Layne Toth, two young geniuses!  I love this stuff.

Peri Toth, Stan Lee and Layne Toth in Pittsburgh, PA-Summer 2009.

Holy Fancy Cars...It's the Batmobile

The Batmobile is one of the most recognizable vehicles ever.  The car on tv's Batman was based on the Lincoln Futura Show car, a concept car by Ford from the 1950's.  It was reported to cost $3 million and took just 3 weeks to build.
Over the years, several replicas were made, both legitimate and simple fiberglass skeletons.  The one I saw in Novi at the Motor City Comic Con was a real replica, if not the real deal.  Who really knows for sure?  Either way, if I pulled up in any version of this vehicle, I am sure heads would turn!

The Batmobile in Novi, MI-May 2010.

Killer Carvelli Framed Roger Rabbit II

When I met Charles Fleischer a few years ago, I thought he was very quiet and oddly funny.  Meeting him again last year, I found him about the same.
I complimented Fleischer on his lengthy career and all of the great voice over work he has done.  I also mentioned enjoying his character, Killer Carvelli, on tv's Welcome Back Kotter.  Unlike a few other actors, Fleischer seemed to like the fact that I recalled one of his semi-obscure roles.
Careers like Fleischer has had really interest me.  He certainly isn't as recognizable as many other actors.  He has had a lengthy and varied career, too.  It's an interesting mix and I think Fleischer is an interesting guy.  I just wish I was able to talk to him a bit more.  Oh well, maybe the third time will be the charm.

Charles Fleischer, me and Cuzz in Novi, MI-May 2010.

Friendly Encounters

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

I first discovered Tornado, Layne and Peri Toth while doing research for a piece on the Motor City Comic Con. It was a blast meeting the trio at the 2009 MCCC. They are really larger-than-life and a flurry of activity.
Layne and Peri are the sister team behind Sisters Comics. Tornado is their aptly nicknamed father. Together they showed me a big and impressive sampling of their work.
One of the great parts of my job has been meeting people like the Toth family. I have kept up with their exploits and look forward to seeing them again in the future. I encourage everyone to check out their work on the Sisters Comics site.
For today though, I am featuring Layne and Peri presenting a bit of their artwork to veteran actor Felix Silla. Silla was very impressed and happy to pose with the art and the young ladies.

Peri Toth, Felix Silla and Layne Toth in Novi, MI-May 2008.

Darth Vader isn't My Father

As I have written before, one of the coolest parts of the Motor City Comic Con is the interaction with other attendees. It really is like one big party.
Even Darth Vader was in a good mood when I met him. Look, I am all smiles as Vader gently puts a father-like arm around my shoulders. Even the Storm Trooper on my right seems confused.
Like I wrote, it's one big party there. The next one is November 20-21 and everyone is invited!

Darth Vader and me in Novi, MI-May 2010.

Our Acting Scene with Jenilee Harrison

At the 2010 Motor City Comic Con, Cuzz Gekas and JayHawk Evans assisted me in my efforts for Global Traveler magazine and for this site. Both were veterans of these conventions and both were excellent in helping me.
We approached Jenilee Harrison and found her to be very friendly. Harrison talked about her original hesitancy in doing these conventions, but was happy that she had started doing them. Harrison talked about how much fun it is to meet other celebrities and to see her fans. She seemed touched that so many people had such vivid memories of her from Three's Company.
Harrison gave Cuzz a big hug. I have to credit Cuzz with really connecting with Harrison, which really made her open up a bit more.
Before we left the convention, we went back to Harrison and asked her to do a video promo for this site. She questioned it a bit (who wouldn't?), but happily agreed, if we were in it with her. Sure why not!
At right, you can see Harrison's video promo for Johngy's Beat. Cuzz and I now joke that we did a short, independent film with Jenilee Harrison. JayHawk asserts that he was the Director and Producer. We all had fun (as you can tell), including Harrison. If you read this, Jenilee, a big thanks!

Cuzz, Jenilee Harrison, me and JayHawk Evans in Novi, MI-May 2010.

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.

Nora Greenwald is Still Mighty

Nora Greenwald's pro wrestling career wasn't too long, but it was very successful. Even better, Greenwald left on her own terms and is enjoying her post-wrestling life.
I always liked Greenwald, right from her debut in the WCW as Miss Madness, a member of Randy Savage's crew. Greenwald went onto bigger fame in the WWE as Mighty Molly Holly. Since leaving the WWE in 2005, she has made sporadic apprearances for them and other independent wrestling groups, although mostly not as an in-ring performer.
We talked to Greenwald earlier this year at the Motor City Comic Con. She said she was happy to see some of her old wrestling friends there, like Amy (Lita) Dumas and Lilian Garcia.
Greenwald is working for a drug and alcohol rehabilitation program in her native Minnesota. She finds that work so fulfilling. While she sometimes misses the people and fans from wrestling, she doesn't miss the bumps and daily grind of wrestling. She also recently got engaged.
Wrestling misses her more than she misses it. Too bad she wasn't treated better during her time. She was stuck in some silly stories, but she was always professional. She performed at a high level and gave a great show every time. It's great to see her doing so well now.

JayHawk Evans, Nora Greenwald and me in Novi, MI-May 2010.

Guest Book Covers

In May, JayHawk Evans, Cuzz Gekas and I trekked to Novi (MI) for the Motor City Comic Con. We also saw the Detroit Tigers beat the Boston Red Sox in extra innings. Before the game, we got to meet Willie Horton, a former star with the Tigers.
I am always excited about meeting former players, but Cuzz was especially happy. Cuzz has been a lifelong fan of the Tigers. The 1968 World Series is one of his favorite sports moments.
Before the game, Horton was selling and signing his book, Willie Horton:The People's Champion. We could not miss this opportunity.
After reading the book, Cuzz offered to provide Johngy's Beat with his thoughts. I gladly accepted his offer.
Willie Horton was the Detroit Tigers left fielder on their 1968 World Championship team. As a Tigers fan, I can vividly remember following that team as they beat the favored St. Louis Cardinals and Bob Gibson four games to three in the Fall Classic. Horton was a feared slugger who hit 325 career homeruns in a pitcher-friendly era and was a four time All-Star. While I knew much of Horton's on field accomplishments, his autobiography, Willie Horton:The People's Champion, offered great insight into the man both personally and professionally.
Horton was raised in Detroit and starred at Northwestern High School before signing with the Tigers in 1961. As a result, he always had a strong attachment to the city. While a player in 1967, he attempted to quell the race riots that ravaged much of Detroit and made efforts to promote racial harmony in the city. Most impressive are his tireless charitable efforts, much of it for the benefit of youth organizations, community groups and public schools in Detroit. Horton also was the consummate teammate and to this day remains close friends with many former Tigers such as Hall of Famer Al Kaline (who wrote the forward for the book), Mickey Stanley and Gates Brown.
The book is a great read that follows Horton's playing career and his life after baseball in great detail. It is well-written (with respected journalist Kevin Allen) and after reading he book, I became an even bigger fan of Willie Horton.

Willie Horton, Cuzz Gekas and me in Detroit, MI-May 2010.

Johngy and a Wookie

As I have written many times, the Motor City Comic Con is one of the best such conventions. Aside from the many great celebrities there, the attendees provide great entertainment.
I have met Wonderman, Catwoman, Aquaman and many other superheros. I have also met some legendary Star Wars characters.
Last May, I crossed paths with Chewbacca, the famous Wookie. He seemed to be in a great mood, as he posed for pictures with anyone who asked. Chewie didn't have a lot to say (or maybe I didn't understand his language). Therefore, the interview didn't go too well, but I couldn't pass on the chance to be photographed with the big guy!

Chewbacca and me in Novi, MI-May 2010.

The Bionic Woman

Lindsey Wagner played four different roles on tv's Marcus Welby M.D., but it was her portrayal of Jaime Summers on The Six Million Dollar Man, which catapulted Wagner to stardom. That role was supposed to be a one time appearance (in fact, she died at the end of the episode), but the character was so popular, they brought her back (she had been put into a cryogenic suspension). She went on to star in her own series, The Bionic Woman.
Wagner looked great at the Motor City Comic Con. Cuzz and I were happy to meet and talk to her. She happily greeted her fans and posed for pictures. We didn't get too much time to chat with her, though. Time constraints hampered our efforts.

Chuck E. Gekas, Lindsey Wagner and me in Novi, MI-May 2010.