I have generally avoided sci-fi related conventions – not because I’m an anti-social nerd (hahahaha hahahaha HAHAH) but generally because they’re expensive, difficult to get to, and I’m happy enough to keep a good distance from myself and any famous folk.
But I have been alerted to the forthcoming London Film and Comic Con hosted at London Olympia. If I were to get there early enough this Saturday, I could get a reasonably priced ticket. What I’m not so keen on is the autographs and photograph prices. Then again, I’ve NEVER been a fan of autographs – why would I want your signature unless it’s on a cheque made payable to me for a sizeable sum of money 
Photographs are more interesting, but then again I’d feel I’d be imposing (even if I were to pay celeb up to £20 for the privilege) and the whole thing feels like a zoo. I wouldn’t feel comfortable with it. I’m happy to wave, say a quick hello, shake a hand (or leg) and then scarper back into the crowds.
I’ve had my fair share of excitement being in the same room with celebs such as at that during the King Kong premiere in 2005 (George Lucas, Stephen King, Rick Baker, Peter Jackson, Jack Black, Adrian Brody, Andy Serkis, Naomi Watts, King Kong, etc. etc. etc. etc. etc) and at Neil Gaiman’s Stardust screening in 2007 (Neil Gaiman, Lenny Henry, Mitch Benn, etc. etc. etc. etc.) and cast and crew screenings of various films (biggest one was Charlie & Chocolate Factory with Tim Burton and Richard D. Zanuck, whose dad ran 20th Century Fox during a golden period of filmmaking). You get the idea.
But I am curious. Comic-con curious. So with relevant permits from the missus (I hope), I’m going to try and make it down to London this Saturday to find out just what these events are like and what strange creatures these actors and writers are like. I’m at least hoping to to say hello to Robert Rankin and check out his first (and only) new comic.
We’ll see. If I do go, I’ll try to take as many photos and videos that I can assuming I’m not chucked out for violating a rule or something or another.