Where: The Greater Philadelphia Expo Center
100 Station Ave, Oaks, PA 19456
When: November 11, 12, and 13
Monster-Mania 52 is upon us. This is one of the greatest horror themed events. I have been to several of these and they never seem to disappoint. Besides having a sea of vendors that can facilitate just about anything horror they also have a who's who list of celebrity guests. Some of the notable celebrities on hand are 9 actors/actresses from A Nightmare on Elm Street, Dream Warriors. That includes the man himself Robert Englund. Tyler Mane (Halloween) was also out and about. Some other celebs that I am certain waves of people are coming to see are cast members and director form Terrifier 2. David Howard Thornton in full Art the Clown attire will be in attendance. Lauren LaVera (Sienna Shaw), Elliott Fullam (Jonathan), and Damien Leone (Director), and Michael Leavy (Producer) will be in attendance. Steve Barton (Producer) was also floating around talking with fans. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable. There really isn't anything negative in a room full of horror fans.
Review
The vendor section is really something special. Rows and rows of horror goodness infest the area. They have it all. Vintage horror items, custom items, clothing, books, and so much other stuff it is too much list. It also had its share of tattoo artists slinging ink on site. This part of Monster Mania is always a 10 out of 10. I know I need to show up with some deep pockets fo4r this part, but it is worth it.
The Q and A sessions are a to of fun. It gives fans a chance to have access to the stars they love to see on the screen. I only sat for the Tyler Mane session. He is a lot of fun and has no issue interacting with the crowd. While I did not stay for the others they had some great ones lined up. Danielle Harris and the cast of A Nightmare on Elm Street also made appearances for the fans to ask questions. I have no doubt they were all the same and just as awesome. These stars truly enjoy speaking with the fans that made them stars. If you are there for more than one day and have the time it is worth it to enjoy this portion. I will give this a 9 out of 10, but that is only due to my absence of the other sessions.
On to the part most people attend this event for. The celeb autograph and photo opportunities. I am not snubbing any of the stars that were there and not named. The list is big. I am naming the ones that had lines going the length of the building. Robert Englund (Freddy Krueger), Corey Taylor (Slipknot), Heather Langenkamp (Nancy Thompson, A Nightmare on Elm Street), David Howard Thornton (Art the Clown, Terrifer 1 and 2), Lauren LaVera (Sienne, Terrifier 2), Danielle Harris (Halloween), and Tyler Mane (Michael Myers) seemed to have the lines piling up, but there were so many stars there that lines were going everywhere. What I really enjoyed about this part is the time each celeb takes. You go to get your autograph and photo and they give you a few minutes. This is your chance to ask them whatever you want within reason. Or you can engage in some normal chit chat. This part would be a 12 out of 10 if that was a real thing.
I personally showed up and waited for 5 of the many actors/producers/directors in attendance so UI can comment on those experiences personally.
Lauren LaVera - (Sienna, Terrifer 2)
I know that she has only been in a few films, but make no mistake she is a star. We were a group of 4 people. When we got to her she was very down to Earth. She is awesome with her fans. We spoke for a minutes or 2 and she signed an autograph. She came around the table and snapped photo. What was very cool is she confirmed that the photo and signature is exactly what we wanted and were happy. I hope she ends up reading this. Thank you Lauren for what you do on and off the screen.
Elliott Fullam (Johnathan, Terrifer 2)
This is another case of someone who played in a larger than life film that was more concerned with his fans than the movie at this event. He engaged with each fan and we even spoke about his music career. I plan to attend his show in New York early next year. He signed an autograph and also came around to get a photo. We continued chatting, shook hands, and thanked him. This is another great example of stars putting their fans at the tops of their list.
Damien Leone (Creator of Art the Clown, Director, and Makeup FX - Terrifer Franchise)
This man is a genius. He gave us Art the Clown. That alone is enough to take on legend status. He work in the FX part of this franchise is something special. With all of that awesomeness under his belt he was one of the coolest people in the room. He also appreciates his fans to the fullest extent. Signed the autograph and took the picture. Then thanked us for the support. What else can you really ask for?
Michael Leavy (Directro, Producer, Actor - Terrifier, Producer - Terrifier 2)
He was hanging out at the Terrifier Shop table. I have to be honest this one was special for me. I had the privilege of interviewing michael a few weeks ago. He was then a late addition to Monster Mania which was great. This guy has done it all. He has had his hand in both Terrifier films and played the unfortunate Will the exterminator in Terrifer 1. If you have the chance to meet and talk with him do it. You would think he is just a fan speaking with other fans. ANother bucket list autograph and photo for the collection.
David Howard Thornton (Art the Clown, Terrifier Franchise)
I am not even sure how he survived the weekend. His day starts when the doors open. The line had so many people it had to be briefly cut off. Talk about a model celeb. Just like the others mentioned above he genuinely enjoyed his fans. Personalized autograph and a super cool photo. The break was due to him needing to get into costume for people who purchased in costume photos. I had to inquire. It takes him one hour to get into costume and 30 minutes to get out. Then right back out to the fan table for another sea of Art the Clown faithfuls.
I have been to several of these events and have been fortunate enough to meet several of the stars we know and love. These next few comments can go for most of them, but I am speaking about the ones I had the chance to meet today. GO MEET THEM. There are times where people in the film industry can leave a bad taste in your mouth. Either bad attitudes or you get that feeling that they are there because they have to be. That was not the case today. You don't feel rushed and I believe without a doubt they are grateful for the fans. It shows in how they interact and what they say. The movie they produced has done extremely well and after this event I hope it continues to climb without limit. They are each amazing individuals and deserve all the success in the world.
I did also get a professional photo op ticket. If you have read this far you can probably guess which one. Damien Leone and David Howard Thornton (in full Art the Clown costume). This opportunity is more about the photo and not the interaction which is perfect. They have a nice backdrop with optimal lighting. The pictures come out great and they include a free digital copy for you to download.
Overall this event has never been a disappointment and that goes for Monster Mania 52 as well. I give this a 9.5 out of 10. Nothing is perfect ever which is the only reason it is a 9.5. If you are a true horror fan and want the chance to get some unique merch and meet some of your favorite horror icons this is the place. I will be attending again next year because it is a must for me.