PopHorror Let's Get Scared
Setting up shop at the Best Western Plus in Strongsville, Ohio this past weekend (August 16 & 17), Ohio Terror Con, the new horror show kid on the block, held their first ever event. Organizer Zac Ross overcame a lot of “first con growing pains” to put on a very cool event, that managed to be very entertaining while avoiding insane crowds and long lines.
Featuring a very rare, 40th anniversary, reunion and panel for Troma’s cult classic The Toxic Avenger, fans lined up to meet: Mark Torl (Melvin), Cynthia Manion (Julie), Jennifer Babtist (Wanda), Robert Pritchard (Slug) and Gary Schnieder (Bozo). A very fun Q & A followed a screening of the film—the only thing missing was Lloyd!
Also on-hand were Night of the Demons alums Amelia Kinkaide, Hal Havens, Nick Benson and Alvin Alexis. Paul Taylor (Hellraiser: Judgement), Walter Phelan (House of 1000 Corpses), Susan Lanier (The Hills Have Eyes), Richard John Walters (My Bloody Valentine), and Frankenhooker herself Patty Mullen (among others), there to pose for photos, chat about their careers, and generally make sure every fan left satisfied, with everything imaginable being autographed.
Jackass and skateboarding legend Bam Margera appeared throughout the weekend as well, although I missed him on Saturday.
The vendor room had some amazingly diverse selections for everyone—from original artwork, glassware, tee shirts, and even custom made horror gumball machines!
Much like the celebrity guests, all of the vendors were friendly, engaging, and really eager to describe their various wares (yes, I spent way too much $$). Local horror host Hall-of-Famers Drac & Countess Carita had a booth to promote their show too, pressing the flesh with their Cleveland area fans.
The con staff and volunteers were informed, courteous and helpful—the ticketing process was smooth, re-entry was no issue, and they even raffled off an event poster to benefit a local pet charity. It’s refreshing to see a convention giving back to the community instead of just grabbing the cash and hitting the road!
I arrived about 30 minutes after the opening on Saturday morning, and left 4 hours later feeling the post-convention high that you always feel after some time “amongst your tribe”. A really fun, unique show, with some guests you almost never see on the con circuit, and something for everyone. Here’s hoping Ohio Terror Con is around for a long time to come!
