PopHorror Let's Get Scared
In a strange way, comic conventions are like an art form; each one following the same template yet adding unique elements to it. FanExpo puts on many events each year, Megacon Orlando, Fan Expo Philadelphia, but more pertinent to today is Fan Expo Boston. Although each one of these shows are run by the same company, it’s interesting that each one is so diverse from one another. The venue, the guests, and the attendance all are factors into making these shows unique.
So how was Fan Expo Boston? For context, I have been to a handful of Fan Expo shows. I attended Fan Expo Philadelphia this year, which was a total cluster-hump, and I also attended Megacon Orlando last year, which was one of my favorite shows of all time. This year marked my fourth time ever going to Fan Expo Boston, and I have to say, it was phenomenal.
Something any convention goer will tell you is usually the bigger the guest, the greater chance of chaos. It’s almost inevitable. I don’t know what Fan Expo Boston did, but it ran as smooth as butter the entire time. I got to meet some big names like Bryce Dallas Howard, Rosario Dawson, and Charlie Cox… And the longest I waited in line was an hour and a half. That’s borderline unheard of. The venue was different from the previous years, as well as a little bit smaller, but I think it was actually better. All the staff at the con, especially the gentleman in Bryce Dallas Howard’s line, were lovely. Each handler was very good about making the whole experience the best it could possibly be.
The first guest I met was Charlie Cox. He was $100 an autograph and $100 for a table selfie, which seems on par for someone of his caliber. Cox is most famous for playing Daredevil in the MCU, which 99% of the attendees were meeting him for. As repetitive as it might have been for him, he did a great job giving everyone his undivided attention and their own special moment. Hats off to him for that. While I think he is phenomenal as Daredevil, he was in a vampire horror film I love called Eat Locals. He was so surprised someone brought an Eat Locals photo that he took a photo of me with the photo… And I didn’t even charge him.
Up next was Bryce Dallas Howard, at her first signing convention ever. I have met a handful of people at their convention debut. Some were naturals, like Elisabeth Shue, and some seemed a little overwhelmed with the appreciation they were getting, like Jason Lee. Howard was not only a natural but seemed to be having a blast doing it. You could hear her laughing from across the convention center. She was $100 for an autograph and $100 for a table photo. I think that is unbelievably fair for her, especially with all the blockbuster franchises she is a part of.
I would say most people were meeting her for Jurassic World and Spider-Man 3, but I got her to sign my poster for The Village. Surprisingly, I was the first person that weekend to have her sign something from that movie. She seemed just as excited as I was. Her autograph wasn’t a rush-job either, signing every letter of ‘Bryce Dallas Howard,’ even adding her character name after.
Lastly, I got to meet Rosario Dawson, who has become a very prominent presence in the convention scene lately. She was $125 for 8x10s and $150 for all other items. While I think $125 is fair, maybe a bit steep, I think it’s a little silly when there’s an upcharge on items. Adding a character name was also an extra $25, although she did it for me without having to ask for free. This makes me think it’s either the convention or management in charge of her pricing and not Rosario herself. She was very cool and laid back. I met her late in the day, so both of us were tired, but still managed to have a pleasant conversation about the movie I was meeting her for: Death Proof.
All in all, Fan Expo Boston was a great time, and probably my favorite con of the year so far. I am attending another Fan Expo event in August, Fan Expo Chicago, and I hope it’s at least half as fun as Boston.
If you’re in the Boston area or adjacent, I highly suggest checking this event out when it returns August 8-10, 2025.
