Comic Con Write-up, Or; Reality is often far Weirder than your Daydreams
I'm back, everyone! It's been a long three days, but ultimately very satisfying. And my goodness, we have a lot to talk about.
I was originally going to write up all three days at the con, but what happened on Saturday was so massive that it deserves to be the bulk of this post. So let's start by running through a list of the major other moments at the con before I get to the heart of the matter.
1. Other than Ioan, the two people I most wanted to have some contact with were William Shatner and Kevin Conroy (aka the voice of Batman from the brilliant Animated Series). Unfortunately, the Shatner thing was a disaster. I'd signed up for a photo op with him, but the lines were so long that we didn't move for half-an-hour. We were crammed together up against a concession stand, unable to really move, and it was hotter in that line than it was in any other part of the con, including waiting in line outside. And due to the demand, we basically had to go in, pose for the photo, and get out. So all I managed to do with Shatner was say "Hi" and pose for a photo. I had thought perhaps I would get to feel a little more connected at his Q&A, but again, due to the overwhelming popularity of Shatner, they limited the panel to VIP holders only, which I was not. Disappointing, but what can you do?
2. On the other hand, Kevin Conroy was very nice and must have had impressive stamina, because he did a panel every single night of the con. I managed to see the Sunday panel, and he came across as very smart, talented, and funny. I hope we get to see more work from him in the future.
3. I had a small list of drawings I wanted sketched by the artists. Unfortunately, most of the artists I found on the first two days either weren't doing commissions, wouldn't draw in my sketchbook, or didn't feel comfortable drawing from life (I had a few sketches of real people I wanted done). But on Sunday, I found three artists who were willing to take on the challenge, and my goodness, they did a great job. So I got lucky there.
There was also some wonderful items for sale, excellent cosplay, and plenty of nerdy energy. It was a lot of fun, even if I now have blisters on my feet and my legs protest every time I stand up or sit down.
But of course, all this pales compared to the big event...
I caught a quick glimpse of Ioan on Friday, when I was wandering around the convention center to get my bearings and peeked into the autograph room. I may or may not have emitted a little squeak. But it was only a glimpse, since, I thought, I'd have all of tomorrow to display my Hornblower costume and get up the nerve to say something to him.
Saturday rolls around. I arrived at least 45 minutes early for Ioan's Q&A, since I wanted to get a good seat. I wound up talking with and joining up with two girls, one of whom was a massive Hornblower fan and gave me a hug when she recognized my costume, the other of whom had little interest in Ioan but was going as a hanger-on. They were both very nice girls, and it was fun to chat and pass the time with them, especially since Ioan was a few minutes late coming on.
Finally, the moderator came out and announced him, and we all clapped as he came onto the stage. He looked great; suit jacket, Rolling Stones T-shirt, and just the slightest curl to his hair. I was sitting about five rows back, so I had a pretty good view. My nerves subsided for a little while, and I sat and took pictures while the moderator asked some questions.
Some highlights (with selected photos):
*Apparently Ioan was actually filming Wilde and Titanic concurrently. He shot some of Wilde, flew out for a week of shooting on Titanic, came back to England, finished with Wilde, and then returned to Titanic. As a result, he had to use some sort of gel to keep his long hair hidden during the first few days, then got to cut it off for the rest of the shoot.
(I do apologize for the blurriness of these photos. I have no idea what happened, because I was trying every possible combination on my camera to make it better.)
*Ioan does love doing period pieces, typecast or not, and feels like he was born a century too late, or possibly that he was a nobleman in a past life. I can tell you, that makes my Hornblower-loving heart very happy.
*When he first went to meet Michael Apted for discussing Amazing Grace, he was two hours late because of a situation beyond his control, and couldn't contact Apted to tell him this. Apted is a stickler for punctuality, and the very first words he said to Ioan when he opened the door were "You're late." before walking away. As if Ioan didn't feel bad enough, Apted's wife was in the kitchen, and she pointed to a tray of cookies and said "These were warm two hours ago." Ever since then, Ioan's tried to adopt Apted's motto; If you're there five minutes before an event, you're still late.
*He told a hilarious story about Amazing Grace co-star Albert Finney, who, upon learning that Ioan was going to Havana, recommended a club with many very beautiful women. When Ioan protested he was going with his then-girlfriend, Finney just said "So? Last time I went, I went with my wife!" Doing an imitation of Finney's voice apparently took something out of Ioan, because he wound up coughing for forty-five seconds afterwards, dangerous ground for someone with a Cuddle Reflex. (yes, there were "aww's" murmured).
*He would love to do musicals or musical theater. I wholeheartedly approve of this.
*He would also love (and he put that much emphasis on it) to be in Doctor Who, but as he put it "They can get anybody they want for that." But he is Welsh, so we'll see what transpires.
Then the moderator opened it up for audience questions. After two questions, I started putting my hand up, slightly worried they wouldn't get to me. I was, you see, bound and determined to reveal my costume at that panel, and not at the autograph table or the photo op. There were some lovely questions there too, including a young girl who asked "what it was like to have stretchy powers." Ioan had to gently break it to her that he didn't actually have such powers, and instead demonstrated what he had to do during the filming:
There were other questions, about advice for young filmmakers and role models, and then someone asked if there would ever be any more Hornblower. Bad news, I'm afraid; there's nothing definite, because the show was so expensive to make and A&E moved on to reality TV. However, it sounds like period dramas are starting to make a comeback on A&E, so you never know.
While I was glad to get an answer to that question, I now had a bit of a problem. That question had been my "in" to ask the question I'd really wanted an answer to; what happened to our letter-writing campaign, and why didn't we get a response. After thinking for a few minutes, I settled on trying to get an answer via a question about fanmail. I was finally called on, the moderator saying that I would be the last question of the day. I began to rise, but the person behind me asked a follow-up question, and I quickly sat down again, but not before I heard Ioan make a surprised noise as he took in my costume. The follow-up finished, I arose again. I started off with something that I hoped would relax me; "I'm a huge fan of the Hornblower series, as if you couldn't tell." I said, gesturing to my costume. Ioan did respond to that, but I can't remember what he said, too focused on asking my question.
What I'd intended to say: "I sent you a letter of support for bringing back Hornblower, and convinced other fans of Hornblower on the internet to do the same. None of us received an answer, so we weren't sure what your fanmail policies are. What's the weirdest piece of fanmail you've ever gotten?"
What actually came out of my mouth: "What's the weirdest piece of fanmail you've ever gotten? Because I sent..."
That was as far as I got before the crowd started laughing, and I peripherally noticed Ioan's face taking on a "Oh God, where is this going?" expression. My brain subconsciously realized what I'd said, and I leapt into damage control mode. "No! No! That's not what I meant! Let me finish!" I yelped, waving my arms. I can't remember how I phrased the rest of the question now, all I remember is being increasingly mortified at what I'd opened with. I stuttered out the end of my question and sat down in shock.
Ioan paused for a second, then said "Is that the time?" and made to bolt out of the room. Then he came back to answer the question. He didn't address our fanmail, but he told the story of the fans who wired over a load of money for him to celebrate his birthday, and also mentioned that someone once asked for a picture of his foot. At this point, the moderator said "Our friend in the audience is blushing, was that you?" I vehemently shook my head and waved my arms again. When Ioan finished, the moderator reminded us that that was the last question, and that Ioan needed to leave. He thanked Ioan for his time, and I stood up and started applauding, assuming others would follow suit, as many people give standing ovations after plays and the like. However, few people clapped, and no one else stood up. So I sat down after two or three claps and put my head on my knees, groaning in embarassment. My companions rubbed my back and told me that it was O.K. "That was great!" one of them said. I didn't exactly share that opinion.
(Warning; the rest of this write-up is going to sound like something straight out of a Mary-Sue fic, but I swear it's all true.)
Suddenly, the crowd made that "Ooohhh!" noise, the sound you hear in sports when someone does something unexpected and impressive, and one of my companions said "Look up! Look up!" I raised my head just in time to see Ioan sprinting down the aisle towards me. I knew instinctively what was coming, and rose to my feet, arms already opening. Sure enough, he gave me a huge hug and murmured "I'm so sorry I never wrote back."
(According to my companions, Ioan turned to wave at me as he was leaving. Then he saw my posture, and that's when he ran down the aisle. I wonder if he thought I was crying. I wasn't, just supremely embarassed.)
I can't remember a lot of the details of the hug. I think I said "Thank you so much", and kind of half-laughed. All I remember clearly is my hand curling over his shoulder, and the scent of his cologne, which was musky and suited him quite well. Fortunately, I don't have to rely on memory alone for this...
(All my thanks and gratitude to the lovely woman who sent these photos to me. And I swear, I usually look much better in photos. I've chosen not to blur out my face because I think similar photos may start cropping up elsewhere.)
I broke away from the hug after a few seconds, and he vanished. Suddenly I was the highlight of the Q&A. I had people coming up to me the next day, when I was "out of uniform", telling me how great that whole thing had been. At the time, flustered and still not entirely sure what had happened, I wasn't inclined to agree, but thanked them anyway. All I could think was "Oh, God, now I have to see him for the autograph and the photo op. What is he going to say??"
Since I had always planned on taking the photo in costume, I knew I had to just go for it. So after the frustration that was the Shatner photo op, I headed up to the autograph room. When I enter the room, who should I meet but the moderator of the panel, who said "That was the best last Q&A question ever!" he also told me he'd deliberately saved me for last; "Someone in a full Hornblower costume? That had to be the last question." Even though he assured me that Ioan had thought the whole thing was charming, I couldn't quite bring myself to look at him as I walked into the line, firmly keeping my eyes focused on the ground. I kind of hid behind the people in front of me until it was my turn for an autograph.
When Ioan looked up and saw me, he said "Hey!" in a "It's you! I'm so glad to see you!" kind of way. I went straight for the apology; "I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to come off that way!" He not only assured me that it was fine, he gave me a high-five. Then the moderator reappeared and asked for a picture of us together. We kind of put our arms around each others waists and grinned for the photo. Ioan's "handler" (the woman who took the money for the autographs, I'm not sure what her official title was) asked "Oh, were you at the Q&A?" As Ioan prepared to sign my "Making of Horatio Hornblower" book, I just shook my head. "I don't want to talk about it." I said, my voice embarassed but also, I suspect, just a touch proud. Ioan returned my book, and I thanked him before moving away. Once outside the room, I looked at what he'd written...
(Name blurred out for some modicum of privacy)
Wow. I was smiling for quite a while, even after I learned I wouldn't be attending Shatner's panel.
There was still the photo-op to go. While waiting for it, I was approached by a woman who had been filming the panel, once again commenting on what had happened. This was starting to take on a serious level of unreality. While I was still embarassed, I was no longer flustered, and I accepted the comments with a little more grace. After chatting for a few minutes (and being assured that no, my question hadn't been recorded), I made my way to the photo booth.
I was apparently the last shot for the session, because they hustled me in really quick. I appeared next to Ioan's side, and he once again made a "Pleased to see you!" greeting. "One more for the road!" I joked, slinging an arm around his shoulder. "You are so sweet," he said, just before they took the shot. I thanked him, waved goodbye, and headed off, too tired to stick around for the remaining hour or so of the con. When I went to pick them up on Sunday, I somehow wound up with three copies instead of the expected two. Not that I mind overly much.
I glimpsed Ioan a few more times on Sunday, but I felt it would be anticlimatic to meet again while I was in civilian clothes. Besides, I've been alternating these past few days between laughing at what's happened and kicking myself. Randomly, I'll remember the surge of laughter as I said "Because I sent", and start pounding my fist into the nearest surface. But the image that comes back more often is my head on my knees, the sound of the crowd, and looking up to see Ioan hurrying towards me. I guess the good is already starting to outweigh the bad.
So yes, all this actually happened. And Ioan, if you ever stumble across this post, thank you. Thank you for having a sense of humor about my question. Thank you for the apology; it really wasn't necessary. Above all, thank you for being such a sweetheart to me. I'd heard that you were nice to your fans, and it's wonderful to see that it's 100% true.
I was originally going to write up all three days at the con, but what happened on Saturday was so massive that it deserves to be the bulk of this post. So let's start by running through a list of the major other moments at the con before I get to the heart of the matter.
1. Other than Ioan, the two people I most wanted to have some contact with were William Shatner and Kevin Conroy (aka the voice of Batman from the brilliant Animated Series). Unfortunately, the Shatner thing was a disaster. I'd signed up for a photo op with him, but the lines were so long that we didn't move for half-an-hour. We were crammed together up against a concession stand, unable to really move, and it was hotter in that line than it was in any other part of the con, including waiting in line outside. And due to the demand, we basically had to go in, pose for the photo, and get out. So all I managed to do with Shatner was say "Hi" and pose for a photo. I had thought perhaps I would get to feel a little more connected at his Q&A, but again, due to the overwhelming popularity of Shatner, they limited the panel to VIP holders only, which I was not. Disappointing, but what can you do?
2. On the other hand, Kevin Conroy was very nice and must have had impressive stamina, because he did a panel every single night of the con. I managed to see the Sunday panel, and he came across as very smart, talented, and funny. I hope we get to see more work from him in the future.
3. I had a small list of drawings I wanted sketched by the artists. Unfortunately, most of the artists I found on the first two days either weren't doing commissions, wouldn't draw in my sketchbook, or didn't feel comfortable drawing from life (I had a few sketches of real people I wanted done). But on Sunday, I found three artists who were willing to take on the challenge, and my goodness, they did a great job. So I got lucky there.
There was also some wonderful items for sale, excellent cosplay, and plenty of nerdy energy. It was a lot of fun, even if I now have blisters on my feet and my legs protest every time I stand up or sit down.
But of course, all this pales compared to the big event...
I caught a quick glimpse of Ioan on Friday, when I was wandering around the convention center to get my bearings and peeked into the autograph room. I may or may not have emitted a little squeak. But it was only a glimpse, since, I thought, I'd have all of tomorrow to display my Hornblower costume and get up the nerve to say something to him.
Saturday rolls around. I arrived at least 45 minutes early for Ioan's Q&A, since I wanted to get a good seat. I wound up talking with and joining up with two girls, one of whom was a massive Hornblower fan and gave me a hug when she recognized my costume, the other of whom had little interest in Ioan but was going as a hanger-on. They were both very nice girls, and it was fun to chat and pass the time with them, especially since Ioan was a few minutes late coming on.
Finally, the moderator came out and announced him, and we all clapped as he came onto the stage. He looked great; suit jacket, Rolling Stones T-shirt, and just the slightest curl to his hair. I was sitting about five rows back, so I had a pretty good view. My nerves subsided for a little while, and I sat and took pictures while the moderator asked some questions.
Some highlights (with selected photos):
*Apparently Ioan was actually filming Wilde and Titanic concurrently. He shot some of Wilde, flew out for a week of shooting on Titanic, came back to England, finished with Wilde, and then returned to Titanic. As a result, he had to use some sort of gel to keep his long hair hidden during the first few days, then got to cut it off for the rest of the shoot.
(I do apologize for the blurriness of these photos. I have no idea what happened, because I was trying every possible combination on my camera to make it better.)
*Ioan does love doing period pieces, typecast or not, and feels like he was born a century too late, or possibly that he was a nobleman in a past life. I can tell you, that makes my Hornblower-loving heart very happy.
*When he first went to meet Michael Apted for discussing Amazing Grace, he was two hours late because of a situation beyond his control, and couldn't contact Apted to tell him this. Apted is a stickler for punctuality, and the very first words he said to Ioan when he opened the door were "You're late." before walking away. As if Ioan didn't feel bad enough, Apted's wife was in the kitchen, and she pointed to a tray of cookies and said "These were warm two hours ago." Ever since then, Ioan's tried to adopt Apted's motto; If you're there five minutes before an event, you're still late.
*He told a hilarious story about Amazing Grace co-star Albert Finney, who, upon learning that Ioan was going to Havana, recommended a club with many very beautiful women. When Ioan protested he was going with his then-girlfriend, Finney just said "So? Last time I went, I went with my wife!" Doing an imitation of Finney's voice apparently took something out of Ioan, because he wound up coughing for forty-five seconds afterwards, dangerous ground for someone with a Cuddle Reflex. (yes, there were "aww's" murmured).
*He would love to do musicals or musical theater. I wholeheartedly approve of this.
*He would also love (and he put that much emphasis on it) to be in Doctor Who, but as he put it "They can get anybody they want for that." But he is Welsh, so we'll see what transpires.
Then the moderator opened it up for audience questions. After two questions, I started putting my hand up, slightly worried they wouldn't get to me. I was, you see, bound and determined to reveal my costume at that panel, and not at the autograph table or the photo op. There were some lovely questions there too, including a young girl who asked "what it was like to have stretchy powers." Ioan had to gently break it to her that he didn't actually have such powers, and instead demonstrated what he had to do during the filming:
There were other questions, about advice for young filmmakers and role models, and then someone asked if there would ever be any more Hornblower. Bad news, I'm afraid; there's nothing definite, because the show was so expensive to make and A&E moved on to reality TV. However, it sounds like period dramas are starting to make a comeback on A&E, so you never know.
While I was glad to get an answer to that question, I now had a bit of a problem. That question had been my "in" to ask the question I'd really wanted an answer to; what happened to our letter-writing campaign, and why didn't we get a response. After thinking for a few minutes, I settled on trying to get an answer via a question about fanmail. I was finally called on, the moderator saying that I would be the last question of the day. I began to rise, but the person behind me asked a follow-up question, and I quickly sat down again, but not before I heard Ioan make a surprised noise as he took in my costume. The follow-up finished, I arose again. I started off with something that I hoped would relax me; "I'm a huge fan of the Hornblower series, as if you couldn't tell." I said, gesturing to my costume. Ioan did respond to that, but I can't remember what he said, too focused on asking my question.
What I'd intended to say: "I sent you a letter of support for bringing back Hornblower, and convinced other fans of Hornblower on the internet to do the same. None of us received an answer, so we weren't sure what your fanmail policies are. What's the weirdest piece of fanmail you've ever gotten?"
What actually came out of my mouth: "What's the weirdest piece of fanmail you've ever gotten? Because I sent..."
That was as far as I got before the crowd started laughing, and I peripherally noticed Ioan's face taking on a "Oh God, where is this going?" expression. My brain subconsciously realized what I'd said, and I leapt into damage control mode. "No! No! That's not what I meant! Let me finish!" I yelped, waving my arms. I can't remember how I phrased the rest of the question now, all I remember is being increasingly mortified at what I'd opened with. I stuttered out the end of my question and sat down in shock.
Ioan paused for a second, then said "Is that the time?" and made to bolt out of the room. Then he came back to answer the question. He didn't address our fanmail, but he told the story of the fans who wired over a load of money for him to celebrate his birthday, and also mentioned that someone once asked for a picture of his foot. At this point, the moderator said "Our friend in the audience is blushing, was that you?" I vehemently shook my head and waved my arms again. When Ioan finished, the moderator reminded us that that was the last question, and that Ioan needed to leave. He thanked Ioan for his time, and I stood up and started applauding, assuming others would follow suit, as many people give standing ovations after plays and the like. However, few people clapped, and no one else stood up. So I sat down after two or three claps and put my head on my knees, groaning in embarassment. My companions rubbed my back and told me that it was O.K. "That was great!" one of them said. I didn't exactly share that opinion.
(Warning; the rest of this write-up is going to sound like something straight out of a Mary-Sue fic, but I swear it's all true.)
Suddenly, the crowd made that "Ooohhh!" noise, the sound you hear in sports when someone does something unexpected and impressive, and one of my companions said "Look up! Look up!" I raised my head just in time to see Ioan sprinting down the aisle towards me. I knew instinctively what was coming, and rose to my feet, arms already opening. Sure enough, he gave me a huge hug and murmured "I'm so sorry I never wrote back."
(According to my companions, Ioan turned to wave at me as he was leaving. Then he saw my posture, and that's when he ran down the aisle. I wonder if he thought I was crying. I wasn't, just supremely embarassed.)
I can't remember a lot of the details of the hug. I think I said "Thank you so much", and kind of half-laughed. All I remember clearly is my hand curling over his shoulder, and the scent of his cologne, which was musky and suited him quite well. Fortunately, I don't have to rely on memory alone for this...
(All my thanks and gratitude to the lovely woman who sent these photos to me. And I swear, I usually look much better in photos. I've chosen not to blur out my face because I think similar photos may start cropping up elsewhere.)
I broke away from the hug after a few seconds, and he vanished. Suddenly I was the highlight of the Q&A. I had people coming up to me the next day, when I was "out of uniform", telling me how great that whole thing had been. At the time, flustered and still not entirely sure what had happened, I wasn't inclined to agree, but thanked them anyway. All I could think was "Oh, God, now I have to see him for the autograph and the photo op. What is he going to say??"
Since I had always planned on taking the photo in costume, I knew I had to just go for it. So after the frustration that was the Shatner photo op, I headed up to the autograph room. When I enter the room, who should I meet but the moderator of the panel, who said "That was the best last Q&A question ever!" he also told me he'd deliberately saved me for last; "Someone in a full Hornblower costume? That had to be the last question." Even though he assured me that Ioan had thought the whole thing was charming, I couldn't quite bring myself to look at him as I walked into the line, firmly keeping my eyes focused on the ground. I kind of hid behind the people in front of me until it was my turn for an autograph.
When Ioan looked up and saw me, he said "Hey!" in a "It's you! I'm so glad to see you!" kind of way. I went straight for the apology; "I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to come off that way!" He not only assured me that it was fine, he gave me a high-five. Then the moderator reappeared and asked for a picture of us together. We kind of put our arms around each others waists and grinned for the photo. Ioan's "handler" (the woman who took the money for the autographs, I'm not sure what her official title was) asked "Oh, were you at the Q&A?" As Ioan prepared to sign my "Making of Horatio Hornblower" book, I just shook my head. "I don't want to talk about it." I said, my voice embarassed but also, I suspect, just a touch proud. Ioan returned my book, and I thanked him before moving away. Once outside the room, I looked at what he'd written...
(Name blurred out for some modicum of privacy)
Wow. I was smiling for quite a while, even after I learned I wouldn't be attending Shatner's panel.
There was still the photo-op to go. While waiting for it, I was approached by a woman who had been filming the panel, once again commenting on what had happened. This was starting to take on a serious level of unreality. While I was still embarassed, I was no longer flustered, and I accepted the comments with a little more grace. After chatting for a few minutes (and being assured that no, my question hadn't been recorded), I made my way to the photo booth.
I was apparently the last shot for the session, because they hustled me in really quick. I appeared next to Ioan's side, and he once again made a "Pleased to see you!" greeting. "One more for the road!" I joked, slinging an arm around his shoulder. "You are so sweet," he said, just before they took the shot. I thanked him, waved goodbye, and headed off, too tired to stick around for the remaining hour or so of the con. When I went to pick them up on Sunday, I somehow wound up with three copies instead of the expected two. Not that I mind overly much.
I glimpsed Ioan a few more times on Sunday, but I felt it would be anticlimatic to meet again while I was in civilian clothes. Besides, I've been alternating these past few days between laughing at what's happened and kicking myself. Randomly, I'll remember the surge of laughter as I said "Because I sent", and start pounding my fist into the nearest surface. But the image that comes back more often is my head on my knees, the sound of the crowd, and looking up to see Ioan hurrying towards me. I guess the good is already starting to outweigh the bad.
So yes, all this actually happened. And Ioan, if you ever stumble across this post, thank you. Thank you for having a sense of humor about my question. Thank you for the apology; it really wasn't necessary. Above all, thank you for being such a sweetheart to me. I'd heard that you were nice to your fans, and it's wonderful to see that it's 100% true.