My Train of Thought

ALL ABOARD!

Major cities have at least one convention for the serious comic book collector.  In addition, there are always stars on hand that made their mark in a certain role – in the superhero tradition, or an iconic series of a certain age.  This year’s Motor City Comic Con was greatly anticipated by yours truly, for a few media guests whom I truly wanted to meet.  I made the pilgrimage to the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi, MI for the annual event on a beautiful, sunny Saturday.  Upon my arrival, I was greeted with a lengthy line of those anxious to enter.  The event brought together several generations – from the baby boomers, to college kids, and parents with their little tikes.  Many were dressed in costumes, while others came in traditional garb.

To a child, the building and displays can be quite overwhelming.  Upon entering, everyone is greeted by the many vendors for tee shirts, comic books, action figures, and even jewelry.  I had perused through them and finally made my way over to the rows of celebrity guests.  My first encounter was with Dwight Schultz.  I’ve been a long time fan of his and he told me that he really liked it here in metro Detroit and would like to bring his family here.  Dwight was part of the Star Trek legacy as Barclay, Gordi’s engineering underling from Star Trek: TNG.  The role where he really made an impression, however, was that of “Howling Mad” Murdock from The A-Team.  I asked Dwight if Murdock was really closer to his personality.  He smiled and said that, with Star Trek, he had a certain type and manner of character to portray.  With the A-Team, the producers, particularly, Steven Cannell told the cast that “this is your show”.  They were given the freedom to do whatever they wanted.  The result was a great ensemble cast with four very different personalities that teamed up to help the downtrodden and oppressed.

I then tried to see Bill Mumy, but he had a constant stream of folks who were having photos taken with him in a separate area.   He did bring along a friend – the robot from Lost in Space.  I really wish I’d had the opportunity to meet him (I’m one of his Facebook friends) as I wanted to ask him about Guy Williams, who portrayed his father, Professor Robinson, in the series.   Next to Bill’s stand was Erin Gray (Col. Deering from Buck Rogers in the 25^th Century).  She is so petite!  Next to her was Christopher Knight of The Brady Bunch, one of the friendliest celebs around.  I’d seen him before at conventions in Chicago.  Butch Patrick (Eddie Munster from The Munsters) was to the side of the Dragula, Grandpa’s hot-rod transport.  

 Britt Ekland is still a beauty, despite the fact that it’s been thirty-eight years since she appeared with Roger Moore and Christopher Lee in the Bond film, The Man with the Golden Gun.  She will always be a Bond girl to me.  And Gilligan’s Mary Ann, Dawn Wells was chatting with Butch Patrick when I passed their tables.  I happened upon Colin Ferguson of Desperate Housewives en route to lunch.  Yvonne Craig (Batgirl from the Batman TV series) had quite a lineup at her table.  Valerie Perrine was still turning heads even though it was back in 1978 that she was Miss Teschmacher in the Superman film.

Speaking of the Man of Steel, I was thrilled to meet Dean Cain from Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman.  I’ve always held him in high regard.  I thought he gave dignity to Clark Kent, the same way George Reeves did on the original Adventures of Superman, rather than the buffoonish character Christopher Reeve portrayed.  While he’s racked up a magnanimous amount of credits since then, I felt that one of his most convincing performances was light years away from Superman - that of Scott Peterson in The Perfect Husband: The Laci Peterson Story.  Dean was especially proud of the fact that he had just returned from visiting our troops in Iraq.  I shared that my son had done a tour there and Afghanistan and he wanted to make sure I thanked my son for serving our country.  He also let me know that the Hallmark Channel is airing a movie (with him in it) this Saturday, June 16 at 8 p.m. EDT called Operation Cupcake.  He told me it was about a soldier who returned home and was trying to fit back in to civilian life.  Here is the link to Dean’s interview on his character: http://www.hallmarkchannel.com/operationcupcake/video/Interviews/DeanCain. I shared with him that I really have enjoyed his Hallmark films.  When I had my picture taken with him, Dean’s representative asked if we had called each other up to see what to wear that day.  Yep, I really had my ESP going strong!

 Other celebrities there whom I saw briefly were Peter Tork (The Monkees), Billy Dee Williams, (Lando Calrissian from Star Wars), Loni Anderson and Howard Hessemen (WKRP in Cincinnati), and handsome Sam Witwer, known to Smallville fans as Doomsday.

                                            

      

One of the biggest thrills of the day was to meet the First Lady of the Enterprise, Nichelle Nichols, aka Lt. Uhura.  She was so gracious and has a very hearty laugh!  While none of us really had time to speak with her, I happened to find an interview she did on how she got the role and how her character was named.  Here’s the link which I’m sure you’ll enjoy http://www.emmytvlegends.org/interviews/people/nichelle-nichols.  Two of the memorable portions were the stories about Martin Luther King, Jr. as well as the first televised interracial kiss between Uhura and Kirk.  In the words of Spock, “Live long and prosper”!

So ends the 2012 Comic Con, leaving us with fond memories.  Whether it be interstellar travel, ghoulish speedsters, hitching a ride with a singing group in their mobile, or staying one jump ahead of the authorities in a van, I’ll have enough adventures to last until next year!