Heroes and Villains Fan Fest NJ/NY: July 2, 2016 Saturday Recap | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Heroes and Villains Fan Fest NJ/NY: July 2, 2016 Saturday Recap

A day in the life of a HVFF Attendee

94
Heroes and Villains Fan Fest NJ/NY: July 2, 2016 Saturday Recap
Wordpress

On July 3, 2016, fans of everything from comic books, TV shows, movies, etc. got a second chance to enjoy the Secaucus, New Jersey Heroes and Villains Fan Fest. In January a blizzard that hit many east coast areas ended up affecting the New Jersey/New York City area so much that many people either had to evacuate or stay put in their homes or hotel - regardless the convention day for that Saturday was canceled. This actually turned out to be a blessing in disguise for some as many who were stuck at hotels were able to hang out with friends, get some discounted or free artwork from artist who were snowed in with us and who were supposed to be selling their work at the convention, and also those who went to the local Carrabba's Italian Grill that night, and were able to get photos with some of the "Arrow" & "Flash" cast, talk to them, and even maybe get their autographs. The Fourth Of July weekend however, showed mostly clear skies as this time around the Heroes and Villains Fan Fest (HVFF) convention went off without a hitch.

When I got to the convention the first "Arrow" panel had already come and gone, however I was luckily able to make it to the Stephen Amell (Oliver Queen on Arrow) and Cody Rhodes ("Stardust" of WWE fame) panel. While I did have to stand outside of the panel to be able to see, I was able to luckily see from the large screen and hear somewhat the questions people asked and answers that Stephen and Cody gave. They did not reveal a lot during the panel besides hinting that Oliver's connection to Russia will be further explored in Season 5 and announcing that Cody Rhodes would guest star on "Arrow" this upcoming season.

After the panel was over it was time for my photo-op. I have only been to one other convention before, but usually I try to get at least one professional photo-op per con. In January, I was able to get a photo op with Stephen Amell. This time, however, I chose to get a photo with one of my other favorite "Arrow" cast members and characters, David Ramsey (who plays John Diggle on "Arrow"). Lucky for me and many others in line, the line for David's photo-ops went by very fast and I was able to get my photo fairly quickly. He was so sweet and nice and while the photo-ops are usually quick, being able to meet David and get a photo with him was 100 percent worth it.

Next I was able to meet up with some of my friends who all love "Arrow" and the Olicity ship the relationship between Oliver Queen and Felicity Smoak). We talked for a bit, showed each other souvenirs we had gotten, and more. That is another thing I love about conventions. It gives people a chance to not only make new friends, but see ones that you would never or rarely get to see outside of conventions.

After that I was able to finally get in line for the Milo Ventimiglia selfie and autograph. He was giving free selfies with the autographs which were about $30 dollars. I had tried to get in line twice earlier but I kept missing him or the time was when I had to go get my photo-op, so the volunteers were kind enough to give me a ticket that allowed me to be one of the first in line once he got back from lunch. I have to say that meeting Milo was one of the highlights of my day. He was kind enough to not only sign photos and give us free selfies (not just one selfie I might add), but also answered any questions we had and actually had a conversation with us. I was able to ask him about the "Gilmore Girls" revival and working on it. He told me it was really fun and that he really enjoyed working with the producers of the show. He also said he thinks that the Netflix revival will begin sometime in December. After we took a few selfies, I walked away happily with my personalized autograph, pictures, and a smile knowing that I got to have a conversation with Jess from "Gilmore Girls."

One of the last things I did that day besides getting a few other souvenirs like a "Game of Thrones" poster for my friend and an autographed Emily Bett Rickards photo, was get a selfie with Colin Donnell. I have always loved the character he played on "Arrow" (Tommy Merlyn) and also many of the musicals he has done in the past like "Anything Goes" with Sutton Foster. I knew I had to get a photo with him that day. He was very nice and also much taller than I expected. While the photo was quick, I was happy to be able to have a selfie with Colin and get the chance to meet him.

After saying goodbye to some of my friends, we had to leave the convention. While I was sad to have to leave, I was very happy and satisfied with how the day turned out. I love being able to go to conventions to not just meet celebrities, but also see panels, get photos, autographs, merchandise, and most of all, to be surrounded by fans who love the same things that I do and are just as excited and passionate about shows, ships, and more. I can not wait to be able to go back to another convention. While I have only had experience with one convention organization, I have to say that if you are looking for a convention with great and helpful staff, as well as fun panels, photo-op choices, etc., I highly recommend HVFF. I have to say that I hope that the next time I go to a convention it will either be HVFF or one with just as much courtesy and fun. Like I said, conventions are an extremely fun and exciting place to meet new people and do things that you would not be able to anywhere else, so if you are thinking of going to a convention, especially for a certain subject you enjoy, do it. I promise you that you will not regret it.


Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

179209
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

6375
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

451894
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

22963
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments