July 1- The Historic Meeting of Svengoolie and Elvira !

The 2008 version of “Flashback Weekend”- the great yearly horror convention- was a total blast, once again- and, yes, indeed, the site of the historic meeting of your truly and the

Legendary Elvira- Mistress of the Dark!

Things began, as usual, as we were whisked by our fine one-man security force -Big Don- to the atrium signing area. Already on duty were our pals from Horrorbles with lots of goodies for sale for me to sign-and our Sven crew- director Chris, editor and sound guy “Hit the Theme” Kevin, camera

Man Phil, and promotion guy and Sven “right hand man”

Jim- were quickly in place to cover the event, sell some Sven t-shirts, and keep the looong line moving!(Kevin had just come over to the Crowne Plaza from the Wizard World comics event down the street, where our pal Superstar artist Alex Ross was kind enough to wear his Sven shirt while doing his signing!) Maybe you recall my writing in a previous blog that I worry about, someday, there being very few people in line? Well, no such problem, as, again, this year there was a long line  waiting to come visit with me, get autographs, take pictures, and ask pertinent Sven questions for which they’ve always wanted the answers!

As always- everybody was so nice! You Sven fans are such terrific people! Your kind words and affection for your old pal Goolie is so touching, and I’ve always said- I doubt I’d be still be doing this if it didn’t mean so much to you guys! Again, along the line, I got tom meet people now involved in the movie business, literature, and comics, who told me that I was a definite influence in their lives, which is so great to hear!

Once again, we had to have someone stop the line at one point, so I would be able to get to our next destination- the stage- for some questions and answers, and the big costume contest. We had answered some questions from the crowd, and then announced the movies we’d have as the successors to the Universal classics, which got a great reaction- and then- in walked ELVIRA ! The crowd’s surprised reaction was tremendous, as she took the stage and did a couple minutes with me. We improvised, and traded lines as if it were a rehearsed comedy routine- and it was true horror host history!