REPORT ON SIGNINGS FROM SAN DIEGO COMIC CON
- 07/29/2007 (3:27:06 am)
- Georgiann Makropoulos
……
Well, once again the world's largest Popular Arts convention in North America saw a few well known names from the wrestling world make their way to the West coast for the San Diego Comic Con.
Coming in to the convention 3 names were on tap - Virgil, "Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase, and (in what is rumored to be one of his last public signings for a while) Rob Van Dam. Virgil & DiBiase were announced as being there all 4 days, with RVD showing only for Saturday.
I personally was very excited about finally getting to meet Ted DiBiase, as I have always ranked him as one of the Top 10 heels of the modern age. Virgil and RVD have always been great when I have met them in the past, so I look forward to seeing them again as well.
I went to the convention Thursday and went up to the autograph area and headed to where Virgil and DiBiase were assigned. To the surprise of many, including the convention & Virgil himself, DiBiase was a no-show! He had not called anyone to say he wouldn't be making it or if he would be delayed or anything. The banner had been preped and photos were there that featured the Million Dollar Man...just no one to sign them. I did get Virgil's autograph and spend a few minutes chatting, and again he was as personable as he always been.
Back on the floor I learned that Hasbro was having an "unannounced" signing at their booth on Friday and Saturday with the one and only former WWF Champion - SGT Slaughter! This I could not miss.
Friday morning, as soon as the hall opened, I shot for the Hasbro booth and got right into line. Due to traffic and crowds (an often repeated theme at Comic Con), the Sarge ran late, but when he arrived he was in great spirits and full gear! Being first in line, I got my photo with Slaughter while trapped in the Cobra Clutch and then 2 autographs. I was stoked.
I ran upstairs then to check with Virgil and guess what? Still no Ted DiBiase and still no courtesy to call anyone and inform them. Maybe Saturday?
Before leaving the convention hall that day, I happened past a table where Gary Friedrich, the creator of "Ghost Rider" was signing numbered prints. I remember what a fan of "Ghost Rider" RVD was, so figured "what the heck" and picked one up for him to give him as "thank you" for several signings for charity he has done for me in the past.
Saturday hits and I am back upstairs in the autograph line. This time there is a crowd waiting, but only Virgil is at the table. We come to find out that RVD is stuck in traffic resulting from a) a truck dropping an engine on a main road to the convention center; b) the normal heavy traffic around the center during this time of year; and b) "American Idol" holding auditions in the area. So, RVD is going to be a little delayed.
Virgil took it upon himself though to keep coming out from the table, walking and chatting up the crowd, keeping people from getting too upset over the delay.
Finally, RVD arrives, gets set up and the line starts moving. RVD is his usually self, which means he is in great spirits and happy to see his fans. When I get up there, I give him the "Ghost Rider" print and he is thrilled when he sees who signed it and it is personalized! "I am going to get this framed!" was the cry I believe. I got my photo with him and the print, and I am off.
Oh yeah...Ted DiBiase AGAIN no-showed, again without calling anyone to offer an explanation or apology I know a lot of fans were counting on meeting him (me included).
So, in the end BIG thumbs up to Virgil, Sgt Slaughter and Rob Van Dam each for their very positive attitudes and great interactions with the fans. I didn't see anyone feel rushed or disappointed with these 3 while I was there. I am hoping all 3 of these photos come out great when I get home and get them developed.
On the other hand, a HUGE thumbs down to "The Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase. Not only did he let a lot of fans down who were hopping to meet him (me among them), but to not call the guy he is supposed to share table space with for 4 days or the convention staff themselves and offer some sort of explanation for his absence is not just unacceptable, it is just plan rude.
Adam Crites
29 Palms, CA
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