From the moment my photographer, Josh Mundy, and I pulled into the parking lot at the Wyndham Garden in Sterling Heights, Michigan, I knew that Astronomicon 2 would be considerably more sizable than its predecessor. Attendees not only didn’t have to brave a foot of snow as they did last year, but positive word of mouth and good promotion allowed for the second effort to attract droves of people hoping to meet their favorites celebrities, or to just take part in the festivities.
In addition to the factors just mentioned, I could plainly see how even more exhibitor tables were added to the lobby area that was once again home to the Ghostbusters Detroit setup, a delight to visitors of all ages. But once you ventured to the showroom floor itself, you’d find a generous helping of artists, crafters and vendors who had something to please horror, sci-fi and comic book fans. Yes, I’m aware there’s overlap on that Venn diagram, but it’s nice seeing each equally represented.
Like I hinted at earlier, there’s no fooling around when it comes to booking celebrities for this event. Yet again, slasher flick royalty Kane Hodder (Friday the 13th series, Victory Crowley) was there to greet the devoted, with the likes of Katie Featherston and Micah Sloat (Paranormal Activity), Linda Blair (The Exorcist), Edward Furlong (Terminator 2: Judgment Day) and Bam Margera (Jackass) being some of the other notables at surrounding booths.
Another thing I dig about this particular con is that of its strong recognition of pro wrestling. This year, Jake “The Snake” Roberts, Scott Steiner and the Boogeyman were all there signing autographs and taking pictures. Actually, I was quite jazzed to meet Dustin Rhodes and to get a photo with him in his Goldust makeup. Having followed his career since the early 1990’s, that was an experience I’ll never forget.
Of course, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the guys in Twiztid because not only did they, too, show up to sign autographs and such, but they also do a lot behind the scenes in order to make this show work. Believe me, it wasn’t just them or their Majik Ninja recording artists representing the music side of things. Dee Snider of Twisted Sister also appeared, and is one heck of a great guy.
By now, you’re probably getting the idea there are just too many positives to mention – and you might be right. Fortunately, I’m willing to share some highlights in the accompanying gallery. As you browse the slideshow, you’ll find some of our favorite cosplayers from around the event, the participants in the costume contest itself, and other surprises. Oh, and as a special treat, you can get a glimpse into the airbrush makeup process courtesy of the Get Dead Crew, who helped me to achieve a look inspired by Gotham‘s Jeremiah Valeska.
So, if you enjoyed yourself this weekend, or just happen to be curious, know that Astronomicon 3 has already been announced for February 7-9, 2020. Once again, it’ll be housed at the aforementioned Wyndham Garden Sterling Heights.
