By: Mike Lera
Son of Frankenstein. Son of Kong. Daughter of Dracula. Nostalgic sequels to classic horror flicks. And what can possibly be as fun and exciting as a movie monster’s offspring?
How ’bout a child of one of the biggest, most popular monster conventions in the world – Son of Monsterpalooza.
An assortment of spooks, fiends and boogeymen assembled on “October the 13th” weekend (how fitting!) at the Marriott Hotel in Burbank, CA, and though somewhat smaller than its giant Monsterpalooza dad (held in the spring), the 11-year-old SOM still proved to be a chip off the old beast!
As part of its hospitable custom, the extravagant event entailed a barrage of famous guests for signings and photos, including Linda Blair (The Exorcist), Cassandra “Elvira” Peterson, Mekhi Phifer (Dawn of the Dead), Vernon Wells (The Road Warrior), Ted Raimi (Ash Vs. Evil Dead) and legendary Evil Dead/Spiderman director, Sam Raimi.
“It was [Raimi’s] first time as our guest, which was also a rare appearance for him in California,” stated SOM’s creator and director, Eliot Brodsky. “It’s always wonderful to bring together an eclectic roster of amazing artists year after year.”
Amongst the gruesome-yet-awesome artwork, horrific figures on 360-degree turn tables and way-too-cool 3-D screening rooms, SOM housed “mini-museums” showcasing classic monster heads from Halloween Society and creature creator Casey Wong’s replica of Michael Jackson’s Thriller – life-size/life-like mannequins of zombies and werewolves as terrifying as the music video itself (MJT’s star Ola Ray present for pics and autographs). Celebrity panels included The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 and the 40th reunion of the cult classic Sleepaway Camp, main cast members discussing the films.
Long-time entertainer, award-winning costume creator and petrifying Palooza “mascot” The Walking Monster (a.k.a. Anthony Jones) once again roamed the convention’s corridors, monstered out in his hideous red face, white eyes and long-haired, horned head.
“This year’s Son of Monsterpalooza was the biggest yet, and the autograph lines were crazy!” commented Monster/Jones, who organized the event’s costume contest and its contestants. “It was also the first time a fan actually printed out a pic of me for an autograph – now that was something!”
The Son’s frightening father, Monsterpalooza, will be re-awakening for its 15th anniversary at the Pasadena Convention Center May 31st to June 2nd, 2024. Miss it not!
