Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I had another fantastic time at Monster Mania Con 2016 in Hunt Valley, Maryland. This year, even though it rained just like last year.
Regardless, the crowd was immense on Saturday, and I believe Dave Hagan, founder of Monster Mania, is getting quite the following of fans.
Monster Mania 2016 in Hunt Valley descended upon horror enthusiasts like a dark and delightful curse, casting a spell that left us bewitched by an unparalleled lineup of actors and a spine-chilling costume contest to cap off the terror-filled weekend.
The star-studded cast, including William Zabka, Bill Moseley, Robert Englund, Ric Flair, Chris Sarandon, William Ragsdale, John Heard, Father Evil, Shannon Elizabeth, Danielle Harris, Ronee Blakely, and Amanda Wyss, turned the convention into a star-studded horror extravaganza.
Engaging with these genre legends blended reverence with excitement, making every moment a hauntingly unforgettable encounter.
The convention floor was a treasure trove of horror wonders, with vendors showcasing an array of macabre delights. 80s
Collectibles, memorabilia, and handmade treasures beckoned from every corner, tempting fans to indulge their darkest desires. My haul of horror memorabilia expanded once again, a testament to Monster Mania’s irresistible offerings.
The haunted attractions continued to push the boundaries of fear, with immersive experiences that left attendees screaming for more.
The combination of iconic actors and terrifying mazes created an atmosphere of pure horror bliss, offering a visceral connection between the on-screen scares and the real-world chills of the convention.
The Monster Movie Marathon provided a cinematic journey through the chilling tales of horror’s past and present.
The programming, featuring films associated with the attending actors, added an extra layer of excitement, tying the on-screen narratives to the live experience.
As the convention reached its climax, the Costume Contest emerged as the pièce de résistance, a mesmerizing display of creativity and horror fandom.
Attendees transformed into their favorite monsters, killers, and creatures, parading across the stage to the delight of the roaring crowd.
The judges, including some attending celebrities, faced the challenge of selecting winners from the sea of terrifyingly impressive costumes.
From meticulously crafted Freddy Kruegers to spine-chilling original creations, the Costume Contest showcased the passion and dedication of Monster Mania’s attendees. The atmosphere was electric as each contestant took the stage, with cheers and applause echoing through the convention center.
The winners were crowned amidst thunderous applause, receiving accolades for their outstanding costumes and creativity.
Prizes ranged from coveted memorabilia to exclusive meet-and-greet opportunities with the attending celebrities, adding extra excitement to an already thrilling contest.
Monster Mania Con 2016: Hunt Valley, Maryland
This year’s Monster Mania in Hunt Valley, Maryland, had a great line-up of horror icon celebrities, a musician, and my all-time favorite wrestler. This year, I got pics with two stars, Bill Moseley and William Zabka.
I’ve been a fan of Bill Moseley since I saw him in Rob Zombie’s– House of 1000 Corpses. At the time, it didn’t occur to me that he also played Chop Top in 1986’s Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2.
He was the guy with the metal plate in his head who kept lighting the end of the coat hanger and would scratch his scalp and eat the dead skin. YUMMMY!!!!
The ‘Chop Top‘ character was permanently embedded in my brain forever. Bill did an excellent job with his character Otis Driftwood in House of 1000 Corpses.
Bill can pull off “crazy” with a character like another of my favorite actors – John Malkovich.
It was great meeting Bill. He was friendly and laid-back, and I sincerely thank Dave Hagan for bringing Bill Moseley to Monster Mania this year, as I had requested several years ago.
I took my picture with Bill and bought an autographed photo from House of 1000 Corpses in which Bill wrote his famous words “Run Rabbit Run” and signed it.
I had significant A.D.D. that day due to allergies – I blame it on the Ragweed in the air – and in my haste, I almost walked off without my autographed photo.
That was until Bill kindly picked it up, handed it to me, and said, “You want to take special care with this.”
Indeed.
What Is Monster-Mania Con?
Monster-Mania Con refers to a series of horror-themed fan conventions that typically feature celebrity guests from the horror genre, including actors, directors, and other industry professionals.
These horror conventions allow fans to meet their favorite horror icons, participate in autograph sessions, attend Q&A panels, and immerse themselves in various horror-related activities.
Monster Mania events often include vendors selling horror memorabilia, collectibles, and merchandise. Attendees may also have the chance to dress up in cosplay and showcase their favorite horror characters.
Meeting William Zabka At Monster-Mania Con 2016
William Zabka was undoubtedly one of the most iconic stars of the 80s. He plays the part of an antagonist so well. As many people have pointed out recently, perhaps he wasn’t the bad guy in The Karate Kid; Daniel LaRusso was the ‘real’ bad guy.
I met face-to-face with William Zabka. Yes, Johnny Lawrence, the archenemy of Daniel LaRusso in the Karate Kid. The ’1980s was the best growing up. Almost anything related to movies and music from that time holds good memories.
So I didn’t want to miss my chance to meet and get my picture taken with someone who was probably the most iconic movie of the ’80s. – The Karate Kid.
I approached William while sitting alone and asked him how much for a photo with him. He said $20. I thought, okay, how much for an autographed picture of you beating up Daniel LaRusso and a photo taken with you?
He said $50.
Being a frugal spender, I asked if he could do $40 instead, and he agreed. I had to get a selfie with him because his assistant stepped out, and I wasn’t about to let a stranger use my brand-new S7 to take a picture.
Overall, William is a great guy, and it was a pleasure to meet him on Saturday.
Here is the line-up of stars from Monster Mania 2016:
>Robert Englund – A Nightmare on Elm Street
>Shannon Elizabeth – Thirteen Ghosts, Night of the Demons (09)
>Chris Sarandon – Fright Night
>Will Ragsdale – Fright Night
>Stephen Geoffreys – Fright Night
>Dennis O’Hare – American Horror Story, True Blood
>Kristy Swanson – Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Flowers in the Attic
>Danielle Harris – Halloween 4,5, – Urban Legend
>Bill Moseley – Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2, House of 1000 Corpses
>Bob Elmore – Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2, The Monster Squad
>William Kratt – House, Greatest American Hero
>John Heard – C.H.U.D., Sharknado
>William Zabka – Karate Kid, Back to School,
>Ric Flair – Professional Wrestling Icon, WOOOOOO!
>Ronee Blakely – A Nightmare on Elm Street
>Amanda Wyss – A Nightmare on Elm Street
>Ricky Dean Logan – A Nightmare on Elm Street
> Phil Anselmo – Lead Singer Pantera, Down
David Arquette was supposed to attend this year’s MMC but had to cancel due to a family emergency. Maybe next year, Dave?
Why I go to Monster-Mania Con
I was born in the ’70s, but the ’80s was my era for movies and music. That’s when MTV, Cable Television, VHS tapes, and Beta came out.
The first horror movie I ever watched was Friday the 13th on Cable Television in 1981. I was hooked on horror after watching it with my older brother and some friends in our basement.
Back then, we had these places called “Movie Rental Stores.” They were usually small stores with shelves full of VHS movies categorized by theme, and my favorite section was always the horror section.
In the 1980s, my Mom would take me to the local video store to rent some movies. It would typically take about an hour to pick a movie. I would go through almost every horror videotape they had, usually being pulled in by the graphics on the cover.
The 1980s produced the most iconic and memorable horror movies. Often imitated but never duplicated, they were the best for horror movies.
Some of my favorite horror movies from the ’80s are:
>Friday the 13th (1-4): They never should have killed off Jason!
>Fright Night
>American Werewolf in London
>Madman
>Creepshow
>Sleepaway Camp
>My Bloody Valentine
>Prom Night
>Christine
>The Gate
>He Knows You’re Alone
>Poltergeist
>Deadly Blessing
>Humongous
>The Entity
>Halloween
>Cujo
>Night of the Creeps
And lots more….
I also love Monster-Mania Con for the Question and Answer segment. The Q&A gives us an insider’s perspective on the Moviemaking process.
There were two people I enjoyed listening to the most.
- Shannon Elizabeth
- Bill Moseley
Unfortunately, I couldn’t meet Shannon or take a photo with her because she wasn’t at her table the entire time I went. I did pass her and her helper in the hallway on my way to the hotel’s Starbucks.
Shannon Elizabeth is drop-dead gorgeous; that is obvious. But little did I know she is very bubbly, full of positive energy, and compassionate. Shannon cares deeply for the Wildlife on this planet, and she created a charity called Animal Avengers.
I enjoyed Shannon’s Q&A because, after about 20 minutes of sitting at the table, she decided she would get up and bring the microphone to the audience members and answer their questions face to face.
It was kind of like a talk show.
Bill Mosely was also enjoyable to listen to. Man, can he talk? I don’t think Bob Elmore said more than two sentences during the Q&A, LOL!!!
All of the discussion during Bill’s Q&A was about The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2. I would have liked to hear stories about making House of 1000 Corpses.
Monster Mania Con is held twice a year in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, and once a year in Hunt Valley, Maryland. It is usually held at the end of September or October. In Hunt Valley, Monster Mania is a three-day event: Friday (5p-10p), Saturday (10a-7p), and Sunday (10a-5p).
Conclusion
Monster Mania 2016’s Costume Contest was the perfect finale for an unforgettable weekend.
As the convention concluded, and I left with autographs, photos, and memories etched in terror, I couldn’t help but marvel at the event’s ability to capture the essence of horror fandom.
Monster Mania, you’ve once again proven why you reign supreme in horror conventions. Here’s to the nightmares that await in the years to come! ???
Monster-Mania Con 35, 2016 – Hunt Valley, MD| YouTube.
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