I went to Starfury’s DC event last year as well, but unfortunately, it was shortly after my medical emergency, which meant that I was on crutches and dealing with a brand new diagnosis of diabetes, while also staying in a hotel that was about a twenty minute walk from the venue. Normally, I would make that walk with zero problems…but last time, my healing leg made it impossible for me to walk without having to take frequent breaks. This time, the hotel me and my oldest nibling, Ry, stayed in was closer to the venue of the actual convention, so made things a lot easier.
This time as well, I had a gold ticket, which allowed me to be part of the meet and greet with the nine guests at the con. I didn’t realise how many gold attendees there were (200), so what I thought would be a half an hour meet and greet turned into more than an hour and a half (sorry about that, Ry!)
Starfury remains one of my favourite convention companies and I can’t recommend them enough. Even one of the guests (Meg DeLacy, I believe), confirmed that the event felt more intimate than other signing events. I figure that she and Brec Bassinger must have had a really good time last year, as they both came back this year.
I only had three photos this year, one of which was thanks to a friend who gave me the money for the third one. I enjoyed all three of the photos, though I was very disappointed when I realised I’d forgotten to take off my glasses for my photo with Tyler!
I also have a confession to make. I haven’t actually watched most of the shows that were represented at this convention, although I did truly enjoy meeting the actors. I have watched some of Teen Wolf, which is why I got an autograph from Tyler Hoechlin from the show, of him as Derek Hale:
I had actually watched Titans, at least the first series, so getting to meet Conor Leslie was really awesome. I did get an autograph from her through Galaxy Con, but Starfury had such a great selection of photos to get signed, and the prices of extra autographs are so great, I had to buy an extra 10×8 to get signed by her:
And while I hadn’t actually seen any of Batwoman, Javicia Leslie was a truly great person to meet. She was one of those genuinely nice people and even though her queue was pretty long during the autograph session, I didn’t feel rushed…and felt very much like she truly took the time to talk to just about everyone who was meeting her.
Nicole Kang was someone who had so much energy and gave off the vibe that she really wanted to be at the convention. From the very first meet and greet, to seeing her in the autographs, she was a truly lovely person to meet! Her autograph queue was very long and moved very slowly…but it was not only because she took the time to write more than just the basic on every autograph, she also talked to every person. And as you can see, I got an autograph in a lovely green pen! (It’s seriously the only autograph I have in a pretty green pen!)
The other person I got a 10×8 autograph from was Yvette Monreal, who was from Stargirl. She was a bit quiet, but from the photos I’ve seen she had with people, she seems to be a really engaging person to meet. And as you can see from the below autograph, she not only wrote her character name, but also drew a picture of a cat face on each autograph, as near as I can tell. A lot of respect to her for how long that must have taken! At later conventions, when I have the budget, I’d love to get a photo with both her and Meg DeLacy.
As a gold ticket holder, I also got all autographs included in my ticket price, with the exception of Nicole Kang, who was an extra guest. Although there were posters for every attendeed to get signed (three for regular ticket holders; four for gold), I always prefer to get my con booklet signed; partly because they fit in my folders better, but also because it’s what I did right from the start, when I attended my first conventions with my mum. I even have one of the booklets left from one of the Sci Fi Balls in Bournemouth!
Last year, my favourite meet was Brec Bassinger, despite the fact that I’ve not seen Stargirl. I paid for a photo op with her and she was truly one of the loveliest people I’ve ever met. She took the time to talk to every person before the photos were taken…and this time, although I didn’t have a photo with her, I still got an autograph from her. And I was able to talk to her about being diabetic at the meet and greet, which helped a lot as someone only diagnosed a year ago.
So, yeah, I was able to get 13 autographs in total, which is far more than I’d be able to get at any signing events for the same amount of money! I told Tyler at the meet and greet that Starfury was one of the best convention companies…of course, he then asked me to explain, and I figured, ‘Wait and see!’ wasn’t an appropriate response. So I did try and explain how inclusive and open Starfury is to everyone, no matter who they are. He left before the closing ceremony, but I hope he saw how good Starfury is for himself.
Anyway, I can’t recommend Starfury enough. It’s honestly the best convention company and I have a lot of friends I met there. Plus, since I’m dealing with being a diabetic and major hypos (I had a blood sugar of 2.9 on the Saturday that left me unable to get off my friend’s couch for about 40 minutes), the access side of the convention is super helpful.
Seriously, check them out. You won’t be disappointed!
Ink of Blood 