To say that this past weekend was only the second For the Love of Horror convention, they sure gathered one hell of a line-up for the many fans attending the event. Taking over the Bowlers Exhibition Centre in Manchester, England, For the Love of Horror delighted horror fans October 19th and 20th with its plethora of superstar guests, amazing vendors, incredibly talented cosplayers, and all kinds of other awesome horror-related goings-on.
There definitely wasn’t a shortage of things to see and do: from autographs and photographs (on replica film sets), panels, shopping, and small immersive experiences, and even a ‘mini zoo’ of all kinds of creepy critters (I held their gorgeous snake and stroked their adorably camera-shy skunk, but decided against the millipede and giant snail). As well as browsing their amazing creations, it was really cool talking to the super friendly vendors, including the creators of the ‘What If?’ comic series, in which beloved movie characters have their stories revamped and twisted into new tales; and the chef behind Dean of the Dead hot horror sauces.
Photos credit: Frankie Torok
It was no surprise that the majority of attendees were there to see the many members of the The Lost Boys cast: Kiefer Sutherland, Jason Patric, Alex Winter, Jamison Newlander, Billy Worth, Chance Michael Corbitt, Tim Cappello, and G Tom Mac; for the biggest Lost Boys reunion ever. And fans were in for a treat with photo ops, signings, Q&As with the actors – including a group panel, and performances from Cappello and G Tom Mac throughout the weekend.
There was also a Saw reunion, with Tobin Bell, Shawnee Smith, and Costas Mandylor meeting and greeting fans, and answering their questions in group and individual panels.
Bill Moseley was another huge guest, with the recent release of 3 From Hell, the third in Rob Zombie’s Firefly family movies. Bill met fans dressed as his character Otis Driftwood, in front of a huge Captain Spaulding’s Museum of Monsters and Madmen set. Of course, Captain Spaulding himself, Sid Haig, should’ve been creeping out fans alongside his co-star. Fans were able to share their thoughts and love for Sid in a memorial book at what would’ve been his signing table, and a moving minute silence and video memorial were held both days.
Other highlights of the panels were Kane Hodder talking about his huge legacy in both horror movie acting and stunt work, and writer/director Fred Dekker answering questions about his iconic Monster Squad.
Along with the set builds used for photo ops, there were some other small immersive experiences, including a meeting with Michael Myers, testing your nerves in a Saw trap, and getting acquainted with a couple of Chucky dolls (one cuddly, one stabby!). Not an immersive experience, but definitely a once in a lifetime experience, was being able to grab a photo of and or with Tim Curry’s screen used Pennywise costume from the 1990 IT TV series.
The event also had its own scare maze, featuring rooms inspired by the movies being celebrated throughout the weekend.
Cosplay was another highlight of the event, with both professional and hobbyist cosplayers creating their own great photo opportunities for attendees. See all the great cosplay I snapped in my spotlight here!
Even though this is only the second For the Love of Horror, the event organizers, Monopoly Events, are well established in all things geeky, running comic-cons and other fan events all over the country. Their experience definitely shows as this was really a great, well organized and professional convention. I would genuinely struggle to say anything negative about this event, and I’m already excited to see what incredible guests they get next year.
Check out all of our For the Love of Horror 2019 Coverage Here!
[…] Read my review at Horror Geek Life here. […]