Over the Halloween weekend, I attended my first con: Atlanta’s Walker Stalker Con. For those who are living a deprived life, Walker Stalker is a convention for zombies, vampires and anything sci-fi/horror related. Basically, all the things needed for a great Halloween. The convention also had panels with the cast and crew of “The Walking Dead,” “Vampire Diaries,” and “Breaking Bad.” When panels weren’t going on I roamed the main floor. The main floor has artists selling their work. It’s a fangirl version of an art fair. There were also zombie shooting games, autograph sessions and tattoo parlors.
Photo courtesy of Jordan Di Pirro.
Of course, I dressed up for the occasion. I put on my best qudditch uniform. I didn’t expect to get the reaction I got. If you ever want attention just go to a zombie convention wearing qudditch gear. You just might stand out a little bit. Okay, I’ll admit it; I was basically Chewbacca in a forest of unicorns. As usual, getting attention had some pros and cons. Pro: Every vendor kept showing me their Harry Potter stuff they had for sale. Con: They killed my wallet. Do I regret wearing qudditch gear? Silly muggle, I’d never regret that.
Photo courtesy of Jordan Di Pirro.
The convention had more zombies than people. At one point I was looking at jewelry an artist made when a zombie tried to scare me! He didn’t scream in my ear or anything. He just invaded my personal bubble. I was holding a necklace when I turned and saw him. He was hunched over, covered in blood and with prosthetic makeup. He decided to accessorize the look with a collar and leash. His girlfriend was holding the leash, at least I really hope it was his girlfriend. Don’t worry I wasn’t scared. I was pissed off. Why would you try to scare someone when they are looking at an artist’s booth? What if I dropped that necklace? Would you pay for it Mr. Zombie Man? Or would your handler?
Photo Courtesy of Jordan Di Pirro.
At one of the panels, I got to see Norman Reedus from “The Walking Dead” in person! I don’t think you are grasping how much my eyes enjoyed that. At one point during the panel someone yelled, “If Daryl (Norman’s character on Walking Dead) dies, we riot!” Norman responded with, “No sh*t. If I’m killed I’ll be burning things to the ground.” Not only is he a looker, he has a way with words too. Sadly, I did not get a picture or autograph with the lovely man. It would have cost me $100. I know true love is priceless, but mine isn’t. However, I’ll see him again next year. Going to one con is never enough. Correction seeing Norman once is never enough.