#gwello

The afternoon kicked off with a panel featuring iconic comedian/actor Gilbert Gottfried (Aladdin). He was funny, as he naturally is, but this was not a standup set; it was an honest conversation. He discussed everything from the recent fake outrage over his not being in the new Aladin film and the controversial jokes that resulted in his being fired as the voice of the Aflac Duck, to being raised on the Universal monster movies (and questioning why the Wolf Man dressed so well if he knew he was going to transform into a werewolf) and comedy in the modern age. ("The internet makes me feel sentimental for old-time lynch mobs," he quipped.)

Prompted by audience questions, Gottfried also talked about his ad-libbing on Aladdin (during which he would occasionally have to be stopped and reminded that it was family film), working with John Ritter on Problem Child (which no one thought was going to be a hit), Howard Stern, Hollywood Squares, Wife Swap, his Amazing Colossal Podcast, and more. Never one to miss an opportunity for an off-color joke, Gottfried responded to a comment about a failed TV pilot by stating, "Buddy Holly has better luck with pilots than I do." The session was recorded for the The Boston Comedy Podcast, so you'll be able to hear it in its entirety soon.

Later in the day, I caught another panel with Nicholas Brendon of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Criminal Minds fame. With no need for a host, the animated and entertaining Brendon began by riffing on the likes of tuna casserole to cannibalism for a few minutes before launching into the entire story of how he was cast on Buffy (in which he went from production assistant on Dave's World to reluctant actor, then booked Buffy a mere two months later). He was open and honest about his past struggles, but he has turned over a new leaf and is now giving back by using his celebrity to raise awareness for mental health.

In addition to Gottfried and Brendon, the guest list included Chris Rankin (Harry Potter franchise), Gigi Edgley (Farscape), Ann Robinson (The War of the Worlds), Mark Goddard (Lost in Space), Clayton Prince (Hairspray), animation producer Jeff Kline (Transformers Prime), Emmy Award-winning puppeteer Bill Diamond (Little Shop of Horrors), author and Squirrel Girl co-creator Will Murray, Disney comics writer Joe Caramagna (Duck Tales, Frozen), cartoonist Guy Gilchrist (The Muppets), and paranormal investigator Kadrolsha Ona Carole, among others.

NorthEast Comic Con's standup battle royal proved to be a fun way to spend any down time. Local and budding comedians had the opportunity to sign up and perform seven minutes of material for a chance to win $100 a day and compete for the $500 weekend prize. The competition was judged entirely by audience applause, and Phil Anthony ultimately took home the grand prize. It was apparent that some of the competitors didn't have much stage experience, with bits that weren't fully realized or comedic timing that needed work, but the audience was receptive and ready to laugh.

Comedian Roger Kabler has been impersonating Robin Williams for many years, which earned him a finalist spot on the ABC celebrity impersonator reality competition The Next Best Thing in 2007. Following Williams' death, Kabler decided to utilize his talents and pay tribute to Williams with a film called Being Robin. A brief portion of the movie was shot at the convention, and attendees were allowed to participate as audience members as Kabler performed a portion of his Williams act. Not only does he have the voice and look down, but Kabler also nails Williams' idiosyncratic mannerisms. The film is currently seeking funding; I’m looking forward to seeing the final product after witnessing a small portion in the making.

An unexpected highlight of the previous NorthEast Comic Con was seeing Gwell-o, a Gwar-inspired metal band featuring members of the comedy rock act Green Jelly dressed as intergalactic monsters in homemade, cardboard and duct tape costumes. They performed as part of the Saturday night after party this time around, and I couldn't miss it. A new layout to the stage allowed all nine members of the band to fit up there. The lineup features four people who sing backups and perform combat theatrics during the show, while the other five musicians perform a mix of originals and covers, including Gwar's "I Hate Love Song" and "Sick of You," Green Jelly's "Three Little Pigs," Judas Priest’s “Night Crawler," and “I Need Mo’ Allowance” from the cartoon Doug.

Proudly hailing for Ipswich, Massachusetts, The Fools headlined the after party. At first glance, they seem like a rock act in the vein of The Rolling Stones or Van Halen. Upon a closer listen to vocalist Mike Girard's lyrics, however, it becomes apparent that they are satirizing the classic rock acts of yesteryear as much as they are paying tribute to them. That's not to say they don't take themselves seriously; the quintet makes their tight live show appear effortless.

Along with the celebrities, panels, standup comedy, and live concerts, NorthEast Comic Con offered cosplay contests, gaming, kids activities, and more, not to mention dozens of exhibitors and vendors. Many attendees came in costume, ranging from pop culture giants to comic book characters to original creations. For my money, two people dressed in large, elaborate Kang and Kodos costumes from The Simpsons were the most impressive.

A NorthEast Comic Con employee mentioned to me that this was the convention's biggest turnout at the Boxboro location yet. While it's wonderful to see the event grow with bustling crowds of enthusiastic fans, I revel in the fact that NorthEast Comic Con & Collectibles Extravaganza remains an intimate experience in comparison to the massive pop culture expos, which can be overwhelming and impresonal. On top of that, the show continues to keep its prices low and value high.

Takarada shared a humorous anecdote about how a security guard and a cheap pair of swim trunks led to his job at Toho and, ultimately, his role in Godzilla. A memorable moment came when he explained that he called Invasion of Astro-Monster star Nick Adams "Mr. Horny," because the American actor was always asking him to introduce him to Japanese women. He later remarked that Cesar Romero (with whom he worked on Latitude Zero) was even more horny than Adams. He discussed shooting a cameo as an immigration officer for Godzilla (2014) in secrecy, only to have it cut from the final film. He understood the situation and hopes to appear in future Godzilla movies.

While it was largely lighthearted, the conversation became heavy when Takarada spoke about the impact that the atomic bomb had on Japan and how it birthed Godzilla. He compared the film’s American re-edit, Godzilla, King of the Monsters, to a "badly made quilt," as it cuts the social commentary. He also shared a harrowing story of being shot as a civilian by a Soviet soldier during World War II, which required a local doctor to remove the bullet with a pair of household scissors and no medication or stitches. Finally, when asked what Godzilla means to him, Takarada responded, "He's my classmate," before expressing his gratitude to the fans as the original film approaches its 65th anniversary next year.

Having met Kevin Eastman at Rhode Island Comic Con just a few weeks prior, I was excited to see the other creator of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Peter Laird, as a late addition to the NorthEast ComicCon guest list. He graciously signed up to three items for free; like Eastman, each autograph is accompanied by a quick Ninja Turtle sketch. Laird was joined by fellow Mirage Studios alumnus and longtime TMNT artist Steve Lavigne, who was equally pleasant.

Other guests included decorated voice actor Billy West (Futurama, Doug, The Ren & Stimpy Show), author and Squirrel Girl co-creator Will Murray, actor Jerome St. John Blake (Star Wars: The Phantom Menace), actor/comedian Frank Santorelli (The Sopranos), actor/comedian Jimmy Dunn (The McCarthys), Emmy Award-winning puppeteer Bill Diamond (Little Shop of Horrors), Disney animator Philo Barnhart (The Little Mermaid, The Smurfs), and "Queen of the Paranormal" Kadrolsha Ona Carole, among others.

An unexpected highlight of the event was a performance by Gwell-o, a Gwar-inspired band featuring members of the comedy rock act Green Jelly. Like Gwar, the musicians dress as intergalactic monsters with painted-on abs and battle other creatures during the show, but Gwell-o's homemade suits are built out of cardboard and duct tape. The lineup includes performers that do not play instruments but rather keep busy singing backups, dancing, fighting, and engaging in dart gun wars with the audience.

A fun mix of heavy metal, monster movies, and pro wrestling, Gwell-o offers the melee of Gwar without the blood and bodily fluids, thereby making it more accessible to a convention audience. In addition to original songs and their renditions of Gwar and Green Jelly favorites, Gwell-o covered Blue Oyster Cult's "Godzilla" (dedicated to Takarada, who watched on with a smile plastered across his face), "I Need Mo' Allowance" from the cartoon Doug (in tribute to Billy West, who was in the audience), and Judas Priest's "Night Crawler." While some audience members may have approached the performance with curious confusion, everyone left the hour-long set entertained.

Saturday evening concluded with a live recording of The McCue Report podcast in which host Jim McCue interviewed several cast and crew members from Sweeney Killing Sweeney, including actors/comedians Frank Santorelli (The Sopranos) and Tony V. (Seinfeld). Director Lisa Aimola detailed their attempts to make the comedy film for nine years before deciding to do it independently, shooting it in two and a half weeks with a local cast and crew on a $100,000 budget. The half-hour chat made me eager to see the film, in which comedian Steve Sweeney's standup characters come to life. Limited edition DVDs were available exclusively at the event; otherwise the film is expected to be released digitally in 2019.

NorthEast Comic Con also included more panels, live concerts, standup comedy, podcasts recordings, cosplay activities and contest, a room full of exhibitors, a gaming area, kids crafts and activities, and more. With Rhode Island Comic Con fresh in my mind (and Rock and Shock not too long before that), NorthEast Comic Con served as a strong reminder of how fun a more intimate convention can be. The atmosphere is inviting, and the smaller setting allows for a more creative and unique environment than the huge pop-culture shows. With weekend passes running a mere $20, NorthEast Comic Con is as affordable as it is enjoyable.