One of the more amazing elements of San Diego Comic-Con is that, thanks to the broad number of talented guests in attendance, the average attendee never knows who he/she may have a chance encounter with.

Most who have heard of the con are aware of the number of big names present for some of the massive presentations given in areas such as Hall H. However, many of those who have yet to attend may not know there are usually a great number of well-known persons who do regular meet and greets/signings during the show.

Like other conventions, Comic-Con has a designated area where fans can meet and pay for signatures from some well-known people. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting more than a few fun celebrities at some of these signings, including Katey Sagal (Futurama, Married with Children), Lori Petty (Tank Girl, Point Break) and Ashley Laurence (Hellraiser, Hellbound: Hellraiser II). But of all those I’ve met in this area, one stands above all.

When I was much younger, my older brother and father turned me on to one of the most colorful slices of sci-fi cheese to come out of the 1980s, Flash Gordon. It was big, fun and carried an awesome soundtrack. I love the film so much that I’ve got the soundtrack on vinyl, an original theatrical poster AND an original copy of the Flash Gordon game for Atari.

Imagine my surprise when, during my first ever Comic-Con visit, I see in the signing area not only Melody Anderson, the lead female in Flash Gordon, but also the man who portrayed the titular character, Sam Jones! Unfortunately, I didn’t have the money to purchase a photo for signing then. But I was able to walk up to both, shake their hands and let them know how much my brother, father and I enjoy the film. And wouldn’t you know it, while at the con a couple of years later, I ran into Mr. Jones again. Not only did he sign a Flash Gordon figure I had on hand, but he also brought up our first encounter. When someone whose work you enjoy remembers you a couple of years after a one time encounter, that’s a great compliment and true dedication to fans!

Sam Jones

But the signing area isn’t the only place one can encounter some of their favorite celebrities. Some of my absolute favorite encounters with stars, directors and writers have been on the Comic-Con floor.

While in a presentation, a friend of mine and I heard about a signing on the Comic-Con floor involving people behind the fantastic suspense/horror film The Mist. This prompted us to leave the presentation and search out the signing immediately. And, after a few minutes of wandering the floor, we found where we needed to be.

Little did we know the people involved with The Mist at the signing would be none other than star Thomas Jane (The Punisher, Dark Country), special makeup effects artist Greg Nicotero (Army of Darkness, Inglourious Basterds, Boogie Nights) and director Frank Darabont (The Shawshank Redemption, The Green Mile)!!!

Jane, Darabont, Nicotero

All were incredibly kind, talkative and didn’t mind taking pictures with fans. Getting the chance to tell Frank Darabont how much I enjoyed the black and white version of The Mist was a good time, to say the least.

But they are just a few of the people I’ve had the opportunity to meet on the Comic-Con floor. Some others include directors Bryan Singer (X-Men, X-2: X-Men United, The Usual Suspects), John Landis (The Blues Brothers, American Werewolf in London, Animal House), and Bill Plympton (Mutant Aliens, I Married a Strange Person), conceptual designer and artist Brian Froud (Labyrinth, The Dark Crystal) and legendary author Ray Bradbury, whose classic Fahrenheit 451 was turned into a film in 1966 by influential director Francois Truffaut.

John Landis

While these were all fantastic folks to meet, my absolute favorite run-in has to be with The Simpsons and Futurama creator Matt Groening. Any Simpsons/Futurama fan can tell you, meeting Mr. Groening is a fantastic experience. But for me, it was an experience and opportunity unlike any other.

In my mind, Futurama is more than just a sly, animated sci-fi program, filled to the brim with laughs and clever social commentary. It’s a show my girlfriend and I had a strong, mutual love for, and it served as an essential element in building our relationship. Without Futurama, who knows what may have happened between us — we are now engaged and will be married in a few months.

So, when I found myself presented with the opportunity to meet the creator of the show that truly helped change my life for the better, there were no reservations.

I saw Mr. Groening while roaming the floor aimlessly. He was shaking hands and conversing with a small crowd of fans near a booth selling comics and other products related to his shows. After about five minutes of squirming through the crowd, I found myself face to face with the man.

Matt Groening

I informed him of the importance of Futurama to my future wife and I, and how our love for the program helped build the love between us. He was very gracious and thankful for the kind words, shook my hand and took a picture with me.

There is no doubt in my mind that this was not the first time someone had told him one of his creations was pivotal when it came to a relationship. However, it’s still a moment that will forever remain with me. Because how often is one given the opportunity to thank a person face to face for changing their life?

The short answer is, not often. But, because of the vast number of incredibly talented people San Diego Comic-Con organizers are able to bring to the convention every year, the chances of meeting and thanking someone involved with the entertainment industry who has changed your life is greatly increased.

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