Thank goodness for friends like Chris Woods. Had it not been for him staying persistent with text messages I may have skipped out on the annual Tampa Toy And Comic Convention all together this go around and spent the whole day sleeping in a bed full of snack wrappers and empty soda bottles. With everything said and done this was an event not to be missed, not only because of the incredible deals to be found but also the rare company of fellow fanboys Ed Tucker, Drew Reiber and Lonnie Dohlen.
Upon entering the building I ritually made my way over the to table of actor Joel Wynkoop to catch up on his latest activities and career moves before wondering off to a near by vendor who had a stack of VHS tapes on his table. Instinctually I was a little hesitant at first because most of the time at these conventions browsing through VHS tapes is a complete waste of energy spent browsing through old copies of Jim Carrey movies and other assorted mainstream garbage. This time though things were different, I immediately spotted a copy of John Woo's A Bullet In The Head and spent the next hour browsing boxes of cult films. The man had a gold mind of good films and nobody seemed interested besides me. Oh well, fans can keep their DVD's with pristine presentations and special features. I just want to watch a movie, the cheapest way possible plus I enjoy the aging effect that happens to these tapes.
After a few strolls around the building browsing the dealers tables I stumbled upon a guy selling packages of early 90's trading cards. In my youth I was known to collect a few cards, especially those with a Marvel Comics logo attached, but it wasn't comic cards that tickled my fancy on this occasion. It was the mint condition packages of Yo! MTV Raps trading cards from around 1991 that I needed to have in my possession. These were a big piece of my child hood so it was nice to experience the feeling of touching a piece of my past and revisiting that period of my life. For only a quarter a pack it was a deal that couldn't be beat.
Although the dealers seemed a little thinner than normal the ones in attendance were more than eager to strike a bargain. This was a special con for sure. It may not be the biggest or the flashiest convention in the sunshine state but it's held right in my own back yard and I sure am proud to support it. Can't wait for the next one!
A list of the ten VHS films I purchased at the con.
Worm Eaters - Ted V. Mikels produced horror comedy about a guy who forces people to eat worms. Should be good.
Shogun Assassin - This is a classic! The DVD is always overpriced and it's hard to find used so I am grateful to have found it for so cheap. A buck!
Twilight People - A Filipino exploitation wrip-off of The Island Of Dr. Moreau. I have a Pam Grier fetish so I seriously needed this.
The Champions - Not sure what this is about. Maybe I found a gem maybe I haven't, reviews online are scarce.
Bullet In The Head - Ironically I was just thinking about how badly I needed to see this classic from director John Woo. What are the odds?
Ms. 45 - A classic I have yet to discover on VHS or DVD. Thankful to finally have the chance to check it out.
Rich And Famous - I love Chow Yun Fat movies so I had to have this. Probably not as good as his work with John Woo but so what? This guy is amazing in every movie he's in.
Circus Kid - No idea what this is about but it has an awesome cover and will look cool in my collection.
Dolemite - I already own this along with the Rudy Ray Moore collection on DVD. Mainly I got this so I could lend this copy out to friends instead of my DVD's.
"Lampin' @ The 6th Borough" is ©2010 by John Miller. Webpage design and all graphics herein (except where otherwise noted) are creations of Nolan B. Canova. All contents of Nolan's Pop Culture Review are ©2010 by Nolan B. Canova.
