Jon Favreau
One of the largest highlights of my autograph hunting was of Jon Favreau signing an Iron Man 2 poster at San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) 2009. SDCC 2009 was different because I was unable to walk. After having had a series of surgeries on my feet, I was forced off of my feet for the entirety of the show. Between the pain associated with the damaged feet and the cumbersome approach of someone unaccustomed to navigating a wheelchair, I had great fear I would not be able to make it through the show. That said, there were many achievements such as attaining Favreau's autograph that made 2009 one of my favorite Comic-Cons.
Like the usual opening morning at SDCC, the first hour of our Friday was a chaotic rush around the convention center, grabbing free swag. As is often the case, Carmelle and I split-up to bolster our chances of grabbing freebies. After an hour or so of dashing about, I began making my way upstairs to attend a panel on the psychology of Batman. Tired from wheeling, what felt like miles, I was suddenly distracted by a text from Carmelle, stating she had won a "golden ticket" from the Marvel booth; that was good for an autograph signing with Jon Favreau, promoting the new Iron Man film. Despite the enormity of the win, I couldn’t even appreciate it, due to the ridiculous fatigue I felt from navigating my wheelchair throughout the con.
Thankfully, Carmelle came to my rescue and rolled me to the elevator and to the Marvel booth. As was often the case that year, the wheelchair became advantageous, in that I was moved to the very front of the autograph line and was able to actually take a picture with Mr. Favreau (something that most others were denied). To make the occasion even better, we befriended a professional photographer while waiting for Favreau's arrival, and he posted the picture on his website. That was a truly unique and wonderful experience that sums up why SDCC is so special - anything is possible at Comic-Con.
Like the usual opening morning at SDCC, the first hour of our Friday was a chaotic rush around the convention center, grabbing free swag. As is often the case, Carmelle and I split-up to bolster our chances of grabbing freebies. After an hour or so of dashing about, I began making my way upstairs to attend a panel on the psychology of Batman. Tired from wheeling, what felt like miles, I was suddenly distracted by a text from Carmelle, stating she had won a "golden ticket" from the Marvel booth; that was good for an autograph signing with Jon Favreau, promoting the new Iron Man film. Despite the enormity of the win, I couldn’t even appreciate it, due to the ridiculous fatigue I felt from navigating my wheelchair throughout the con.
Thankfully, Carmelle came to my rescue and rolled me to the elevator and to the Marvel booth. As was often the case that year, the wheelchair became advantageous, in that I was moved to the very front of the autograph line and was able to actually take a picture with Mr. Favreau (something that most others were denied). To make the occasion even better, we befriended a professional photographer while waiting for Favreau's arrival, and he posted the picture on his website. That was a truly unique and wonderful experience that sums up why SDCC is so special - anything is possible at Comic-Con.
