Fans flock to Comic Con
Cosplay, sci-fi, wrestlers and other celebrities pack ’em in
Yondu was in the house and the crowds couldn’t get enough.
Michael Rooker, who played the blue-skinned buccaneer Yondu in the “Guardians of the Galaxy” series, was one the main attractions at Niagara Falls Comic Con.
The 63-year-old actor enjoys meeting with his fans.
“My fans range in age from three months old and up,” he said in between signing autographs and posing for photographs.
“The oldest fan I’ve met was in her 90s.”
Among people who lined up to meet him were Stephanie Lubke, dressed as Guardians hero Peter Quill, and Melissa McGee, who transformed into Yondu complete with full blue makeup.
“He was impressed by both our cosplay and he was impressed with my work,” McGee said. “I’m a visual artist and I gave him a piece of my work and he seemed to like it.”
Rooker is also known for his role as Merle Dixon on “The Walking Dead” as well as the lead character in the controversial 1986 film “Henry, Portrait of a Serial Killer.”
“I play very ambiguous roles and I like that ambiguity,” he said.
Joining Rooker at Comic Con was his Guardians co-star Sean Gunn.
He played Yondu’s right-hand man Kraglin, and he also provided the motion reference-capture for Rocket the Raccoon, who is voiced by Bradley Cooper.
Gunn, 44, is also known for his role as Kirk Gleason on the television show “Gilmore Girls.”
“I still get stopped on the street by ‘Gilmore Girls’ fans more than ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ fans,” he quipped.
The “Guardians of the Galaxy” duo were among a number of celebrity guests at the three-day
event held at Scotiabank Convention Centre.
“I’d be lying if I said I didn’t like to make the money,” joked wrestling legend Ric Flair when asked why he wanted to participate in this year’s show.
“But, seriously, I love to interact with the fans. I’m really enjoying myself.”
More than 100 vendors were on site, including Winnipeg artist Edreen Cielos, who showcased his Paper Beats Rock Print Shop collection.
“When I do a new piece, I don’t do what’s popular, I do what I like. It has to be something I enjoy myself.”
Chris Dabrowski, show manager and co-founder of the convention, said the pop culture event continues to grow each year. He’s already preparing for the 2019 show.
More than 25,000 people were expected to attend the event.