Monster Mania 2013: Hunt Valley, Maryland Review.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Monster-Mania Horror Convention 2013 in Hunt Valley, Maryland proved that lightning can strike twice, delivering another spine-chilling spectacle that left attendees howling for more.
As a seasoned Monster-Mania enthusiast, this year’s edition surpassed even my wildest nightmares, creating an unforgettable experience that still lingers in the shadows of my memory.
The convention floor was a horror aficionado’s dream come true, with vendors showcasing an even broader array of ghastly treasures.
From vintage horror movie posters to handcrafted masks that could send shivers down your spine, the marketplace was a mesmerizing journey into the heart of the macabre.
My wallet may be lighter, but my collection of horror memorabilia is now more hauntingly impressive.
Monster-Mania 2013’s celebrity guest list was a who’s who of the horror realm, featuring icons both classic and contemporary.
The stars were not only gracious in their interactions but seemed genuinely thrilled to share the spotlight with their fans. Autograph sessions turned into memorable conversations, and photo ops were snapshots of pure horror bliss.
The haunted attractions were a pulse-pounding adventure into the unknown. The organizers upped the ante with even more intricate mazes, jump scares, and interactive horrors that had attendees screaming with delight.
Navigating the dark corridors was a test of courage, and the adrenaline rush left me exhilarated and eager for the next heart-pounding encounter.
The Monster Movie Marathon was a cinematic feast for horror enthusiasts. From cult classics to new releases, the lineup catered to every taste, providing a perfect refuge for those seeking refuge from the convention floor’s excitement.
The only challenge was deciding which film to sink your fangs into next.
Monster-Mania 2013: Hunt Valley, Maryland Review
Monster-Mania Horror Convention 2013 Hunt Valley Maryland. This is my second time at Monster Mania Con in Hunt Valley, Maryland. I enjoyed last year’s experience so much that I had to return.
What is Monster-Mania Con?
Monster-Mania Con (convention) is a semi-annual traveling convention for fans of horror movies and memorabilia, including autographs, photos, and Q&A with horror actors.
Dave Hagan and his family run it.
This is my second year in a row attending Monster-Mania Con and my third time overall. The First time I went was in 2012.
The show hasn’t changed much since, but being a longtime fan of horror movies and having a sick mind, I genuinely anticipate this event every year.
If you think this is a “scary event,” it’s not. I find the vibe somewhat relaxing, and everyone there seems to enjoy themselves.
There are many “cosplayers” there, and all of them are more than gracious when you ask them for a picture. This year, the featured guests were Adam West and Burt Ward from the popular Batman Television series from the ’60s.
There was a line waiting for autographs and pictures with them the entire time I was there. Even though I was a major Batman and Robin television fan growing up, I did not get an autograph.
I stayed for about fifteen minutes to listen to the Q&A with Adam West, Burt Ward, and Lee Meriweather. All I can say is that all three are as charming and kind as anyone.
Roddy Piper Monster-Mania 2013
Unfortunately, Roddy Piper did not make it this year even though he was booked.
Due to a filming conflict in Canada, Roddy could not attend Monster-Mania Con this year. This was bad for me since I was a huge wrestling fan in the ’80s, and “The Rowdy One” is one of my all-time favorite wrestlers.
Greg, the Hammer Valentine, was there even though I did not get to talk with him. However, I did get to speak with Nikolai Volkoff, who, back in the day, was a heel along with his tag team partner, The Iron Sheik.
I used to get a kick out of it when Nikolai would sing the Russian National Anthem to piss off the American Audience. Good times, good times! Volkoff was a pleasure to talk to, and since he is a Baltimore native, we had a lot in common to talk about.
*Update 2019. I live about fifteen minutes from Hunt Valley. One day, I was grocery shopping at Safeway and noticed Nikolai Volkoff in the produce section.
He approached me and asked me if I knew where Horseradish root was. So, I helped him look, and I eventually asked one of the employees if they had any. They didn’t.
I said to him, “You’re Nikolai, aren’t you? And he replied, ‘yes.” I told him I had been a wrestling fan since the early 80s, and he and Iron Sheik were my favorite ‘heel’ tag team partners.
Nikolai and I talked for about twenty minutes about wrestling back in the day and other things we had in common such as reading books by author David Icke.
We hit it off. So much so that Nikolai gave me his cell phone number and email address.
I was utterly saddened to hear of his passing on July 29th, 2018.
Michael Madsen from Reservoir Dogs and many other movies were not at his table for the longest time but eventually showed up to sign autographs for the long line of people waiting.
Eventually, when I went to the Dealer’s room to see Michael Madsen, he was already gone. Perhaps a late night the evening before, who knows?
I also had a great conversation with Philip Friedman – The Evil Lady in black from Insidious and even L.C. Holt from You’re Next.
It’s genuinely lovely to see that not all celebrities are “stuck up” because, quite the contrary, most, if not all, the celebs I have met at Monster-Mania Con have been ‘cool’ for lack of a better word.
Q & A Segment: Monster- Mania 2013
My favorite part of Monster-Mania Con is the Q&A with the actors. Rob Dimension usually hosts the Q&A, and he asks questions when the audience doesn’t have any.
For me, it’s invigorating to be seated ten feet away from some of my favorite horror movie icons and listen to them tell their fantastic and sometimes humbling stories of what it was like becoming an actor and the fun and not-so-fun things that happen when making a movie.
The Q&A lasts about 45-50 minutes, followed by the celebrities posing for some photos for their fans at the end.
Kane Hodder and R.A. Mihailoff have a movie with the director, actor, musician, etc. – John Schneider. Yes, Bo Duke from the Dukes of Hazzard.
The movie is titled “Smothered,” a horror film with a bit of comedy mixed in, according to Hodder when he spoke at Monster-Mania Con Q&A.
Hodder is also part of a paranormal ghost-hunting team called: Hollywood Ghost Hunters, which features fellow icons such as Steve Nappe, R.A. Mihailoff, Danielle Harris, and Rick McCallum.
In addition to the above-mentioned, Monster-Mania Con has a ton of vendors that set up shop throughout the hotel.
Many sell horror icon figures, photographs, cartoon drawings of yourself as a Zombie, horror classic DVDs, jewelry, photos of you with your choice of horror background, and much more.
Also, a designated movie theater room setup continuously plays horror movies for your enjoyment!
How Much Does Monster Mania Cost?
The cost to get into Monster-Mania Con is $25 per person for the day, or you can purchase a weekend pass (Fri, Sat, Sun) for $50. Children 10 and under are free when accompanied by a paying adult.
What would I do differently?
I would like to see Monster-Mania Con be a little scarier.
Perhaps only play horror movies in the movie room. This year, they played movies like Better Off Dead, Star Wars, Batman and Robin, and classic horror flicks. I want horror movies only! 🙂
Perhaps some decorations/props as well. I want to feel a bit scared when I enter Monster-Mania Con. All in all, though, I love this event.
Horror Celebs that I would like to see at Monster-Mania Con are:
- Paul Ehlers – Madman Marz – Madman
- James Earl Jones – Darth Vader Voice, Conan the Barbarian
- Amelia Kinkade – Angela – Night of the Demons (1988)
- Garry Robbins – Humongous
- Michael Berryman – The Hills Have Eyes
- Pam Grier – Blackula, Something Wicked This Way Comes
- Bill Moseley – House of 1000 Corpses, among others
- Brad Dourif – Chucky – Child’s Play
- Warwick Davis – Leprechaun
- Wesley Snipes – Blade Trilogy
Celebs at Monster-Mania 2013 in Hunt Valley were:
Adam West – Batman and Robin Television Series.
Burt Ward – Batman and Robin Television Series.
Lee Meriweather – Catwoman from the Batman and Robin television series.
David Prowse – The original Darth Vader from Star Wars.
Heather Langenkamp – Nancy from A Nightmare on Elm Street.
Carel Struycken – Lurch from the Addams Family Movie, Witches of Eastwick, Twin Peaks. (What a gentleman, that’s all I can say about this 7-foot tall, well-spoken, kind man).
R.A. Mihailoff – Texas Chainsaw Massacre 3, Hatchet 2 (and not someone you want to meet in a dark alley).
Kane Hodder – Friday the 13th – 7,8,9,10/X – Hatchet 1,2,3 (and not someone you want to meet in a dark alley).
Felix Silla – Cousin It (Original Addams family) and Twiggy (Buck Rogers). Funny as hell too!
Lisa Loring – Wednesday (Original Addams Family).
Kari Wuhrer – Anaconda, Thinner, Hellraiser. Down to Earth, a real person and still looks incredibly hot! 🙂
L.C. Holt – You’re Next.
Philip Friedman – Insidious.
Kristen Hager – Being Human, Alien vs. Predator Requiem. (I didn’t get a chance to talk with her, but she seemed “super friendly.”)
Oliver Robins – Robbie from Poltergeist and Airplane 2 the Sequel.
Diane Franklin – Better off Dead, Amityville Horror 2.
Scott Jackson – Make-up artist/designer.
And more.
The actors seldom dress up in costume, but that doesn’t stop the guests from doing it. Below I have added some pics of fans dressing up in their favorite costumes. (Sorry for the quality of the pics- iPhone 3 – Smh!)
Conclusion
Monster-Mania 2013 in Hunt Valley was a monstrous triumph, seamlessly blending scares, entertainment, and a sense of community for horror lovers.
As I left the convention with a bag full of ghoulish goodies and a heart full of monstrous memories, I couldn’t help but eagerly anticipate the horrors at the next Monster-Mania extravaganza.
This event continues to reign supreme as the ultimate gathering for those who revel in the darker side of entertainment. ?♂️??
Monster-Mania 2013 Photos
More Monster Mania Reviews
- Monster Mania 2014
- Monster Mania Con 2016
- Monster Mania 47 in Hunt Valley
- Monster Mania Convention video- Monster Madhouse TV| YouTube