Dominic Monaghan appeared at London Film and Comic Con 2016, where he took photos with fans, signed autographs and participated in 2 Talk sessions.
We were there, as well as Carmen who is part of the Dominians community. Here’s her report for those that missed out on the event!
Movies, Comics and Spectacular Atmosphere.
From 29 to 31 July 2016, another edition of the legendary London Film And Comic Con was held in London, where we have the opportunity to meet original cosplayers, autograph hunters, lovers of movies and of cult series, mythomaniacs and simply curious people wanting to have fun in a very relaxed and friendly atmosphere, where everyone could find their place.
For me, the best part of large conventions like this is precisely the possibility to greet in person and take a photo with big screen stars as Famke Janssen (Jean Grey in X-Men and James Bond girl), Jeremy Renner (Hawkeye in the Avengers) or Sylvester McCoy (Radagast in the Hobbit), and to be in the presence of cult film legends that have marked an era, as Rutger Hauer (famous for the legendary Blade Runner, Dolf Lundgren, action hero in films like Universal Soldier) or Kenny Baker (the actor who gave life to R2D2 in the Star Wars saga, RIP).
And there we also encountered Dominic Monaghan (LOTR trilogy, the Lost series, and many more roles we love) who doesn’t go to so many conventions. He was obviously one of the most popular stars. Hundreds of fans wanted to approach him, get his autograph or take a picture with him. Many people brought with them huge posters, games and DVDs. Some LOTR related that were already signed by the other main cast, and needed his autograph to be complete. Therefore, the buzz around his table was amazing at any time of day. The excitement generated grew at times.
First impressions.
The first thing we did on Saturday after arriving at the Olympia, headquarters of the convention, and after conquering the long line perfectly managed by Showmasters volunteers with British precision, was to obtain a number for the virtual queue for our meeting with Dominic. To give you an idea, we received a number in the 300s, and were there at 10 in the morning.
Of course, we were hovering around the place where our favorite actor was signing, to see if he was really there, but we struggled to get a photo through lots of people who stood between us and him.
And indeed, he was there, behind his desk dominated by a huge poster with Charlie’s photo, as he signed his fans’ valuable items, or the pretty photos provided by the organization, half hidden by a large box. And you may ask: What I was in that box? Maybe you guessed it! Lots of #BeCurious stickers of all sizes, that he offered to everyone that passed. A great detail for the fans! Dominic really knows how to treat them. Amazing, isn’t it? These kind of things make our love for him grow and shoot to the moon. After spending some time watching one after another fan getting their autograph, with our Virtual Queue ticket treasured, we took the opportunity to stroll around the grounds, and learn first-hand all that the con had to offer.
We wasted no time since the area was beginning to crowd. So we searched our favorite actors, and started queueing to meet them. We were lucky, because with not much time in between, we got the autographs of Harold Perrineau and Michael Emersson, two of the main actors and co-stars alongside Dominic’s fascinating series Lost. Both were super friendly with us, and we could talk a bit with them. First mission accomplished!
During the rest of Saturday, we had a great time stopping the best cosplayers to take photos with them, visiting the exhibition of the original costumes from the movie Suicide Squad, walking through autographs queues to see all the cinema and wrestling stars in the flesh, and ultimately, knowing first-hand the coolest ambience of a great convention, returning occasionally to see if our number was called to get in line for Dom’s autograph. However, there were too many people with a number before us, so we had to return to the hostel without being able to meet him that day. It was an intense day but we thoroughly enjoyed it. We would have another chance to meet Dom the next day.
Finally, Dom’s autograph.
Sunday began even earlier than usual. Anxiety for not having arrived in time to get the autograph of Dominic the day before meant we were willing to go to the convention site without going through the breakfast table to get our Virtual Queue ticket earlier: It was the last day of the convention, and I could not leave without my autograph (no way!). Therefore, we arrived very early, and immediately went to the table to grab a VQ ticket for Dominic’s autograph. This time, we were fast as lightning, and we got a number around 100.
And now, we were in the area of signatures sooner rather than later! Soon our number was called to queue, and we went through to a table where we could choose one of the beautiful pictures of Dominic’s characters: there were some LOTR as Merry, other from Lost, among the ruins of the plane crashed on the beach in his role as Charlie, some of Simon Campos in Flash Forward, and one of X-Men, where he played the mutant Bolt. But I saw none of his show Wild Things with Dominic Monaghan, where as you know, he meets the more fascinating animals on earth on their travels. But I came prepared.
As a biologist and animal lover, I wanted to get signed a photograph that had to do with his show, which I brought well protected in a folder, because for me, it is very valuable what he does with this show, and I admire him for it.
Arriving at his side, I was so excited I could barely utter a word. I didn´t even know how to begin. But I had some courage to ask him to sign my picture, where he poses with a yellow python snake, so beautiful that I could not resist. And without hesitation, he signed it. The truth is that we had little time to talk, but at least I could tell him that I liked his show. For me it was a very special moment, like a dream. And he was so close and friendly that we went away very happy with our #BeCurious stickers in hand.
The adventure had come to an end, and our mission was over, but the good memories will always remain. From here, I would like to thank Dominic for being there with all of us, and being friendly and nice to everyone, despite the stress that I suppose comes with attending such a convention. I send you a hug, Dom. Do not ever change.
Dominians United 