This weekend Monopoly events held the latest Manchester Comic -Con and what an event it was. With first UK appearances from The Boys star Erin Moriarty, Fear the walking dead’s Kim Dickens and Marvel and Star Wars mega star Oscar Isaac’s this years event was a can’t miss event and the highlight of the summer convention scene.

I usually only do the one day but with so much to do this time I went for the full weekend.

Saturday I arrived a bit later as my shoots were later in the day - that’s one aspect I do really like about Monopoly- that there are multiple shoot times so you can plan around and not have to be there too early.

The first guests I went to meet was Dianne Doan - she was really lovely. Had a nice chat about her time on Agents of Shield and as this was her first event. She was shocked most people knew her for Shield. She was a lot of fun and an enjoyable experience.

Kim Dickens- had a nice chat about her time on Fear the walking dead and how her character changed through the show . I had my photo Sunday and she was sweet

Michele Hurd - she was one of my main want to meets this weekend as I’m a big Star Trek fan and loved her role in the Picard series- especially the amazing final season. We discussed her role and the genius that was Terry Matalas and how we need the Legacy series. We also spoke about the items I was getting signed as she was signing some black pages to go into a Charmed Book of Shadows. She loves the creativeness of the fandoms. We also then spoke about her husband Garrett Dilahunt - more on him later - but about his sense of humour and the roles he has played. We had a lovely fun photo on Sunday

Erin Moriarty- to be honest I had the lowest expectations about meeting her from things I’ve seen online etc . At the photo shoot she was non touching - which I have no issues with as that’s always the guests choice - I tried to get a pose instead but she didn’t really acknowledge I was there. At the autograph session she was slightly better but still limited engagement. Was a shame but didn’t expect more

Valarie Curry - was the total opposite, warm and friendly and making each attendee feel warm and welcomed . She really gets the con vibe.

Lawrence Gillard Jnr. - really knows how to work a con crowd , engaging and warm. Giving full attention to that person.

Steven Ogg - the man is a machine - he was non stop all weekend. When I met him he was literally eating his lunch signing between mouthfuls - he said it was good curry. We spoke about how he changed his facial hair for his roles and how it adds to his character development.

Sean Patrick Thomas - was only a brief photo meet but was nice enough.

Manny Jacinto - had a nice chat about his time on the good place , how he wishes it had many more seasons but also happy it ended where it did and that it was a natural ending. He was very nice

Tovah Feldshuh - she was one of the meets I was looking forward to as we spoke about her time on crazy ex girlfriend and about be music. She was quiet but some nice comments.

Josh McDermitt- had a brief chat about his time on Suits LA and how he enjoyed the time on the show esp as filmed near his home so was an easy commute.

I mentioned Garrett Dillahunt earlier and I’ll add some context to this next part. I have met Garrett before many years ago at another event. But since then I have become a massive fan of his. He is an amazing actor and a comedy acting genius. His timing is so spot on and he can do it all. I have met many many guests and I rarely get star truck or fan boy but this was my time - to much enjoyment from my friends as they got to see me gush.
I had only planned to get an updated photo shoot with him. But as I left the photo I mentioned how I liked his show Sprung. He asked me to come to his table. So I went over and we had a good long chat. The main reason he wanted to chat was no one has really seen Sprung over here and wanted to know where people could find it . Sprung is a comedy show that is available on freevee via Amazon Prime that is set after Covid and is funny and sweet and definitely worth a watch… so go watch it.

We had a good long chat about his time on Raising hope - again an amazing show and you can really see his spot on comedic work- go watch that too - he showed us a photo on his phone from his latest work where he had stolen a Green Lantern ring for the picture, spoke about his love of fandoms and his passion for first edition books a story about him getting embarrassed by the Coen Brothers getting a book signed. He is just a great a man as he is an actor and yes I will continue to gush about him.

My final Saturday guest was Thora Birch was only a brief meet - she seemed ok but was quiet

Overall there was no issues for me on the Saturday . It was a busy day and a lot of attendees. But got all I wanted and had some time to spare.

To add to the weekend I’ve finally found time to attend one of the cons after show parties. This was held on the Saturday night at the Star Wars themed cantina upstairs in the venue. I arrived about 9ish and hung with a few friends. The vibe was good but it was just so hot in there that couldn’t stay too late. Love a con party but harder to enjoy when have a busy day.

Day 2 was a lot quieter for me as only had a few photos but had more time so I could enjoy the props, panels and trader hall.

I do l love a good prop shoot - whilst Monopoly do have the largest selection of free prop photo opportunities at any UK it’s nice to see them bringing out some new ones and it’s not the same stuff being recycled over and over again. Some new stuff from the Boys and Paddington this time for me.

The 4 new guests I meet this day were

Oscar Isaac who was the big event headliner. I only got the photo but he was warm and took time to introduce himself even thought it was a rushed shoot due to being a bit delayed. Small touches like that do help erase the frustration of waiting longer than planned.

Kyle Soller - was asking names and appreciating complements and seeing him enjoying the atmosphere was nice

Mena Suvari - a bit quiet but posed in the photo and a brief but cool meet

Sean Astin - I’ve met him many times over the years - I’ve even see him thumb wrestling another guest at a con party - so I went up with a friend so they could meet him. They had a nice talk about zoos and animal care … he also promised to take her on safari but only if Monopoly help pay it … so get to it Andy, Samwise wants a new adventure.

I had a brief look around the traders , a few good bits but I was tapped out from photo ops but some unique fun stalls … and a few tempting items … maybe next time.

Overall other than a few photo delays in the mornings they all ran smoothly as Monopoly photo sessions usually do.

Autograph area was much better and more fluid than usual years, they still need more staff in the areas to help manage the lines down in the further areas or better break down for diamond and regular lines which are away from headliners.

The panels - the backing is too bright so a lot of the time the guests are too back lit and harder to see them. The host was good - he’s not me but still not bad an MC. The volume was a bit high especially when trying to talk to the guests sat either side. I think it worked better before when they had the photo shoots beside them as less need to talk and interact.

Overall a good event and no complaints.

Rating 9/10