On the Beat at Mad Mobster Con

Is there really room for another celebrity meet-and-greet convention in the Chicago area? I say there is, if it is well-organized, well-run and has a good celebrity guest roster. I am happy to report that Mad Mobster Con met those conditions for its debut in Chicago at the Chicago Hilton downtown) this weekend.

The Mad Mobster True Crime and Horror Expo started yesterday (Friday the 13th) and runs through Sunday, February 15. In between is St. Valentine’s Day, which is not coincidence. Mad Mobster Con commemorates the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre on its 85th anniversary weekend, by hosting celebrities, vendors and activities involving horror and true crime. How appropriate.

The celebrity guest list includes William Forsythe (The Devil’s Rejects), Charles Fleischer (Zodiac), Brad Dourif (Chucky), Kane Hodder (Friday the 13th VII-X), Tom Savini (Dawn of the Dead) and more. Having previously met these celebrities, I can tell you that they are all very fan-friendly and really give the fans special moments during their interactions.

Independent filmmaker John Borowski is also at Mad Mobster. Borowski’s “historical horror” trilogy features late nineteenth and early twentieth century serial killers. Borowski is a local guy who is just fascinating.

No horror con would be complete without the “Center Square of Pop Culture” Dr. Ivan Cryptosis. The immensely entertaining horror host is selling all sorts f col stuff, including a newly released lighters.

There are also vendors galore, selling shirts, movies and other horror-related merchandise. There is a make-up artist turning anyone into ghoulish monsters of many sorts. There are panels, screenings, the Miss Mad Mobster contest, “scaraoke” and several exhibits, including the Bonnie and Clyde exhibit.

I arrived early on Saturday, not knowing what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised by the debut effort. Things ran as scheduled. The doors opened on time, celebrities were waiting at their tables and vendors were already set up.

I planned on only attending Saturday, but I had so much fun, I will be going back Sunday for more. I encourage everyone to join me in this celebration of all things horror.

-�^7it