Next weekend, we’ll be heading off to Ohio for the Cinema Wasteland show, which will be their 27th show..that’s right…27 shows. And we’ve been there for every single one of them. That’s right, for the last 15 years, I’ve been heading to Ohio to join a group of like-minded film fans to truly celebrate the films and the people that made them. If there was ever a show that I would go to if I wasn’t a dealer, this would be the one. It is much smaller than some of these other shows, but I actually like it that way. Because each and every person coming through the doors to Wasteland is a die-hard fan, not one that follows whatever is new and popular. This one of the few shows that you can still feel like a fan, not a customer. While I’m not a fan of paying for an autograph at any price, Wasteland head honcho Ken Kish has made it a point to try and keep autograph prices not exceeding $20. I know at this upcoming show, he had confirmation from all but one guest that not only would they not be charging more than $20 for an autograph, but with that you could also get a photo with them at their table and no extra charge. None of this high priced photo-op crap. See…it is possible to set a standard for the guests and stick to it after all. Plus the fact that the guests are so much more approachable at the Wasteland.

But this show is so much more than just cheaper autographs. It is about family. It is about having the chance to really celebrate the genres that we love so much. It is the way conventions used to be before they were there just so celebrities and their handlers can make money off of the fans. Sure, there is a lot of partying going on, but I have to say, other shows that I’ve been to lately seem to be trying to catch up with what Wasteland has been doing for the past 15 years. This show has the best dealer room around and is the only show that I worry about spending all of my money at. Can’t say that about too many other shows, if any.

Over the years, I’ve told friends about the show that hadn’t made it out to one yet. But once they come out to their first show, they seem to come back for every show after that. That shows you that Ken Kish and the rest of the Wasteland crew are doing something right.

They are having a huge reunion for Day of the Dead, including 11 people that worked on the film, plenty of other guests, as well as tons of hours of fun with movies showing until the wee hours on the morning. Just click HERE for all the details. So if you’re a fan of the movie, then you might not want to miss this one. If you are coming out, please make sure you stop by our table and say hello.