With the success of last years and this year’s Walker Stalker Convention in London, James Frazier took it upon himself to bring over another incredible convention to the UK. This convention is Heroes and Villains Fan Fest and it is dedicated to celebrating superhero fandoms.
Heroes and Villains Fan Fest is spread across two days and offers fans the chance to enjoy a convention based around some of their favourite Marvel and DC heroes. They have the opportunity to meet the stars of some big name superhero Films and TV shows. At this year’s event, there were stars from the DC television show Arrow including Stephen Amell (Oliver Queen/Green Arrow), Emily Bett Rickards (Felicity Smoak), John Barrowman (Malcolm Merlyn) just to name a few.
Arrow wasn’t the only show that was being celebrated, as there was Shantel VanSanten (Patty Spiviot) from The Flash, Robin Lord Taylor (Penguin) from Gotham and even Mecahd Brooks (James Olsen/Guardian) in Supergirl. That’s just the main superhero TV show guests and not even close to the full list.
London was lucky enough this year to have some amazing guests who have been in some pretty big films such as Michael Rooker (Yondu) and Sean Gunn (Kraglin) who both very recently appeared in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2. There was also Haley Atwell (Agent Carter) and Stanley Tucci (Dr Erskine) who have both appeared in Captain America: The First Avenger.
This was the first time the convention has come over to the UK. Previously Frazier has run it in many states around the US but after the success of Walker Stalker Con London, he knew this would also work well over here. That’s not his only reasoning for doing it. He is also a very dedicated fan like the rest of the people attending this convention.
The slogan used for Heroes and Villains Fan Fest is, ”It’s not just a fandom, it is a family.” Olympia was filled with people who all shared common interests and there was passion, excitement coming from each individual attendee. I went to the event with a couple friends but came back with a whole lot more who are now part of my convention family.
It wasn’t just the fans who were filled with energy and enjoying their time at the convention, the guests were loving it as well. I witnessed a panel where John Barrowman was wearing a dress and heels, at one point he even was singing to everyone. I also managed to catch Josh Segarra who plays Adrian Chase in Arrow Season 5 wandering around the event. Every fan has the opportunity to have professional photo ops, autographs or even selfies with the guests that attend and from this, you’ll realise how happy they are to be there and meet the fans.
None of this would have been possible if it wasn’t for the incredible staff at this event who work incredibly hard for the fans attending. They make it run as smoothly as possible and are always so helpful. A lot of them are also volunteers who are giving up their free time so that others can have the best time possible. A final thank you goes to the man who runs these conventions James Frazier, a truly inspirational and dedicated fan. Without him, none of this would be possible and he does it all as a fan and for the fans. We all thank him massively.
If you are a fan of the shows, films or even the guests I have mentioned and are thinking you would also love to attend this event, then be sure to look it up. I’ve been to many different conventions over the years but this was truly the best I have ever been too. I look forward to attending again next year and I thank everyone who made this event one I will never forget.