Supernova 2011 - an encounter with my favourite Eskimo

Our favourite family weekend is over for another year, and what a weekend it was. Supernova is a pop culture exhibition that has something to attract every member of my family: comics, games, geek toys of all kinds, and celebrity guests.

While my husband and son head off to check out the stands of comic books, my daughter and I go straight to the queue where we wait to purchase tokens for autographs and photos with out favourite Superstar Guest/s. It’s an expensive hobby, so thankfully it’s only a once-a-year expedition for us.

This year, my guest of choice was Tahmoh Penikett of Battlestar Galactica and Dollhouse fame. As the creator and co-maintainer of Tahmoh_Daily, a Live Journal Community posting pictures of Tahmoh, I was certainly keen to meet the man and possibly gain a few pics of my own to post. I’ve admired the man for sometime now, since seeing him in the mini-series of Battlestar Galactica. He’s a talented actor, and a really nice person. Oh yeah, and he’s Gorgeous!

  I’ll mention here that I was also quite interested in having a photo with Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy, Harry Potter) but lost interest when I contemplated missing everything else in order to line up for hours for the chance of five seconds and a smile. While the other guests were also of much interest – Charisma Carpenter (Buffy and Angel) Peter Williams (Stargate), and Simon Pegg and Nick Frost (Hot Fuzz et al) – finances dictate choosing carefully where I spend my Supernova money. 

Having been nicely surprised by the appearance of an old friend, Lee, while waiting in the queue, I was intending on leaving my daughter in Tahmoh’s autograph queue and heading back to tell Lee where we were. However, as I chatted to the Volunteer in charge of keeping his lines in order, I looked up and saw Tahmoh as he arrived at his table.

The reaction is really indescribable. I know I tried not to emit any random noises. Not totally sure I succeeded. I had a Eurythmics song in my head, having had the CD playing in the car, so now, “There must be an Angel” is irrevocably associated with the first moment I saw Tahmoh in the flesh.

Thoughts of going back to find Lee were put aside while we waited in the short queue for our turn. That moment when the person in front of you finally leaves and the guest looks up at you… yep, words are just inadequate.

My daughter, a 12 year old fangirl-in-training, came to the table with me, being a tad nervous to approach him on her own. Tahmoh looked at my t-shirt and laughed – he loved the “You had me at Helo” above the picture. He was so chatty and interested and engaged in the moment, asking me about the Live Journal Community, asking our names and shaking our hands. He was intrigued by Danae’s name and we talked about the Greek Myth origins. He signed our photos, shook hands again and thanked us… and it was over. We walked away from the table, Danae confessed that she was having trouble breathing and we used the photos to fan our faces as we tried to appear somewhat cool and calm. 

We spent most of the day hanging round the signing area waiting for one or another of us to get a signature or photograph. Lee got four, and Danae had a photo taken with Jodelle Ferland (Bree Tanner from Eclipse) keeping her record intact of having a photo with every Twilight cast member visiting Supernova since we began attending.

In between times, we wandered around and looked at the variety of displays and stands. Some of our booty included two free books, Graphic Novels for the boys, and multiple Lantern Rings in all colours. I didn’t buy anything for myself this year, preferring to spend my money at the autograph booth.

One of the big changes this year was having set times for each guests photo sessions, which meant we had to wait until 3.15 for our photos with Tahmoh. But it was so worth the wait! After the privileged few VIP’s went in, it was our turn. The smile on Tahmoh’s face when he saw me will stay with me forever. He said, “Hello, love, nice to see you again,” held his hand out to me and put his arm round me for the nicest cuddle I’ve had from anyone other than family in years! He thanked me when the photo was done! 

Then it was Danae’s turn and it was so funny. He had his arm round her already when the photographer suggested using a stool for her to stand on. I was watching from the doorway and Tahmoh was giggling.

Lee was talking candid shots and as Danae walked away from him, cheeks flushed and again unable to breathe, he was still laughing. Lee had her photo taken next, and then we were all standing in yet another queue to pick up our portraits, trying to breathe normally and not emit any fangirly squee’s while he was so close by.

 


In an unusual situation for me, I actually like the way I look in my portrait. It’s going into a frame and onto my wall, because I can actually bear looking at it. Of course, I’ll mostly be looking at Tahmoh anyway…

Unfortunately, I had to leave early and couldn’t wait for Tahmoh to return to sign my portrait. Lee did and she reported that he was surprised that she had waited longer to see him again. He’d been away from the table for a while, finishing with the photo session and then taking part in a Q & A forum that was exclusive to “Whedon-verse” pass holders; we couldn’t afford the $500 for one pass, let alone for the whole family.

Much appreciation goes to the Supernova people for their hard work, it’s getting bigger every year and keeping such huge crowds happy is not an easy job.

Can’t wait for next year!