Svengoolie’s executive producer, Jim Roche, reached out to me in early February regarding the Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo (C2E2). Anticipating his request to assist the crew, I’d already cleared my calendar and quickly agreed. As the conversation continued, he casually mentioned that this year’s event would also feature the Svengoolie Squad – Gwengoolie, Imp, and Nostalgiaferatoo. Even more exciting, unlike their appearance at last year’s San Diego Comic Con, they’d all be in costume. My excitement level reached a fever pitch, as did my dread. After all, keeping things moving in Svengoolie’s autograph line while photographing fans can be challenging enough when serving just him, let alone three other cast members. These concerns, however, were for Saturday. Friday at C2E2 would feature a solo Svengoolie, albeit with a heavier schedule – two signings and a photo op. And this experience is what I’ll be sharing today.

After assisting Svengoolie for the better part of fifteen years, I must say that this year’s C2E2 began the smoothest. This was due to the preliminary work of Jim, who picked up everyone’s passes the previous day, saving us all a big step in getting down to business. Within minutes of my arrival, MeTV’s Social Media specialist, Briana Janczy, met me in the main foyer and handed me my lanyard.

Svengoolie’s 2026 appearance at C2E2 was also notable for bringing along the largest crew. Briana and I were soon joined by the aforementioned Jim Roche (executive producer), Mike Schmiedeler (executive producer), Ella Larscheid (associate producer), Edwin Diaz (cameraman), Dan Corcoran (merchandise), Patrick Levy (merchandise), and Jennifer Vlas (social media). This year also featured, for the first time, a professional audio mixer/sound engineer, Martin Stebbing.

Conspicuously absent at this juncture was Svengoolie, himself. Since they already had their passes, he and his director, Chris Faulkner, arrived in a separate car and were dropped off at a back entrance. The rest of us walked through the VIP line with ease before entering the main floor.  

Once inside, we headed straight back to Booth #41, which was designated for Sven’s signing. This was also easier because we didn’t have to constantly stop for people wanting selfies with Sven. We knew we had reached the right spot when we saw a line of devotees led by superfans Mike Prombo and Nanette Keir. Jim, Mike S., and Elle went back to see Svengoolie while the rest of us stayed back at the booth to prepare. The merch folks got their bags of Sven-goodies ready for sale, the social media folks began interviewing fans for Instagram posts (“What’s your favorite Svengoolie movie presentation and why?”), while I chatted with Nanette and Mike. My role was to photograph fans with Svengoolie using their phones/cameras, so, for me, this was the calm before the storm.

Mike was so kind and shared a bunch of Svengoolie photos and articles he’d acquired this past year. I was taken aback by his generosity and his extensive Svengoolie trading card collection. I must admit, I’ve been rather aloof when it comes to the juggernaut that is Svengoolie merchandising over the past few years. I was aware there were trading cards, but until I saw Mike’s collection, I had no idea they were every bit as serious as the Topps STAR WARS cards and Wacky Packages I collected in my youth. Sven’s current set contains 206 cards, and its success will likely mean more in the near future.

Mike’s collection is extensive and even boasts some variant misprints. However, as a completionist, he is still desperately searching for a few missing cards. Being a lifelong collector myself, I am fully in sync with this mentality. I collect physical media (movies, vinyl, books, horror paperbacks) and tarantulas (don’t judge). And Mike’s enthusiasm came dangerously close to triggering yet another hobby. The “blaster boxes” contain 30 cards and sell for $30. Although Mike bought more at C2E2, he is still searching for “Frightful Faces” #11 Brownback and the Trivia Brownback of the Franco Kerwyn art card. If anyone out there has these and is looking to trade, please reach out, so I can help put you in touch with Mike.

While Nanette and I were talking, Sarah Palmer (Gwengoolie) and Scott Gryder (Imp) arrived sans costume and headed back to see Sven. Unfortunately, they were too fast for me to get a photo. Outside of her YouTube channel, Pin-up Palmer, I’d never seen her in person before. That being said, she is quite possibly THE most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. Confident, perfectly poised, and with an air of old Hollywood glamour sorely missing from this world, she sported striking, shoulder-length pink hair and glossed lips that would put Jessica Rabbit to shame. Jim had mentioned that she and Scott were coming as civilians to check out the event, but I was still unprepared. I would not see them again until they were fully in character the following day (my next post). Incidentally, I was just getting ready to schedule this blog for publishing when Sarah posted a YouTube video discussing the history of horror hosts and her visit to C2E2. You can even catch the backs of Jim’s and my heads 45 minutes into the video.

Shortly before his signing time (1 PM), Svengoolie showed up behind the curtain, and I went back to see him. He seemed in good spirits, and after a few moments, I heard Jim prepping the audience, signaling it was time to begin. I quickly stationed myself out front and off to the side so I could assist fans while dodging the numerous crew members.

In addition to Mike and Nanette, I was pleased to see my old pal, Nicholas Mastramico. Nick, a NASA engineer, flew up from Alabama to see Svengoolie, and we talked about how big all our kids have gotten since we’d last spoken.

One couple that visits every year brought him a bunch of goodies, including a box of Tony Packos Pickles and rubber ducky versions of the Squad to join the Svengoolie one they had given him the previous year. This earned them a spot on an upcoming show, so keep your eyes out for future “On the Road” segments.

After completing his first signing session, Sven and Jim hopped on a golf cart to get to his Photo Op. Meanwhile, the film crew gathered material on the convention floor, and the rest of us hung back, guarding the money and merch while cooing to a pigeon that had made its way into the event and later snagged itself a half-eaten slice of pizza.

Anyone who has ever done a convention Photo Op knows they go fast, and Sven’s was no exception. They returned and let me join them in the Green Room. I grabbed myself a soda, and we finally had a chance to catch up on things. While chatting, the Academy Award-winning actress, Geena Davis, entered the room and seated herself at a nearby table. I didn’t even know Miss Davis was a guest this year, so it was a very surreal experience. There’d be an even better one the following day, so stay tuned for that.

I only observed Svengoolie do one interview this year, and it was with the multi-talented Guy Gilchrist. The 69-year-old cartoonist/songwriter is known for the Nancy and Jim Henson’s Muppets newspaper strips as well as his design work for Tom & Jerry, The Pink Panther, and Looney Tunes. Jim Roche had connected with Gilchrist the previous evening, and it paid off. Svengoolie taped an interview, and the artist presented him with a drawing of our favorite horror host as a Muppet.

Gilchrist wasn’t just generous with his time and drawings; he made a point of taking a group photo with the crew. As if this wasn’t enough, he asked everyone (including me) if we’d like individual selfies. While watching Sven’s presentation of An American Werewolf in London this past weekend, I couldn’t help but think how perfectly this interview would have fit in with the film’s Frank Oz cameo and brief scene from The Muppet Show.

At this point, Svengoolie and Jim took off to relax and recharge while the rest of us headed back to where he’d be doing his second Friday signing.

We returned to Booth 41, where a new line of fans was waiting. Well, I should say semi-new, as Mike was the first once again. In fact, he’d head all four Svengoolie autograph lines this weekend and make multiple trips through each one. Now THAT is dedication!

I don’t remember anything remarkable about this session; probably because my feet hurt so bad and we were all beat. Suffice it to say, it went well.

But alas, the busiest day was yet to come. The Svengoolie Squad was about to make their Chicago public debut. 

To Be Continued….

~Dave