This will be my inaugural blog. First annual. Premier. Episode... IV, if you will. What has sparked this momentous occasion? Well, to be honest, I'm not sure. But most likely it was the nagging sense of missing out. Particularly, I was incredibly interested in getting a long awaited look at the Hyperspace member exclusive webstrips. For that alone it was worth it, but why not take advantage of all these other great opportunities, especially the opportunity to become a part of this fan club beyond my initial payment of $14.95?!

However, this entry was intended to reach beyond the fact that it is my first, because today I attended the Super MegaFest convention in Framingham, MA. Myself and two friends piled into the car to confront Adam West, whom at a previous Super MegaFest had been particularly rude to my friend Jeff and I. You see, apparently Mr. West does not appreciate his own hilarious role as Mayor Adam West on the hit Fox TV show Family Guy. At this previous convention, which was in 2004, I had come prepared with a printed image of the cartoon incarnation of Mr. West and a slew of memorized quotes which Mr. West could possibly use in his autograph. Jeff and I were giddy with excitement at the thought that the Mayor Adam West might pen for us a memorable line such as "Do I sound like I'm on old time radio!?" It wasn't meant to be.

Jeff and I were next in the long line of Bat-fans, so we approached the table where Mr. West was seated and handed over the picture to be signed. (Something to keep in mind: Jeff and I were paying a total of $20 for this autograph.) It took a minute for Mr. West to completely realize what he had just been handed, but as soon as one might think Mr. West would begin laughing, his face was instead overtaken by a indignant, almost pale, demeanor.

"What are you? College students?!" was Mr. West's reaction.

Jeff and I were astounded. Had we really managed to offend the beloved Adam West, voice of the Mayor of Quahog, RI? "Yes, Mr. West, I go to Framingham State down the road," was Jeff's nervous reply.

"How do you want it signed?" Mr. West wanted us out of there.

I quickly jumped in, afraid of losing my chance to get the autograph of the century, "Can you sign it 'To Jeff and Tim, from Mayor Adam West, a man who loves his taffy.'"

"No," was Mr. West's curt reply. Then, turning to his assistant and money handler, "Will you take care of these guys?" Mr. West really wanted us out of there.

We forked over the twenty bucks as Mr. West signed the picture. I could tell it was a definite abbreviation on what I had requested. I gave him my thanks and told him I appreciated his work despite the fact that he had really been outstandingly rude to Jeff and me. As we made our way from the table we took a look at what Mr. West had written:

To Jeff, Adam West

I'm going to have to peruse some of the other blogs in this site before I decide what is and isn't proper language because there are a few tens of words that would aptly describe that old curmudgeon of a man that I am tempted to use. On the bright side I came away with a personalized autograph that didn't include my name and one memorable story.

This year, the convention hall's main attraction was Adam West and Burt Ward. Myself, Jeff, and our bud Jordan had decided to make another stab at having Adam West write us one of his mayoral one-liners. However, upon entering the hall I was immediately distracted by all the incredible Star Wars collectibles that filled the vendor booths. This was also my first experience with the 501st. New England Garrison was in attendance with their Jabba the Hutt replica. Me and the friends got our photo taken with the giant slug. I also talked with Joe Corroney who signed a print of The Best of the Expanded Universe which he had drawn for Star Wars: Insider. Joe was very nice and he really seemed to appreciate the chance to talk with his fans. I appreciated it. Jeremy Bulloch and Ray Park were also in attendance. I already have their autographs from previous conventions but took the time to stop by and say hello.

As for Adam West, I didn't even bother. I was having such a great time I couldn't stand to spoil it by attempting to interact with a grumpy old man who doesn't appreciate his fans. Before I left I picked up another poster, this one a giant print of the cover from the first issue of the Marvel Comics official Star Wars film adaptation. I love it and it looks great on the wall of my room.