The biggest horror convention in the Inland Empire happened this weekend, packed with star-studded guests, talented artists, and more. Here’s a recap of all the event had to offer!
The 2nd annual Creep I.E. Con took place on February 4th and 5th at the Ontario Convention Center, bringing thousands of horror fans together to enjoy the genre. A sea of black clothes and cosplay drenched in fake blood waited in line for their wristbands, wrapped all the way around the block. I came on Saturday, which was completely sold out, and the crowd showed it.
The biggest draw to any convention is the celebrity guests. Creep I.E. Con featured reunions galore, including the self-referential classic Scream (1996) with Matthew Lillard (who played Stu Macher), Skeet Ulrich (Billy Loomis), Jamie Kennedy (Randy Meeks), and Lee Waddell (Ghostface). The lines for these actors were the longest of the day, but fans were happy to wait several hours for a few minute conversation, an autograph, or a photo.
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I didn’t line up early enough to meet the Scream cast, but there were plenty of other guests to enjoy. AMC’s The Walking Dead may have finally come to an end, but actors Michael James Shaw (who played Mercer), Tom Payne (Paul “Jesus” Monroe), and Ryan Hurst (Beta) were all present (and had criminally short lines in my opinion).
Shaw is just as handsome in person, trust me.
I had a great conversation about missed gay representation in TWD with Payne. It’s good to know that actors really advocate for their characters.
Hurst is a gentle giant and is incredibly gracious and soft spoken in person. Who knew Beta had a heart of gold?
I also got to meet character actor and horror legend Bill Moseley (Chop Top in Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 (1986), Otis in House of 1000 Corpses (2003)). I felt a lot of lanky tall guy solidarity when he signed my Texas Chain Saw Massacre shirt and gifted me a Disco Sucks shirt.
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Most wholesome was seeing James A. Janisse and Chelsea Rebecca (and Zoran!) of Dead Meat, the biggest horror creators on YouTube. This is my second time meeting them, and their love for their fans shows why their channel is a positive bedrock for the horror community. You can catch them cameoing in Scream (2022) or in their new film teaser for Pre-Game!
The longest line I waited in was for David Howard Thornton, the actor behind the iconic Art The Clown from Terrifier (2016) and Terrifier 2 (2022). The wait was entertaining to say the least, filled with terrifying Art cosplayers (including a pair of kids who definitely shouldn’t have watched these films at their age). I had him sign a portrait I painted of Art from the sequel. Can you believe he used to be an elementary teacher?
There were plenty of other Terrifier 2 contributors there, too, including lead actress Lauren LaVera (who played Sienna) and lead actor Elliott Fullam (Jonathan), iconic Clown Cafe host Leah Vesey, and director and special effects makeup artist Damien Leone. Horror veteran Felissa Rose also made an appearance for her cameo in the film.
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The appearances didn’t end there. Three actors who have played Leatherface from the Texas Chainsaw Massacre franchise were in attendance — Brett Wagner, Bob Elmore, and Mark Burnham — along with Walter Phelan, Robert Mukes, and Jake McKinnon from Rob Zombie’s House of 1000 Corpses. Richard Brake and Matthew Patrick Davis from the 2022 hit Barbarian, 90s heartthrobs Devon Sawa and Kerr Smith from Final Destination (2000), a now-grown-up Quinn Lord from Trick r’ Treat (2007), Alex Winter from the Bill & Ted movies, Dick Weiand and Ron Sloan from Friday The 13th: A New Beginning (1985), special effects artist Eric Fox, and Grimm Life Collective round out the guest list. Whatever side of the horror genre you fall on, there was someone for you to meet!
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Artist alley is my personal favorite part of any convention. Over 150 vendors took up most of the convention floor at Creep I.E. Con, with small horror artists and businesses offering apparel, jewelry, plushies, prints, pins, stickers, baked goods, home decor, and more! I wish I could highlight everyone, but here are some of my favorites that I ended up spending my money on.
View the full list of amazing vendors here!
I would be remiss not to acknowledge all the cosplayers that graced our eyeballs this weekend. Fans really went the extra mile to pay homage to the genre. This video from cosplayer Stevie Rose captures a taste of all their hard work!
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Although too much to fit into just one day, Creep I.E. Con also featured activities like Horror Speed Dating, Tattoo Alley, special effects makeup, an arcade, and a mini haunt from Fear Farm. I’m excited to see how this convention grows in future years!
A brand new event called Creep I.E. Aftermath kicks off the Halloween season on September 23rd and 24th. Creep I.E. Con returns next year on February 3rd and 4th.
