Spooky Empire Brings Thrills and Chills to Charleston
The Holy City of Charleston has surrendered to its dark side as the Spooky Empire convention invades its territory. Hailed as “the dark side of Comic-Con”, the three-day event—spanning August 23-25—features an array of horror-themed attractions, celeb meet-and-greets, and a vast vendor space teeming with collectibles.
Star-studded Guest Lineup
Spooky Empire is serving up a celebrity host lineup sure to give any horror enthusiasts goosebumps. Among the high-profile guests are Malcolm McDowell, best known for his roles in A Clockwork Orange and Halloween 2007; Doug Bradley, the iconic Pinhead from the Hellraiser film series; and the legendary Dee Wallace, the beloved mother figure from E.T. And Terrifier fans won’t want to miss David Howard Thornton, famed for his portrayal of Art the Clown.
A Growing Legacy of Terror
Launched in 2003, Spooky Empire has built a reputation as one of the most significant thriller conventions. Over the years, it’s seen a steady increase in visitor numbers. The event prides itself on connecting horror fanatics with the icons they admire, offering interactive sessions with stars, hosting horror panels, and showcasing over 100 vendors and exhibitors.
Local Talent Showcased
The locals are not sitting out as key figures such as Ryan Graveface and Trent Shy have stepped up to represent local talents. Graveface, the mastermind behind monthly horror film series Terrorvision Theater and the peculiar Graveface Museum in Savannah, is thrilled to meet fellow horror aficionados and introduce them to new, thrilling experiences.
On the other hand, Trent Shy, a renowned stop-motion animator, filmmaker, and movie prop collector, plans to display his impressive prop collection from popular 80s and 90s films at the convention.
Charleston’s Passionate Horror Community
Also, joining the lineup is Jules Elizabeth, the president of Charleston’s Absent Friends, a group that’s been showcasing their love and passion for weird and wonderful performances since 2002 and a co-host of the award-winning Midnight Terrors Podcast along with Kevin Roche.
Elizabeth and Roche share the same goal of fostering a sense of community among horror enthusiasts. They expressed their excitement about sharing this space with fellow horror lovers at Spooky Empire. Their group will also present a shadow cast of Rocky Horror Picture Show on the evening of August 23.
Thrilling Memorabilia Attracts Vendors and Shoppers
While celebrity sightings are a big part of the convention, vendor booths also draw a significant crowd. Graveface, a seasoned horror convention participant, confessed his keen interest in vendors’ varied collection, from unique collectibles like autographs, action figures, and comic books to fantasy swords, clothing, and jewelry.
Charleston city’s tryst with horror is unmatched, as noted in the turnout at Spooky Empire. The Charleston Area Convention Center, where the event is set to unfold, is set to be the epicenter of all thrilling and chilling activities throughout the convention. One-day passes begin from $40. For more information about Spooky Empire and to purchase tickets, visit spookyempire.com.
