Buffy The Vampire Slayer

What’s a Vulkon? Who cares? Iyari Limon is soooo cute. And it brings exciting quotage related to the finest television ever forged: Hey Herc!

I’m writing to you with some info/tidbits from the Buffy Vulkon that took place this past weekend in Cleveland, Ohio. The guests included James Marsters, Andy Hallett, James Leary/Clem, Robin Atkin Downes/Reptile Boy, Babylon5, and in her first Con appearance ever, Iyari Limon/Kennedy.

When asked about the likelihood of appearing on Angel, James’s outlook was not all that positive. He expressed very clearly that he was definitely "in talks" and that he 100% wanted to be a regular on the show. He really wants to do it, but from what he said, it may not be very likely. He explained that AtS has a limited amount of $ to spend for its regulars and being a cast regular is the only way he would consider it. He does not want to do a guest arc on the show because it would cause him to bleach his hair, etc... which would deter him from seeking other roles. He said that for him to become a regular, the show would surely have to lose a regular character to pay his salary. Everyone in the audience suggested that we would gladly see Connor get the axe for our weekly Spike fix. To that James said that he would never take someone else’s job away to be in the show. So Boo Hoo, it’s not looking so good. He also mentioned not being approached by the Lucas people to do the GMT role in Episode III. He said he has talked to Lucas before and was called in to read for Anakin of all things, but knew he wouldn’t get it due to his age. Turns out that George’s daughter is a huge Spike fan and wanted her dad to meet him because he’s a great actor. But when he found out that the Peter cushing role was being connected to him, he was thrilled and said he would love, love, love, to be a part of anything related to Star Wars. All in all, he was a very gracious and so super-hot! His eyes are so blue and my heart was simply pounding.

Andy Hallett from Angel was a complete and hilarious hoot. He told alot of stories about the cast on AtS, all funny, silly, and complimentary. When asked about the renewal of Angel, he asked his agent who said there’s no renewal as yet. The deadline as you know is May 15 and Andy seemed anxious to know too. He was kinda hungover/really tired during his Q&A cluching a can of Red Bull, even so he was a complete charmer. He’s so sweet and funny and his demeanor is very similar to Lorne’s. He said that his agent thinks he talks too much at Cons and that he has gotten in trouble before. He mentioned a picture where he was showing off a tattoo but ended up being a picture with a little too much ass in it. A fan promptly brings him this picture and he’s cracking up that it’s on the web and proudly signs the pic. He was such a good sport and as much as I love Spike, his was the most fun Q&A session. He told a story about him and Suge Knight arguing over a plate of Hot Wings! He and James Leary and Robin judged a Karaoke Contest later that night. He was keen on singing "Islands in the Stream" but unfortunately that song was not in their repetoire. He told wonderful stories about his friendship with Joss and their mutual love of Karaoke bars. He was just great!

The biggest surprise for me was Iyari Limon. I am a total "Love Tara/Hate Kennedy" person. But after this Con, I will say that I love Iyari Limon! She was so genuine and sweet, completely accessible to everyone and seemed really happy to be there. She had the cutest accent of Latina-ness slipping in, but wasn’t all J-Lo. She looked really tiny and cute. She dressed like kind of 80s punk throwback, with lots of striped tshirts and pants with zippers and gadgets on them. The styles were definitely new, updated, but she had that Pat Benatar "Promises in the Dark" look with lots of red and black rubber bracelets. Her hair had been highlighted with blonde slightly and was shorter and slightly layered. Okay, I know this is no fashion report, but she looked tres cool. She was a little nervous about her Q&A and someone tried to ask her about the situation on the set when SMG announced that she would be leaving. They asked if there was aniomosity on the set directed at SMG. She looked horrified and did not know what to say, the crowd suggested she say "No Comment" and she collected herself and said that she was too new to be able to read the emotions/ thoughts of the rest of the cast. She also said that she has had alot of flack regading Kennedy’s relationship with Willow, letters etc... But that she is simply thrilled to be a part of the show and is very seriously honored to have her scenes with Allyson Hannigan. She also said that both Adam Busch/Warren and Willow are great kissers, but that Adam in particular dug the kissing scenes alot.

Everyone seemed to have a great time. I have tons of super personal pictures. Hopefully this info was of interest to you. Herc love ya and have a blast at the Buh-Bye Bash!

With love- SPIKEPET

From Atnzone.com :

April 25, 2003 | Reported by Tara DiLullo, @ N-Zone Magazine

INDEPENDENCE, OH (@N-Zone Buffy Guide) - Fans of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "Angel the Series" converged in Independence, Ohio the weekend of April 25th for Vulkon’s "Buffy" Convention which featured guests from both popular series. Once the realm of just "Star Trek" fans, now conventions for the various series created by Joss Whedon are organizing all over the globe luring stars from the series as well as fans clamoring to meet, question and just mingle with their idols. With "Buffy" airing its last first-run episode on May 20th and the renewal fate of "Angel" being questionable until May 12th, fans are especially keen to get together en masse to celebrate the end of an era. Vulkon featured several actors from the two shows including James C. Leary ("Clem" the Demon), Robin Atkin Downes ("Machida" in "Reptile Boy"), Iyari Limon ("Kennedy"), Andy Hallett ("Lorne") and the most popular attraction of the weekend, James Marsters ("Spike" the Vampire.)

The weekend consisted of arranged events by the Vulkon staff including: a special cocktail party and banquet with the actors, a Karaoke contest led by Andy Hallett, Masquerade contests, panel discussions on various topics relating to the shows, autograph sessions, art shows, video rooms and shopping in a dealer area. But the Q&A sessions with the actors are always considered the highlights of the conventions. Fans can ask the actors almost anything they want from the personal to the professional making for entertaining, thought-provoking and often hilarious exchanges between the crowds and the cast members. I got a chance to catch up with a few of the actors appearing over the weekend and we talked about being part of the "Buffy" phenomenon.

Click here for video clip of James Leary discussing Joss Whedon (mpg file 14.4MB)

When we last talked to James C. Leary in August of 2002, he was hoping to make a return appearance as "Clem - the loose skinned demon" who first appeared in the sixth season of "Buffy." Instantly a fan favorite for his loveable attitude, unusual "skin condition" and love of snack foods, Clem indeed returned in two episodes this season: "Potential" and his last series appearance in "Empty Places." Leary explains "I had hopes and I figured they’d bring me back for at least one more time." His appearance in "Potential" featured Clem tutoring the SIT’s on demonology, which climaxed in a visual joke reminiscent of a scene in the film BeetleJuice. Leary laughs when he tells the tale of how he mentioned the similarity to Whedon who replied flatly but with a twinkle in his eye "What do you mean? We don’t steal."

Meanwhile, Leary has been trudging through interviews for new projects. He auditioned for a part in the sitcom "Scrubs" that he "really wanted" but didn’t land. His next goal "is to be a series regular on a show whether it be a sitcom or an hour long." Last winter, He played the character of Mickey in the British play "MOJO" and he "hopes to get back to some improv. We are trying to develop a show based around the improv experience." Leary also has a short film screening at the Tribeca Film Festival this May in New York City. He co-wrote the eight-minute long mockumentary short called Stunt Cocks.

Otherwise, James has hopes for Clem appearing again someday considering he gets out of Sunnydale before things get ugly. "They have left it open for Clem to come back. I would love for Clem to go to L.A. and visit his good buddy Lorne on "Angel"," he laughs. Otherwise, Leary has a busy convention appearance schedule over the next few months. Asked about whether he enjoys the con circuit, he replied with an enthusiastic, "I love it. It’s so much fun to meet the fans and get to see everybody from the show. I’m always surprised by the turnout. It makes you feel good as an actor that what you’ve done has affected people. " Fans can see him in Detroit, Catskills, London, Paris, Atlanta and Tampa.

Click here for a video clip of Iyari talking about her character "Kennedy" (mpg file 16.7MB)

Iyari Limon was a "Con Virgin" before she came to Vulkon. The young actress who plays Slayer in Training (or SIT), "Kennedy" had never been to a fan event but her season-long arc in the seventh and final season of the show has thrust her into the world of "Buffy" fandom full throttle. Admittedly nervous prior to her arrival, Limon is bubbly when she explains, "I didn’t know what to expect but its great! I’m having so much fun, I feel like it’s second nature." Playing the feisty and independent woman has been a blast for Limon. "I find a lot of Iyari in Kennedy and a lot of Kennedy in Iyari," she explains. "I admire her strength and her courage and her willingness to put herself out there. This is her job and she takes it seriously - doing whatever it takes." She also "loved her honesty. Growing up I would get in trouble for being too blunt but being Kennedy - she is just written that way so it’s cool."

Another challenge aspect in playing Kennedy has been the fact that she is in a developing lesbian relationship with Willow Rosenberg (Alyson Hannigan). Willow’s beloved girlfriend, Tara (Amber Benson) was murdered last season so anyone taking over the position of the new love interest was going to have it tough from the fans. Iyari has taken the controversy in stride focusing only on the positives. "I don’t hear too much negative and what ever negative is out there, I keep myself away from it. I think that is a good idea. I’ve had people ask if I have heard about all the stuff online and the Tara-shippers and I stay away from it."

Instead, Limon beams with passion for the more action-oriented elements needed to portray Kennedy. Her stunt training has been almost none as she reveals, "Literally, they give you the moves right before [the scene] and then you do a rehearsal and then you shoot it. You either have to learn it quick or do what you can and then your stunt double does a couple takes also. I loved it and most of the stuff is my stuff and I am really proud to say that. A couple of times they didn’t even have a stunt double for me." She continues, "The episode "Dirty Girls" had the sword fighting and that sword was so huge! But all the getting punched in the face - that was all me. The next morning I woke up and I couldn’t move my neck and I was trying to figure out why. Then I realized it was from taking all those hits," she laughs. "When I saw it all put together, it looked so good and it was all worth it." Inspired by her newfound passion, she adds, "Anytime I can do my own stuff, I do it. They automatically get a stunt double for you but I tried to get to the director or coordinator before and tell them ’I want to do it!’ Usually, they were running short on time so I would have to prove that I could and then they let me do it. I just love getting dirty and not wearing make-up. Getting all bloody and fighting - yeah! That’s how I realized I want to do action movies."

Limon plans to spend the summer traveling and doing more cons in the near future.

Click here for MP3 clip of James discussing his future: file in FTP (.wav file 6.5MB)

Click here for video of James talking about the final episode (mpg file 29.1MB)

Playing "Spike" on "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" for five years has catapulted James Marsters into the fandom elite. There are hordes of Internet sites dedicated to him and Spike, not to mention, the throngs of fans that lineup up for his live convention appearances or gigs featuring his band, Ghost of the Robot. Genuinely relishing his fan interactions, James always puts on an entertaining show as he paces, performs, and confesses details about his work on "Buffy" and acting craft. As the show comes to an end this May, Marsters is in the interesting position of starting fresh again on his career path. Much talk has swirled about his joining the cast of "Angel" in the fall and he was honest over the weekend in detailing the joint interest on his part and Mutant Enemy in that scenario happening but the complicated issues of commitment and finances possibly making it unfeasible for him. Regardless of the outcome, James had the packed crowds at Vulkon listening with rapt attention of all things James and Spike.

Click here for the transcript of the Saturday Q & A with James Marsters.

Special thanks for help in creating this article goes to: Joe Motes, Al Otto and the entire Vulkon team. Megan Schumacher of MKS and Associates FF and B, J, Jand P.