Midsummer Scream 2018
Author: Travis Hayward
Every year, geeks (and ghouls) from all over gather at the Long Beach Convention Center for Midsummer Scream. While not unlike fellow horror cons like Monsterpalooza, Midsummer Scream focuses more on the theme of Halloween. This year’s con, running from July 28th to July 29th, was filled with spooky tricks, treats, and sneak peeks at what’s to come this Halloween season.
Popular vendor booths that made a return included Slashback Video. This horror video store-themed art exhibit will return this fall to the Bearded Lady’s Mystic Museum in Burbank (this museum captures a wide array of antique oddities). Also representing Burbank was the Dark Delicacies booth. Dark Delicacies is not only one of the most popular horror-themed bookstores in Los Angeles but also the world, having gained a cult following during its two decades in business.
The convention also boasted an impressive slew of panels, focusing on the return of several Halloween attractions and a few new ones. Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights introduced an impressive lineup to their mazes based on Stranger Things, Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers, and Trick ‘r Treat.
The highlight, however, was the announcement of a brand new attraction to be held for select nights on the Warner Bros.’ lot titled Horror Made Here. This new attraction will include mazes based on the hit films It, The Exorcist, Freddy vs. Jason, The Conjuring, and an all-new original maze based on DC Comics’ Arkham Asylum. There was no word on whether Yakko, Wakko, and Dot will make any appearances, but our fingers are crossed!
All in all, this year’s Midsummer Scream was not one to be missed. Here’s to all things Halloween!