The Big Comfy Couch.

I've been documenting the events of Brooklyn Comic Con since before it officially launched. My friend started it and shared his grand vision with me even before it came to fruition. The amount of thought, time, care, and work that went into this project was truly remarkable. I have been documenting these efforts for several years as a videographer.

Over the years, there has been a steadily growing number of celebrity guests, mostly from the "Comic Book World." While this isn't typically my scene, my experience working at Brooklyn Comic Con has opened my eyes to the incredible creativity and dedication that forms the foundation of this community.

Though I don't watch superhero movies or read comic books, I am consistently impressed with the attendees of these conventions. They are dedicated, creative, and deeply immersed in their worlds. There is something fascinating about their intense passion for incredibly niche but tremendously well-developed universes.

The costumes people create and wear are outstanding, requiring incredible dedication both in their elaborate construction and in wearing such impractically large, often obtrusive outfits.

All this is to say, I admire, respect, and am very intrigued by what I see at Brooklyn Comic Con every year. However, nothing I’ve seen there has truly moved me—until this year. This year, I met Alyson Court. Oh, Alyson Court of X-Men fame? No, that’s not it.

My friend and I were talking, and The Big Comfy Couch came up. I lit up a little. “I loved that show,” I said. “Loonette is here,” he replied. I started to get really excited. Loonette is here! Alyson Court was a special guest this year, available for photos and autographs. At my first opportunity, I darted off to her area. I fangirled really hard.

“I loved your show a lot as a kid,” I told her. “I thought it was interesting and weird, and I remember the episode where you pranked your neighbor with a snack that had a snake pop out when opened. Then she tricked you back.” Alyson started talking about this episode, and I told her about something that had happened recently. About two months prior, I had randomly Googled something from The Big Comfy Couch, which has one of the most iconic parts of the show: the clock stretch!

I told Alyson that I loved this as a kid, and now, as someone who practices yoga regularly, I view it through a new light. I thought the show was unique and cool in a very atypical way. It was down-to-earth and growth-oriented while being silly and fun. I can't express how happy it made me to discuss this with Alyson.

I don't believe in getting photos with celebrities I admire (though I might make exceptions in certain circumstances). Instead, I try to have a genuinely nuanced interaction where I explain my passion and appreciation for what they've done. If I feel the conversation will be the same one they’ve had imposed on them by fans, I won't approach or try to have that interaction. If I feel I can add value or show my appreciation in a way that will resonate and be seen as genuine, I always go for it. Alyson was so great to talk to and seemed like a very down-to-earth person. This was a very joyful experience.

Here is an insane version of the clock stretch that I’ve been seeing. I’ve seen many versions but couldn't find the exact one I was looking for.