CREEP I.E. CON Crashes The Onatrio Convention Center In Style (EVENT RECAP)
MacabreDaily had the exciting opportunity to attend the “Inland Empire’s” premier horror convention, CREEP I.E. CON, this past weekend. So buckle up and get ready—this is one convention you truly had to experience firsthand!
Creep I.E. Con has called the Ontario Convention Center and thusly the city of Ontario, California home since the convention launched in 2022. Since that time, the convention has truly grown by leaps and bounds. 2025 marks the con’s fourth time infecting the halls of the Ontario Convention Center with screams, shrieks, and all types of horror fun for everyone to enjoy.
The convention floor was packed with vendors offering a wide array of horror-themed merchandise, from dog collars and tarot cards inspired by classic slashers to full-sized paintings and rare movie memorabilia from beloved films of the past. No matter what you were searching for, this convention had something for every horror fan. It was the perfect way to kick off the new year, bringing together a passionate community in an atmosphere filled with excitement and great spirits. We had the chance to chat with artist Sammy Ruiz, who was attending as a vendor, and asked him what drew him to showcase his artwork at CREEP I.E. CON. “It’s a few things,” he explained. “The community here is amazing, and I love seeing all the other vendors and their work. It’s an awesome opportunity to showcase my own art and really gauge what fans like and want when it comes to future pieces.” His passion for connecting with fellow creators and fans was evident, making him a great addition to the convention.
All photos by Stephenie Alvarado for MacabreDaily
This year’s CREEP I.E. CON offered more to explore than ever before, (hey that rhymed!) with countless areas to check out and immerse yourself in. One standout attraction was the full arcade room, packed with vintage arcade cabinets and pinball machines, along with vendors selling classic horror-themed video games and retro tech. Horror comic fans were in for a treat as well, thanks to Outpost 31 Comics, which went all out with an entire room dedicated to horror comics, specialty vendors, and even a few celebrity signings—including WCW legend Vampiro. With so much to see and do, this year’s convention truly raised the bar. Speaking of great vibes, the convention offered several areas where fans could grab a drink and enjoy some fantastic tunes, courtesy of DJ Reaper on the turntables. The hallways were alive with the sounds of heavy hitters like Rob Zombie and Slayer, adding to the energetic atmosphere and enhancing the overall experience for everyone in attendance.
All photos by Stephenie Alvarado for MacabreDaily
One of the most exciting aspects of CREEP I.E. CON is the chance to meet and take photos with some of your favorite horror icons. This year, the demand was through the roof, with lines stretching out the door and around the building on Saturday for stars like Jon Bernthal (The Punisher, The Walking Dead) and Cassandra Peterson, better known as Elvira. We attempted to get a closer look at just how many fans were packed inside but couldn’t get an exact count on the massive crowd. One fan, leaving with a freshly signed Jon Bernthal photo, described the experience as “cool but sort of rushed since there’s so many people behind you waiting. It was all business.” That’s the nature of conventions—when the opportunity to meet a big-name guest arises, fans are willing to wait for those once-in-a-lifetime moments.
Adding to the excitement, “The Lost Boys” fans were treated to a mini-reunion of the iconic 1987 vampire film. Cast members Jason Patric (Michael), Alex Winter (Marko), Billy Wirth (Dwayne), Jamison Newlander (Alan Frog), and Chance Michael Corbitt (Laddie) were in attendance, signing autographs and meeting with fans. It was a special moment for longtime admirers of the film, bringing together key members of the cult classic for a nostalgic celebration.
The major highlight of this year’s CREEP I.E. CON was the highly anticipated reunion of the cast and crew from Stuart Gordon’s “Re-Animator”, celebrating its 40th anniversary this May. Fans had the rare opportunity to see Jeffrey Combs, Bruce Abbott, and Barbara Crampton together again, joined by producer Brian Yuzna and composer Richard Band. As they shared behind-the-scenes stories, it was clear just how much they cherished their time working on the film, reminiscing about its wild production and lasting impact. The only thing missing was director Stuart Gordon himself, and the cast expressed how much they wished he were still here to witness the enduring love for his delightfully bizarre cult classic, four decades later.
Producer Brian Yuza with actors Bruce Abbott, Jefferey Combs and Barbara Crampton discuss RE-ANIMATOR’s 40th Anniversary
Photo by Stephenie Alvarado for MacabreDaily
"I really wish Stuart were here for this; he would have truly enjoyed it," actor Jeffrey Combs shared during the panel, reflecting on the late director’s impact. Unlike other panels we’ve attended, there was no opportunity for audience questions, which felt like a missed chance to engage more personally with the cast. Given the size of the crowd, it’s understandable that an open Q&A might have been difficult to manage, but it would have been great to hear the actors respond directly to fans rather than only answering the moderator’s questions. Still, the panel was a fantastic tribute to Re-Animator and a reminder of the film’s lasting influence in the horror genre. The excitement didn’t stop with the reunion—fans and cast members alike were thrilled by the announcement of an upcoming 4K upgrade for Re-Animator, set to release later this year. Producer Brian Yuzna shared his enthusiasm, stating, “This new 4K upgrade is sourced directly from the film’s original negatives. This is the cleanest you will ever see Re-Animator.” With the film already available for pre-order from Ignite Films, this restoration is a must-have for longtime fans and newcomers alike, ensuring that Stuart Gordon’s cult classic looks better than ever.
RELATED ARTICLE: Ignite Films' Glorious 40th Anniversary RE-ANIMATOR 4k UHD Bundles Are Available For Pre-Order!
No horror convention is complete without its fair share of incredible cosplays, and CREEP I.E. CON definitely delivered. The event featured some of the best cosplays from iconic horror films, showcasing the creativity and passion of the fans. This is just a snippet of the many cosplays seen during the convention. Creep I.E. Con encourages fans to dress up and have a great time taking photos with everyone. Check out some of the photos we captured of these amazing costumes below.
Attending CREEP I.E. CON was truly a pleasure, with both fans and creators coming together to celebrate their shared love of all things horror. While this convention celebrates the horror and terror that comes to life on our screens, the atmosphere was surprisingly pleasant, fun, and overall peaceful. It’s a reminder that horror fans, even if we might look a bit scary at times, are some of the most welcoming and enjoyable people to be around. And if you thought this was the only CREEP I.E. CON event this year, think again! The organizers are already gearing up for CREEP I.E. AFTERMATH, with dates for the event just announced and tickets going on sale in a few months.
We’ll be sure to keep you updated on all the exciting news and upcoming events right here at Macabre Daily—stay tuned!
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