Q&A with James Marsters

by Eugie Foster

"A New Man: James Marsters" was standing room only in the Centennial II/III Friday afternoon. Marsters ("Spike" on Buffy the Vampire Slayer/Angel) appeared relaxed in blue jeans and a sleeveless t-shirt. He was charming, unpretentious, and, oh my goodness, buff (with or without the "y").

We learned Marsters' favorite color: green--"the color of mother earth"; lollipop flavor: Tootsie Roll red raspberry; movie: Apocalypse Now--although he admits to a guilty pleasure of anything with ray guns and therefore he's quite a fan of Starship Troopers; and he is really enjoying the Harry Potter books, saying they're "candy, but candy with a fruit center."

There were the obligatory bad boy, blond bombshell questions. Marsters does work out daily, but not excessively. Disappointing fans, he was quick to modestly decline: "No, I am not going to take my shirt off!" when asked to flash his famous abs. He was equally diffident, albeit with an impish laugh, when asked where the mikes were hidden during his love scene with Sarah Michelle Gellar ("Buffy") in Smashed (season 6, Buffy).

Regarding Buffy and Angel, Marsters admits that Joss Whedon (creator) is an unsurpassed writer and Spike is the "best act I've ever had." And he's done hundreds of roles! But as a caveat, Marsters counsels: "To the ladies: If a guy is mean to the world, he will be mean to you."

But the hour wasn't just fluff and buff. Marsters also provided the crowd with some insight into his psyche. He admits to being a theater geek and a "geek in general." When asked which he prefers working in--theatre, film, or television--Marsters immediately exclaimed "Theatre!" He loves Shakespeare and favors the method style of acting, which does not lend itself well to television. Marsters explained that method actors "immerse themselves in the fantasy" in contrast to his co-star, Gellar, who has been known to indulge in light-hearted teasing with Marsters for submerging so deeply into his character.

Marsters is sexy and insightful, too! This reporter is one of the thousands of fans here at Dragon*Con who are unabashedly smitten!

James Marsters and his band, Ghost in the Robot, will be playing Saturday 10pm in Centennial II/III. Don't miss them or Marsters' other appearances throughout the weekend!

Robert A. Heinlein Memorial Blood Drive

Dragon*Con is very pleased to host this important event. Swing by the Yukon/McKenzie/Rio at the Marriott Saturday 10am-4pm or Sunday 10am-2pm and donate blood. Celebrity Guests will be present to sign and chat. Gifts will be given to everyone who signs up. Volunteers are needed.  Celebrities are more than welcome to come and sign shirts or pictures for donors.

Volunteers and celebrity volunteers should contact Alan 'Doc' Koslow at 515-491-7313 or leave a message for him via the Hyatt switchboard.