Sci-Fi | Babylon 5

I Answered a Star Trek Prompt with a Babylon 5 Convention Story from 1995

It’s been 30 years, but I still remember Londo, Bonnie Tyler, and an awkward flash photo

After thirty years, the photos have faded. Photo taken by the author.

I may have strayed slightly — okay, more than slightly! — from this prompt:

Have you been to any Comic-Con or Trek event recently?

The only time I went to a sci-fi convention was 30 years ago, and it wasn’t for Star Trek.

I headed to the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham, England, with my wife Jane. There, we attended BABCOM ‘95, a convention for Babylon 5 fans.

It was still the early days of Babylon 5, which had first aired the previous year.

I still have one of our tickets.

The author’s ticket to BABCOM ‘95

From the moment we arrived, we felt underdressed, being surrounded by fans in costumes and makeup.

My memory is hazy, but I’m sure some were dressed as characters from other sci-fi shows, not just Babylon 5.

And there we were, wearing jeans and T-shirts!

Despite feeling a little out of place, everyone was friendly and we still felt welcome.

I remember seeing Peter Jurasik on stage. He appeared as himself and also as his character. (He was transformed into Londo during the event, and spent about half the time as each.)

I remember an awkward moment when someone on stage looked at me as I held my camera. They were anticipating my taking another flash photo! 😳

(I think it was Peter Jurasik, but it may have been J. Michael Straczynski. The only excuse I have for my uncertain memory is the three decades I’ve spent trying to forget that embarrassing moment!)

Peter Jurasik as Londo Mollari, at BABCOM ‘95, Birmingham, England. Photo taken by the author in 1995

Here are some notes, based on my 1995 diary:

We saw Claudia Christian, J. Michael Straczynski, Peter Jurasik (as Londo half the time), “The Cat” from Red Dwarf (Danny John-Jules), and Optic Nerve.

It was mainly question and answer sessions & trade sci-fi exhibitors. I think Jane enjoyed it more than me.

J. Michael Straczynski made me laugh when he turned towards the large screen and saw himself on it. He said, “Oh my god, that’s my ass! Is it really that big?”

Then he told them to kill the lights. “All of them! They don’t want to see me!”

They showed some funny outtakes and clips from a future episode.

I also remember a video showing clips of Michael Garibaldi, Babylon 5's Chief of Security, in action. They used “Holding Out for a Hero” by Bonnie Tyler as a soundtrack, which was the perfect choice.

Later on, when people were queuing for autographs, I managed to get close enough to take more photos, including the ones below. We decided against waiting in line ourselves, though.

Claudia Christian and J. Michael Straczynski at BABCOM ‘95, Birmingham, England. Photo taken by the author in 1995

J. Michael Straczynski and Peter Jurasik at BABCOM ‘95, Birmingham, England. Photo taken by the author in 1995

Looking back, it was a unique experience that reminds me of the early years with my late wife Jane. We would only have been 26–27 years old at the time.

I remember work colleagues teasing me about going to the event. But I have no regrets, and I’m glad that I took those photos and kept at least one ticket.

© 2025 AJ. All rights reserved.

If you like Star Trek and sci-fi, check out the Make It So publication.

The prompt I mangled for this story can be found in the following piece, along with four others. Thank you to Danae Kardara for reminding me to submit a response — even if it’s nothing like what was expected!

[embed]Make it So — Late May 2025 Writing Prompts Danae to fellow writers! Please respond!medium.com