Line Up for Wizard World Madison Announced

MADISON, Wis. – Wizard World, Inc. continues its 2015 schedule with its first trip to the Alliant Energy Center at Wizard World Madison Comic Con, February 6-8. William Shatner (“Star Trek,” “Boston Legal”), Brett Dalton (“Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.”), Emily Kinney (“The Walking Dead,” Concussion), Josh McDermitt (“The Walking Dead,” “Retired at 35”), Kristin Bauer (“True Blood,” “Once Upon a Time”), Eliza Dushku (“Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” True Lies) and George Wendt (“Cheers”) headline the roster of celebrity guests scheduled to attend the pop culture extravaganza.
Shatner will attend on Friday and Saturday, February 6-7; Dalton, Kinney, McDermitt, Bauer and Dushku will appear on Saturday and Sunday, February 7-8; Wendt is scheduled for all three days of the event.
Other well-known Wizard World Madison Comic Con guests include Michael Rooker (Guardians of the Galaxy, “The Walking Dead”), Adam West and Burt Ward (“Batman”), Jason Mewes (Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back, Clerks), Adrian Paul (“Highlander”), Billy Dee Williams (Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, Brian's Song), Edward James Olmos (“Battlestar Galactica,” Stand and Deliver), Cassandra Peterson (“Elvira, Mistress of the Dark”), Scott Wilson (“The Walking Dead,” “CSI”), William Kircher (The Hobbit trilogy), James Marsters (“Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” “Caprica”), Lou Ferrigno (“The Incredible Hulk”), Jason David Frank (“Mighty Morphin Power Rangers”) and Ernie Hudson (Ghostbusters, “Heroes”).
Wizard World is also the home of the most creative comics artists and writers on the planet. Artist Alley at Madison Comic Con will feature Phil Ortiz (“The Simpsons,” “Muppet Babies”), Mike Grell (“Green Arrow,” “Green Lantern”), Valerio Schiti (“Mighty Avengers,” “Guardians of the Galaxy”), Joanna Estep (“The Fantastic Four,” “Bravest Warriors”) and many others.
In addition, all full-price Wizard World Madison Comic Con attendees will receive a limited edition exclusive variant cover “The Walking Dead” comic, drawn by one of Wizard World's talented artist guests (to be announced shortly). Comics will be issued at registration while supplies last and VIP attendees will receive an additional black & white sketch version.
Wizard World Comic Con events bring together thousands of fans of all ages to celebrate the best in pop-fi, pop culture, movies, graphic novels, cosplay, comics, television, sci-fi, toys, video gaming, gaming, original art, collectibles, contests and more. Wizard World Madison Comic Con show hours are Friday, February 6, 3-8 p.m.; Saturday, February 7, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Sunday, February 8, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Madison Comic Con is also the place for cosplay, with fans young and old showing off their best costumes throughout the event. Fans dressed as every imaginable character – and some never before dreamed – will roam the convention floor and participate in the famed Wizard World Costume Contest on Saturday night.
For more on the 2015 Wizard World Madison Comic Con, visit http://wizd.me/MadisonPR.

Neal Adams, Rick Burchett Among Top Artists At Wizard World St. Louis Comic Con

ST. LOUIS – Neal Adams (“Batman,” “Green Lantern”, Rick Burchett (“Wonder Woman,” “The Flash”), Cullen Bunn (“Wolverine,” “Avenging Spider-Man”), Jorge Molina (“X-Men,” “Fear Itself”) and Chris Samnee (“Daredevil,” “Before Watchmen”) are among the leading comics creators scheduled to attend the inaugural Wizard World St. Louis Comic Con, March 22-24 at America's Center. The collection of more than 85 talented artists and writers will also feature such luminaries as Tyler Kirkham (“Superboy,” “Teen Titans”), Gary Friedrich (“Ghost Rider,” “Monster of Frankenstein”), Freddie Williams II (“Green Arrow,” “Captain Atom”), Arthur Suydam (“Marvel Zombies,” “Army of Darkness”) and Michael Golden (“Hulk,” “Star Wars”).

Two Eisner Award Hall of Famers in Adams and legend Stan Lee, two other Eisner winners (Burchett, Freidrich) and four nominees (Bunn, Samnee, Chris Grine (“Chickenhare”) and Matt Kindt (“JLA,” Agent of S.H.A.D.E.”) will be on hand.

The stellar roster complements a celebrity lineup with Laurie Holden, Billy Dee Williams, WWE® Superstar Randy Orton®, Henry Winkler, James Marsters and Dean Cain headlining. The event also features a variety of activities, exhibitors and special attractions in the second event on Wizard World's expanded 2013 calendar.

Additionally, all full price attendees will receive a free copy of the Exclusive Variant Cover of ‘The Walking Dead #1 comic, illustrated by Suydam, available only at Wizard World St. Louis Comic Con.

Wizard World Comic Con events bring together thousands of fans of all ages to celebrate the best in pop-fi, pop culture, movies, graphic novels, comics, toys, video gaming, television, sci-fi, gaming, original art, collectibles, contests and more. Wizard World St. Louis Comic Con show hours are Friday, March 22, 3-8 p.m.; Saturday, March 23, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.; and Sunday, March 24, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

For more on the 2013 Wizard World St. Louis Comic Con, visit http://www.wizardworld.com/home-stlouis.html.

About Wizard World:
Wizard World produces Comic Cons and pop culture conventions across North America that celebrate graphic novels, comic books, movies, TV shows, gaming, technology, toys and social networking. The events often feature celebrities from movies and TV, artists and writers, and events such as premieres, gaming tournaments, panels, and costume contests.

The full event schedule can be found at www.wizardworld.com.

J. Scott Campbell Among Superstar Creators To Attend 2012 Wizard World Chicago Comic Con

Wizard World

An All-Star lineup of comic and toy creators, including notables Carlos Pacheco, George Pérez, Greg Capullo, J. Scott Campbell and many others from around the world will populate Artist Alley at Wizard World Chicago Comic Con, August 9-12 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center.  Among the special guests are five Eisner Award winners, including Hall of Famer Stan Lee, and eight nominees of the prestigious honor.

In addition to Pacheco (“X-Men,” “Green Lantern”), Pérez (“Superman,” “JSA”), Capullo (“Batman,” “Spawn”) and Campbell (“Avengers vs. X-Men,” “Spider-Man”), the head of the roster includes Daniel Acuña ("Wolverine," "Avengers"), Rodolfo Migliari ("Green Arrow," "Green Lantern"), Brom ("Dungeons & Dragons," "The Plucker"), “CAFU” (Carlos Alberto Fernandez Urbano) ("Superboy," "X-Men"), Humberto Ramos ("Amazing Spider-Man," Impulse"), Paul Jenkins ("Batman," "Hulk"), Ken Kelly ("Star Wars," "Star Trek), Pat Lee ("Iron Man," "Wolverine"), Mahmud A. Asrar ("Supergirl," "Adventure Comics"), Budd Root ("Cavewoman"), Shane Davis ("Superboy," "Bruce Wayne - The Road Home"), Rob Lean ("Superboy," "Lady Death"), R.B. Silva ("Superboy," "Supergirl"), Barry Kitson ("Uncanny X-Force," "Avengers"), Clay Mann ("Gambit," "Dark Reign: Elektra"), Mike McKone ("Green Lantern," "Spider-Man"), Yanick Paquette ("Wolverine: Weapon X," "Wonder Woman), Michael Golden ("Daredevil," "The Punisher"), Arthur Suydam ("Marvel Zombies," "Army of Darkness"), Doug Wheatley ("Aliens," "Conan"), Greg Horn ("Spider-Man: Turn off the Dark," "X-Force”), Chris Burnham ("Batman Incorporated," "The Amory Wars"), Mark Texeira ("Wolverine," "Black Panther") and David Mack ("Kabuki," "Daredevil").
Many top local Chicagoland artists such as Burnham and Eisner Award Winner Art Baltazar ("Superman Family Adventures," "Tiny Titans”) will also be on hand.

Eisner winners scheduled to attend the show are Lee, Baltazar, Pérez, Paul Jenkins (“Hulk,” “Origin”) and Dave Dorman (“G.I. Joe,” “Indiana Jones”).  Nominees include Pacheco, Ramos, Mack, Eliza Frye ("The Lady’s Murder," "Lucky House"), Phil Hester ("Wonder Woman," "Daredevil"), Rafael Nieves ("The Apocalypse Plan," "Bob Howard: Plumber Of The Unknown"), Ben Templesmith ("Wasteland, "Buffy") and Billy Tucci ("Birds of Prey," "Sgt. Rock).
As the impressive list of creators shows, Artist Alley at Wizard World Chicago Comic Con covers virtually every popular character ever seen in comics, movies and other media.

In addition to the superstar creator lineup, the expanded, four-day event features more than 50 celebrities, including headliners like William Shatner, Scott Bakula, Tom Felton, Jon Bernthal, Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino and WWE® Superstars CM Punk™ and John Cena®, in what is shaping up as the biggest Wizard World show ever and the Midwest’s No. 1 Pop Culture Convention.
Wizard World Chicago Comic Con, produced by Wizard World, Inc. (WIZD.PK), will bring together thousands of fans of all ages to celebrate the best in pop-fi, pop culture, movies, graphic novels, comics, toys, video gaming, television, sci-fi, gaming, original art, collectibles, contests and more.

For more on the 2012 Wizard World Chicago Comic Con, visit http://www.wizardworld.com/home-ch.html.

Kevin Sorbo to Appear at Wizard World Chicago

Wizard World

Kevin Sorbo as Hercules

Kevin Sorbo, known across the globe for his portrayal of the title character in the popular “Hercules: The Legendary Journeys” series, will appear as a special guest at Wizard World Chicago Comic Con, August 9-12 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center. 

Sorbo, who has enjoyed continuous success on television for the past 20 years, will meet fans, sign autographs and pose for photos at Wizard World's longest running and highest-attended show.

The immense popularity of five initial two-hour “Hercules” telefilms in 1993 resulted in the launch of a weekly series by 1994 and helped launch Sorbo's path to stardom. The series not only became a breakout hit by becoming the number one first-run program in syndication, it also passed “Baywatch” as the most watched TV show in the world.  The innovative action hour revitalized the entire action/adventure genre on television and fostered two spin-off series, “Xena, Warrior Princess”, and “Young Hercules”.  Sorbo also directed two episodes of the show, and co-wrote one installment.

Following the success of “Hercules,” Sorbo went on to star in the lead role of “Captain Dylan Hunt” in “Gene Roddenberry’s, Andromeda.” The series, based upon writings from the late “Star Trek” creator’s archives, debuted as the number one hour show in first run syndication and held that spot throughout it’s five year run from 2000-2005.

Sorbo will join other headliners like William Shatner, Stan Lee, Tom Felton, Scott Bakula, Jon Bernthal, Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino and WWE® Superstars CM Punk™ and John Cena®, notable artists Carlos Pacheco, George Pérez, Greg Capullo at the Midwest’s No. 1 Pop Culture Convention.

Wizard World Chicago Comic Con (August 9-12), produced by Wizard World, Inc., will bring together thousands of fans of all ages to celebrate the best in pop-fi, pop culture, movies, graphic novels, comics, toys, video gaming, television, sci-fi, gaming, original art, collectibles, contests and more.

For more on the 2012 Wizard World Chicago Comic Con, visit http://www.wizardworld.com/home-ch.html

John Cena To Appear at Wizard World Chicago Comic Con

Wizard World

WWE® Superstar John Cena® will appear as a special guest on Thursday, August 9, Opening Day at Wizard World Chicago Comic Con at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, it was announced today by Wizard World.  Cena will be on hand at the event from 4-8 p.m., and will meet fans, sign autographs and pose for professional photo ops.

Cena's appearance kicks off an expanded, full four-day Wizard World Chicago Comic Con, August 9-12, in what is shaping up as the biggest Wizard World show ever and the Midwest’s No. 1 Pop Culture Convention. 

One of the most popular WWE Superstars since his debut in 2002, Cena combines his athleticism, charisma, strong work ethic and genuine personality to make him one of the brightest stars in WWE and its hit cable program, Monday Night RAW on the USA Network.

“I am looking forward to meeting the enthusiastic fans at my first Wizard World event,” said Cena. “I have heard a lot about the charged-up atmosphere, and I can't wait to experience it for myself.”
A powerful marketing force with outsized personality and charm, Cena has had numerous Hollywood roles, including The Marine, 12 Rounds, Legendary, The Reunion and Nickelodeon’s teen comedy trilogy Fred: The Movie.

“We are excited to welcome WWE Superstar John Cena to the Wizard World family to help us kick off our longest-running and largest show, Wizard World Chicago Comic Con,” said John Macaluso, CEO, Wizard World.  “His addition continues our commitment to providing fans with an outstanding experience.”

The announcement follows the hugely successful Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con event which featured WWE® Superstar CM Punk®, all five “Star Trek” captains and one of Hollywood's fastest-risers, Chris Hemsworth (Thor, The Avengers), earlier this month.

WWE® Superstar John Cena® VIP Experience @ Chicago Comic Con Tickets are available at http://wizardworld.ticketleap.com/johncenavip/#.

For more on the 2012 Wizard World Chicago Comic Con, visit http://www.wizardworld.com/home-ch.html.

Patrick Stewart Added To Wizard World Phila lineup - All 5 Star Trek Captains on Board

Wizard World

PHILADELPHIA - Patrick Stewart, known to millions of fans as “Captain Jean-Luc Picard” on the television series “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” and “Professor Charles Xavier” in the X-Men film series, will attend Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con, Stewart and Wizard World, Inc. announced today.

He joins William Shatner (“Captain Kirk”), Avery Brooks (“Captain Sisko”), Kate Mulgrew (“Captain Janeway”) and Scott Bakula (“Captain Archer”) as captains of their respective series in the iconic franchise who will be special guests at the event, set for Thursday, May 31, through Sunday, June 3 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.  Stewart will appear at the event on Saturday.

The Emmy-nominated actor, who has performed in more than 100 television and film roles, is one of several actors to appear in all three "X-Men" films: X-Men (2000), X2 (2003) and X-Men: The Last Stand (2006). His role as Picard, which started on “Next Generation,” placed him in four Star Trek films: Generations (1994), First Contact (1996), Insurrection (1998) and Nemesis (2002). He also served as the voice of numerous animated characters in movies like Chicken Little and Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius, as well as popular TV shows such as “Family Guy” and “American Dad.”
“Bringing together the five Captains from the iconic 'Star Trek' series, capped with the addition of the legendary Sir Patrick Stewart, is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our fans,” said John Macaluso, Wizard World CEO.  “They and other standout guests like Chris Hemsworth, William Shatner and Stan Lee make Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con a can't-miss event.”

Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino To Attend Wizard World Chicago Comic Con

WizardWorld

Pop culture icon, reality TV star and soon-to-be comic book superhero Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino will take his “GTL lifestyle” to the Midwest this summer when he attends Wizard World Chicago Comic Con on Saturday, August 11, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center. “The Sitch” will meet fans, pose for photo ops, sign autographs, and maybe even give a sneak peek at what his new comic book might look like.

Last month, Sorrentino and Wizard World announced a publishing and development deal to create a comic book superhero based on “The Situation” and his family. The series will be written and drawn by some of the comic book industry's leading artists and writers.

Stan Lee Among 250+ Talented Creators Set For 2012 Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con

Wizard World

Whether it's “The Avengers,” “Superman,” “Spider-Man,” zombies, vampires or just about any character ever, more than 250 talented creators at Artist Alley at 2012 Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con have probably drawn them. Fans can meet superstars like Stan Lee, Mike Deodato Jr., George Pérez, Greg Capullo, Harvey Tolibao, Phil Foglio, Carlo Pagulayan, Yanick Paquette, Greg Horn, Arthur Suydam, Michael Golden and dozens of others at the event, set for the Pennsylvania Convention Center, May 31 – June 3.

The roster includes internationally-known artists and writers as well as top local talent from the Philadelphia area.

Wizard World New Orleans Comic Con Returns To Morial Convention Center

Wizard World

NEW ORLEANS – Following hugely successful shows in its first two trips to the “Big Easy,” Wizard World New Orleans Comic Con will return to the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in an expanded, three-day format, November 30 – December 2, 2012, Wizard World announced today. Headline celebrities, artists and other details will follow in the coming weeks.

“Fans throughout the Southeast have made Wizard World New Orleans Comic Con a tremendous hit,” said John Macaluso, Wizard World CEO. “In January, thousands came to see stars like William Shatner, Adam Baldwin, Mary McDonnell and James Marsters, comics icon Stan Lee and dozens of others. We are working now on assembling another standout lineup of guests, VIP experiences and parties for what has become one of our most popular shows.”

On January 28-29, 2012, thousands of Wizard World New Orleans Comic Con fans met Shatner, Baldwin, McConnell, Marsters and Lee along with dozens of superstar artists such as Carlos Pacheco, George Pérez, Greg Horn, Jesus Merino, Tyler Kirkham and Arthur Suydam. That followed up a strong debut at the Morial Convention Center in January 2011.

Wizard World Announces Guests for Chicago Comic Con

Wizard World

Photo: Wizard World

William Shatner will be among the celebrities appearing at
Chicago Comic Con in August.

Wizard World Chicago Comic Con, which for nearly two decades has thrilled hundreds of thousands of fans with standout celebrities, top-notch superstar artists, VIP experiences and more, rolls out an expanded, full four-day show, August 9-12 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center. More than 50 celebrities, including headliners like William Shatner, Jeri Ryan, Stan Lee, Jon Bernthal and WWE® Superstar CM Punk™, notable artists Carlos Pacheco, George Pérez, Greg Capullo and dozens of others are already signed up to attend what is shaping up as the biggest Wizard World show ever and the Midwest’s No. 1 Pop Culture Convention.

The international pop culture icon Shatner (“Star Trek") will appear on Friday, Aug. 10, and Saturday, Aug. 11, Ryan (“Star Trek: Voyager”) on Sunday, Aug. 12, Eisner Award Hall of Famer and comic book legend Lee and Bernthal (The Ghost Writer) on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and WWE® Superstar CM Punk on Saturday.

“Wizard World Chicago Comic Con continues to grow in all areas, from celebrity guests to Artist Alley to evening entertainment to VIP experiences, so much so that we've made it a full four-day show for the first time,” said John Macaluso, CEO, Wizard World. “William Shatner, Jeri Ryan and Stan Lee are at the top of a deep celebrity roster that will connect with fans of all ages.”

Family-Friendly Activities Dominate Sunday At Wizard World Toronto Comic Con

Wizard World

Photo credit: D Abruzzese Jr.

Kid's face painting at Wizard World.

TORONTO – Kids take center stage on Sunday, April 15, at Wizard World Toronto Comic Con with activities specially designed for youngsters taking place through out the day. Families will be able to enjoy activities such as Build a Bear featuring Mascot Bearemy; face painting, the impossibly cute Kid's Costume Contest; Star Wars Kids: Power Hour, and Toronto Mediatheque Animation Workshop.

• Build a Bear, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. - Mascot Bearemy will be onsite to take photos with kids. Build a Bear will be handing out colouring pages and activity sheets and the final works will be placed in a very cool display.
• Face Painting, noon - 6 p.m. - Children will enjoy face painting throughout the day.
• Kid’s Costume Contest, 1 - 1:45 p.m., Children ages 10 and under can participate in this special event with fun prizes just for families and the youngsters.
• Star Wars Kids: Power Hour, 2 – 2:45 p.m. – It’s never too early to experience Star Wars. Bring the whole family for this special activity session featuring Star Wars-themed games, crafts and activities for children ages 3 to 10.
• Animation Domination, 4 - 6 p.m. - The National Film Board of Canada invites you to explore the process of animation with this special animation workshop designed for children ages 3 to13. Participants will have the opportunity to create their own original short film that they can keep! Space limited to 25 children. To sign up visit http://bit.ly/animationworkshop.

Toronto Comic Con is scheduled as the second stop on Wizard World's 2012 North American tour. Hours are Saturday, April 14, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.; and Sunday, April 15, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Tickets are available in advance online at http://www.wizardworldcomiccon.com/toronto.htm at a savings over tickets purchased at the door. Advance adult single-day tickets are priced at $25 ($38 on site); two-day tickets are $40 ($55 on site), and tickets are free for children age 10 and under when accompanied by a paid adult (limit two children per adult). VIP packages with special entry and exclusive items are also available on a limited basis.

Wizard World, Inc. Names John Macaluso to New Position of CEO

Wizard World

NEW YORK - Wizard World, Inc. (symbol: WIZD) (“Wizard World” or the “Company”), one of North America’s most diverse digital entertainment and events companies, announced that John Macaluso, a successful businessman and entrepreneur, has been named the Company’s new Chief Executive Officer. He had previously been appointed to the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) in May 2011.

As a Board member, Macaluso has been instrumental in Wizard World’s growth and expansion in the Comic con event space in the last year. Event attendance at Comic Cons in New Orleans and Chicago have risen, while the Company has refocused on its core assets, added new stars to its events and cut costs. The latest example of that revamped face was announced last week, with “Thor” and “The Avengers” star Chris Hemsworth added to a star-studded list of Philadelphia Comic Con guests in June, along with headliners such as Stan Lee, William Shatner and dozens of other stars of the pop culture industry. The Company’s next event will be held in Toronto, April 14-15.

Fan Groups To Attend Toronto Comic Con

Wizard World

NEW YORK – Cosplay groups supporting their favorite movie and TV franchises, podcasts and radio shows, comics events and roller derby athletes are among the more than 20 organizations scheduled to attend Wizard World Toronto Comic Con, April 14-15 at Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC). The appearance of fan-friendly groups like the 501st Vaders Fist, N.Y. Jedi, Ontario Ghostbusters, Toronto Steampunk Society and many more is a staple of Wizard World events, greatly enhancing the atmosphere and involving attendees in photos, interviews and more.

Groups Toronto Comic Con-goers can meet next month include:

• 501st Vader’s Fist, which since 1997 spread the magic of the Star Wars genre worldwide through its authentic-looking costumes, and has become the leading force in fan-based charity events. The 501st, also known as “Vader’s Fist,” is truly dedicated to brightening the lives of those less-fortunate. www.501st.com.
• ActionFigureNews.ca, premier community for Canadian Action Figure Collectors to share news, toy sightings and discuss everything collectible toy related online.
• Anime North, Toronto's fan-run not-for-profit Japanese anime convention, one of the largest in North America, held each year on the May Memorial Day weekend.
• Canadian Joe Con, the Canadian G.I. Joe Convention, the largest gathering of G.I. Joe fans in Canada, hosted by JoeCanuck.com.
• Can’t Stop the Serenity, a global effort to raise funds to support NGO, Equality Now, equalitynow.org in their fight to end violence against women around the world.

Chris Hemsworth Powers Into 2012 Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con

Wizard World

Chris Hemsworth

PHILADELPHIA – Millions of fans flocked to theaters to see him as the God of Thunder in the blockbuster film THOR last summer and are eagerly anticipating his next potential hit Marvel movie, THE AVENGERS, in the spring. This June, they can meet Chris Hemsworth as he headlines Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con at the Pennsylvania Convention Center on Saturday, June 2, where he will sign autographs, pose for Photo Ops and greet well-wishers.

One of Hollywood's fastest-risers, Hemsworth was first introduced to US audiences in STAR TREK, which led to his starring role in THOR, which grossed nearly a half billion dollars worldwide. In addition to THE AVENGERS, releasing nationwide on May 4, just a month prior to his appearance in Philadelphia, This summer Hemsworth will also star as the ‘Huntsman’ in Universal’s big revisionist fairy tale SNOW WHITE AND THE HUNTSMAN, opposite Charlize Theron and Kristen Stewart. Also set for 2012 releases, Hemsworth will star in Dan Bradley's remake of RED DAWN in the role originated by Patrick Swayze and in Joss Whedon's THE CABIN IN THE WOODS.

'Quantum Leap,’ Evening Parties Highlight Wizard World Toronto Comic Con Programming

Via press release

TORONTO  – Interactive sessions with “Quantum Leap” headliners Scott Bakula and Dean Stockwell, the “Being Human” trio of Sam Witwer, Sam Huntington and Meaghan Rath and stars like Jeri Ryan, Paul Wesley, WWE® Hall of Famer Edge® and Amy Acker, evening parties, movie screenings, comics sessions and more highlight the special programming offerings at Wizard World Toronto Comic Con, April 14-15 at Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC).  The two days are packed with fun, informative panels which span the world of pop culture from movies to comics to television and more.

Some of the top sessions include:

• A “Quantum Leap” reunion, with stars Bakula and Stockwell sharing stories about the award-winning sci-fi series.
• Witwer, Huntington and Rath show their human sides in discussing the hit Syfy series which already has a huge cult following
• Q&A and unique meet-and-greet opportunity with Ryan, “Seven of Nine” on “Star Trek: Voyager” and standout character actress in “Boston Public” and “Body of Proof”
• WWE® Hall of Famer Edge® won't throw any chairs – we don't think – but fans will want to grab one for this larger-than-life superstar's panel
• Acker, Paul Wesley, Colin Ferguson and Sean Maher dish on their respective careers and roles
• Informative, interactive sessions with superstar artists including Michael Golden, Dave Ross, Mike Deodato Jr., John McCrea, Ken Lashley, Francis Manapul, Dale Keown, Greg Horn and others
• Screening of the groundbreaking 1984 film THE LAST STARFIGHTER, hosted by stars Catherine Mary Stewart and Lance Guest
• Portfolio reviews by Glass House Graphics CEO David Campiti and his professional team, looking for the next big star artists
• Party time... including Wizard World Toronto Drink And Draw, hosted by artist Tommy Castillo, and the Official After Party (locations TBD)
• The popular adult costume contest and fun kids costume contest with great prizes

Unless noted, Toronto Comic Con programming will take place in the designated panel rooms at the MTCC, and is included with admission to the event.  The Jeri Ryan Meet and Greet requires a separate ticket purchase.  Seating for panels is strictly limited and available on a first come first serve basis and each room will be cleared between panels.

Wizard World Mourns Passing Of Pop Culture Icon Davy Jones

Via press release

NEW YORK – Wizard World, which produces Comic Cons and pop culture conventions across North America that celebrate graphic novels, comic books, movies, TV shows, gaming, technology, toys and social networking, mourns the passing of multimedia star Davy Jones, who died Wednesday in Florida. Jones, best known as a star of “The Monkees,” a television series turned recording group, was a popular guest at the 2009 Wizard World Big Apple Comic Con and had been scheduled to appear at Wizard World shows in Philadelphia and Chicago this year.

A pop culture icon from his starring role in “The Monkees” (1966-68), Jones's music, movies, theater and television career was punctuated with a celebrated guest appearance on “The Brady Bunch” in 1971.

The Manchester, England-born Jones was 66.

The Wizard World family and its fans wish to express heartfelt condolences to Mr. Jones' family.

Editor's note: Davy Jones was schedule to appear at Wizard World Chicago in 2012.

Jeri Ryan, Scott Bakula, Among Headliners At 2012 Wizard World Toronto Comic Con

TORONTO – A state-of-the-art downtown venue, new dates and fresh celebrity guests mark the third Wizard World Toronto Comic Con, which today announced its standout lineup scheduled to attend the event, April 14-15 at Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC).  Popular screen stars Paul Wesley, Jeri Ryan, Scott Bakula and Amy Acker will be joined by WWE® Superstar Edge® and dozens of standout celebs and talented comic book artists and writers at the convention, which promises to be even bigger and better in 2012.

Bakula (“Star Trek: Enterprise,” “Quantum Leap”) and Acker (“Angel,” THE CABIN IN THE WOODS) will appear both days, while Wesley (“The Vampire Diaries,” “24”), Ryan (“Star Trek: Voyager,” “Boston Public”) and Edge® are scheduled to attend on Saturday only.

“Toronto and the entire region have embraced Wizard World Toronto Comic Con over the past two years, and we're excited to bring a first-class event to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre,” said John Macaluso, Wizard World Board of Directors.  “From well-known, relevant stars like Paul Wesley and Jeri Ryan and classic and cult actors and actresses to an outstanding collection of big-time artists and a unique array of exhibitors and vendors, there's something for everyone.”
More after the jump!

Wizard World Comes to Chicago

By Tom Wray and Phillip Powers
Windy City Banner

Wizard World, Chicago's largest comic con, took place this last month and it was huge. There were celebrities, cosplayers and, of course, miles and miles of comics. We attended as members of the press and were in awe of the magnitude of it.

First of all let’s talk about the celebrities that were there. Patrick Stewart of “Star Trek” fame was there as was Levar Burton. Vivica A. Fox from “Independence Day” and “Kill Bill” was there as well as Kai Owen and Gareth David Lloyd from “Torchwood” and Peter Mayhew who played Chewbacca in the original “Star Wars” movies just to name a few.

WCB supporter Jeff Woods, actress Vivica A. Fox, editor Tom Wray and
writer Phil Powers at Chciago Comic Con. Tom was at that point in full freak out.

Our editor Tom Wray actually went into fanboy meltdown at meeting Kai and Vivica. Both were friendly and very classy people. The editor, on the other hand, was reduced to croaking while he shook Vivica’s hand and let out a squee heard by dogs in Schaumburg when meeting Kai. He’s getting medication now and is much better.

One of the few Kaylee's we
saw. Stormtroopers were every-
where, however.

Some of the celebrities had very long lines, Patrick Stewart among them. The line for autographs from literally half the cast of AMC’s “Walking Dead” stretch halfway around the Ronald E. Stephens Convention Center. The Joss Whedon pantheon was represented by Felicia Day (“Dr. Horrible’s Sing-along Blog”), Charisma Carpenter (“Buffy,” “Angel”) and James Marsters, who also held a concert on the Saturday of the con. Old school fans also had chances to meet Gil Gerard and Erin Grey of the early 1980s “Buck Rogers in the 25th Century.” Erin, by the way, is still looking great.

Also the “Boondock Saints’” Norman Reedus  and Sean Patrick Flannery as well as David Della Rocco were there and the lines were insanely long to meet them. There was a screening of the movie too.

There were cos-players (people dressed as their favorite characters ) from shows such as Firefly and Torchwood and animes like Bleach and Naruto and from video games like Final Fantsy XIII and Infamous 2. Running contests were held in the lobby of the convention center for the best costumes, with winners being decided by applause.

Chicago-area fan groups were also there in force, with the Chicago Ghostbusters bringing their own Ecto-1. They even let our writer Phil try on one of the proton packs. People could also see the 1960s-era Batmobile, the Delorean (do we really need to say from what movie) and the Scooby Doo Mystery Machine.



Phil starts his training with the local Ghostbusters franchise.

There were also lots of vendors selling just about anything you can think of and the sheer volume of comics was enough to make any geek pass out with excitement. T-shirts, patches and even swords were available for purchase. Name a sci-fi fandom and they were present and being sold to.

The prices of the vendors were surprisingly high but still affordable and the snack bars prices were up there as well case in point three pieces of not so good pizza two bottles of water and a bottle of iced tea cost twenty seven fifty.

There were panels going on all day each day of the con as well as Q & A’s with the celebs. From James Marster’s concert to panels with “Walking Dead,” “Evil Dead,” “Boondock Saints,” and more than we can list here. The was even a chance to talk with the children from the 1971 “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.”

This was as close as they let us get. Our insurance is paid up,
we wouldn't hurt it. Maybe take on the Kennedy...

The con drew a huge crowd, with the crowds outnumbering the actual residents of Rosemont. The traffic from people coming in actually filled the streets of the small suburb to overflowing. If attending next year, the Blue Line El is definitely the way to go.

Overall, however, the con was a resounding success. We’re looking forward to next year. When we’ll bring hiking boots to go along with our own cosplay.

Morena Baccarin Off Chicago Comic Con Schedule

By Tom Wray
Windy City Banner

Wizard World, producer of the Chicago Comic Con, announced this week that actress Morena Baccarin will be unable to attend this year's even because of film schedule conflicts.

Morena, for the uninformed, is best known for her roles in "Firefly, "V" and "Stargate SG-1."

Wizard World said that all Photo Ops and Dual Photo Ops will be refunded. If you purchased a Morena VIP, you will be able to switch to another package.