WDW Daily News

As if appearances by superstars from Star Wars, Back to the Future, “The X-Files,” “The Walking Dead” and many more film and TV favorites weren’t enough, there’s another reason for fans to grab VIP admissions to Wizard World Comic Con Chicago, as the first 800 “Wizard World VIP” attendees will receive copies of the “Batman #50” and “Superman #50” exclusive black & white variant covers, both drawn by Patrick Gleason. The Midwest’s largest pop culture convention is set for August 18-21 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center.

Note that this applies to “Wizard World VIP” purchasers only; celebrity VIP packages are not included in this offer.

Batman has returned to Gotham City! In this extra-sized conclusion to Snyder and Capullo’s epic story “Superheavy,” Bruce Wayne returns to the cape and cowl to battle Mr. Bloom alongside Jim Gordon for the fate of the city they both love. “Batman #50” is written by Scott Snyder, with art by Greg Capullo and Danny Miki. Gleason’s cover is an homage to Jim Lee’s Batman #608 2nd Print.

Superman returns in all his glory in this very special issue that sees the Man of Steel back to full power as he faces his greatest enemy and also comes face to face with the pre-Flashpoint Kal-El! At last, it’s the meeting of the Supermen you’ve been waiting for! “Superman #50” is written by Gene Luen Yang, art by Howard Porter. Gleason’s cover is an homage to Jim Lee’s Superman #204.

Among the standout celebrities attending Wizard World Comic Con Chicago are Carrie Fisher (Star Wars); Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd and Lea Thompson (Back to the Future); David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson (“The X-Files”); Norman Reedus (“The Walking Dead”), Charlie Cox, Deborah Ann Woll, Rosario Dawson, Elodie Yung andElden Henson (“Daredevil”) and many more.

Top creators, in addition to Gleason, include Gene Ha (“Justice League”), Humberto Ramos (“Amazing Spider-Man”), Greg Weisman (“Captain Atom”),Claudio Aboy (“Heavy Metal”), Fernando Dagnino (“Suicide Squad”), J.J. Sedelmaier (“Sat TV Funhouse/SNL cartoons”), Clinton Hobart (Licensed Disney Fine Artist), Jorge Molina (“Uncanny X-Men”), Manuel Garcia (“Iron Man”), Rafa Sandoval (“Action Comics”) Tim Seeley (“Revival”), Guy Gilchrist(“Nancy”), Greg Horn (“Guardians of the Galaxy”) and dozens of others.

Wizard World comic con and gaming 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. Chicago show hours are Thursday, August 18, 3-8 p.m.; Friday, August 19, noon-7 p.m.; Saturday, August 20, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sunday, August 21, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

For more on the 2016 Wizard World Comic Con Chicago, visit http://wizd.me/ChicagoPR.

Wizard World, Inc.,the preeminent producer of Wizard World Comic Cons across North America, is proud to announce that Star Wars’ Carrie Fisher will make her first Wizard World appearance ever in Chicago, where she will join the Back to the Future trio of Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, and Lea Thompson. Also, The X-Files‘ Gillian Anderson will join the previously announced David Duchovny, Mitch Pileggi & William B. Davis for a cast reunion, August 20-21!

“Great Scott! Looking forward to meeting everyone at Wizard World in Chicago,” exclaimed Christopher Lloyd.

“We are thrilled with these amazing new guest additions,” says John Maatta, Wizard World Chairman & CEO. “The fans have come to expect the very best TV & Film stars in Chicago, and we are delivering. Stay tuned for more exciting guest announcements over the coming weeks!”

The beloved Back to the Future stars will take part in a Wizard World Q&A panel, hosted by Michael Klastorin, the production publicist on the second and third films in the series, and author of “Back to the Future: The Ultimate Visual History.” The panel will discuss entertaining behind the scenes stories of the making of the films, and reflect upon the impact the film has had on movie-going fans of all ages for more than three decades!

Located at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL, they will join previously announced guests including Norman Reedus (The Walking Dead), Sebastian Stan (Captain America: The Winter Soldier), Bruce Campbell (Evil Dead), the cast of Netflix’s “Marvel’s Daredevil” including Charlie Cox (Matt Murdock/Daredevil), Deborah Ann Woll (Karen Page), Elden Henson (Foggy Nelson), Jon Bernthal (Frank Castle/The Punisher),Elodie Yung (Elektra Natchios), and Rosario Dawson (Claire Temple), and more.

To purchase Admissions and VIP Admissions for the event, set for August 18-21, and to view the schedule, location, show hours, hotel & travel info, please visit: http://wizardworld.com/comiccon/chicago

Wizard World, Inc. (OTCBB: WIZD) and Rose Tours today announced its first Wizard World Cruise, a pop-culture, comic con themed, three-night journey on the Norwegian Sky, December 2-5, from Miami to Nassau, Bahamas. The event will feature celebrities including Norman Reedus as well as an Artist Alley with noted comics creators, cosplay contests, exhibitors, parties, video game tournaments and more.

This will be the only cruise appearance for Reedus. Others scheduled to appear include Ernie Hudson (Ghostbusters), Barry Bostwick (The Rocky Horror Picture Show, “Spin City”), Sara Underwood (“Attack of the Show”), Billy Martin (lead guitarist/keyboardist, Good Charlotte; artist, “TMNT”), Phil Ortiz(animator, “The Simpsons,” “Muppet Babies”), cosplayers Jackie Craft, Abby Dark Star and Zen Dragon. Additional celebrities and creators to appear aboard Wizard World Cruise will be announced in the coming weeks.

“We are excited to partner with Rose Tours for our first-ever Wizard World Cruise!,” said Randy Malinoff , Wizard World COO. “Rose Tours has the best reputation for providing the fans with a great experience on their celebrity cruises. And having Norman Reedus among our inaugural guests is the best treat we can give our loyal fans!”

A variety of packages will be available, starting at $749.00 per person. The Wizard World Cruise base package includes photos with the celebrities, all meals onboard as well as open bar, a special cruise-only gift item and access to all Wizard World events on the ship. The Norwegian Sky ( https://www.ncl.com/cruise-ship/sky) also features a casino, spa, full gym, basketball/volleyball court, arcade, 10 bars (all included), four restaurants (included) and three of Norwegian’s famed specialty restaurants.

For more on the 2016 Wizard World Cruise, visit http://www.wizardworldcruise.com .

This past weekend I had the pleasure of attending the 2016 Wizard World Comic Convention in St. Louis with my girlfriend, the famous cosplay-loving daughter of WDW Daily News’ creator. It would be an understatement to say that this convention was a smorgasbord of fandoms ranging from comics to movies, games, television and everything in between. Housed in America’s Center (the stadium of the former St. Louis Rams), the convention showcases gaming, vendors, artist booths, and panels with the weekend’s special guests.

Upon first entering the convention floor, we were immersed in a dojo of competitive electronic gaming.  The gaming area was cluttered with arcade consoles and PCs each playing a different yet equally immersive game. The big ticket items being promoted were the new installments of the Tekken and Dark Souls franchises. Street Fighter and Marvel vs. Capcom were just a few of the games that pitted competitors against each other in fiery combat. One of the highlights of my experience was looking onto the giant screen on stage and seeing Lou Ferrigno test his might on Marvel vs. Capcom with the very same green brute he originated so many years ago.

Next, we were off to the Exhibitor floor and Artist’s Alley. There, I witnessed countless pieces of merchandise that I had no clue I wanted until I first saw them. I will admit, I hovered at the booth where buyers could design their own combat-grade lightsaber for what seemed like a millennia before I finally decided I had to move on. Each booth had its own crowd to cater to and variety of products to offer. One aspect that surprised me the most was the popularity of the mystery boxed items, guaranteeing at least a certain price equivalent in assorted convention goodies. On the other side of the dome was where artists showcased their crafts for sale. Most artists specialized in art prints of the fandoms they belonged to in their own unique artistic style. Although I was a bit skeptical at first, I eventually caved and purchased a few pieces of art that suited my particular tastes.

Celebrity guest headliners of this weekend in St. Louis included Doctor Who cast members, Wizard World veterans, and crowd favorites David Tennant, Matt Smith and Billie Piper. Representing Netflix’s new hit shows based on Marvel comics were Charlie Cox and Elden Henson of Daredevil, and Mike Colter of Jessica Jones and the upcoming Luke Cage. Other guests such as William Shatner, Lou Ferrigno, James Marsters and many other icons of television and comics graced the convention with their presence. We decided to attend and thoroughly enjoyed the Daredevil panel, as I had recently become a fan of the show. The celebrity panels are a great way to see some of your favorite actors and artists outside of the world you know them, and in some cases can give you a whole new appreciation for their work.

But I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the reason why many of us go to these conventions. The fan-made costumes were phenomenal. I even got in on the action on Saturday and it was mind-blowing. Of course, that tends to happen when Deadpool asks to take a picture with you and your girlfriend in costume. And even if the costumes don’t get you, some of the clever t-shirts that others wear might do the trick. Truly the best part of the weekend was the costume contest, where contestants were paraded across a stage to display their hard work for the adoring masses. Whether or not you dress up, watching peoples’ faces light up as they recognize a character and ask for their picture is a treat all its own.

I recommend a Wizard World Convention to anyone wanting to satisfy their inner geek. There are still 13 more Wizard World conventions scheduled across the country for the rest of 2016, with the next coming to Madison, Wisconsin from April 8-10. No matter where you are, there is a Wizard World coming to a city near you. Go online to www.wizardworld.com for more information on events and how to purchase tickets. Hope to see you at the next one!

Take a look at some more photos from the 2016 Wizard World Comic Con at St. Louis, MO.

Coming Soon…. our write up of the event.

View Photo Gallery Part 1

Wizard World Official Site

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Take a look at some photos from the 2016 Wizard World Comic Con at St. Louis, MO.

Coming Soon….

Part 2 of our photo gallery and our write up of the event.

Wizard World Official Site

Read more

Wizard World fans have shown their love and devotion to all things pop culture for years. Now couples can put their love for each other on full display as Wizard World, Inc. (OTCBB: WIZD) has teamed up with noel.events founded by world leading event designerTom Noel to bring themed weddings to the popular comic con and gaming convention circuit throughWizard World Weddings .

Interested couples can choose from a variety of all-inclusive packages or create their own custom events, to be held in conjunction with Wizard World shows throughout the country. With the help of noel.events fans can turn their perfect wedding visions into reality.

“It seems fans are getting engaged at every Wizard World show, so this is a natural next step,” said John Macaluso , CEO, Wizard World Inc. “We’re happy to be working with noel.events and event designerTom Noel to help make Wizard World a memorable part of their dream weddings. Love is in the air!”

Fans can learn more about Wizard World Weddings and how to get started at http://www.noel.events/wizard-world/

Wizard World events bring together thousands of fans of all ages to celebrate the best in pop-fi, pop culture, movies, television, cosplay, comics, gaming, sci-fi, graphic novels, toys, anime, original art, collectibles, contests and more. The 2016 Tour schedule is currently comprised of 19 events, in major cities such as New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, Minneapolis and others.

Horror fans across the Midwest will again be treated to the best in genre film as Bruce Campbell’s Horror Film Festival returns to the Chicago area from August 18-21. The 3rd annual festivities will feature dozens of films including the U.S. and World Premieres of both features and shorts, special anniversary screenings, 35mm repertory screenings, and a variety of special guests. The festival will once again be held in conjunction with Wizard World Chicago, all under the guidance of the inimitable, one-of-a-kind host, Bruce Campbell.

Submissions are now open for both short and feature films; details and information on how to submit are available at www.BCHFF.com .

“As the Festival enters its third year, we are more excited than ever,” said Campbell. “The number of quality films exploded last year and we hope to have the same type of growth in 2016. Our goal is to become the premiere destination for all things horror, so filmmakers submit your movies!”

In 2015, BCHFF featured the U.S. Premiere of Tales of Halloween , a 30th anniversary screening of Fright Night with writer/director Tom Holland , special guest Eli Roth, along with the Chicago premieres of He Never Died, Turbo Kid, Dude Bro Party Massacre III, and many more!

Further details on the program, guests, venues, and tickets will be announced at a later date.

Tom Hiddleston (“Loki”) has been added to the Wizard World Philadelphia roster. He will attend on Saturday, June 4, only.

Hiddleston, who appeared in Thor: The Dark World, The Avengers and Thor, will also be featured in the lead role this month’s I Saw the Light, about the life of country-western singer Hank Williams. The London-born star has top billing in the series “The Night Manager” and had a co-starring role in last year’s hit film Crimson Peak.