| Jim Shooter, the former editor-in-chief of Marvel Comics, Matt Hawkins, President/COO of Top Cow since 1998, Angel Medina, artist on The Incredible Hulk, Avengers and The Amazing Spider-Man, and Mike Grell, writer and artist on iconic strips and characters from Superboy to Tarzan to Batman, headline Artist Alley at Wizard World Chicago on October 15-17. The three will be joined by more than 100 others of international, national and local acclaim at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center. Among the other notables on hand will be Dan Parent (Archie Comics), Dan Didio (DC Comics), Kevin Maguire (Justice League, Batman Confidential), Pat Broderick (Firestorm, Green Lantern), Georges Jeanty (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Stephane Roux (Harley Quinn, Zatanna), John Delaney (DC Adventures, Simpsons, Futurama), Tone Rodriguez (Simpsons, Futurama ), Jeremy Clark (Broken Gargoyles, TMNT: The Last Ronin), Dr. Travis Langley (Batman and Psychology, Doctor Who Psychology), Meg Bonney (Everly), Greg Peters (Animaniacs) and Joe Wos (Mazetoons). Shooter, the founder of valiant, Defiant and Broadway Comics, wrote Superboy, Legion of Super-Heroes, Superman and other titles. He will appear on Saturday only. Hawkins has created or written more than 30 new franchises for the publisher of titles such as Witchblade, Death Vigil and Aphrodite IX. Medina has worked on dozens of titles for Megaton, Marvel, Image and others. Grell has been in the industry for nearly a half-century, most famously revamping Green Arrow, writing and occasionally drawing a redesigned look for the hero. Artist Alley at Wizard World also features the dedicated Creative Stage, where many artists and writers will share tips and techniques in fun, interactive sessions throughout the three days. Chicagoland will again be well represented, with numerous local creators in Artist Alley. Among those are: Chris Ness (prints/paintings), Adam Michaels (watercolors and inks), Josh Dizon (fine art), Scott Welninsk (3D prints), Megan Rosenberg (prints, cross stitches), Patrick Olsen (pencil art, digital art), Amanda Mayer (metal jewelry), Vheto Gutierrez (illustrations), Darryl Young (art prints), Arthur Lashkiba (digital art), Christine Chang (traditional, digital media), Nicky Poblador (Chicago themed fan art), Luis Colindres (illustrations), Tristan Young (fine art, illustrations), Coleton Mastick (illustrations), John Anthony Rodriguez (canvas, comics), David Stankowicz (illustrations), Jerry Willoughby (comic books), Justin Lowe (accessories), Darrel Damper (illustrations and comics), Rich Kunz (canvas prints), Marcus Lucas (“The Chronicles of Ebonics”) and Kris Voss (illustrations and comics). Wizard World Chicago will also feature non-stop live entertainment, gaming, exclusive Q&A sessions with top celebrities, movie screenings hosted by stars and directors and more. Details to follow soon, along with programming and entertainment stage schedules. Wizard World events bring together thousands of fans of all ages to celebrate the best in pop culture: movies, television, gaming, live entertainment, cosplay, comics, sci-fi, graphic novels, toys, original art, collectibles, contests and more. Show hours are Friday, October 15, 4-9 p.m.; Saturday, October 16, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; and Sunday, October 17, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Kids 10 and under are admitted free with paid adult. Wizard World Chicago 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 evening. Wizard World Chicago 2021 will also mark the final event under the Wizard World brand name. As previously announced, beginning in 2022, former Wizard World events held in Chicago as well as New Orleans, Portland, Cleveland, St. Louis and Philadelphia will be produced under the FAN EXPO name. Wizard World will continue to operate the Wizard World Vault and will be participating at all FAN EXPO events. Tickets start at $39.99. About Wizard World: Wizard World Live produces comic, gaming, and pop culture conventions across North America that celebrate the best in pop culture: movies, television, gaming, live entertainment, cosplay, tech, comics, sci-fi, graphic novels, toys, original art, collectibles, contests, and more. Each event features topical programming and entertainment with celebrity Q&A’s, comics-themed sessions, costume contests, movie screenings, evening parties and more. |
