SDCC Announces First 30 Special Guests for 2012

Comic-Con International has announced the first 30 special guests for their 2012 convention.

• » Bill Amend
• » Sergio Aragonés
• » Kate Beaton
• » Mike Carey
• » Geof Darrow
• » Mark Evanier
• » Gary Gianni
• » Larry Hama
• » Gilbert Hernandez
• » Jaime Hernandez
• » Mario Hernandez
• » Klaus Janson
• » N.K. Jemisin
• » Karl Kerschl
• » Jim Lee
• » Paul Levitz
• » Andy Mangels
• » Rudy Nebres
• » George Pérez*
• » Nate Powell
• » John Romita Jr.
• » Brandon Sanderson
• » Doug Savage
• » Mark Schultz
• » Jason Shiga
• » Herb Trimpe
• » Morrie Turner
• » Michael Uslan
• » Trevor Von Eeden
• » Mark Waid

Editor’s Note: George Perez has since announced via his Facebook page that he has had to cancel his appearance there this year.

William Shatner, Stan Lee, and Many More Headline Wizard World New Orleans Comic Con 2012

Press Release:

William Shatner, Stan Lee, Adam Baldwin, Mary McDonnell, James Marsters, Michael Biehn, WWE® Diva Kelly Kelly™ Among Headliners At 2012 Wizard World New Orleans Comic Con, January 28-29 At Ernest N. Morial Convention Center

Superstar Artists George Perez, Greg Horn, Jesus Merino, Tyler Kirkham, Arthur Suydam And Many Others Scheduled To Appear

North America’s largest pop-culture tour opens the 2012 season as Wizard World New Orleans Comic Con, a huge success in its inaugural event last year, returns to the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, January 28-29, with standout guests William Shatner, Stan Lee, Adam Baldwin, Mary McDonnell, James Marsters, Michael Biehn and WWE® Diva Kelly Kelly™ headlining the list of celebrity attendees. The event, produced by Wizard World, Inc. (WIZD.PK) will bring together thousands of fans of all ages and dozens of celebrities and industry professionals 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.

Baldwin (FULL METAL JACKET, “Serenity”), Marsters (“Buffy: The Vampire Slayer,” “Caprica”), and Biehn (THE TERMINATOR, THE ABYSS) will attend both days, while Shatner (“Star Trek,” “Boston Legal”), Lee (“Spider-Man,” “X-Men” co-creator), Academy Award Nominee and Emmy Award Nominee McDonnell (“Battlestar Galactica,” DANCES WITH WOLVES), Kelly and Ryder are currently scheduled to appear on Saturday.

“Wizard World New Orleans Comic Con was a huge first event for us in 2011, and we have even more in store for this year,” said John Macaluso, Wizard World Board of Directors. “TV and movie stars like William Shatner, Adam Baldwin, Mary McConnell and James Marsters, a comics icon like Stan Lee, two WWE stars and many superstar creators make it a pop culture extravaganza, and a great way to kick off the 2012 Tour.”

The lineup of superstar artists at Wizard World New Orleans Comic Con is also impressive, including George Pérez (“Superman,” “JSA”), Jesus Merino (“Avengers Forever,” “Superman/Batman”), Félix Ruiz (“Halo: Fall Of Reach – Boot Camp,” “Marvel Zombies 5), Tyler Kirkham (“Green Lantern: New Guardians,” “Amazing Spider-Man”), Barry Kitson (“Uncanny X-Force,” “Spider-Man”), Greg Horn (“Spider-Man: Turn off the Dark,” “X-Force”), Bernie Wrightson (“Batman,” “House of Mystery”), Norm Breyfogle (“Batman Beyond, “Life with Archie”) and Arthur Suydam (“Marvel Zombies,” “Army of Darkness”) and dozens of others.

Other popular celebrity guests scheduled to be on hand in New Orleans include Paul McGillion (“Stargate: Atlantis,” “Star Trek”), Norman Reedus (“The Walking Dead,” BOONDOCK SAINTS I & II), Sean Patrick Flanery (BOONDOCK SAINTS I & II, SAW 3D), Diora Baird (TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE: THE BEGINNING, WEDDING CRASHERS), Jennifer Blanc (“Dark Angel,” “Party of Five”), Doug Jones (FANTASTIC FOUR, HELLBOY), Peter Mayhew (STAR WARS), Lou Ferrigno (“The Incredible Hulk”) and Chandler Riggs (“The Walking Dead”).

Join tens of thousands of fellow fans as they converge on the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center at New Orleans Comic Con to celebrate the best in pop culture. New Orleans Comic Con brings it all – Movies, Comics, Toys, Video Gaming, Games, TV, Graphic Novels, Horror, Wrestling, MMA, Original Art, Collectibles, Anime, Manga & More! This is Louisiana’s best new Comic Con! New Orleans Comic Con is brought to you by the group who produces the most widely attended Comic Con tour!

Via Wizard World

FL – JLA 100 Project Auction

George Pérez, Paul Levitz, and Alex Saviuk sign at Tate’s Comics on January 21, 2012 from 5-8pm with a Hero Initiative auction following.

Press Release:

The social event of the season will take place January 21, 2012 at Tate’s Comics in Lauderhill, FL, in the Miami-Ft. Lauderdale area. Tate’s famous Bear and Bird Gallery will display 297 vintage DC Comics cover proofs from 1964-1974 that once belonged to legendary DC Editor Julius Schwartz. To kick off the exhibition, Tate’s is hosting in-store signing with Paul Levitz, George Pérez, and Alex Saviuk on January 21 as well. In addition, the second leg of Hero Initiative’s “Justice League of America 100 Project” auction will take place on the same evening. All proceeds from this big event benefit Hero Initiative, the non-profit organization that helps comic creators in medical and financial need.

“Proof of Heroes” is a gallery exhibition running January 20th thru March 3rd which will feature nearly 300 comic book cover printer’s proofs, spanning a decade (1964-1974) of Julius Schwartz’ 42 year run as Editor at DC Comics. All the cover proofs in this collection will be available for sale at the price of $100 each, and include a Certificate of Authenticity.

When The Hero Initiative approached Tate’s Comics about the idea of showcasing this collection in their upstairs gallery space, Bear and Bird, they jumped at the chance.

“These unique and cool cover proofs are an important part of DC Comics history,” said store owner Tate Ottati. “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to offer a great gallery event for our customers, and to also help out The Hero Initiative with their very worthwhile cause.”

The “Proof of Heroes” Gallery Show Reception will be held January 21 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., immediately after the signing from 5pm-8 p.m.

During the Proof of Heroes reception, the JLA 100 Project live auction will begin promptly at 6:00 p.m. The Justice League of America 100 Project is an exhibition and auction of original covers created by 100 well-known modern comic book superstars, including Alan Davis, George Pérez, John Romita and Alex Ross. On January 20 and 21, fans will have the opportunity to view this travelling action at Tate’s.

“I’m thrilled to be part of such a great project, and also showcased among so many of the greatest artists in the world,” said Hero Initiative Chairman George Pérez. “And of course, it’s wonderful that sales of the covers will go toward helping many comic creators in need.”

This project represents Hero Initiative’s first major collaboration with DC Comics. In addition to the on-site auction of one-third of the featured covers, both hardcover and softcover editions of The Justice League of America 100 Project, a book collecting all the covers, will be available for sale.

“We are honored to support such a worthwhile cause and encourage DC Comics fans to participate in these Hero Initiative auctions that offer one-of-a-kind Justice League #50 covers,” stated Dan DiDio, co-publisher of DC Entertainment.

If you cannot make this once-in-a-lifetime event and would like to bid on one of these magnificent covers, proxy bidding is available by contacting Joe Davidson at: yensid4disney@gmail.com. Deadline for proxy bids is January 10, 2012.

Tate’s Comics
4566 N. University Drive, Lauderhill, FL 33351

Wizard World Beams Up William Shatner for the New Orleans Comic Con 2012

Press Release:

Big Easy Beam:  William Shatner To Attend 2012 Wizard World New Orleans Comic Con

Iconic Star of “Star Trek,” “T.J. Hooker,” “Boston Legal” To Appear Saturday, January 28 At Ernest N. Morial Convention Center

NEW YORK and NEW ORLEANS, December 5, 2011 – William Shatner, who has starred in popular television series and movies for more than five decades, will attend 2012 Wizard World New Orleans Comic Con, it was announced today.  Shatner, whose most well-known credits include lead roles in “Star Trek,” “T.J. Hooker” and “Boston Legal,” will appear on Saturday, January 28, at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.

Instantly recognizable to several generations of cult TV fans as the square-jawed Capt. James T. Kirk, commander of the starship USS Enterprise, Shatner went on to star in several feature films in the “Star Trek” franchise’s revival in the 1980′s.  He also won two Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe Award for his portrayal of attorney Denny Crane in the television dramas “The Practice” and its spin-off “Boston Legal,” and currently hosts the edgy, off-beat Biography channel original talk show “Shatner’s Raw Nerve.”

“William Shatner is a television and movie icon to the highest degree,” said John Macaluso, Wizard World Board of Directors.  “He has entertained millions of fans over the last half-century, and Wizard World New Orleans Comic Con attendees are ecstatic to have the chance to meet him in person.”

Shatner joins a list of standout guests that includes Adam Baldwin, Mary McDonnell, James Marsters, Michael Biehn, WWE® Diva Kelly Kelly™ and WWE® Superstar Zack Ryder™.  The event, produced by Wizard World, Inc. (WIZD.PK) will bring together thousands of fans of all ages and dozens of celebrities and industry professionals 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.

The roster of top artists at Wizard World New Orleans Comic Con is also impressive, including Carlos Pacheco (“X-Men,” “Green Lantern”), George Pérez (“Superman,” “JSA”), Jesus Merino (“Superman,” “Superman/Batman”), Félix Ruiz (“Halo: Fall Of Reach – Boot Camp,” “Marvel Zombies 5), Tyler Kirkham (“Green Lantern: New Guardians,” “Amazing Spider-Man”), Barry Kitson(“Uncanny X-Force,” “Spider-Man”), Greg Horn (“Spider-Man: Turn off the Dark,” “X-Force”), Bernie Wrightson (“Batman,” “House of Mystery”), Norm Breyfogle (“Batman Beyond, “Life with Archie”), Arthur Suydam (“Marvel Zombies,” “Army of Darkness”) and dozens of others.

Children and adult attendees are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite villain, superhero or pop culture personality for the chance to win special prizes in costume contests.  Event-goers may also try their hand interactive product exhibits and shop for collectible comics, movie and television memorabilia, toys and games at scores of dealer booths.

New Orleans Comic Con is the first stop on Wizard World’s 2012 North American tour.  Hours are Saturday, January 28, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.; and Sunday, January 29, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.  Tickets are available in advance online at http://www.wizardworldcomiccon.com/neworleans.html at a savings over tickets purchased at the door.  Advance adult single-day tickets are priced at $25 ($30 on site); weekend all-session tickets are $40 ($45 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.

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. Wizard World also produces Wizard World Digital, an online publication covering new and upcoming products and talents in the pop culture world, and is distributed on a weekly basis to online and iPad users worldwide.

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

***** SAVE THE 2012 DATES *****
January 28-29 – New Orleans Comic Con
April 14-15 – Toronto Comic Con
June 1-3 – Philadelphia Comic Con
August 9-12 – Chicago Comic Con
September 29-30 – Mid-Ohio Comic Con
TBD, 2012 – Big Apple Comic Con
TBD, 2012 – Austin Comic Con

FL – Superman Signing

George Perez signs and sketches at Heroes Landing on Saturday, December 17, 2011 from noon to 4pm!

Press Release:

Don’t miss a chance to meet comic artist and legend, George Perez, at Heroes Landing comic shop. George’s work includes the Avengers, Wonder Woman, Teen Titans, Fantastic Four, and most recently Superman as part of DC Comics’ New 52! He is co-chairman of the comic industry charity The Hero Initiative and is involved in the Clermont Community Theatre – The Moonlight Players.

George will do quick head sketches for $20 a piece with proceeds benefiting the Moonlight Players Theatre. He will autograph items of his work for free however donations to benefit the Theatre are appreciated. The event is expected to draw large crowds and depending on time needed for the artist renderings, attendee numbers may be capped. Customers are advised to arrive early.

Heroes Landing
12348 Roper Blvd, Clermont, FL 34711

Hero Initiative Schedule at Dragon*Con 2011

Press Release:

Hero Initiative, the non-profit organization that raises money for comic creators in need, is proud to announce its attendance at Dragon*Con over labor day weekend, September 2nd through 5th in Atlanta, Georgia. Hero will be located at Booth #BT23.

Hero’s special guests include world-renown artists Steve Dillon and George Pérez. Dillon is the artist of the critically acclaimed Preacher and Wolverine: Origin. Pérez, the longtime artist of New Teen Titans and Avengers, is also writing the relaunched Superman for DC Comics, which starts in September. Both have generously committed their time to raise money for Hero Initiative at Dragon*Con, so stop by booth BT23 and be the lucky recipient of a sketch or signature while contributing to a wonderful cause.

Captain America writer/artist Karl Kesel will also be at the Hero booth on Sunday. While you are getting a coveted sketch ask our helpful volunteers about becoming a Hero Initiative member! Do It!

Schedule is as follows:

FRIDAY, SEP. 2 (con hours 1-8)

130-330: Steve Dillon
330-530: George Pérez
530-730: Steve Dillon

SATURDAY, SEP. 3 (con hours 10-8)

1030-1230: George Pérez and Roz Friday
1230-230: Steve Dillon
430-630: Steve Dillon

SUNDAY, SEP. 4 (con hours 10-8)

1030-1230: Steve Dillon
1230-230: Karl Kesel
230-430: George Pérez
430-630: Steve Dillon
630-800: George Pérez

MONDAY, SEP. 5 (con hours 10-4)

1030-1230: Steve Dillon
1230-230: George Pérez

About The Hero Initiative

The Hero Initiative is the first-ever federally chartered not-for-profit corporation dedicated strictly to helping comic book creators in need. Hero creates a financial safety net for yesterday’s creators who may need emergency medical aid, financial support for essentials of life, and an avenue back into paying work. It’s a chance for all of us to give back something to the people who have given us so much enjoyment.

UPDATED: George Perez Announces Dragon*Con 2011 Schedule

UPDATE: George has announced that the $20 price for head sketches was incorrect and will instead be $25; these are to benefit the Hero Initiative.

Via Facebook, George Perez, writer and cover artist for Superman in the New DC 52, has announced his schedule for Dragon*Con:

My Dragon*Con schedule is now set. I will be doing sketches and autographing books to raise money for the Hero Initiative at the following times: Friday: 3:30-5:30 (with Rosalind Friday); Saturday: 10:30-12:30; Sunday 12:30-2:30 & 6:30-8 and Monday from 12:30-2:30.

Due to limited booth time, I will only be drawing quickie head sketches at $25 apiece instead of my usual lottery method for more finished sketches. This will be on a first come, first served basis, so get to me as soon as possible. I will be limiting my sketches to one per customer in line. You can, however get back on the line if you want to try to get another. (Autographs are free, although I will request a donation if you have more than five books to sign. I’m looking forward to seeing a lot of my fans there.

FL – Hero Initiative Signing

The inimitable George Pérez appears at Acme Comics in Longwood, FL on Saturday, July 2 from 11 AM ’til 2 PM signing autographs and doing quick sketches for benefit of the Hero Initiative.

Acme Comics
905 E State Road 434, Longwood, FL 32750

Stan Lee Returning to Pittsburgh Comicon in 2012

Via Pittsburgh Comicon:

Stan “The Man” Lee is returning to the Pittsburgh Comicon, April 21-23, 2012.  We are thrilled to have Stan back in the Burgh!!  Stan is joining a guest list that already includes J. Scott Campbell, George Perez, Jim Balent, Scott McDaniel and we’re just getting started.  This is going to be our biggest show ever with more surprises on the way!!!!  Tickets are on sale now at our website www.pittsburghcomicon.com

More details about Stan’s appearance will be forthcoming. Stay tuned for other great announcements at www.pittsburghcomicon or you can keep up with all the convention news on our Facebook Page or follow us on Twitter. (pitt_comicon)

We’ll be back in touch with more exciting news soon!!!

Patrick A. Thomas
Marketing Director – Pittsburgh Comicon

Pittsburgh Comicon
April 21, 22, 23, 2012
Monroeville Convention Center

Hero Initiative Announces MegaCon 2011 Schedule

Press Release:

Hero Initiative travels to MegaCon!
Special Iron Man screening
And several famous friends hanging at the booth!

March 21, 2011: Hero Initiative will be traveling to MegaCon, the southeast’s largest comic book, science fiction/fantasy, anime, toys and gaming convention. The event will take place March 25 thru 27 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. You can purchase tickets directly by logging onto: You can purchase your tickets to Megacon using Hero Initiative’s special link online at: https://www.megaconvention.com/shop/partner/hero/

Use this link, and MegaCon will donate a portion of each ticket purchase to Hero at NO extra cost to you—a true win/win!

In the evening after your MegaCon day is through on Friday, March 25, we heartily encourage you to truck on over to the Regal Pointe Orlando Stadium Cinema Regal Point Orlando Stadium Cinema, 9101 International Drive, and check out a comics classic—Iron Man! You can get in to a special MegaCon-sponsored 9 PM showing for a mere $5, and your ticket stub will even get you 20% off at Hooter’s, and free cover at the Ice Bar. The Regal Pointe Orlando Stadium Cinema is RIGHT down the street from the convention center. You don’t even have to turn off International Drive! Hope to see you there to support Hero’s great cause!

Make sure you stop by our booth, #624, and pick up our newest release, Archie: 50 Times an American Icon, and get it signed by Joe Jusko, Dan Parent, Mike Perkins, George Perez and Jim Valentino! Saturday only, Rachael Carr, the hostess of Love101TV.com

Talent line up as follows!

Friday, March 25 (hours 12-7)
1200-200: George Pérez
1230-130: Khoi Pham
130-230: Tim Sale
130-230: Mark Waid
230-330: Roy Thomas
300-400: Jim Valentino
400-600: George Pérez

Saturday, March 26 (hours 10-6)
1030-1230: George Pérez
1100-1200: Rachael Carr
1230-200: Denny O’Neil
230-330: Dan Panosian, Dave Johnson
230-330: Mark Waid
330-430: Rachael Carr
330-530: George Pérez

Sunday, March 27 (hours 10-5)
1030-1130: George Pérez
1145-1230: Jim Valentino
100-300: George Pérez

 

About The Hero Initiative:

The Hero Initiative is the first-ever federally chartered not-for-profit corporation dedicated strict to helping comic book creators in need. Hero creates a financial safety net for yesterday’s creators who may need emergency medical aid, financial support for essentials of life, and an avenue back into paying work. It’s a chance for all of us to give back something to the people who have given us so much enjoyment.

Since its inception, The Hero Initiative has had the good fortune to grant over $400,000 to the comic book veterans who have paved the way for those in the industry today. For more information, visit www.heroinitiative.org or call 626-676-6354.

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