Wizard Announces New Orleans Comic Con 2011 Programming

Press Release:

James Marsters Concert, “Buffyfest,” Billy Dee Williams, “Batman” Panels, Lou Gossett Jr. Spotlight, Live Art Show/After Party Highlight New Orleans Comic Con Programming

Julie Benz, Ray Park, “Walking Dead” Q&A’s, Artist Schools Also On Tap This Weekend

NEW ORLEANS, January 19, 2011 – Wizard World New Orleans Comic Con today announced its diverse programming schedule, featuring a James Marsters concert, unique celebrity Q&A’s, artist schools, costume contests and more for the event, set for Saturday and Sunday at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.

Some of the highlights include:

* A live concert featuring singer-songwriter-actor James Marsters
* “Wizard Spotlight” with legendary actor Louis Gossett Jr.
* Rare Q&A panels with Marsters, Julie Benz and Ray Park, as well as popular Comic Con guests Billy Dee Williams, Walter Koenig, Adam West and Burt Ward
* Two “Buffy: The Vampire Slayer” panels, featuring twins Nicholas Brendon and Kelly Donovon, and Clare Kramer and James Charles Leary
* ‘Walking Dead’ Q&A with stars Chandler Riggs, Keisha Tillis and Adrian Kali Turner
* Wizard Art School and Q&A’s featuring leading artists like David Mack, Bill Sinkiewicz, Cameron Stewart, Kevin Maguire, Yanick Paquette, Phil Jimenez and others
* Wizard World New Orleans Comic Con Live Art Show and After Party with Kody Chamberlain and Rob Guillory at Hey! Cafe (4332 Magazine St.)
* The popular adult costume contest and fun kids costume contest with great prizes

Standard New Orleans Comic Con programming will take place in Room A and Room B at Hall H of the Morial Convention Center. All programming is included with admission to the event, with the exception of the James Marsters Concert, which requires an additional ticket. Seating for panels is strictly limited and available on a first come first serve basis and each room will be cleared between panels. The full schedule is below:

Saturday
11:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
WHO WANTS TO BE ON A REALITY SHOW? W/ JARRETT CRIPPEN ‘THE DEFUSER’
Have you ever wanted to be on a reality show? Are you curious as to what the producers are looking for? Come get inside tips about reality shows and what it takes to win from the winner of Stan Lee’s “Who Wants to be a Superhero?” Season II. The Defuser (Jarrett Crippen) will talk about and answer questions regarding the audition process, competition, living conditions and other topics related to his show and reality shows in general. (Room B)

12:00 p.m. – 12:45 p.m.
JAMES MARSTERS Q&A
Best known for his role as Spike, the platinum blonde vampire on hit shows “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Angel,” James Marsters answers questions about everything from his evolution from acting to music and back, and the projects he plans to conquer in the next few years. (Room A)

WIZARD ART SCHOOL W/ DAVID MACK AND BILL SIENKIEWICZ
Legendary artists and long-time friends David Mack (Kabuki) and Bill Sienkiewicz (Batman: The Widening Gyre covers) unite for this insider look at their art processes, and give advice and their personal dos and don’ts of the trade to new creators interested in sequential storytelling. (Room B)

1:00 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.
BILLY DEE WILLIAMS Q&A
Lando lands at New Orleans Comic Con, as the coolest man in Star Wars history sits down to take fan questions. (Room A)

THE ART OF ‘CHEW’ AND ‘SWEETS’
Indie art sensations Kody Chamberlain (Sweets) and Rob Guillory (Chew) join the Wizard World Comic Con Tour and discuss their breakout Image hits. (Room B)

2:00 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.
BUFFYFEST Q&A W/ NICHOLAS BRENDON AND KELLY DONOVAN
Buffy’s “Xander Harris” sits down with his sinister twin brother to take fan questions about life during and after the pop culture phenomenon. (Room A)

WIZARD ART SCHOOL W/ CAMERON STEWART, KEVIN MAGUIRE AND YANICK PAQUETTE
Three of comics most renowned storytellers—Cameron Stewart (Batman & Robin), Kevin Maguire (Justice League International) and Yanick Paquette (Batman, Inc.)—discuss art, storytelling and working with collaborators in the digital age. (Room B)

3:00 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.
BUFFYFEST Q&A W/ CLARE KRAMER AND JAMES CHARLES LEARY
Join “Buffy” stars Clare Kramer (Glory) and James Charles Leary (Clem) as the duo discuss the behind the scenes shenanigans and fun of shooting one of pop culture’s biggest hits. (Room A)

VICTOR GISCHLER Q&A
Famed novelist (Go-Go Girls of the Apocalypse) and comic book scribe Victor Gischler (X-Men: Curse of the Mutants) talks about his recent runs on X-Men and Deadpool as well as his novel background and his rise in comics. (Room B)

4:00 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.
BATMAN AND ROBIN Q&A W/ ADAM WEST AND BURT WARD
The original ’60s “Dynamic Duo” re-teams for this one-of-a-kind Q&A, where Batman and Robin drop their masks and talk about their lady co-stars, the villains they faced and the wild nights after the show! (Room A)

SUPERSTARS OF WRESTLING
W/ KEVIN NASH
Professional grappler Kevin Nash pile drives and body slams your questions into the mat! (Room B)

5:00 p.m. – 5:45 p.m.
AARON DOUGLAS Q&A
Best known for his role on “Battlestar Galactica” as Chief Galen Tyrol, Aaron Douglas can now be seen on “Hellcats” on The CW, and here he answers all your questions during this exclusive Wizard World New Orleans Comic Con session. (Room A)

THE SOUND OF MUSICAL INTERLUDE W/ ETHAN VAN SCIVER
The halls are alive with the sound of…“music.” Ethan Van Sciver (Flash: Rebirth) invites you to spend the hour trapped in a small room discussing cannibalism, Wolverine, deviancy and all manner of filth and disease through the art of song. Not since Liberace has anyone tickled the ivories with such aplomb. Well, Richard Marx was good. But Ethan is good, too! Come and see! (Room 3)

6:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
KIDS’ COSTUME CONTEST
Bring any kids 10 and under for this special event with great prizes just for families and the youngsters. (Room A)

6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
ADULT COSTUME CONTEST
Get your best costume together and come on down to the Wizard World New Orleans Comic Con costume contest for huge prizes and some of the craziest outfits you’ll see this weekend. (Room A)

9:00 p.m. -10:00 p.m.
JAMES MARSTERS CONCERT
After enjoying sell-out crowds across the nation, singer/songwriter James Marsters performs a rare and intimate concert up close and personal with Wizard World fans. NOTE: ADDITIONAL TICKET REQUIRED. (Room A)

9:00 p.m.
THE WIZARD WORLD NEW ORLEANS COMIC CON LIVE ART SHOW AND AFTER PARTY W/ KODY CHAMBERLAIN AND ROB GUILLORY
Music by DJ Rüs with Jeff Hebert on drums Join us for this special after-hours event hosted by Kody Chamberlain (Sweets, 30 Days of Night) and Rob Guillory (Chew), and watch some of your favorite comic artists create original work from start to finish right before your eyes. This is a rare opportunity to hang out, network, and get to know some of the top artists in the business. Who knows, you may even get to own an original masterpiece! This is a free event; must be 18 to enter.
LOCATION: Hey! Café, 4332 Magazine St. (Corner of Magazine & Napoleon Ave.)

Sunday
11:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
JULIE BENZ Q&A
The star of hit shows like “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” “Dexter” and “No Ordinary Family,” Julie Benz talks to fans about her extensive career, ups and downs in the industry and her thoughts on the new generation of sci-fi and fantasy on television. (Room A)

TERRY MOORE Q&A
The Strangers in Paradise and Echo creator takes fan questions on his plethora of critically acclaimed and fan-favorite comics as well as talks about his upcoming plans. (Room B)

12:00 p.m. – 12:45 p.m.
CLAUDIA CHRISTIAN Q&A PANEL W/ ‘LOOK’ PREVIEW
“Babylon 5” beauty Claudia Christian shares the secrets to her multi-faceted success, and previews a sneak peek of her new Showtime series “Look.” (Room A)

WIZARD ART SCHOOL W/ PHIL JIMENEZ AND JASON PEARSON
Superstar artists Phil Jimenez (Adventure Comics) and Jason Pearson (upcoming Astonishing X-Men) assemble to give out their tips on refining your art, pitching to Marvel and DC, and any other sound advice they can think of about working in comics (Room B)

1:00 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.
RAY PARK Q&A
The “X-Men” and “Star Wars: Episode I—The Phantom Menace” star engages fans in this one-of-a-kind Q&A, where he discusses his extensive film biography and his evolution to genre icon. (Room A)

STORYTELLING W/ MICHAEL GOLDEN
No matter if you’re a writer, artist or a reader of comics, come for this sit-down with one of the most renowned storytellers in the business, Michael Golden, as he tells you a few tricks of the trade that will help you no matter what type of story you tell or enjoy, in whatever medium. It’s a rare opportunity to talk with the co-creator of X-Men’s Rogue, and groundbreaking penciler on such projects as Bucky O’Hare, The ‘Nam, Micronauts, G.I. Joe, and much more. (Room B)

2:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
WIZARD SPOTLIGHT: LOUIS GOSSETT JR.
Screen legend and Academy Award winner Louis Gossett Jr. (“Officer and a Gentleman,” “The Punisher,” “Iron Eagle,” “Enemy Mine”) joins the Wizard World Comic Con Tour and sits down for this exciting Q&A, telling the behind-the-scenes stories from the set and answering the questions you’ve always wanted to ask. (Room A)

MIKE GRELL AND MARK RYAN
The legendary comics icon behind classic Legion of Super-Heroes Tales and Warlord, Mike Grell, teams up with Transformers voice actor Mark Ryan (the voice of Bumblebee) to answer fan questions. (Room B)

3:00 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.
WALTER KOENIG Q&A
The original “Star Trek” series’ Pavel Chekov, Walter Koenig beams into this Q&A, where he’ll answer any and all questions from the elite Trek fans at New Orleans Comic Con. (Room A)

JAMES O’BARR Q&A
The Crow creator talks about his dark creation, new comics and the plans for a new Crow franchise in the movies. (Room B)

4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
‘WALKING DEAD’ Q&A W/ CHANDLER RIGGS, KEISHA TILLIS AND ADRIAN KALI TURNER
AMC’s ambitious horror series, based on Robert Kirkman’s ultra-hot zombie series from Image, now comes to life from director Frank Darabont (“The Green Mile”)! Check out amazing behind-the-scenes footage and extended clips along with a Q&A with stars from AMC’s show. (Room A)

The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center is located at 900 Convention Center Blvd. in New Orleans. New Orleans Comic Con is the first stop on Wizard’s 2011 North American tour, which to date has 13 events scheduled. Hours are Saturday, Jan. 29, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.; and Sunday, Jan. 30, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.. Tickets are available in advance or by calling 1-866-882-5860 and online at www.wizardworld.com/neworleans.html at up to a 15% savings over tickets purchased at the door. Advance adult single-day tickets are $25 ($30 on site); two-day weekend 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.

The freshly renovated New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center is an essential component of what makes the city’s major business events so successful. With 1.1 million square feet of contiguous exhibit space, the Convention Center is the sixth largest convention facility in the nation, and it consistently ranks in the country’s top ten of facilities that hold the most conventions and trade shows annually.

About Wizard Entertainment:
Gareb Shamus founded Wizard Entertainment in 1991. Today, Shamus publishes consumer magazines Wizard, ToyFare, FunFare and numerous books about pop-culture’s top talent, comic books and toys. Shamus also produces a North American Comic Con tour. Wizard World Comic Con – The Pop-Culture Capital of the World!

For the most recent event information please visit www.wizardworld.com and become a New Orleans Comic Con Fan on Facebook.

Wizard World New Orleans Comic Con Lines Up Headliners for 2011

Press Release:

James Marsters, Julie Benz, Louis Gossett Jr., Ray Park, Adam West, Burt Ward, Billy Dee Williams, Peter Tork Among Headliners At Wizard World New Orleans Comic Con, January 29-30 At New Orleans Morial Convention Center

Nicholas Brendon, Clare Kramer, Kelly Donovon Add to “Buffyfest New Orleans”; Ernie Hudson, Robyn Griggs, Claudia Christian, Walter Koenig Among 150+ Celebrity Guests, Leading Comics Artists, Creative Directors

NEW YORK and NEW ORLEANS, December 2010 – Wizard World New Orleans Comic Con opens the 2011 season for North America’s largest pop-culture tour, January 29-30 at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, in grand style, with superstar guests James Marsters, Julie Benz, Louis Gossett Jr., Ray Park, Adam West, Burt Ward, Billy Dee Williams and Peter Tork headlining the stellar list. The event will bring together thousands of fans of all ages and dozens of celebrities and industry professionals to celebrate the best in pop culture, movies, comics, toys, video gaming, television, gaming, original art, collectibles, contests and more.

Benz, who has also starred in “Dexter,” “No Ordinary Family,” and “Desperate Housewives,” and Marsters will be part of a “Buffyfest,” which has proven popular at other Wizard World shows and will include other “Buffy: The Vampire Slayer” stars Nicholas Brendon, Clare Kramer, James Leary and Kelly Donovan in New Orleans.

“We are excited to be bringing all these stars and the best comic creators to New Orleans,” said Gareb Shamus, Wizard World CEO. “We feel like fans there have been waiting for an event like New Orleans Comic Con to come to their backyard, and we are ready for a big first year.”

Other popular New Orleans Comic Con celebrity guests include Ernie Hudson (GHOSTBUSTERS), Walter Koenig (“Star Trek”), Robyn Griggs (“Another World,” “One Life to Live”), Claudia Christian (“Look”; “Babylon 5”), Mark Ryan ( TRANSFORMERS 1 and 2) and Cynthia Scott (ALIENS).

Fans can also meet their favorite comic creators and artists, including Kaare Andrews (“Astonishing X-Men”, “Iron Man”), Kody Chamberlain (“Sweets,” “Punks”), John Dell (“JLA,” “Adventure Comics”), Michael Golden (“Wolverine: First Class,” “New Exiles”), Mike Grell (“Green Lantern,” “Green Arrow”), Rob Guillory (“Chew”), Phil Jimenez (“Amazing Spider-Man,” “Astonishing X-Men”), John Layman (“Chew,” “Puffed”), Rob Liefeld (“Deadpool,” “Youngblood”), David Mack (“Kabuki,” “Daredevil”), Joe Madureira (“Darksiders,” “Uncanny X-Men”), Kevin Maguire (“Justice League,” “Batman Confidential”), Terry Moore (“Strangers in Paradise,” “Echo”), Yanick Paquette (“Batman,” “Superman”), Steve Scott (“X-Men Forever,” “Wolverine”) Bill Sienkiewicz (“Elektra,” “Assassin”), Cameron Stewart (“Batman & Robin,” “Catwoman”), Arthur Suydam (“Marvel Zombies,” “Batman”), Mark Texeira (“Wolverine,” “Spider-Man”), Renee Witterstaetter (“She Hulk,” “Avengers”) and Ethan Van Sciver (“Green Lantern,” “Superman/Batman”).

The New Orleans Comic Con Wrestling section includes the popular Kevin Nash and Booker T.

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 more than 100 dealer booths.

Special events at New Orleans Comic Con include the “Magic: The Gathering” and Yu-Gi-Oh card game tournaments, professional photo opportunities (Photo Ops), movie screenings with celebrities and others.

The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center is located at 900 Convention Center Blvd. in New Orleans. New Orleans Comic Con is the first stop on Wizard’s 2011 North American tour, which to date has 13 events scheduled. Hours are Saturday, Jan. 29, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.; and Sunday, Jan. 30, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.. Tickets are available in advance or by calling 1-866-882-5860 and online at www.wizardworld.com/neworleans.html at up to a 15% savings over tickets purchased at the door. Advance adult single-day tickets are $25 ($30 on site); two-day weekend 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.

The freshly renovated New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center is an essential component of what makes the city’s major business events so successful. With 1.1 million square feet of contiguous exhibit space, the Convention Center is the sixth largest convention facility in the nation, and it consistently ranks in the country’s top ten of facilities that hold the most conventions and trade shows annually.

About Wizard Entertainment:
Gareb Shamus founded Wizard Entertainment in 1991. Today, Shamus publishes consumer magazines Wizard, ToyFare, FunFare and numerous books about pop-culture’s top talent, comic books and toys. Shamus also produces a North American Comic Con tour. Wizard World Comic Con – The Pop-Culture Capital of the World!

MegaCon Announces 2011 Guest Updates

Press Release:

ORLANDO MEGACON ANNOUNCES 2011 GUEST UPDATES

MegaCon, the largest comic book, anime, gaming and multi media event in the Southeast, will take place March 25th – 27th, 2011 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL.

MegaCon Guests of Honor

Comic Book Legend Stan Lee and Star Trek Icon William Shatner

Comic book guests just added: Joe Jusko (Vampirella, Wolverine/Hercules), Greg Horn (Elektra, Emma Frost), Arthur Suydam (Marvel Zombies, Deadpool) and Darwyn Cooke (Justice League: The New Frontier, Batman/The Spirit)

Media Guests just added: James Marsters (Buffy/Angel)

New Event just added Speed Dating held on Friday and Saturday only!

Now available: Stan Lee advance autograph tickets and VIP tickets. These tickets guarantee an autograph with Stan Lee. Autographs will also be available at a first come first serve basis but these autographs will be limited. Check the website for additional information.

Also available: William Shatner VIP special evening event. Check the website for additional information.

Other events include: children events provided by the Skiffytown Heroes, paint and take room, RPG & LARP gaming events, anime events, LAN room, belly dancing, Indy Film Festival, movie trailers screening room, Saturday evening dance, and professional panel rooms.

The MegaCon guest list is constantly growing. Check www.MegaConvention.com frequently for more updates.

MegaCon 2011

Orange County Convention Center

Orlando, Florida

March 25th – 27th, 2010

Contact Info: info@megaconvention.com or www.megaconvention.com

BuffyFest Reunites Stars for New England Comic Con 2010

Press Release:

Six “Buffy: The Vampire Slayer” Stars Among Headliners at Wizard World New England Comic Con, Oct. 15-17 in Boston

Clare Kramer, Amber Benson, Mercedes McNab Join “Buffyfest;” Fantastic Four’s Doug Jones, “Antique Roadshow” Appraiser Gary Sohmers And 100+ Celebrity Guests, Leading Comics Artists, Creative Directors To Attend

NEW YORK and BOSTON – Wizard World New England Comic Con, part of North America’s largest pop-culture tour, is set for Friday through Sunday, October 15-17, at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston. The event will bring together thousands of fans of all ages and plenty of celebrities and industry professionals to celebrate the best in pop culture: movies, comics, toys, video gaming, television, gaming, original art, collectibles, contests and more.

Six actors who have portrayed beloved characters in “Buffy: The Vampire Slayer” and “Angel” will appear at the event. James Marsters, Charisma Carpenter, Nicholas Brendon, Amber Benson, Clare Kramer and Mercedes McNab are all scheduled to appear at the “BuffyFest” festival being done in partnership with CineQuest.com. The six guests will greet fans, sign autographs, take photographs and participate in panels and discussions that highlight their roles in the popular Joss Whedon television series.

“This is one of the biggest collections of ‘Buffy’ stars in one place,” said Gareb Shamus, Wizard World CEO. “New England Comic Con appeals to fans of all aspects of pop culture, from comics to television to movies to music to toys to video games and more.”

Other popular New England Comic Con celebrity guests include Ernie Hudson (GHOSTBUSTERS), Luciana Carro (“Battlestar Galactica,” “Caprica”), Doug Jones (FANTASTIC FOUR, HELLBOY) and Gary Sohmers (appraiser, “Antique Roadshow”).

Fans can also meet their favorite comic creators and artists, including Ethan Van Sciver (“Green Lantern,” “Superman/Batman”), Greg Horn (“Blackest Night,” “Elektra,” “Ms. Marvel”), Michael Golden (“Wolverine: First Class,” “New Exiles”), Mark Texeira (“Moon Knight,” “Ghost Rider”), Arthur Suydam (“Marvel Zombies,” “Batman”), Alé Garza (“Fathom,” “Cable,” “Batgirl”), Renee Witterstaetter (Editor – “She Hulk,” Colorist – “Avengers”) and many other national and local creators.

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 more than 100 dealer booths.

Special events at New England Comic Con include the “Magic: The Gathering” card game tournament, professional photo opportunities (Photo Ops) with celebrities and others to be announced.

The Hynes Convention Center is located at 900 Boylston Street in the Back Bay section of Boston. New England Comic Con is the sixth stop on Wizard’s eight-city 2010 North American tour. Hours are Friday, Oct. 15, 5-9 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 16, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.; and Sunday, Oct. 17, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (all times Eastern). Tickets are available in advance or by calling 1-866-882-5860 and online at www.wizardworld.com/newengland.html at up to a 15% savings over tickets purchased at the door. Advance adult single-day tickets are $25; three-day weekend tickets are $45, 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.

About Wizard Entertainment:
Gareb Shamus founded Wizard Entertainment in 1991. Today, Shamus publishes consumer magazines Wizard, ToyFare, FunFare and numerous books about pop-culture’s top talent, comic books and toys. Shamus also produces a North American Comic Con tour. Wizard World Comic Con – The Pop-Culture Capital of the World!

For the most recent event information please visit www.wizardworld.com and become a New England Comic Con Fan on Facebook.

Michael Golden Print Exclusive at Wizard World Chicago

Press Release:

Exclusives Abound at Wizard World Chicago Comic Con! And for the first time EVER, Michael Golden’s artwork will be featured as part of the VIP Package for the premiere upcoming pop-culture event!

Wizard World Chicago Comic Con is the place to be to collect exclusive prints, books, die cast cars, toys and other items, as more than 30 different pieces will be available only at the event, August 19-22 at the Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Ill.

But this eye-catching Power Girl piece by the co-creator of X-Men’s Rogue, is available ONLY as part of the VIP exclusives. And it’s certainly no mystery why Mr. G. was picked as part of this special promotion for the show.

During his career, Golden has been an editor at DC Comics as well as senior art director at Marvel Comics, and has worked on numerous movie production projects, including some currently in development. His art has been the focus of gallery shows in places as diverse as New York, Gijon and Barcelona, Antwerp and Brussels, and his class on storytelling has been conducted in Spain, Brussels, Canada, and the United States.

In addition to his groundbreaking art on titles such as “The ‘Nam,” “Micronauts,”  “G.I. Joe Yearbook,” “The Avengers,” “Batman,” and “Dr. Strange,” Golden’s recent work can be seen on the covers of “Heroes for Hire,” “Exiles,” “Nightwing,” “Uncanny X-Men,” “Hulk Team-Up,” “Wonder Woman,” and  “Spiderman 1602,” among much more! Books on his work include the recent publications “Excess: The Art of Michael Golden,” “Modern Masters: Michael Golden,” “Heroes and Villains,” and “MORE Heroes and Villains,” most of which will be available from Michael in artist’s alley while supplies last.

Chicago Comic Con will easily be one of the top conventions of the year. And joining Golden at the event will be Eva Ink Artist Group contemporaries Mark Texeira and Steve Scott.

Currently Texeira is finishing up a Punisher limited series for Marvel Comics, and you no doubt know him from his stunning work on Ghost Rider, Moon Knight, Black Panther, Conan, and much more. Mark will have copies of his books “Babes and Brawn,” and “Tex: The Art of Mark Texeira,” at the show. 

Artist Steve Scott recently completed stints X-Men Forever, a Green Lantern special project and is currently working on a Batman story at DC Comics as well. At Wizard Chicago, Steve will be offering copies of his new sketchbook, “Steve Scott Sketches,” while supplies last, as well as some exclusive prints!

This year’s WWC also includes an impressive line-up from Hollywood including William Shatner, Linda Hamilton, James Marsters, Adam West, the Final Five Cylons from Battlestar Galactica, Linda Blair, Nicholas Brendon, Clare Kramer, Claudia Christian, Richard Roundtree, Julia Jones and many many more!

The line-up from the world of illustration and comics is also pretty amazing, and includes, along with Golden, Texeira, and Scott: Joe Madureira,  Arthur Suydam, Brian Pulido, J. Scott Campbell, Jim Calafiore, William Christensen,  Bill Sienkiewicz, Greg Horn, Stuart Sayger, Jill Thompson, Billy Tucci, Ethan Van Sciver, Leo Leibelman, James O’Barr,  Mike McKone, Geof Darrow, Gary Friedrich,  David Mack, Renee Witterstaetter, Mike Grell,  and tons more! It can certainly be said that Chicago Comic Con boasts one of the largest Artist Alley in the country!

In fact, this amazing event features over 500 special guests and celebrities from the world of comic books, film & television, wrestling, pop culture and more will be in attendance, and you will not want to miss out! And don’t forget to sign up for the VIP package featuring that fantastic Michael Golden Power Girl print as well!

Chicago Comic Con runs from August 19-22, 2010 at the Rosemont Convention Center. For more information, go to: http://www.wizardworld.com

For more information on commissions, and appearances of artists Michael Golden, Mark Texeira, Steve Scott and Eva Ink Artist Group, contact Renee at: evaink@aol.com

New York Comic Con Announces Celebrity Guests for 2010

Press Release:

NEW YORK COMIC CON ANNOUNCES GUESTS FROM ENTERTAINMENT WORLD

Celebrity Appearances at NYCC Span the Pop Culture Universe

Norwalk, CT, July 15, 2010: New York Comic Con (NYCC) has today announced a line up of celebrity actor guests who have starred in television, film and theater and who will appear at the show to autograph and mingle with fans. The introduction of these Special Guests highlights the scope of the convention’s guest appearances and underscores the broad appeal of New York Comic Con which has rapidly become a pre-eminent pop culture event. The entertainment guests who have been announced are: Christopher Judge, James Marsters, Katee Sackhoff, and Ian Whyte. They join other celebrity guests from the world of comics including Stan Lee, John Romita, Sr., and John Romita, Jr. among many others. Officials at NYCC recently announced a line up of comic guests including Adam Hughes, Steve McNiven, Steve Epting, Bob Layton and Greg Pak. The New York Comic will be co-located with the New York Anime Festival (NYAF) this year and will take place at the Jacob K. Javits Center in New York City, October 8 – 10, 2010. Both shows are produced by ReedPOP, a boutique group within Reed Exhibitions.

“These celebrity guests from the world of TV and film have contributed enormously to the pop culture world and they have helped bring iconic comic and pop culture characters to life,” notes Lance Fensterman, Vice President for ReedPOP and Show Manager for NYCC. “We are indebted to them for making their time available to us and for being available to our thousands of fans. This certainly proves how vast the pop culture universe is and we plan to include ALL of it at NYCC! This year’s show will be bigger than ever.”

With the exception of James Marsters, the celebrity guest appearances are sponsored by Celebrity Authentics and they will be appearing in the Celebrity Authentics booth. James Marsters will appear in Autograph Alley, as well as participate in panels and a Saturday (October 9, 2010) evening concert. Concert details and ticket information will be available soon at www.jamesmarsters.com. Information about autograph prices, times, etc. will be posted soon on the NYCC website. Tickets for NYCC and NYAF may also be purchased at the convention’s website, www.nycomiccon.com. Other information about the shows, as well as news about ReedPOP, which also organizes Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo (C2E2), is available at Lance Fensterman’s blog, www.mediumatlarge.net.

JAMES MARSTERS:

James Marsters may best be known for the role of Spike, the cult favorite punk-goth vampire from Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel. His credits also include Smallville, Torchwood, and Caprica. He’ll be signing in Autograph Alley and be performing a concert on Saturday night.

KATEE SACKHOFF:

As one of the stars of the critically acclaimed television series, Battlestar Galactica, Katee Sackhoff has wowed fans and critics alike with her portrayal of Kara “Starbuck” Thrace. Beyond Galactica, she’s well known as Dana Walsh on 24. Katee is appearing at the Celebrity Authentics booth.

CHRISTOPHER JUDGE:

Judge is best known as Teal’c from the Stargate saga. While at a friend’s house, Judge saw his friend’s roommate practicing for the ­SG-1 audition and was intrigued. While the roommate was away, Judge looked at the audition notes, then called his agent and insisted he get him an audition or lose him as a client. In addition to starring in SG-1, he has written three episodes for the series: “The Changeling”, “Birthright”, and “Sacrifices”. Christopher is appearing at the Celebrity Authentics booth

IAN WHYTE:

Actor Ian Whyte’s the man in the suit for all the Predators (thanks to computer technology) in Alien vs. Predator, and Alien vs. Predator: Requiem. He’s also one half of Madame Maxime in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire and can be seen in Clash of The Titans, DragonBall Evolution, and Solomon Kane. Ian is appearing at the Celebrity Authentics booth

ABOUT REEDPOP: ReedPOP is a boutique group within Reed Exhibitions which is exclusively devoted to organizing events, launching and acquiring new shows, and partnering with premium brands in the pop culture arena. ReedPOP is dedicated to producing celebrations of popular culture throughout the world that transcend ordinary events by providing unique access and dynamic personal experiences for consumers and fans. The ReedPOP portfolio includes: New York Comic Con (NYCC), Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo (C2E2), Penny Arcade Expo (PAX) East & West, Star Wars Celebration V, New York Anime Festival (NYAF), and UFC Fan Expo. The staff at ReedPOP is a fan based group of professionals producing shows for other fans, thus making them uniquely qualified to service those with whom they share a common passion. ReedPOP is focused on bringing its expertise and knowledge to world communities in North America, South America, Asia and Europe.

Previewing the Dragon*Con 2010 Guest List

The guest list for Atlanta’s Dragon*Con is always long (and this year’s is no exception) with someone interesting for fans of any genre. While everyone will have their favorites, I just thought that in addition to the recent addition of comics legend Stan Lee, I would highlight a few of the names that stand out to me for 2010:

• Sean Astin (Lord of the Rings)
• Morena Baccarin (Firefly/Serenity, V)
• Avery Brooks (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine)
• LeVar Burton (Star Trek: The Next Generation)
• Erica Cerra (Eureka)
• Daniel Cudmore (Twilight, X-Men)
• Jonathan Frakes (Star Trek: The Next Generation)
• Larry Hagman (Dallas, I Dream of Jeannie)
• Linda Hamilton (Terminator, Beauty & The Beast)
• Stan Lee – comic book legend
• Kellan Lutz (Twilight)
• James Marsters (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Smallville)
• Mike McKone (Teen Titans, Avengers Academy)
• Mike Mignola (Hellboy)
• Jason Momoa (Conan)
• Edward James Olmos (Battlestar Galactica)
• Adrian Pasdar (Heroes)
• George Perez – comics legend
• Sendhil Ramamurthy (Heroes)
• Elisabeth Rohm (Angel, Law & Order, Heroes)
• Michael Shanks (Stargate SG-1)
• Marina Sirtis (Star Trek: The Next Generation)
• Shawnee Smith (SAW)
• Kevin Sorbo (Hercules, Andromeda)
• Chaske Spencer (Twilight)
• Brent Spiner (Star Trek: The Next Generation)
• Jewel Staite (Firefly/Serenity, Stargate: Atlantis)
• Sam Trammel (True Blood)
• Laura Vandervoort (Smallville, V)

Who else do you think is a highlight?

Wizard Releases Philadelphia Comic Con 2010 Programming Schedule

Via Wizard World:

SPECIAL SIGNINGS

Special signings will be taking place at the Wizard Booth. There is no additional charge for Special Signings. Special Signings are open to any Philadelphia Comic Con attendee.

Special Signing times and Signatory Guests are subject to change.

Wizard Entertainment and Philadelphia Comic Con reserve the right to limit the number of autographs per attendee, cap the line at any time, and not allow sketches to be done by our Guests as needed.

FRIDAY
3pm – 3:45pm – Ethan Van Sciver
4pm – 4:45pm – J.G. Jones
5pm – 5:45pm – Khoi Pham

SATURDAY
12pm – 12:45pm – Joe Madureira

SUNDAY
11pm – 11:45pm – Joe Madureira
12pm – 12:45pm – Greg Horn
1pm – 1:45pm – Tom Raney

BRUCE CAMPBELL SIGNING

Bruce Campbell will be holding his signing at Booth 103. We will have a special line for Bruce Campbell VIP Ticket Holders.
Wizard Entertainment and Philadelphia Comic Con reserve the right to limit the number of autographs per attendee, and cap the line at any time.

SATURDAY
3pm – 6pm – Bruce Campbell

PHILADELPHIA COMIC CON PANELS FRIDAY

Room 201B
2pm – 2:45pm
TRAILER PARK
Come watch trailers to upcoming movies with Wizard’s own Mike Cotton as he and his cohorts comment on them!

Room 201B
3pm – 3:45pm
WIZARD SCHOOL w/GREG HORN

Room 201B
4pm – 5pm
THE BIG TOY INDUSTRY PANEL
Come see what’s coming soon from the top toy makers!

Room 201B
5pm – 6pm
THE TOYFARE AWARDS
It’s that time of year again! Time to see who’s taking home the prize!

SATURDAY

Room 201B
12pm – 12:45pm
JAMES MARSTERS Q&A
James Marsters talks about his career on Buffy, Angel, Smallville, Torchwood and now Caprica! Don’t miss this!

Room 201B
1pm – 1:45pm
TBS SCREENING OF NEIGHBORS FROM HELL
Episode – Country Club Hell
Looking for a bonding moment with his boss Killbride, Balthazor scores himself a golf outing at his boss’ elite country club. His family accompanies him and struggle to fit in with the humans whose bad behavior both thrills and bewilders the Hellmans.
You can also add that exclusive freebies will be given out to everyone attending the screening.

Room 204B
1pm – 1:45pm
STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE 9 Q&A
Avery Brooks and Cirroc Lofton talk about being Father and Son in SPACE!!

Room 201B
2pm – 2:45pm
BRUCE CAMPBELL Q&A
Have a seat and listen to tales from Bruce! Ask questions, become enlightened! Premiere seating available for our Bruce Campbell VIP Ticket Holders!

Room 201B
3pm – 3:45pm
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION Q&A
Have a seat and hear stories from the set from Brent Spiner and John DeLancie!

Room 204B
3pm – 3:45pm
WRITING COMICS AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN w/ ZENESCOPE’S RAVEN GREGORY
Come join Zenescope’s own Raven Gregory (writer of the Wonderland Trilogy, The Waking, The Gift) as he offers tips to young writers trying to break into the comic business from independent publishing, pitching to publishers, promoting your material, finding a creative team, the beast that is hollywood, and becoming a multi-millonaire creative genius…well maybe not that last one but all the rest will be discussed in earnest fashion by one of the hottest up and coming writers in the business today. A MUST panel for all hopeful writers and fans of the Wonderland scribe.

Room 201B
4pm – 4:45pm
WIZARD SCHOOL w/ETHAN VAN SCIVER

Room 204B
4pm – 4:45pm
CLARE KRAMER Q&A

Room 201B
5pm – 5:45pm
ADAM WEST Q&A
Meet Mayor West!

Room 204B
5:30pm – 6:30pm
PHILADELPHIA COMIC CON COSTUME CONTEST
Open to all ages! Details can be found on the SPECIAL EVENTS PAGE!

SUNDAY

Room 204B
11am – 11:45am
SABER ACADEMY
Join members of The NY Jedi and The New Jedi Order and learn what it takes to handle this iconic weapon of SCi-Fi Fandom! Watch their live, saber stage-combat demos and participate in the Q&A session.

Room 201B
12pm – 12:45pm
WIZARD SCHOOL w/J.G. JONES

Room 201B
1pm – 1:45pm
PATRICK STEWART Q&A
Don’t miss your chance to hear Professor X/Captain Picard talk about his amazing career!

Room 204B
1pm – 1:45pm
PHILADELPHIA COMIC CON CHARITY AUCTION
All sorts of awesomeness from original art, to signed photos to toys and DVDs and everything in between! Details can be found on the SPECIAL EVENTS PAGE!

Room 201B
2pm – 5pm
HORROR FILM FESTIVAL
Details can be found on the SPECIAL EVENTS PAGE!

Room 204B
2:30pm – 3:30pm
PHILADELPHIA COMIC CON KIDS COSTUME CONTEST
Open to kids age 10 and under! Details can be found on the SPECIAL EVENTS PAGE!

PHILADELPHIA COMIC CON NIGHT PROGRAMMINGFRIDAY:

100% COTTON w/MIKE COTTON AND ETHAN VAN SCIVER
Details can be found on the SPECIAL EVENTS PAGE for more details!

ZOMBIE BEACH PARTY
Details can be found on the SPECIAL EVENTS PAGE for more details!

SATURDAY:

ZENESCOPE ENTERTAINMENT’S 5TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION/WIZARD WORLD PHILADELPHIA COMIC CON MASQUERADE BALL
Details can be found on the SPECIAL EVENTS PAGE for more details!

KAIJU BIG BATTEL
Details can be found on the SPECIAL EVENTS PAGE for more details!

Wizard World Philadelphia Returns This June 2010

Press Release:

Wizard World’s Philadelphia Comic Con Returns To Philadelphia Convention Center For 10th Anniversary Celebration, June 11-13, 2010

William Shatner, Adam West, Bruce Campbell, James Marsters, Tia Carrere Among Celebrity Guests; Leading Comics Artists, Creative Directors and More than 150 Pop Culture Icons to Attend

PHILADELPHIA, May 4, 2010 — Philadelphia Comic Con, part of North America’s largest pop-culture touring expo, will return to the “City of Brotherly Love” for the 10th straight year with a three-day run at Philadelphia Convention Center, Friday through Sunday, June 11-13, 2010. Philadelphia Comic Con will bring together thousands of fans of all ages and more than 150 celebrities and industry professionals to celebrate the best in pop culture movies, comics, toys, video gaming, television, anime, manga, horror, sports, original art, collectibles, contests, movie screenings, and more.

Among the scheduled celebrity guests at Philadelphia Comic Con are William Shatner (“Star Trek”), Adam West (“Batman,” “Family Guy,”) Bruce Campbell (Evil Dead, “Army of Darkness”), James Marsters (“Buffy The Vampire Slayer,” “Caprica,” “Smallville”), Tia Carrere (Wayne’s World, “Curb Your Enthusiasm”; “Relic Hunter”), Clare Kramer (“Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” Bring it On”), Lou Ferrigno (“The Incredible Hulk”), Scott Porter (“Caprica,” “Friday Night Lights”), Adrianne Curry (“America’s Next Top Model,” “My Fair Brady”), Christopher Knight (“The Brady Bunch,” “My Fair Brady”), Stephen Baldwin (The Usual Suspects, Bio-Dome), Jake Busey (Starship Troopers, The Frighteners) and Ernie Hudson (Ghostbusters).

“I’m looking forward to meeting up with my fans at the 10th Annual Philadelphia Comic Con,” said Marsters. “I think my fans are some of the coolest people I’ve met and I am excited to discuss and celebrate the characters I’ve played with all of them.”

Fans can also meet their favorite comic artists, including Joe Madureira (“Darksiders,” “Uncanny X-Men,” “Battle Chasers”), Ethan Van Sciver (“Green Lantern,” “Superman/Batman”), J.G. Jones (“Final Crisis,” “Wanted,” “Wonder Woman: The Hiketeia”), Michael Golden (“Wolverine: First Class,” “New Exiles”), Mark Texeira (“Moon Knight,” “Ghost Rider”), and Herb Trimpe (“Hulk,” “Iron Man”) and many other local and national artists.

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 daily costume contests. Event-goers may also try their hand interactive product exhibits by trend-setting brands such as Ford (displaying a new vehicle), THQ (showing a video game) and TBS (screening a new television program); shop for collectible comics, movie and television memorabilia, toys and games at more than 400 dealer booths; and experience the show’s Horror Pavilion dedicated to writers, artists, musicians, and actors well known in that genre.

Sanctioned Tabletop Gaming Tournaments for Warhammer & Warhammer 40k and Trading Card Gaming Tournaments for YuGiOh, Pokemon, World of Warcraft & Magic the Gathering will take place throughout the weekend offering casual and competitive players the opportunity to win valuable prizes and increase their rankings. Additionally, event- goers are invited to bring their own short films to the expo, and enter the NYC Horror Film Festival’s Killer Short Sudden Death Competition. Winners will be inducted into the NYC Horror Film Festival program later this year.

Philadelphia Comic Con is the third stop on Wizard’s nine-city 2010 North American tour. Doors open Fri., June 11 from noon – 8 p.m. Saturday hours are 10 a.m. until 7 p.m., and hours on Sunday are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (all times Eastern). Tickets are available in advance by calling 1-866-882-5860 and online at www.wizardworld.ticketleap.com/philadelphia at up to a 15% savings over tickets purchased at the door. Adult single-day tickets are $25; three-day tickets are $45, and tickets are free for children age ten and under when accompanied by a paid adult (limit two children per adult). Discount are available for students and faculty with identification.

Dragon*Con Adds Patrick Stewart

Patrick Stewart (Star Trek’s Jean-Luc Picard and X-men’s Professor X) has just been confirmed for this September’s annual Dragon*Con convention in Atlanta, Georgia.

Stewart is just the latest addition to possibly the best celebrity line-up I’ve ever seen scheduled for Dragon*Con. Some highlights include:

• Michael Biehn
• Bruce Boxleitner
• Ben Browder
• Charisma Carpenter
• Bruce Davison
• James Marsters
• Kate Mulgrew
• Leonard Nimoy
• John Noble
• Edward James Olmos
• Eric Roberts
• John Schneider
• Michael Shanks

For the complete guest line-up, visit their website at: http://dragoncon.org/.

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