Scene on Video: “Superheroes Invade New Orleans Comic Con”

A reporter from WGNO talks to Lou Ferrigno and more at the Wizard World New Orleans Comic Con.

 

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

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

Exclusive BuffyFest Prints at Wizard World New Orleans Comic Con 2011

Press Release:

Artist Steve Scott “Slays” Wizard New Orleans! And You Can Own a Part of It!

New Orleans, LA– The Big Easy is gearing up for the first ever Wizard World New Orleans show, and as part of the celebration, Eva Ink Artist Group is proud to announce that artist Steve Scott has been tapped to produce exclusive “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” prints for the event–as part of “BuffyFest,” in the city that helped make vampires famous, no less!

Featuring major characters from the television show, the prints are offered in 3 verisons: blue tinted pencils, inks, and full color, and will be available for purchase at Steve’s table in Artist Alley. Also note that the actors gracing Steve’s prints will also be at the show in the flesh! So what a perfect opportunity to not only get the artist to sign your print, but get the actors to sign it as well!

Here’s a look at all three prints and quantities offered:

(Limited to 50 copies for the pencils print)

(LImited to 150 copies for the inks print)

(Limited to 250 copies for the full color print)

As for Mr. Scott, well this is not his first foray into likenesses! Steve’s work has been featured on “Indiana Jones” at Dark Horse, on production art used onscreen for the “Smallville” telelvision show, not to mention that Steve was also the only artist tapped to do any sequential art for “Dark Knight,” for the Tostino promotional campaign in conjunction with DC Comics.

More of Steve’s recent sequential work includes “X-Men Forever,” an exclusive Green Lantern project with DC Comics and Con Edison, and the highly touted “Batman Confidential.”

Wizard World New Orleans takes place January 29th and 30th at the Ernest M. Morial Convention Center. Guests from the world’s of comic, film and television joining the line-up with artist Steve Scott at the show include: Michael Golden, Mark Texeira, Adam West, Phil Jiminez, Mike Grell, Bill Sienkiewcz, Arthur Suydam, Cameron Stewart, David Mack, Yanick Paquette, Rob Liefeld, Peter Tork, Tommy Castillo, Kevin Stokes, Billy Dee Williams, Renee Witterstaetter, and many more.

Again, the three versions of Steve’s print are limited and available only at his table in artist alley, so come out and enjoy this perfect print in the most vampire (and Buffy) friendly city we know.

For more information on Wizard New Orleans, go to: www.wizardworld.com

For more information on Steve Scott, his work, commissions and assignments contact Renee at: evaink@aol.com

Follow all Eva Ink news at:

http://witterstaetterwrites.blogspot.com

Michael Golden VIP Print Available at Wizard World New Orleans Comic Con

Press Release:

Laisse les bon temps rouler!
Michael Golden Art Part of VIP Pack for Wizard New Orleans!

New Orleans–The Paris of the South, The Big Easy, The Crescent City! Vampire Central! –New Orleans is known by many names… so let’s add host city of Louisiana’s biggest comic-con to ‘em, as Wizard New Orleans makes a riotous debut in just a few weeks!

To make the event even more festive, renowned artist Michael Golden has been tapped by the folks at Wizard World to provide a limited VIP print for attendees at the show! Limited to 1,000 copies!

Michael first broke onto the comic scene working on such DC Comics titles as Mister Miracle and Batman Family. In 1978, he made a splash with his work on The Micronauts. He drew a number of Marvel series throughout the 1970s and 1980s, including Doctor Strange, She-Hulk, the Howard the Duck black-and-white comics magazine, and the highly lauded, The ‘Nam, as well as G.I. Joe, ROM, Nomad, and The Saga of Crystar, Vigilante, Wonder Woman and far too much to mention here!

As a artist/writer/creator Michael Golden, is co-creator of the X-men’s Rogue character, Spartan X and Bucky O’Hare” and is known worldwide for his groundbreaking story work, and is counted as one of the best cover designers and storytellers in the business.

“….unless you can actually draw yourself, it is very difficult to understand the exact mind-blowing impossibility of what he does,” said writer/artist Larry Hama, of Golden’s work.

“Michael blithely puts down on paper exactly what he sees in his head. It’s like he’s got a cosmic opaque projector that shoots a laser beam from his brain through the kundalini eye in his forehead straight down onto the drawing surface where all he has to do is trace it,” continues Hama. “The result is hard-edged and fully realized in every way. No fuzzy impressions here. No using the side of the pencil. No squiggly space-filling lines blocked in on automatic pilot. To paraphrase Neal Adams (who was referring to Golden), there is not a single millimeter of line on the page that is not directed by conscious thought.”

Recent books covering the colorful life and amazing art of Michael Golden include a Manga version of the “Bucky O’Hare” series, created with Hama, as well as the top selling art retrospective “Excess: The Art of Michael Golden,” written by Renee Witterstaetter, which sold out and has gone into a second printing, as well as his recent sketchbook “Heroes and Villains,” and the just released NEW sketchbook, “MORE Heroes and Villains.” In addition, Woodcrest Productions/Eva Ink has also just released a two part candid DVD on Michael and his career, entitled “Creator Chronicles: Michael Golden,” featuring an extensive interview and tutorial with the creator.

Michael has served as an Editor at DC Comics as well as Senior Art Director at Marvel Comics, and has worked on scores of movie production projects, some currently in development. His art has been the focus of gallery shows in places as diverse as Gijon, Barcelona, New York, Antwerp and Brussels, while his class on storytelling has been conducted from Spain to Brussels to France to Canada to the United States… and most recently China.

Be looking for future projects as well, including the upcoming “Spartan X Trade paperback!” And Michael’s work on “Spawn 200.”As well as some secret projects for IDW and DC Comics.

As part of the celebration for Wizard New Orleans, the special 11×17 print by Michael Golden will be available at his table in artist alley both days of the show! Just present your VIP badge. Remember: Limited to only 1,000 copies!! So don’t delay getting those VIP passes, ya’ll.

Wizard World New Orleans takes place January 29th and 30th at the Ernest M. Morial Convention Center. Guests from the world’s of comic, film and television joining the line-up with Michael Golden at the show include: Steve Scott, Mark Texeira, Adam West, Phil Jiminez, Mike Grell, Bill Sienkiewcz, Arthur Suydam, Cameron Stewart, David Mack, Yanick Paquette, Rob Liefeld, Peter Tork, Tommy Castillo, Kevin Stokes, Billy Dee Williams, Renee Witterstaetter, and many more.

So, Laisse les bon temps rouler, and see you at the show!

For more information on Wizard New Orleans, go to: www.wizardworld.com

For more information on Michael Golden, his work, commissions and assignments contact Renee at: evaink@aol.com and visit: www.evainkartistgroup.com

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!

Julie Benz, No Ordinary Family Star, Joins the Wizard World Tour

Come Meet the Buffy, Dexter, & Desperate Housewives Star @ New Orleans, Miami, Toronto & Philadelphia Comic Cons!

Born in Pennsylvania, Julie Benz’s father is a Pittsburgh surgeon and her mother is a figure ice skater. The family settled in nearby Murrysville, when Julie was two, and she started ice skating at age three. She competed in the 1988 U.S. Championships in junior ice dancing with her partner David Schilling, coming in 13th. Her older brother and sister, Jeffrey and Jennifer, were in the 1987 U.S. Junior Champions in ice dancing and competed internationally. When Julie was 14, she had a bad stress fracture and had to take time off.

By 1989, with her figure skating career over, Julie turned to acting and got involved in the local theater where she got a role in the play “Street Law”. Her first movie role was a small, credited, speaking part in in the Black Cat episode in the Dario Argento/George A. Romero co-direction horror flick, Two Evil Eyes (1990) playing in one scene alongside Harvey Keitel. A year later, she got a role on a TV show called “Hi Honey, I’m Home” (1991).

After graduating from high school, Julie entered New York University to study acting there. After graduation, Julie moved to Los Angeles to further pursue her career and landed some small roles in movies and TV shows including a guest appearance on “Married with Children” (1987) and in the Aaron Spelling TV pilot Crosstown Traffic (1995) (TV).

In 1996, Julie auditioned for the role of “Buffy” in the series “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” (1997), but lost out to Sarah Michelle Gellar. However, she was offered a small role as a vampire girl in which she did such a good job that her part was expanded to a few more episodes in playing the vampire “Darla”. With that, Julie Benz’s career had finally taken off. She reprised her role as “Darla” in the Buffy spin-off series “Angel” (1999) for two years and has had several small roles in various film productions. She also had a small, but memorable, role playing a receptionist in the movie As Good as It Gets (1997).

Even after her role on “Angel” (1999) wrapped up, Julie continued to find work on television in playing many guest staring roles in numerous popular TV shows from “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” (2000), to “Supernatural” (2005), to playing the lead and supporting roles in various made-for-TV movies. Most recently, she landed another notable role on the TV-cable series “Dexter” (2006) playing “Rita”, a troubled divorcée and lover of the title character played by Michael C. Hall.

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, 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!

For more information check our Wizard World’s site here!

Wizard World Absorbs NOLA Comic-Con into New Orleans Comic Con

UPDATE: According to the NOLA Comic-Con website, their May event will proceed as planned.

Press Release:

Wizard World Acquires NOLA Comic-Con

NEW YORK, November 3, 2010 – Gareb Shamus, CEO of Wizard Entertainment, today announced the acquisition of NOLA Comic-Con, which had been held the past two years in suburban New Orleans. The event will now become part of the Wizard World New Orleans Comic Con scheduled for January 29-30, 2011, at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.

“NOLA Comic-Con has been a well-respected event that has really helped bring out the comics fans in Louisiana,” said Shamus. “We are pleased to be working with Ronnie Prudhomme to help build New Orleans Comic Con in our first year.”

“This can only help increase the interest in the comics industry in New Orleans,” said Prudhomme, NOLA Comic-Con owner and promoter. “The whole reason I started NOLA Comic-Con was to get people excited about comics here, and Wizard World’s involvement will take that interest even further.”

New Orleans Comic Con, part of the world’s largest pop culture convention series, will be the first on the 2011 Wizard World Comic Con schedule, and the first Wizard World convention in “The Big Easy.

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 tradeshows 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 the largest 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 Wizard World Comic Con Fan on Facebook.

Wizard World Comic Con Tour:
November 12-14, 2010 – Austin Comic Con – Austin Convention Center
December 4-5, 2010 – Atlanta Comic Con – Cobb Galleria Centre
January 29-30, 2011 – New Orleans Comic Con – Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
February 26-27, 2011 – Miami Comic Con – Miami Airport Convention Center (MACC)
March 18-20, 2011 – Toronto Comic Con – Direct Energy Centre
April 29-May 1, 2011 – Anaheim Comic Con – Anaheim Convention Center
May 21-22, 2011 – Big Apple Comic Con ‘Spring Edition’ – Penn Plaza Pavilion
June 17-19, 2011 – Philadelphia Comic Con – Pennsylvania Convention Center
August 11-14, 2011 – Chicago Comic Con – Stephens Convention Center
September 17-18, 2011 – New England Comic Con – Hynes Convention Center
September 24-25, 2011 – Big Apple Comic Con – Penn Plaza Pavilion
November 2011 – Austin Comic Con – Austin Convention Center
December 2011 – Atlanta Comic Con
TBA – New Jersey Comic Con
TBA – Cincinnati Comic Con
TBA – Cleveland Comic Con
TBA – Nashville Comic Con

New Orleans Comic Con Added to Wizard World Tour in 2011

Press Release:

Taking It “Easy”: Wizard World New Orleans Comic Con Set For January 29-30, 2011

NEW YORK, October 18, 2010 – Gareb Shamus, CEO of Wizard Entertainment, today announced the addition of New Orleans Comic Con to the world’s largest pop culture convention series. The event is scheduled for January 29-30, 2011, at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.

The event will be the first on the 2011 Wizard World Comic Con schedule, and the first Wizard World convention in “The Big Easy.”

“We followed the Super Bowl Champions all the way to New Orleans this year,” said Shamus. “We are thrilled to come to the home of Mardi Gras, the Saints and World Famous Bourbon Street. New Orleans is the perfect place to create the type of pop culture event called Wizard World. We look forward to seeing all our fans there!”

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 tradeshows 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 the largest 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 Wizard World Comic Con Fan on Facebook.

Wizard World Comic Con Tour:
November 12-14, 2010 – Austin Comic Con – Austin Convention Center
December 4-5, 2010 – Atlanta Comic Con – Cobb Galleria Centre
January 29-30, 2011 – New Orleans Comic Con – Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
March 18-20, 2011 – Toronto Comic Con – Direct Energy Centre
April 29-May 1, 2011 – Anaheim Comic Con – Anaheim Convention Center
May 21-22, 2011 – Big Apple Comic Con ‘Spring Edition’ – Penn Plaza Pavilion
June 17-19, 2011 – Philadelphia Comic Con – Pennsylvania Convention Center
August 11-14, 2011 – Chicago Comic Con – Stephens Convention Center
September 17-18, 2011 – New England Comic Con – Hynes Convention Center
September 24-25, 2011 – Big Apple Comic Con – Penn Plaza Pavilion
November 2011 – Austin Comic Con – Austin Convention Center
December 2011 – Atlanta Comic Con
TBA – New Jersey Comic Con
TBA – Cincinnati Comic Con
TBA – Cleveland Comic Con
TBA – Nashville Comic Con

« Previous Page