Comic Con pop-culture expo returns to Chicago
Thu. August 19, 2010 1:51 PM
William Shatner, Adam West and over 500 celebrity guests to attend
Chicago, IL -
Wizard World Chicago Comic Con, part of North America's pop-culture touring expo, returns this weekend at Rosemont's Stephens Convention Center through Sunday.
This weekend, the Chicago Comic Con will bring thousands of fans and more than 500 celebrities and industry professionals to celebrate pop culture: movies, comics, toys, video gaming, television, anime, manga, horror, sports, original art, collectibles, contests and more.
William Shatner, who portrayed Captain Kirk on "Star Trek" and will be appearing in CBS' fall show "$#*! My Dad Says," will be among the stars on hand to meet fans and sign autographs.
James Marsters, most known for his role as Spike on "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," will be signing autographs in addition to hosting a private party on Saturday. Marsters appeared as the villainous Braniac in "Smallville" and as "Torchwood's" Captain John, ex-lover of the series futuristic bisexual hero Captain Jack (John Barrowman). Fellow "Buffy" alumnus and "Criminal Minds" actor Nicholas Brendan will also be present at the event.
"Chicago 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," said Gareb Shamus, Wizard Entertainment CEO. "Chicago is in many ways our flagship event," added Shamus. "It is both our largest and longest-running convention, and it grows year after year."
Other popular Chicago Comic Con celebrity guests include Adam West ("Batman", "Family Guy"), Linda Hamilton ("Terminator"), Linda Blair ("The Exorcist"), Julie Newmar ("Batman"), Julia Jones (The Twilight Saga: Eclipse, Jonah Hex, "ER"), Clare Kramer ("Buffy the Vampire Slayer," Bring it On"), Lou Ferrigno ("The Incredible Hulk"), Adrianne Curry ("America's Next Top Model," "My Fair Brady"), Christopher Knight ("The Brady Bunch," "My Fair Brady"), John Schneider ("Dukes of Hazzard"), Richard Roundtree (Shaft) and Kristanna Loken (Terminator 3), and many other well-known personalities.
Burt Ward and Julie Newmar, both of "Batman" fame, will join West for the first gathering of the trio in Chicago in 25 years.
The event encourages children and adult attendees to come dressed as their favorite villain, superhero or pop culture personality for the chance to win special prizes in costume contests.
Doors open Thurs., August 19 from 5-9 p.m.; Fri., Aug. 20 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.com/chicago.html at up to a 15% savings over tickets purchased at the door.
Adult single-day tickets are $25; four-day weekend tickets are $50, and tickets are free for children age 10 and under when accompanied by a paid adult (limit two children per adult). Discount are available for students and faculty with identification. VIP packages with special entry and exclusive items are also available.
This weekend, the Chicago Comic Con will bring thousands of fans and more than 500 celebrities and industry professionals to celebrate pop culture: movies, comics, toys, video gaming, television, anime, manga, horror, sports, original art, collectibles, contests and more.
William Shatner, who portrayed Captain Kirk on "Star Trek" and will be appearing in CBS' fall show "$#*! My Dad Says," will be among the stars on hand to meet fans and sign autographs.
James Marsters, most known for his role as Spike on "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," will be signing autographs in addition to hosting a private party on Saturday. Marsters appeared as the villainous Braniac in "Smallville" and as "Torchwood's" Captain John, ex-lover of the series futuristic bisexual hero Captain Jack (John Barrowman). Fellow "Buffy" alumnus and "Criminal Minds" actor Nicholas Brendan will also be present at the event.
"Chicago 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," said Gareb Shamus, Wizard Entertainment CEO. "Chicago is in many ways our flagship event," added Shamus. "It is both our largest and longest-running convention, and it grows year after year."
Other popular Chicago Comic Con celebrity guests include Adam West ("Batman", "Family Guy"), Linda Hamilton ("Terminator"), Linda Blair ("The Exorcist"), Julie Newmar ("Batman"), Julia Jones (The Twilight Saga: Eclipse, Jonah Hex, "ER"), Clare Kramer ("Buffy the Vampire Slayer," Bring it On"), Lou Ferrigno ("The Incredible Hulk"), Adrianne Curry ("America's Next Top Model," "My Fair Brady"), Christopher Knight ("The Brady Bunch," "My Fair Brady"), John Schneider ("Dukes of Hazzard"), Richard Roundtree (Shaft) and Kristanna Loken (Terminator 3), and many other well-known personalities.
Burt Ward and Julie Newmar, both of "Batman" fame, will join West for the first gathering of the trio in Chicago in 25 years.
The event encourages children and adult attendees to come dressed as their favorite villain, superhero or pop culture personality for the chance to win special prizes in costume contests.
Doors open Thurs., August 19 from 5-9 p.m.; Fri., Aug. 20 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.com/chicago.html at up to a 15% savings over tickets purchased at the door.
Adult single-day tickets are $25; four-day weekend tickets are $50, and tickets are free for children age 10 and under when accompanied by a paid adult (limit two children per adult). Discount are available for students and faculty with identification. VIP packages with special entry and exclusive items are also available.