For fans of technology, comic books and all things “nerd,” sometimes the East Coast can be a lonely place. When you live on this side of America, it can be hard to find others interested in the same things as you. Out in California, there are comic book, video game and all kinds of conventions on a steady basis. Los Angeles hosts not only the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), which is the biggest video game convention of the year, but the city is also host to special events like the recent May 24 “Star Wars” 30th anniversary celebration.
But, what about us on the East Coast? We love all things tech, comic, game and sci-fi as much as anyone. Where’s the love for the East Coast?
Thankfully, Wizard Entertainment hasn’t forgotten about this side of the states. The company will be hosting “Wizard World Philly 2007” from June 15 through 17 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center at 1101 Arch St. in Philadelphia, just for fans like you and me.
I was lucky enough to be able to attend last year’s “Wizard World Philly,” and it did not disappoint. There were exhibitors and collectible dealers from all over the world.
Everywhere I went, there were comics to read and collectibles to examine, artists to meet and fun games to play. This year’s show should prove to be even more eventful.
Comic book creator guests like “Ultimate Spider-man” writer Brian Michael Bendis or artist and Marvel Comics’ editor-in-chief Joe Quesada will be available for autographs, as will TV superstars like Hayden Panettiere of ABC’s “Heroes.” Even Lou Ferrigno (who played the Hulk in the “Incredible Hulk” TV show from the ’80s) will be available to talk and sign autographs for fans.
Not only that, but during Wizard World, there is a section of the convention center designated as “Artist’s Alley.” It is here that fans can meet many of their favorite comic book artists as well as talk to the artists, young and old, about their craft or purchase some hand-drawn artwork.
But, Wizard World is more than just autographs and famous people. During the weekend, there will be a number of events taking place that fans of any genre will want to take part in.
Throughout the weekend, the New York Jedi, a group of light-saber toting martial artists will be holding classes in light-saber fighting techniques, and the Jedi will hold a light-saber dueling tournament for members of the group. Where else can you see live light-saber duels?
But, if you’re the type of person who would rather duel on a table top instead of with a light-saber prop, Wizard World has something for you, as well. There will be Heroclix (a superhero-based board game) and Magic: the Gathering (a card-based battle game) tournaments open to all attendees.
Also, a new event for Wizard World will be artist “jam” sessions. In these sessions, artists who are at an event in Charlotte, N.C. will FedEx artwork to the convention in Philadelphia, where artists will add their own personal touches to the artwork. The final pieces will then be auctioned off by the Hero Initiative. The Hero Initiative is a non-profit organization that helps comic-book creators meet financial needs in case of emergency or medical costs as creators age. The group collected an impressive list of artists to “jam” together this year, and the auction should be an exciting event.
For video game fans, Sony Playstation will have a booth this year at Wizard World. Gamers can play demos and see footage of upcoming games. Also, if you bring your Sony PSP, you could receive a free memory stick. Demonstrators will be on hand to teach PSP gamers how to use their system to access games and information on the Internet.
Overall, this year’s event is shaping up to be something special. When you live on the East Coast, very rarely do you get to attend a convention with this many famous guests, fun events and exciting collectibles. Tickets are available on the days of the show, but all advance ticket orders will receive “Fantastic Four #546” featuring a sketch cover by the great artist Michael Turner, and a copy of “Fathom: Kiani #2,” featuring an exclusive cover also by Michael Turner. If you buy tickets the day of the event, you don’t get the books.
For more information on other special guests and show times, and to purchase tickets in advance, visit the Web site at http://wizarduniverse.com/conventions/philadelphia.cfm.
This is an event that comes around only once a year. So, if you’re interested in comic books, this is the place to be this weekend. But if not, try something new and bring the kids. They will love it, and with all the amazing events and items under one roof, you might become a comic fan yourself.
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