Official Press Release

Billy Dee Williams, James Marsters, Claudia Christian, ‘Batman’ Q&As, ‘Family Guy,’ ‘Buffy’ Screenings Highlight Wizard World Mid-Ohio Comic Con Programming

Walter Koenig, Mike Grell, Bill Sienkiewicz, David Mack, Phil Jimenez Panels, Costume Contests Also On Tap For October 22-23 At Greater Columbus Convention Center

NEW YORK and COLUMBUS, Ohio, September 13, 2011 – Wizard World (WIZD.PK) Mid-Ohio Comic Con today announced its huge programming schedule, featuring unique celebrity Q&A’s, film screenings and discussions, artist schools, contests and more for the event, set for Saturday and Sunday, October 22-23 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center.  Sessions featuring Billy Dee Williams, James Marsters, Claudia Christian, Adam West and Burt Ward are among the highlight attractions.

Some of the top sessions include:

• Q&A sessions with the legendary Billy Dee Williams (STAR WARS: THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK, BATMAN), James Marsters (“Buffy: The Vampire Slayer,” “Caprica”), Claudia Christian (“Look,” “Babylon 5”), Walter Koenig (“Star Trek,” “Babylon 5”)
• Original 1966 “Batman” TV show reunion of Adam West and Burt Ward
• Wizard Art School and Q&A’s featuring leading creators like Mike Grell, Bill Sienkiewicz, David Mack, Phil Jimenez and others
• Screenings of the “Family Guy: Blue Harvest,” the acclaimed parody of STAR WARS: A NEW HOPE, and the first episode of the final season of “Buffy: The Vampire Slayer”
• The popular adult costume contest and fun kids costume contest with great prizes

Unless noted, Mid-Ohio Comic Con programming will take place in the designated panel room at the Greater Columbus Convention Center, and is included with admission to the event.  Seating for panels is strictly limited and available on a first come first serve basis and the room will be cleared between panels.  The full schedule can be found at http://www.wizardworldcomiccon.com/programming-midohio.html and below:

Saturday 10/22

11:00-11:45AM
Breaking Into Comics With Pasqual Ferry And Phil Jimenez
Fan favorites Pasqual Ferry (Thor; Ultimate Fantastic Four) and Phil Jimenez (Amazing Spider-Man; Wonder Woman) team up to give out their tips on refining your art and pitching to publishers.

12:00-12:45PM
Billy Dee Williams Q&A
Lando lands at Mid-Ohio Comic Con! The coolest guy in the universe sits down to take fan questions about the blockbuster series that has taken the world by storm.

1:00-2:00PM
Family Guy Screening – “Blue Harvest”
Don’t miss the Griffin clan in this hilarious parody of STAR WARS: A NEW HOPE, where America’s favorite dysfunctional family puts their own spin on the greatest sci-fi saga in history. Let the laughs be with you. (Note: for mature audiences only – may contain adult references.)

2:00-2:45PM
To be announced

3:00-3:45PM
Claudia Christian Q&A
“Babylon 5” beauty Claudia Christian shares the secrets to her multi-faceted success, and previews a sneak peek of her new Showtime series “Look.”

4:00-4:45PM
Batman Anniversary Q&A with Adam West and Burt Ward
The ’60s Dynamic Duo teams for the 45th anniversary of the original hit show. Don’t miss 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!

5:00-5:30PM
Storytelling With 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 Rogue, and groundbreaking penciler on such projects as Bucky O’Hare, The ’Nam, Micronauts, G.I. Joe, and much more.

5:30-6:00PM
Digital Art School With Greg Horn
Superstar Marvel and DC artist Greg Horn (Blackest Night covers) leads a discussion on the future of digital art, and takes you through his creative process in creating all of your favorite pieces.

6:00-8:00PM
Costume Contest
Get your best costume together and come on down to Wizard World’s Mid-Ohio Comic Con costume contest for fun prizes and some of the craziest outfits you’ll see during the weekend.

Sunday 10/23

11:00-11:45AM
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.

12:00-12:45PM
Buffy The Vampire Slayer Screening – “Lessons”
Don’t miss this special screening of “Lessons” – the first episode of the final season of the hit show “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” – which features Mid-Ohio Comic Con guests James Marsters as Spike, and Mark Metcalf as The Master.

1:00-1:30PM
Walter Koenig Q&A
Formerly known as Pavel Chekov from the original “Star Trek” series, Koenig beams into this Q&A where he’ll answer all question from the Trekkies at Mid-Ohio Comic Con.

1:30-2:00PM
Mike Grell Q&A
The legendary comic icon behind classic Legion of Super-Heroes Tales and Warlord talks about his tips of the trade, and shares his secrets for making it in comics.

2:00-3:00PM
Kids Costume Contest
Bring kids 10 and under for this special event with fun prizes just for families and the youngsters.

3:00-3:30PM
Bill Sienkiewicz and David Mack Q&A
Legendary artists and long-time friends David Mack (Kabuki) and Bill Sienkiewicz (Batman: The Widening Gyre covers) unite for this insiders’ look at their art processes, and give advice and their personal do’s and don’ts of the trade to new creators interested in sequential storytelling.

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 2011/12 DATES *****
October 22-23 – Mid-Ohio Comic Con
November 11-13 – Austin Comic Con
January 28-29, 2012 – New Orleans Comic Con
March 24-25, 2012 – Toronto Comic Con
May 19-20, 2012 – Big Apple Comic Con
June 1-3, 2012 – Philadelphia Comic Con
August 9-12, 2012 – Chicago Comic Con