Official Press Release

NEW YORK – Wizard World Big Apple Comic Con ‘Spring Edition,’ part of North America’s largest pop-culture tour, is set for Saturday and Sunday, May 21-22, at the Penn Plaza Pavilion in Manhattan.  The event, the largest and longest-running Comic Con in New York, 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.

Tom Felton, best known for playing the role of “Draco Malfoy” in the HARRY POTTER film series, Morena Baccarin, who starred as “Inara Serra” in the sci-fi television series “Firefly,” “Adria” in “Stargate SG-1,” and as “Anna” in “V,” and Kristanna Loken, whose credits include TERMINATOR 3, “Painkiller Jane,” and “The L Word,” are the headline celebrities scheduled to attend.

“Response to the Big Apple Comic Con shows the past two years was so strong that we had to add the Spring event,” said Gareb Shamus, CEO, Wizard World.  “Everyone – the celebrities, the fans, the dealers, manufacturers, artists, and the entire community we deal with was begging us to bring a huge Spring Comic Con to New York.”

Fans can also meet their favorite comic creators and artists, including Arthur Suydam (“Marvel Zombies,” “Batman”), Greg Horn (“Blackest Night,” “Elektra,” “Ms. Marvel”), Mike Grell (“Green Arrow,” “Green Lantern”), Jerry Robinson (“The Joker,” “Robin”), Matt Kindt (“Revolver,” “Pistolwhip”), Jim Cheung (“Avengers,” “Uncanny X-Men”), Kaare Andrews (Astonishing X-Men,” “Iron Man”), Christos Gage (“X-Men,” “Spider-Man”), Phil Ortiz (“The Simpsons,” “He-Man and the Masters of the Universe”), Ryan Ottley (“Invincible,” “The Walking Dead”) and many other national and local creators.  There will also be a special appearance all the way from Brazil, making a rare U.S. appearance, by Luke Ross (“Captain America,” “Amazing Spider-Man”).

Other celebrities setto be on hand include Tony Award winner Dan Fogler (“Balls of Fury,” “Good Luck Chuck”), Bonnie Piesse (STAR WARS: EPISODE III – REVENGE OF THE SITH, STAR WARS: EPISODE II – ATTACK OF THE CLONES) and Chandler Riggs (“The Walking Dead”).

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 200 dealer booths.

Special events at Big Apple Comic Con include the TCG Gaming tournament, professional photo opportunities (Photo Ops) with celebrities and others to be announced.

The Penn Plaza Pavilion is located at 401 Seventh Avenue at 33rd St., in the historic Hotel Pennsylvania.  Big Apple Comic Con Spring Edition is the fifth stop on Wizard World’s 13-city 2011 North American tour.  Hours are Saturday, May 21, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.; and Sunday, May 22, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.  Tickets are available in advance or by calling 1-866-882-5860 and online at http://www.wizardworld.com/newyorkcity.html at up to a 15% savings over tickets purchased at the door.  Advance adult single-day tickets are $20; two-day weekend tickets are $35, 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 World:
Wizard World is a producer of pop culture and multimedia conventions across North America that markets movies, TV shows, video games, technology, toys, social networking/gaming platforms, comic books and graphic novels. It has the rights to the names, marks, domains, customer lists and production rights for a portfolio of pop culture and multimedia conventions.

For the most recent event information please visit www.wizardworld.com and become Big Apple Comic Con Fan on Facebook.