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Wizard World Sets 2012 Mid-Ohio Dates

Posted on October 30, 2011 by Brett

Official Press Release

Wizard World Announces 2012 Mid-Ohio Comic Con Dates, September 29-30 At Greater Columbus Convention Center

Hugely Successful Event Last Weekend Continues Run Of Conventions In October

NEW YORK and COLUMBUS, Ohio, October 28, 2011 – Wizard World Inc. (WIZD. PK) today announced that the Mid-Ohio Comic Con will return to the Greater Columbus Convention Center in 2012, following the event last weekend that drew thousands of fans and earned praise from attendees, celebrity guests, artists, vendors and sponsors. Next year’s show is set for September 29-30 at ‘Battelle Hall,’ the venue that drew raves in Wizard World’s first event in Columbus last week.

The Wizard World Mid-Ohio Comic Con continued a trend of highly successful shows throughout the pop culture convention industry in 2011. It was the eighth stop on Wizard World’s tour, with Austin Comic Con (Nov. 11-13) completing this year’s circuit.

“We would like to thank the city of Columbus and the entire region for embracing the Wizard World Mid-Ohio Comic Con and are very excited to be immediately announcing our return in 2012,” said John Macaluso, Wizard World Board of Directors. “We are pleased that adding the ‘Wizard touch’ so greatly enhanced this long-running event, and it is very gratifying that the feedback has been so overwhelmingly positive on all fronts.”

Macaluso also sees Wizard World as contributing greatly to the landscape of comic and pop culture shows.

“October was a very exciting month for Comic Cons across the country” he added. “We’d like to congratulate New York Comic Con for a great show, and we recognize that that the huge pop culture fan base can accommodate a wide variety of shows in many North American venues. Wizard World seeks to be an even bigger player as we continue to grow and to give our attendees the best possible experience.”

The 2011 Wizard World Mid-Ohio Comic Con (Oct. 22-23) featured stars James Marsters, Billy Dee Williams, Adam West, Burt Ward, Claudia Christian and Walter Koenig among dozens of celebrities and industry professionals celebrating the best in pop-fi, pop culture, movies, graphic novels, comics, toys, video gaming, television, sci-fi, gaming, original art, collectibles, contests and more.

Guests for the 2012 event will be announced at a later date.

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 *****
November 11-13 – Austin Comic Con
January 28-29, 2012 – New Orleans Comic Con
April 14-15, 2012 – Toronto Comic Con
June 1-3, 2012 – Philadelphia Comic Con
August 9-12, 2012 – Chicago Comic Con
September 29-30, 2012 – Mid-Ohio Comic Con
TBD, 2012 – Big Apple Comic Con

Around the Tubes

Posted on October 28, 2011 by Brett

The weekend is so close. Here’s some news for you to waste the day with while you pretend to work.

Around the Blogs:

Religioscope – Islam: comic book and animated series seeks to create peaceful pop culture heroes in Muslim world – Some more coverage of The 99.

Con Coverage:

MTV Geek – We’re No Angels: Leading Ladies of Science Fiction and Fantasy at NYCC

MTV Geek – Joe Simon, The Co-Creator Of Captain America, Speaks At NYCC

CBLDF – Mid-Ohio Comic Con Delivers Much Needed Support for CBLDF

Around the Tubes Reviews:

The Seattle Times – Crime Does Not Pay

Saffron Walden Reporter – Ultimate X: Origins

IGN – Comic Book Reviews for 10/26/11

Fan Groups Ready for Mid-Ohio Comic Con

Posted on October 19, 2011 by Brett

Official Press Release

Fan Groups Ready For Wizard World Mid-Ohio Comic Con, Saturday And Sunday At Greater Columbus Convention Center

Cosplayers, Podcasters, Charity Organizations And More Enhance Wizard World Experience

NEW YORK and COLUMBUS, Ohio, October 19, 2011 – A variety of fan clubs, podcasters and other groups are making final preparations for this weekend’s Wizard World Mid-Ohio Comic Con, Saturday and Sunday at the Greater Columbus Convention Center. From cosplayers like the Great Lakes Base of the Rebel Legion and Ohio 501st Legion and Mandalorian Mercs to the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund and Comic Book Connection Initiative, groups will be on site, meeting attendees and enriching the Wizard World experience.

Some groups that fans will run into on site include:

— Comic Book Legal Defense Fund, which exists to fight censorship and defend the first amendment rights of comic book professionals and readers throughout the United States.
— Great Lakes Base of the Rebel Legion, the local chapter of The Rebel Legion Star Wars costuming group.
Mandalorian Mercs Costuming Group, the world’s premier custom Mandalorian costume organization.
— Ohio 501st Legion, the state’s chapter of the national organization which seeks to promote interest in Star Wars through the building and wearing of quality costumes, and to facilitate the use of these costumes for Star Wars-related events as well as contributions to the local community through costumed charity and volunteer work.
— Ohio Star Wars Collectors Club, a resource through which those who live in Ohio can discuss new items arriving, toy & collectible show dates and generally anything Star Wars related.
— Open Forum Radio, a community fueled by collective interests which seeks open dialogue and to encourage debate
Outlook Media, whose content contains both local and national focused features that compliment its mix of columns, editorials, arts & entertainment, sports, celebrity interviews, and community news.
— Pendant Production Company, one of the most prolific and popular podcasting companies today, with more than 800 episodes of audio drama.
— The Comic Book Connection Initiative, a small non-profit organization that takes in donated comic books from dealers, publishers, and individual collectors then distributes them to children in homeless shelters, food pantries, after-school programs , YWCA women’s shelter and hospitals.
— The Hero Initiative, the first-ever federally chartered not-for-profit corporation dedicated strictly to helping comic book creators in need. Hero creates a financial safety net for yesterdays’ creators who may need emergency medical aid, financial support for essentials of life, and an avenue back into paying work.
— USS Asgard, a chapter of Starfleet International, which participates in community events such as Toys for Tots, Operation Feed, etc.
— USS Columbus, which does an annual school supply drive for a local school, helps in the Firefighters Toy Drive, and collects food for Mid Ohio Food Bank along with other local clubs.
— USS Lagrange, which has raised hundreds of dollars for the Akron Children’s Hospital and for various food banks in the state.
— WGTR “World Grand Theft Radio,” the nationwide internet radio station No. 1 worldwide Halloween radio station in Sept & Oct. With over 30 original shows a week live, “our mission to make your on air dreams come true!”

Wizard World Mid-Ohio Comic Con features stars James Marsters, Billy Dee Williams, Adam West, Burt Ward, Claudia Christian and Walter Koenig among dozens of celebrities and industry professionals celebrating the best in pop-fi, pop culture, movies, graphic novels, comics, toys, video gaming, television, sci-fi, gaming, original art, collectibles, contests and more.

Mid-Ohio Comic Con is the eighth stop on Wizard World’s 2011 North American tour. Hours are Saturday, October 22, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.; and Sunday, October 23, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tickets are available in advance online at http://www.wizardworld.com/midohio.html at a savings over tickets purchased at the door. Advance adult single-day tickets are priced at $25 ($35 on site); weekend all-session tickets are $40 ($50 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.

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

Huge Glass Comic Book debut at Wizard World Mid-Ohio Comic Con

Posted on October 13, 2011 by Brett

Official Press Release

Huge Glass Comic Book Makes Public Run Debut At Wizard World Mid-Ohio Comic Con, October 22-23 At Greater Columbus Convention Center

NEW YORK and COLUMBUS, Ohio, October 11, 2011 – Attendees at next weekend’s Wizard World Mid-Ohio Comic Con will have the unique opportunity to check out the “Huge Glass Comic Book,” the world’s first glass comic book, blown up and lit up on glass. Each of its twelve pages is four feet high and three feet wide, all laser etched on quarter inch glass. The Huge Glass Comic Book is registered for three world record claims with Guinness World Records, including first glass comic book, largest glass comic book and largest comic book. At over 500 pounds of comic pages, it may also be the world’s heaviest comic book.

The event, set for the Greater Columbus Convention Center, October 22-23, features stars James Marsters, Billy Dee Williams, Adam West, Burt Ward, Claudia Christian and Walter Koenig among dozens of celebrities and industry professionals celebrating 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 comic is a single concise story introducing Comangra City, a place where all the world’s comic and cartoon genres live and interact with each other in a multi-cultural metropolis. Nearly every country has its own tradition of graphic story. It’s time these traditions meet, mix and react with each other. Beyond the story, each page of the Huge Glass Comic Book highlights different graphic storytelling techniques in simple, reproducible ways. It took over 550 hours to create this comic and, four weeks into its completion, it’s already attracting interest from galleries, educational institutions and even “Ripley’s Believe It or Not! It’s a one of a kind opportunity to see a first in comics and in art.

Wade Gugino, writer and creator of the Huge Glass Comic Book, will be present to page through the comic with fans and sell print versions of the comic and graphic story layout guide, as well as individual cards, prints and T-Shirts. This will be the very first public run of the print comic — a limited edition sold out at ArtPrize 2011 in two weeks.

The full event schedule can be found at www.wizardworld.com.

Wizard World Mid-Ohio Comic Con Programming Announced

Posted on September 14, 2011 by Brett

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.

The full event schedule can be found at www.wizardworld.com.

Eisner Winners, Nominees To Attend Mid-Ohio Comic Con

Posted on September 8, 2011 by Brett

Official Press Release

Twelve Eisner Award Winners and Nominees To Attend Wizard World Mid-Ohio Comic Con, October 22-23, 2011

Four Winners Including 10-Time Honoree Jeff Smith, Bill Sienkiewicz, Christopher Sprose, Eric Wight Plus Eight Nominees Among 150+ Top Creators At Mid-Ohio Comic Con

NEW YORK and COLUMBUS, Ohio, September 7, 2011 – A total of 12 Will Eisner Comics Industry Awards winners and nominees are among the more than 150 comic creators scheduled to attend Wizard World Mid-Ohio Comic Con, part of North America’s largest pop-culture tour, October 22-23 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center. Winners include 10-time honoree Jeff Smith (“Bone,” “RASL”), Bill Sienkiewicz (“Elektra,” “Assassin”), Christopher Sprouse (“Tom Strong,” “The Return of Bruce Wayne”) and Eric Wight (“The Escapist,” “Action Comics”).

The eight Eisner nominees scheduled to attend are Eliza Frye (“The Lady’s Murder,” “Lucky House”), Steve Hamaker (“Bone,” “RASL”), David Mack (“Kabuki,” “Daredevil”), Ed Piskor (“Wizzywig,” “American Splendor”), Thomas Scioli (“Godland,” “American Barbarian”), Marc Sumerak (“Power Pack,” “Franklin Richards”), Carol Tyler (“You’ll Never Know: Book I & II,” “Late Bloomer”) and Dave Wachter (“The Guns of Shadow Valley,” “Scar Tissue”).

The creators will be on hand to meet fans, sign autographs and sketch. Many Greater Columbus-based artists will be in attendance as well.

The Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards are considered the “Oscars” of the comic book industry. Established in 1987, they are named for renowned cartoonist Will Eisner (creator of “The Spirit” and several award-winning graphic novels).

Other superstar creators scheduled to attend include Pasqual Ferry (“Thor; Ultimate Fantastic Four,” “Ultimate X-Men vs Fantastic Four”), Gerald Parel (“S.H.I.E.L.D.,” “Captain America), Stephanie Hans (“Journey into Mystery,” “The Amazing Spider-Man”), Mike Grell (“Green Arrow,” “Green Lantern”), Rob Liefeld (“Deadpool,” “Youngblood”), Greg Horn (“Spider-Man: Turn off the Dark,” “Hero For Hire”), Phil Jimenez (“Amazing Spider-Man,” “Astonishing X-Men”), Michael Golden (“Batman,” “Spider-Man”), Arthur Suydam (“Marvel Zombies,” “Army of Darkness”), Mark Texeira (“Wolverine,” “Spider-Man”) and Ryan Ottley (“Invincible,” “The Walking Dead”).

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

Game Manufacturers Partner with Wizard World

Posted on August 1, 2011 by Brett

Official Press Release

Game Manufacturers Partner with Wizard World

Columbus, OH (July 27, 2011) – The Game Manufacturers Association (GAMA) is pleased to announce its partnership with Wizard World, Inc. (symbol: WIZD), producer of North America’s largest pop-culture tour. GAMA is supporting the two shows to include a trade day and gaming events at Wizard World Shows. The first, Chicago Comic Con, will take place at the Donald E. Stevens Convention Center in Rosemont, Ill., August 11-14, and the second, Mid-Ohio Comic Con at the Greater Columbus Convention Center on October 22-23.

“GAMA is thrilled to be partnering with Wizard World,” said John Ward, Executive Director. “GAMA and Wizard World are totally dedicated to making this a success. I think this program provides a great crossover between the two entities.”

“We are excited about teaming with GAMA to highlight tabletop gaming, which has been an important part of Wizard World events,” said Gareb Shamus, Wizard World CEO. “We are also pleased that Chicago Comic Con will serve as a venue to showcase the prestigious Origin Awards.”

The Trade Day will be a one day event on August 11 which will be free to all retailers. This will include professional seminars by the GAMA staff and products demonstrated by Wiz Kids.

GAMA is also pleased to announce demonstrations in its gaming area in the exhibit hall. The demonstrations will include its 2011 Origins Awards winners as well as the 2012 submissions. The Origins Awards are presented annually by the Academy of Gaming Arts and Designs to recognize outstanding achievement in design and production of games and game related products.

About GAMA:
The Game Manufacturers Association (GAMA) is the non-profit trade association dedicated to serving the tabletop game industry. Led by publishers and manufacturer, GAMA promotes the interests of all persons involved in the commerce of games and game-related products. GAMA strengthens and supports all industry professionals by advancing their interests, providing educational programs and opportunities and promoting our unique form of quality social entertainment.