YOUR GUIDE: Chicago Comic Con arrives, Aug. 11-14
Wizard World’s Chicago Comic Con is set to invade the Windy City from Thursday, Aug. 11 through Sunday, Aug. 14.
There are many highlights throughout the four-day event, including celebrity appearances, rare collectibles and Q&A sessions.
The big name of the weekend is Patrick Stewart, most famous for the X-Men films and Star Trek: The Next Generation. The actor will meet fans on Friday and Saturday only, and then he’s off to Las Vegas for the Official Star Trek Convention. Expect to pay $70 for an autograph (a bargain compared to his $90 asking price in Las Vegas).
Other celebrity highlights include a rare appearance by Billy Corgan, lead singer of the Smashing Pumpkins. The musician will visit Chicago Comic Con on Saturday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. only. His autograph is free, so expect an enormous line.
The most famous B-movie actor of all time, Bruce Campbell, will offer his signature on Saturday and Sunday. Expect to see the Evil Dead star in his famous white tuxedo. Scribbles cost $30; however, you might want to check out the Bruce Campbell VIP Experience, which includes two autographs, a photo op, early admission and a guaranteed seat at Campbell’s Q&A session. If you’re a recruit in the Army of Darkness, the VIP package is the way to go. It costs $150 pre-show, or $200 at the door.
Note: At the recent Philadelphia Comic Con, Campbell’s VIP tickets sold out quickly. Being that he has such an enormous obligation for the VIPs, the hours for the regular folks are usually quite limited.
Christopher Lloyd, of Back to the Future and Star Trek III: The Search for Spock, will appear on Friday and Saturday, while Julie Benz, of Buffy: The Vampire Slayer and Dexter, will appear on Saturday. Both should command large lines.
Pam Grier, Louis Gossett Jr., Felicia Day and Charisma Carpenter will also appear. One of the longest lines will surely be for James Marsters, of Buffy: The Vampire Slayer and Caprica. Marsters will also give a concert at the comic con on Saturday night. Tickets cost $25.
Rounding out the movie and television guests are Vivica A. Fox, Mimi Rogers, Ray Park (Darth Maul from Star Wars Episode One: The Phantom Menace), Tia Carrere, Norman Reedus, LeVar Burton, Lou Ferrigno, Edward Furlong, Anthony Michael Hall and cast members from Torchwood. Five actors from the original Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory will take part in a reunion event.
Gil Gerard and Erin Gray will represent Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, while several wrestlers will meet fans. Supporting actors from The Walking Dead will be present, plus Chewbacca himself, Peter Mayhew.
On the comic-book front, expect to see Mike Deodato Jr., Humberto Ramos, Jim Cheung and Brian Azzarello.
Mike Grell, of Green Arrow and Green Lantern, will sign autographs, as well as Ariel Olivetti.
Wizard World events are financially manageable. A four-day pass costs $50 in advance, or $60 at the door. Single-day tickets are $25 in advance, or $50 at the door. If you plan on attending more than one day, just go for the weekend admission.
VIP tickets typically cost $150-$175 in advance, or $200-$250 at the door. If you buy a VIP ticket, there’s no need to get separate admission passes.
One of the most lucrative deals is the BuffyFest VIP Experience, which includes autographs with all of the Buffy stars in attendance. The price tag is $349.99 in advance, or $400 at the door.
Probably the coolest offering is the Christopher Lloyd VIP Experience, which includes a photo op with Lloyd and the Delorean.
Here’s a sampling of some individual autograph and photo op prices …
• Autographs: Alaina Huffman ($25), Anthony Michael Hall ($30), Christopher Lloyd ($30), Erin Gray ($25), James Marsters ($40), Lou Ferrigno ($25), Mike Grell ($1), Norman Reedus ($25) and Vivica A. Fox ($30).
• Photo ops: Christopher Lloyd ($40), Gil Gerard ($30), James Marsters ($60), Mimi Rogers ($30), Patrick Stewart ($100), Patrick Stewart and LeVar Burton ($135), Vivica A. Fox ($30) and Ray Park ($30).
Expect tons of people for this extravaganza. Arrive early, and bring plenty of cash.
More exciting than snagging some autographs is enormous vendors room, which will feature rare comic-book finds, plus a host of movie and television collectibles.
The event will take place at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 North River Road in Rosemont, IL.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com-
Click here to purchase tickets and for more information.
Hey Hollywoodsoapbox,
Thanks you for your post I have been going to Comic Con since 2003. Each year it gets more exciting but also more crowded. If you will be spending four or five days at the convention you will need to eat. Here is what I have learned.
Kindest Regards