Television's Batman, Robin & Catwoman To Make A Special Appearance In Anaheim

Source: Wizard Entertainment

Pop Culture aficionados can start planning their SoCal convention experience. Gareb Shamus, CEO of New York-based Wizard Entertainment, started announcing its celebrity lineup of talent for the premiere of April's Anaheim Comic Con.

“Watching all the Batman episodes growing up was my first exposure to superheroes. I was hooked right away, and can honestly say I am ecstatic to have these three historically significant actors at our inaugural Comic Con in Anaheim,” said Gareb Shamus, producer of Anaheim Comic Con.

"I'm looking forward to seeing as many of my 'batties' as possible from coast to coast next year at all the Wizard run Comic Con shows across the country," said Adam West, actor, the original Batman and comic icon. "I will have all the information up on my site http://www.adamwest.com/ in early 2010. It will be great to see my fellow co-stars, BURT WARD & JULIE NEWMAR in Anaheim. I'm working with my friends at WIZARD to make each appearance a special one for my batfans. Hope to see you all there."

Anaheim Comic-Con attendees can now get their tickets by calling 1-866-882-5860 or going online at www.wizardworld.ticketleap.com/anaheim.

Advance purchasers will save up to 15% on tickets. Tickets are $5 more at the door. All the event information is available at http://www.wizardworld.com/.

The Anaheim Comic Con runs from April 16-18, 2010 at the Anaheim Convention Center. It is a major pop culture convention bringing fans the latest information on Hollywood, comics, toys, gaming, collectibles and connecting attendees with celebrity guests, artists and industry professionals.

Companies such as Upper Deck and Disney's Kingdom Comics are also committed to attending and Brian Michael Bendis, a comic book veteran of nearly twenty years, has signed on as a Special Guest.

Anaheim will be the fifth Comic Con city to host shows produced by Gareb, joining Chicago, Philadelphia, New York and the recently-purchased Toronto event. Attendees can anticipate the strong caliber lineup of stars and exhibitors that fans across the nation have come to expect from these productions.

ANAHEIM COMIC CON
WELCOMES BATMAN, ROBIN & CATWOMAN
Adam West, Burt Ward & Julie Newmar make rare joint appearance at Southern California's Newest Comic-Con.
Tickets on Sale Now!

April 16-18, 2009
Anaheim Convention Center
800 West Katella Avenue
Anaheim, CA 92802

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Wizard Announces The First Ever Anaheim Comic Con

Source: Wizard Entertainment

Gareb Shamus, CEO of New York based Wizard Entertainment, announced today the launch of the first-ever Anaheim Comic-Con, to be held at the Anaheim Convention Center from April 16-18, 2010.

Richard McWilliam, Upper Deck Chairman/CEO said, “Gareb and I have been friends for many years now, and I'm happy to see him once again back in Southern California. On behalf of myself and Upper Deck, we congratulate Gareb for bringing the fans here another great Comic-Con.”

Upper Deck recently announced a licensing agreement with Marvel Entertainment to create products based on Marvel characters, including Trading Cards, TCGs and Miniatures Games.

Anaheim will be the fifth Comic-Con city for shows produced by Gareb, joining Chicago, Philadelphia, New York and the recently-purchased Toronto event. Attendees can anticipate the strong caliber lineup of stars and exhibitors that fans across the nation have come to expect.

“We had an outpouring of requests by fans and partners to return to Southern California, and felt that Anaheim was the best place to come back to,” said Shamus. “There is a real desire here for a comic based pop-culture experience, and I feel privileged to get back in touch with our west coast fans in this way. This will truly be an event for families and people of all ages."

Ahmet Zappa, Publisher of Disney's Kingdom Comics said, “All of us at Kingdom Comics are thrilled to be working with our friends from Wizard, as they get ready to add the Anaheim Comic-Con to their line-up of spectacular fan events. They have a reputation in the industry for putting on great shows in Chicago, Philadelphia, and New York, and the Anaheim Comic-Con will bring exciting entertainment to our own backyard."

Kingdom Comics is developing entertaining new graphic novels, and re-imagining motion pictures from the Disney live-action vaults, and plans to use the Anaheim convention to showcase new projects to the fan community.

ANAHEIM COMIC-CON tickets are on sale now.

Ian Sattler To Be Special Guest At Chicago Comic Con

Source: Wizard Entertainment

Gareb Shamus, CEO of Wizard Entertainment and producer of Chicago Comic-Con, announced today that Ian Sattler, Senior Story Editor at DC Comics is confirmed as a Special Guest for Chicago Comic-Con.

"The fans love to get the insight a top industry professional like Ian can give," said Shamus. "Fans expect that level of programming at our events and I am thrilled that DC Comics will be part of Chicago Comic-Con."

Sattler will participate in the DC Nation panel on Saturday, August 8 and contribute to the more casual Sunday Conversation panel on Sunday, August 9. Chicago Comic-Con attendees will have the opportunity to hear what Sattler has to say about story lines and creations as well as about the comic industry at large.

Chicago Comic-Con tickets start at $25 and are on sale now by phone at 877-402-3748 or through www.wizardworld.com.

About Chicago Comic-Con:

Chicago Comic-Con runs from August 6-9, 2009 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center. It is a national pop culture convention, connecting attendees with celebrity guests, artists, writers and other industry professionals.

Lee And Quesada Co-Guests Of Honor At Big Apple Comic Con

Source: Wizard Entertainment

Gareb Shamus, CEO of New York-based Wizard Entertainment, today announced that Joe Quesada, editor-in-chief of Marvel Comics, and Jim Lee creator/publisher of DC Comics' WildStorm Productions, will be co-Guests of Honor at “The 2009 National,” October 16-18, 2009 at Pier 94 in Manhattan.

“Jim, Joe and I grew up together and are long-time friends. Having them as co-Guests of Honor in NYC is historic, because they are the two most influential creators in comics today.” Shamus said. “Jim and Joe are both modern day legends. They represent everything that's great about what we are passionate about.”

“I was honored when Gareb called me to be his inaugural guest of honor,” Lee said. “New York has always been a big part of my career and I can't wait to go there and meet the fans.”

“Having grown up in New York, I was thrilled to be named guest of honor for the first new Big Apple con,” Quesada added. “I look forward to sharing my excitement with the hometown crowd and helping make “The 2009 National” a must attend event.”

ABOUT THE HONOREES:

Jim Lee began his rise to superstardom and comic book icon status on titles such as X-Men and Punisher War Journal before starting the Image imprint WildStorm Productions, which he eventually sold to DC Comics. Working with DC, Lee was able to return to his first love—drawing. Launching a number of top-selling events including Batman: Hush with Jeph Loeb and All Star Batman and Robin, the Boy Wonder with Frank Miller, Lee continues as an innovator and currently finds himself working as Executive Creative Director of DC's highly anticipated upcoming MMORPG, DC Universe Online.

Joe Quesada wowed fans for years as an artist on titles such as Batman: Sword of Azrael and his creator-owned series, Ash. After launching the highly successful Marvel Knights line that included Kevin Smith's top-selling Daredevil series—which Quesada also penciled—the native New Yorker took over as Marvel's editor-in-chief. Quesada's reign lead to a new creative revolution at Marvel, including the launching of the Ultimate line, Grant Morrison's New X-Men revamp and a focus on character-driven stories. Currently, Quesada still leads Marvel as EIC, but also finds time for his artistic endeavors including numerous Marvel covers and miniseries such as Daredevil: Father, which Quesada wrote and drew.

The initial launch of “The 2009 National” last month has caused event space to fill faster than expected, with limited space remaining.

Those wishing to be a part of the event should contact: Show Manager - Benji DeJohn – bdejohn@wizardent.com (440) 567-0801

See Also: Wizard Magazine Announces Their Best Of 2008 Winners / Stan Lee To Be Quest Of Honor At Wizard World Los Angeles / Wizard World Texas Scores The Premiere Of Futurama Bender’s Game / Wizard World Has Big Things Brewing Deep In The Heart Of Texas

Wizard Magazine Announces Their Best Of 2008 Winners

Source: Wizard Entertainment

After considering every panel and word balloon printed in the comic book form for the past 12 months, Wizard magazine is pleased to announce their selections for their Best of 2008 list. The list, which makes its debut in the all-new Gold collectors’ issue, hitting comic shops November 26th, includes the best that comics had to offer in the previous year. Some of Wizard’s selections are:

Best Writer: Jason Aaron (Scalped, Ghost Rider, Wolverine)
Best Artist: Leinil Yu (Secret Invasion)
Best Book: Action Comics (DC Comics)
Best Event: “Secret Invasion” (Marvel Comics)
Best Single Issue: Y: The Last Man #60 (DC/Vertigo)
Best Indie of the Year: Kramers Ergot 7 (Buenaventura Press)
Best Hero: Captain America (Marvel Comics)
Best Villain: Norman Osborn (Marvel Comics)
Best Revamp: The Incredible Hercules (Marvel Comics)
Best All-Ages title: Tiny Titans (DC Comics)
Best R-rated book: The Boys (Dynamite Entertainment)
Best Horror writer: Joe Hill (Locke & Key)
Best Cover Artist: Marko Djurdjevic (Thunderbolts, Daredevil)
Best Movie: “Iron Man” (Marvel Studios)

“Wizard’s very excited about presenting our picks for the best in comics of 2008 in this special all-new Gold collectors’ issue,” said Wizard Magazine managing editor Mike Cotton. “We had a lot of fun—and fights—putting together our picks for the best writer, artist, book and movies of 2008, and we can’t wait to see the fans’ reaction.”

For more information on the winners and why they were chosen, pick up Wizard Gold on sale at comic shops everywhere on November 26th. The issue, which hits newsstands on December 9th, also features the best comic book moments of 2008, the best toys, props and statues, and the title named Best New Series among other exciting features.

On top of the exciting “Best Of” list, Wizard Gold also ranks the 50 greatest comic book films of all time. Who came out on top: “Iron Man” or “The Dark Knight”? You’ll also get the latest scoop on “Iron Man 2,” an exclusive five-page preview of Dynamite Entertainment’s Death Defying ‘Devil written by Joe Casey and the best price guide in comics!

Wizard also looks to the future with Wizard Platinum, the 2009 preview issue, which hits the direct market on December 12th and newsstands on December 23rd. With over 35 pages of exclusive comic previews of Darkness/Pitt, League of Extraordinary Gentlemen: Century: 1910, Soulfire, G.I. Joe and Locke & Key: Head Games, a visit to the set of “Watchmen” and interviews with Geoff Johns, Brian Michael Bendis and DC Executive Editor Dan DiDio, you won’t want to enter 2009 without it!

For more information about Wizard Magazine, visit http://www.wizarduniverse.com/.

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Stan Lee To Be Quest Of Honor At Wizard World Los Angeles

Source: Wizard Entertainment

No other creator in comics has amassed a body of work as impressive as Stan Lee. Responsible for creating nearly every one of Marvel Comics’ icons, Stan Lee also wrote the first hundred issues of Fantastic Four and Amazing Spider-Man and thus created the foundation for much of the Marvel Universe. The comics legend will make an exclusive appearance at Wizard World Los Angeles as its Guest of Honor on March 14th for a day filled with activities for comic fans.

During Wizard World Los Angeles, Guest of Honor Stan Lee will be inducted into the Wizard Hall of Fame as part of a benefit for the Hero Initiative. While this historic induction will be open to all Wizard World Los Angeles attendees, a select group of fans will get a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet and get one-on-one time with Lee in an intimate setting through a limited number of special VIP packages. Lee himself will sit down for a Q&A moderated by current Marvel writer Brian Michael Bendis and featuring a special mystery guest. The rest of Lee’s time will be filled with VIP and public signings where fans young and old will get to come face-to-face with the man that created their heroes.

"We are thrilled beyond belief to have the most legendary name in comics be part of Wizard World Los Angeles,” said Wizard Senior VP/Operations Joe Yanarella. "Not only is Stan a worldwide icon and a creative force, he's an all-around great guy and it represents an amazing opportunity for Wizard to be able to honor Stan with a lifetime achievement award and just say thanks on behalf of comic fans everywhere."

"Stan's always been a great supporter of The Hero Initiative, and we're thrilled that he'll be attending the show on behalf of Hero," said Hero Initiative President Jim McLauchlin. "We have a few special surprises we're working on as well that should make the show in general and Stan's participation in particular great fun for all."

Along with his character-defining stints on Amazing Spider-Man and Fantastic Four, Lee also created or co-created the X-Men, the Incredible Hulk, Daredevil, Thor, Iron Man and Dr. Strange among many other characters. He also first assembled the Avengers and resurrected Captain America from his icy grave, re-introducing the legendary World War II hero. Lee’s humanization of his heroes’ alter egos forever changed the way that comic books are written. Lee is still a vital part of the entertainment industry today. He co-founded POW! Entertainment in 2005 to develop original film, television and video game properties and has recently partnered with Shaman King creator Hiroyuki Takei to produce a prologue chapter of Karakuridôji Ultimo for Viz Media.

Don’t miss this opportunity to meet Stan Lee. Be sure to go to www.wizardworld.com for updates about guests and programming and to save 15 percent off the price of tickets by ordering now. Wizard World returns to Los Angeles March 13-15, 2009 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

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Wizard World Texas Scores The Premiere Of Futurama Bender’s Game

Source: Wizard Entertainment

Wizard World Texas is proud to host a screening of the latest DVD film in the dynamic "Futurama" dynasty on Saturday, November 8th with an encore presentation on Sunday, November 9th. This is a rare opportunity to see this epic on the big screen.

Park your hover-car and saddle up your unicorn for the most fantastical “Futurama” yet: “Futurama: Bender’s Game.” With fuel prices skyrocketing, the Planet Express crew sets off on a dangerous mission to infiltrate the world's only dark-matter mine, source of all spaceship fuel. But deep beneath the surface, they discover a far stranger place...a medieval land of dragons and sorcery and intoxicated knights who look suspiciously like Bender.

Joining the cast are guest stars George Takei, the iconic Captain Sulu from the original “Star Trek” series, and comic impressionist Rich Little.

“Wizard World Texas is thrilled to be able to offer this rare opportunity to show ‘Futurama: Bender's Game’ on the big screen," said Wizard Entertainment Senior VP/Operations Joe Yanarella. “I'm sure the legions of ‘Futurama’ fans will love the experience.”

Wizard World, the largest family-friendly comics and pop culture convention in the United States, returns to Texas November 7-9 at the Arlington Convention Center. Be sure to go to http://www.wizardworld.com/ for updates about guests and programming and to save 20 percent off the price of tickets by ordering them online now.

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Wizard World Has Big Things Brewing Deep In The Heart Of Texas

Source: Wizard Entertainment

Wizard World Texas just got even bigger with the announcement today that the pop culture extravaganza will host the hottest horror show in Texas, Texas Fear Fest, as part of the festivities November 7-9 at the Arlington Convention Center.

On top of the impressive list of comic book talent already attending at this year’s Wizard World Texas convention, Corey Feldman (“The Lost Boys,” “Friday the 13th 4” & “5”), Danny Trejo (“From Dusk Till Dawn,” “Rob Zombie’s Halloween”) and cast members from “Friday the 13th: A New Beginning,” “Monster Squad” and “Halloween 4” will be on hand to meet and greet their fans. In addition to the guests, there will be special events, including screenings of “Friday the 13th: A New Beginning” and “Monster Squad” and Fear Jam, a concert featuring Michale Graves, formerly of The Misfits, First Jason, and The Horrifics with special guest Eerie Von of Danzig and Samhain.

“Wizard is thrilled to be able to play host to such a popular event and work with Texas Fear Fest partners John Gray and Sean Clark,” said Wizard Senior VP/Operations Joe Yanarella. “This amazing opportunity allows us to bring in more guests and more excitement and grow our show larger than ever before.”

“This really is a merger of powerhouses,” said Fear Fest’s John Gray. “What a fantastic opportunity for the fans of Fear Fest and Wizard! It also lets me combine my two great loves—horror and comics, so I am personally ecstatic!”

“Being able to join forces with an established and well respected company like Wizard World is truly a blessing for us,” added Sean Clark.

For complete information on guests, events and tickets, visit txfearfest.com. Texas Fear Fest is sponsored by pitofhorror.com, dreadcentral.com and conventionallstars.com.

Wizard World, the largest family-friendly comics and pop culture convention in the United States, returns to Texas November 7-9 at the Arlington Convention Center.