This weekend, June 1st thru the 4th, Wizard World returns to Philadelphia. It’s hard to believe that back in 2005, I attended my first Wizard World Convention. At the time, I had just entered the world of professional wrestling. I had enrolled myself in the Devastation University that was once located in Egg Harbor Township, NJ. The owner and operator, King Kong Bundy, was scheduled for an appearance. It just so happens that he asked me to assist him at the event.
Any chance to be at an event by Bundy’s side and soak in the knowledge of the wrestling industry was one to jump at in itself. This one, however, included other aspects that I greatly enjoyed… Comics, Superheroes, Film and Entertainment. I had a blast. Seeing all the cosplay and different booths, I walked the floor for as long as I could. I was even able to attend the following year in 2006 where I got to meet Noell Neil (Lois Lane) and Erica Durance (…also Lois Lane).
It would be another 10 years before I returned to Wizard World butI finally did in 2016, this time covering the event for The Nerd Stash. I was absolutely amazed at how the event had transformed since the last time I attended in 2006, not to mention being baffled by the huge number of celebrity guests, halls, and panels. Some of the cosplay had become so detailed, I couldn’t tell if it was fan made or a movie prop. I was like a little kid in a candy store. I just couldn’t get enough. Thankfully, I get to do it again this year in 2017. After looking over the programming, I expect to be just as amazed this year.
Wizard World will be bringing in celebrity personalities such as Paul Bettany, Chuck Norris, Michael Rooker, Jesse Eisenberg, Famke Janssen and several more. Wizard World is also bringing in Gene Simmons who will be performing a solo concert with his band at the Trocadero Theatre on Friday night. A mini Horror Fest has also been put together which includes screenings of Monster Squad, Buffy, Dark Signal(US Premiere), Dream Warriors (Featuring Live Commentary w/ Heather Langenkamp & surprise guest) and Found Footage 3D. Rocky Horror Picture Show will also be shown but tickets have to be purchased separately from The Horror Fest tickets. If you like the Horror/Sci-Fi genre, be sure to check out this recent news regarding Glass, The Unbreakable/Split sequel.
If that wasn’t enough, there’s also going to be Sci-Fi Speed Dating. So, if you’re single and looking for love, you could find it at this year’s Wizard World. I couldn’t be more excited to attend this year and you can head over to the Wizard World website for a full list of programming and guests. Do you have kids? Up to 2 Children, 10 and under get in FREE when accompanied by a paid adult. Some quick tips if you do go. Make sure you plan out what you want to do ahead of time and have a backup plan. If you’re buying celebrity signings on the spot, plan your time accordingly and expect long lines. The Nerd Stash will be walking the floor all four days. Just look for our T-shirts. I hope to see you there!