‘Willy Wonka,’ ‘The Evil Dead’ Panels, Patrick Stewart, Bruce Campbell, Christopher Lloyd Q&As, ‘Kids’ Day,’ James Marsters Concert, ‘Buffyfests’ Highlight Wizard World Chicago Comic Con Programming
Julie Benz, Felicia Day, Anthony Michael Hall, ‘Stargate Universe,’ ‘Walking Dead’ Panels, ‘Wizard School,’ and Costume Contests Also On Tap For August 11-14 at Donald E. Stephens Convention Center
NEW YORK and ROSEMONT, Ill., August 1, 2011 – Wizard World Chicago Comic Con today announced its huge programming schedule, featuring unique celebrity Q&A’s, music, film screenings and discussions, artist schools, contests and more for the event, set for Thursday through Sunday, August 11-14 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center. Sessions featuring superstars Patrick Stewart, Bruce Campbell and Christopher Lloyd and notables from such popular programs and films as “Buffy: The Vampire Slayer,” “The Walking Dead,” WILLY WONKA AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY and THE EVIL DEAD are among the highlight attractions.
Some of the top sessions include:
- Rare Q&A sessions with Patrick Stewart (“Star Trek: The Next Generation:), Christopher Lloyd (BACK TO THE FUTURE, “Taxi”), Anthony Michael Hall (SIXTEEN CANDLES), Morena Baccarin (“V,” “Stargate SG-1”), Pam Grier (“Smallville”) and Felicia Day (“The Guild”)
- “Buffyfests” with “Buffy: The Vampire Slayer” stars Nicholas Brendon, Kelly Donovan, Mercedes McNab and Clare Kramer
- Popular panels with Julie Benz (“Dexter,” “No Ordinary Family), Bruce Campbell (“Burn Notice,” ARMY OF DARKNESS), Lou Ferrigno (“The Incredible Hulk”) and Ray Park (STAR WARS)
- Up-close and personal concert with the multi-talented James Marsters (separate admission)
- Screening and reunion of the five stars of the cult classic film THE EVIL DEAD, including Campbell, Ellen Sandweiss, Richard DeManincor, Betsy Baker and Theresa Tilly
- Young stars Chandler Riggs, Addy Miller and Adrian Kali Turner along with other stars of the hit television series “The Walking Dead”
- A WILLY WONKA panel featuring the five child stars of the original 1971 classic film
- “Stargate Universe” Q&A with the beautiful tandem of Alaina Huffman and Julia Benson
- “Kids’ Day” program with face painting, balloons, other fun activities specially designed for children
- Wizard Art School and Q&A’s featuring leading creators like Ivan Brunetti, Michael Golden, Bill Sienkiewicz, Mike Grell, Humberto Ramos, Greg Horn and others
- The popular adult costume contest and fun kids costume contest with great prizes
Unless noted, Chicago Comic Con programming will take place in the designated panel rooms at the Donald E. Stephens 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 each room will be cleared between panels. The full schedule is below:
Friday 08/12
1:00-1:45PM
Lou Ferrigno Q&A
Have your questions ready for the original Incredible Hulk Lou Ferrigno, or risk getting crushed. Don’t say we didn’t warn you. (Room B)
Tom Nguyen’s Style Of Inking
Renowned inker Tom Nguyen (Green Lantern; Brightest Day; Batman and Robin) shares his tips for perfecting your professional inking process; includes live demonstrations. (Room C)
2:00-2:45PM
Michael Uslan Q&A
As one of the highest grossing movie producers of all time, Emmy Award-winning Michael Uslan sits down to share his experiences working with some of the industry’s top talent as the executive producer behind the billion dollar Batman series – including Batman Forever, Batman Returns and The Dark Knight. (Room A)
Exposed: The Secrets Of Professional Wrestling
Some of your favorite wrestlers spill their secrets and give fans the low down on what’s real and what’s not in the world of professional wrestling. (Room B)
3:00-3:45PM
Willy Wonka Reunion
The five child stars from the original Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory reunite 40 years after the release of the classic 1971 film. Panelists include Peter Ostrum (“Charlie Bucket”), Paris Themmen (“Mike Tee Vee”), Julie Dawn Cole (“Veruca Salt”), Denise Nickerson (“Violet Beauregard”) and Michael Boellner (“Augustus Gloop”). (Room A)
Edward Furlong Q&A
The actor fills us in on the ups and downs he’s seen in Hollywood since beginning his career as the young John Connor in the blockbuster movie Terminator 2: Judgment Day. (Room A)
4:00-4:45PM
Torchwood Q&A With Kai Owen And Gareth David-Lloyd
Kai Owen and Gareth David-Lloyd became international superstars with their roles as Rhys Williams and Ianto Jones in the British sci-fi hit “Torchwood,” and they traveled overseas to make a special US appearance at the Chicago Comic Con! (Room A)
Stargate Universe Q&A With Alaina Huffman And Julia Benson
Alaina Huffman and Julia Benson take to the stage to spill on their days as the leading ladies Tamara Johansen and Vanessa James from the wildly popular sci-fi series “Stargate Universe.” (Room B)
Panel Discussion With The Creators Of Unicorn City
Ever wanted to know what it takes to produce an independent feature film? Come learn and ask questions from the creators of Unicorn City – a romantic comedy that is screening for FREE at the Chicago Comic Con.
5:00-5:45PM
Buffyfest Q&A With Nicholas Brendon And Kelly Donovan
“Buffy The Vampire Slayer” star Nicholas Brendon (Xander Harris) sits down with his on and off-screen twin brother Kelly Donovan to take fan questions about life during and after the pop culture phenomenon. (Room A)
Wizard Art School With Ivan Brunetti
Go back to school for free with University of Chicago professor and Eisner Award-nominee Ivan Brunetti! He will discuss and demonstrate some cartooning basics such as character design, layout, and efficient visual storytelling. (Room C)
6:00-6:45PM
Buffyfest Q&A With Clare Kramer And Mercedes McNab
Join the ladies known as Harmony and Glory on the hit TV show “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” as they discuss their days on the show and dish about what went on behind-the-scenes of the show that just won’t die. (Room A)
Scary Funny: The Art Of Combining Humor And Comedy
Novelist Alan Goldsher – the twisted mind behind the acclaimed Paul Is Undead: The British Zombie Invasion, Midnight Movie and the upcoming Hills Are Alive With The Sound Of Suckin. What do all these novels have in common? They’re all simultaneously disgusting and hilarious, a melding of literary attitudes that is poised to take over the book world. In his first appearance at Chicago Comic Con, Alan will discuss how to successfully blend comedy with horror, will read from all three books, sign copies of Paul Is Undead and Midnight Movie, give away prizes, and answer all your questions…no matter how goofy they may be. (Room B)
7:00-8:00PM
Saving The Day With Felicia Day
Join Felicia Day for a panel discussion on filmmaking as she presents an exclusive glimpse of her highly anticipated upcoming feature film, Rock Jocks. The panel also includes Writer/Director Paul Seetachitt, Production Designer/Executive Producer Greg Aronowitz, Producer Sheri Bryant and Executive Producer John Byrnes. Includes a sneak preview of the film’s trailer, exclusive behind-the-scenes film clips, as well as audience Q&A discussion. (Room A)
8:00-10:00PM
Film Screening: The Boondock Saints
Relive the story of the twin vigilantes that set out to rid Boston of crime and evil while on the run from the FBI. Starring Sean Patrick Flanery, Norman Reedus and David Della Rocco. For mature audiences only.
Film Screening: Unicorn City
Unicorn City is the story of a fanatical gamer who creates a Utopian society based on the rules of tabletop gaming, only to have the city stolen out from underneath him by his gaming nemesis Shadow Hawk, played by John Gries. (Room C)
8:00-11:00PM
Wizard World Chicago Drink And Draw – Hosted By Tommy Castillo
Don’t miss your chance to hang out with some of your favorite artists at the official Wizard World Drink and Draw, hosted by Tommy Castillo! Some will drink, some will draw, and the best will take on the challenge of doing both! (Aloft Hotel Lounge- 9700 Balmoral Avenue)
Saturday 08/13
11:00-11:45AM
Pam Grier Q&A
With a career spanning over 40 years and extensive résumé- including Foxy Brown, Jackie Brown, “Smallville,” and “The-L Word- Emmy-award nominee Pam Grier dishes on the roles that have made her a household name and her legacy in TV and film. (Room A)
Flashpoint/100 Bullets Q&A
Eduardo Risso, Brian Azzarello and Dave Johnson – the Eisner-Award winning team behind Flashpoint: Batman-Knight of Vengeance and the Vertigo hardboiled crime series 100 Bullets – reunite to discuss the writing and sketching processes behind the popular series. (Room B)
Wizard Writing School: Gregg Hurwitz, Michael Harvey And Paul Jenkins
Join bestselling authors Gregg Hurwitz (The Crime Writer; The Tower), Michael Harvey (Michael Kelly, PI Series: The Chicago Way) and Paul Jenkins (Spider-Man, Batman; The Incredible Hulk) for this panel on writing and editing for comics. (Room C)
12:00-12:45PM
Julie Benz Q&A
Having starred in hit shows like “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” “Dexter” and “No Ordinary Family,” Benz talks to fans about her extensive career, ups and downs in the industry and her thoughts on the new generation of sci-fi and fantasy on television. (Room A)
Storytelling With Michael Golden
Whether you’re a writer, artist, or just a comic lover, come for this sit-down with one of the most renowned storytellers in the business as he shares 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! (Room B)
Comic Con Costuming With The 501st
The 501st costuming group shares their tips, skills and ideas on how to build and improve your comic con costumes. Whether you’re a Jedi, Rebel Pilot, Trooper, or Princess, they will share their knowledge on how to make sure your costume is the best. (Room C)
1:00-1:45PM
Morena Baccarin Q&A
Whether you know her as Inara Serra in “Firefly,” Adria in “Stargate SG-1,” or Anna in the newest remake of “V,” Morena Baccarin is undoubtedly one of the female superstars of sci-fi. Join her for a special Q&A session with fans, as she answers all of your questions and shares her thoughts on the future of sci-fi television. (Room A)
Anthony Michael Hall Q&A
After rising to stardom as one of our favorite “geeks” in ‘90s teen classics such as Sixteen Candles, The Breakfast Club and Weird Science, or as County Commissioner Johnny Smith in the Steven King series “The Dead Zone, ” don’t miss your chance to talk to Anthony Michael Hall as he makes his Wizard World Comic Con debut. (Room B)
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. (Room C)
2:00-2:45PM
Patrick And Daniel Stewart Q&A
All hail Sir Patrick Stewart! We all know and love him for his roles as Captain Jean-Luc Picard in “Star Trek” and as Professor Xavier in the X-Men movies, among dozens of other film, television and stage credits. Don’t miss the international superstar when he teams up with his son Daniel (“Star Trek: The Next Generation”) for a special double Q&A at Wizard World Comic Con. (Room A)
Tia Carrere Q&A
Tia Carrere hasn’t only stolen the hearts of men everywhere with her roles in favorites such as Wayne’s World and the popular series “Relic Hunters,” this exotic beauty is a Grammy Award-winning singer, actress and voiceover talent, and shares the secrets to her multi-faceted success in Hollywood. (Room B)
Breaking Into Comics With Will Conrad And Mike Deodato
Brazilian fan favorites Will Conrad (X-23 II; Wolverine) and Mike Deodato (Amazing Spider-Man; Wonder Woman) discuss and demonstrate how they create their art and incorporate storytelling. (Room C)
3:00-3:45PM
Felicia Day And Jeff Lewis Q&A
Aside from starring in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” Felicia Day has made her name as one of the biggest stars on the web. She reunites with “The Guild” co-star Jeff Lewis as they share how they became viral sensations with her widely popular award-winning series “The Guild.” (Room A)
Levar Burton Q&A
Whether the adults know him by face as Lt. Commander Geordi La Forge from “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” or the kids know him as the voice of Kwame in the kid’s cartoon favorite “Captain Planet,” or as the face of “Reading Rainbow,” LeVar Burton has delighted fans on-screen for generations, and will share his experiences in this Q&A. (Room B)
Breaking Into Comics II With Humberto Ramos, Paul Jenkins And Pia Guerra
Eisner Award winners Humberto Ramos (Amazing Spider-Man; The Spectacular Spider-Man), Paul Jenkins (Spider-Man; Batman) and Pia Guerra ( to give out their tips on refining your art, pitching to publishers, and any other sound advice they can think of about working in comics. (Room C)
4:00-4:45PM
Christopher Lloyd Q&A
Christopher Lloyd became a fan favorite in his role as Dr. Emmett Brown- the world’s favorite weird scientist- in the Back to the Future trilogy, so catch him when and he lands at Chicago Comic Con! (Room A)
Charisma Carpenter Q&A
Buffyfest continues to get hotter as Charisma Carpenter, loved by fans as Cordelia Chase on the television series “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and its spinoff “Angel,” sits down for her Q&A. (Room B)
How To Make A Comic From Script To Print
The Kubert School presents “How to Make a Comic from Script to Print.” Archie Comics artist and Kubert School instructor, Fernando Ruiz, walks you through the process of making a comic – from story, to pencils, inks, colors and then finally lettering – this a great introduction to all the different disciplines that go into creating a comic.
5:00-5:45PM
Bruce Campbell Q&A
Known for his roles on the big screen in cult classics such as Army of Darkness and Evil Dead, or as Sam Axe in the hit television show “Burn Notice,” Bruce Campbell has proven to be a force to be reckoned with, both on-screen and behind-the-scenes as an actor, director and author. Don’t miss an opportunity to ask him questions when he makes a rare appearance at Chicago Comic Con. (Room A)
The Way Of The Nerd With Ken Goldstein
Do you have the best idea for a comic book, video game, cartoon or movie?? Get industry insight to sell you comic book, video game, cartoon or movie, and learn about how today’s most prolific artists made it to the top of the industry from the insiders that know it best. Panel features host Ken Goldstein, author of The Way of the Nerd: Practical Advice for Impractical People, and special surprise guests. (Room B)
Wizard Art School: Cartooning From Start To Finish With Glen Mcckoy
Two-time Magazine Cartoonist of the Year and Editorial Cartoonist of the Year winner Glen McCoy will teach you how to create your own editorial pieces in this interactive lesson on cartooning. (Room C)
6:00-7:00PM
Musical Of The Living Dead
This “musical zom-com” (zombie comedy), is an original musical parody of classic zombie films and musical theatre. Featuring music inspired by everything from Gershwin to Green Day, the show follows the lives of ten very different people trapped in a farmhouse seeking refuge from the brain-eating zombies outside. (Room B)
6:00-8:00PM
Adult Costume Contest
Get your best costume together and come on down to Wizard World’s Chicago Comic Con costume contest for fun prizes and some of the craziest outfits you’ll see this weekend. (Room A)
6:00-6:45PM
Five Year Mission Performance
Don’t miss this performance by Star Trek band Five Year Mission. (Room C)
8:00-12:00AM
Wizard World Masquerade Ball – Zombie Edition
After the costume contest the Zombie Takeover continues as we take over the Lobby Level of the Hyatt (across from the Red Bar) for a night of dancing, drinks and lots of zombies! Costumes preferred but not required. Free admission with a Wizard World Comic Con Wristband. (Hyatt Regency O’Hare Foyer – 9300 Bryn Mawr Avenue)
8:30-9:30PM
James Marsters Concert
After enjoying sell-out crowds across the nation, singer/songwriter James Marsters performs a rare and intimate concert up close and personal with Wizard World fans! *Separate concert ticket required for entry. (Room A)
10:00-12:00AM
Film Screening: The Evil Dead
The zombie-fest continues with the cult classic The Evil Dead, the story of the 5 college students that get trapped in the woods after releasing flesh-eating zombies. Starring Bruce Campbell! For mature audiences only. (Room A)
Sunday 08/14
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. (Room A)
Mimi Rogers Q&A
Talented actress and producer Mimi Rogers (Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me; “X-Files”) makes her Chicago Comic Con debut to dish about her leading men, behind-the-scenes shenanigans and more.
(Room B)
Bill Sienkiewicz And David Mack Q&A
Legendary artists and long-time friends David Mack (Kubuki) 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. (Room C)
12:00-12:45PM
The Evil Dead Reunion
While we can’t promise flesh-eating zombies, we can promise that the reunion of the five stars of the cult classic The Evil Dead will be a Q&A that you don’t want to miss! Featuring Bruce Campbell (“Ash”), Ellen Sandweiss (“Cheryl”), Richard DeManincor (“Hal Delrich”), Betsy Baker (“Linda”) and Theresa Tilly (“Sarah York”). (Room A)
Louis Gossett Jr. Q&A
Emmy and Academy Award-winning actor Louis Gossett Jr. (An Officer and Gentleman ; Enemy Mine) sits down for a rare opportunity to ask about his historic career in movies and television. (Room B)
How To Be A Hero With Jarrett Crippen
Join The Defuser as he engages kids with his acclaimed program How to be a Hero! This high energy program will teach kids (ages 1st-5th grade) the finer points of how to be a REAL hero in their own communities. 9-1-1, Stranger Danger, What to do in a real emergency and what it takes start the path to true hero status! This 30 minute program will have long lasting results for the young hero in your family! (Room C)
1:00-1:45PM
Boondock Saints Reunite
Norman Reedus and Sean Patrick Flanery- the pair known as Murphy and Connor MacManus in The Boondock Saints I and II – reteam with “The Funny Man” Rocco (David Della Rocco) for a special Q&A session. (Room A)
Vivica A. Fox Q&A
With countless movies and television shows under her belt – including Kill Bill: Vol 1, Independence Day, Juwanna Man and so many more – Vivica A. Fox shares the details behind the movies, her career, and everything we never got to see on-screen in some of our favorite movies. (Room B)
Draw Like A Superhero With Franco Aureliani And Art Baltazar
Bring the youngsters to meet this Eisner Award winning tag team behind kids’ favorites such as Tiny Titans and Billy Batson and the Magic of Shazam, as they host this interactive step-by-step guide to creating your very own superhero comic! (Room C)
2:00-2:45PM
Ray Park Q&A
The “X-Men” and “Star Wars: Episode I—The Phantom Menace” star engages fans in this one-of-a-kind Q&A, where he discusses his extensive film biography and his evolution to genre icon. (Room A)
Kid’s Costume Contest
Bring kids 10 and under for this special event with fun prizes just for families and the youngsters. (Room B)
Digital Art School W/ 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. (Room C)
3:00-3:45PM
Walking Dead Q&A And Preview
AMC’s ambitious horror series based on Robert Kirkman’s ultra-hot zombie series from Image, now comes to life from director Frank Darabont (“The Green Mile”)! Check out this amazing preview of behind-the-scenes footage and extended clips along with a Q&A with Chandler Riggs, Addy Miller and Anthony Guajardo. (Room A)
3:00-3:30PM
My Favorite Giant Reading With Peter Mayhew
Peter Mayhew- the 7’3″ actor that brought Chewbacca to life- now brings you his latest children’s book My Favorite Giant, intended to help little ones understand that being different doesn’t have to be a bad thing. Join Peter and his wife/co-author Mary Mayhew, for their special reading and book signing. (Room B)
3:00-5:00PM
Film Screening: Unicorn City
Unicorn City is the story of a fanatical gamer who creates a Utopian society based on the rules of tabletop gaming, only to have the city stolen out from underneath him by his gaming nemesis Shadow Hawk, played by John Gries. (Room C)
4:00-4:30PM
Sound Of Musical Interlude With Ethan Van Sciver
The halls are alive with the sound of…“music.” Ethan Van Sciver (Flash: Rebirth) invites you to spend the hour trapped in a small room discussing cannibalism, Wolverine, deviancy and all manner of filth and disease through the art of song. Not since Liberace has anyone tickled the ivories with such aplomb. Well, Richard Marx was good… but Ethan is good too! Come and see! Recommended for mature audiences – may contain adult references. (Room A)
Chicago Comic Con is the seventh stop on Wizard World’s 2011 North American tour. Hours are Thursday, August 11, 5 – 9 p.m.; Friday, August 12, noon – 8 p.m.; Saturday, August 13, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.; and Sunday, August 14, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tickets are available in advance online at http://www.wizardworld.com/chicago.html at a savings over tickets purchased at the door. Advance adult single-day tickets are priced at $25 ($35 on site); four-day all-session tickets are $50 ($60 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.
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 *****
August 11-14, 2011 – Chicago Comic Con
September 24-25, 2011 – Los Angeles Comic Con
October 22-23, 2011 – Mid-Ohio Comic Con
November 11-13, 2011 – Austin Comic Con
January 28-29, 2012 – New Orleans Comic Con
March 24-25, 2012 – Toronto Comic Con
April 28-29, 2012 – Anaheim Comic Con
May 19-20, 2012 – Big Apple Comic Con
June 1-3, 2012 – Philadelphia Comic Con
October 2012 – New England Comic Con
December 8-9, 2012 – Miami Comic Con
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- [Press] – Pure Imagination: Five Original ‘Willy Wonka’ Kids To Reunite At Wizard World Chicago Comic Con
- TheForce.Net – Latest News – Wizard World/Chicago Comic Con On The Way!
- Weirdest Guest Of Wizard World Chicago – Rod Blagojevich Bleeding Cool Comic Book News and Rumors
Originally posted at: Tales from the Longbox
