Welcome To My (Wizard) World - 2016

Wizard World Chicago Comic Con returns to the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont tomorrow and will cast its magical spell through Sunday. This annual convention is a major attraction for self-professed nerds, sci-fi devotees, graphic novels readers, art lovers, and anyone who embraces the more adventurous paths of modern culture. A four-day pass costs $105, and prices for single day tickets vary.

This year, several celebrity guests are assembled in teams. You’ll find Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, and Lea Thompson from Back To The Future; along with David Duchovny, Gillian Anderson, Mitch Pileggi, and William B. Davis from The X-Files; Norman Reedus, Tom Payne, and Danai Guria from The Walking Dead; Rosario Dawson, Eldon Henson, Deborah Ann Woll, Elodie Yung, and Charlie Cox from Daredevil; and John Barrowman and Colin Donnell from Arrow.

I would have loved to see a lineup like that from Doctor Who. At least this year’s Comic Con has the very funny Barrowman, who in addition to starring on Arrow, played Captain Jack Harkness on Doctor Who and Torchwood. Carrie Fisher, Kate Mulgrew, Rose McIver, and Bruce Campbell will also be on hand. 

Wizard World Chicago Comic Con also offers aisle after aisle of corporate and independent vendors selling comic books, t shirts, action figures, and other fantasy/sci-fi related artifacts. In the huge marketplace dubbed Artists Alley, up-and-coming artists and writers compete for attention. If was a high-powered financier from a counter-culture version of Shark Tank, I’d put up funds for several of the worthy projects these people have created.

There’s also a fun, masquerade atmosphere as people dress up in superhero or villain costumes, and gladly pose for photos. Where else are you going to see Batman and Princess Leia sipping 32-oz. Cokes together, or Captain Jack Sparrow and Harry Potter walking side by side. Check the Wizard World Chicago Comic Con website for the complete schedule and prices.