Celebs, Artists, Family Activities Highlight Fun At Wizard World Ohio Comic Con This Weekend

September 26, 2012 by

This post is written by John Macaluso, CEO, Wizard World. You can follow Wizard World on Twitter @WizardWorld.

When people ask me what Wizard World Ohio Comic Con is all about, it’s hard to say in a few words. There are top-shelf celebrities like the immortal Patrick Stewart, “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” star Eliza Dushku and WWE® Superstar CM Punk®; some of the biggest comics artists in the business in Greg Horn, Tyler Kirkham, Neal Adams and dozens of others; Kids Day full of family activities, exhibitors with unique products and deals, and as much pop culture as we can fit into our expanded format, which now includes a “preview day” on Friday evening.

Wizard World Ohio Comic Con

But, when it comes down to it, Wizard World is about creating a great experience for the fans.

That’s where it all starts, and the driving goal behind everything we do here. And we’ve put together a show this Friday through Sunday at the Greater Columbus Convention Center that reflects that.

Start with the celebrities. As headliners, Stewart, Dushku and names like Val Kilmer and Dean Cain (Batman and Superman!) have resumes that include roles from many genres within movies and television. Punk is a superstar familiar to wrestling followers and beyond, a star who has drawn huge crowds everywhere he’s been. Interest is also high in The Boondock Saints trio of David Della Rocco, Sean Patrick Flanery and Norman Reedus and WWE Divas Amy Dumas and Maryse Ouellet.

Wizard World Ohio Comic Con

Though many attendees like to sample everything Wizard World Ohio has to offer, some will spend hours just visiting Artist Alley, a collection of international superstar creators who have worked on just about every comics franchise imaginable. Besides Horn, Kirkham and Adams there are hugely popular artists like Humberto Ramos, Paul Jenkins and many others. A commissioned piece from an Artist Alley pro is a treasured keepsake.

It wouldn’t be Comic Con without cosplay – and Ohio fan groups and attendees come through with flying colors here. There’s lots of great people-watching, and the costume contests – adults on Saturday, kids on Sunday – are a big highlight.

Wizard World Ohio Comic Con

Speaking of Kids, Sunday is Kids Day at every Wizard World show. Children 10 and under are always admitted free with a paid adult, but Sunday takes it up a notch, as face painting, special programming, their very own passport to kid-friendly exhibitors, celebrities and artists, and the costume contest are all part of their special day.

Night owls will enjoy the “Drink and Draw” on Friday after the show and “Masquerade Party” at the Tavern on Front on Saturday.

We’re proud and excited to be back in Columbus this weekend. If you’ve been before, we hope you’ll come again and bring a friend. If not, give it a try – we think it’s an experience you won’t soon forget.

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  • James

    Nice of you to fail to mention the exciting community of independent local comic book writers and artists. Probably because many of us skipped out this year because of your high table rates, focus on past-their-prime-celebrities, and geek kitsch. Mid-Ohio was nothing amazing, but Wizard (as Wizard always does in its position as Maxim for the comics industry) has manage to lower the bar in the course of one show. The atmosphere last year could best be described as a cattle car of everything trite,crass and gross about geek culture. Next time do us us a favor and drop the word \comic\ from the show name? Comics are an art form that deserves some respect and you’re just a regressive pop culture show. If you are in Columbus make sure to take one of many (and cheaper) opportunities to interact with the incredible medium of comics throughout the year.

  • Dyna-Mo Chen

    Adding the celebs and making a corporate event out of a nice growing con is tragic. Its nothing but a money grab now.