When I was a kid comic books were for nerds. I remember a friend and I dressing as our favorite characters (to the best of our ability) and creating super weapons out of whatever we could find to have a superhero war. Of course, we were made fun of and probably still would be today - but just like the computer geeks who have taken over the world, with comic books driving billions of dollars of sales in all markets, including video games and mega-movies, that laughter isn't quite as loud or raucous. In fact, it's probably all but disappeared.
Having been a steady attendee of the San Diego Comic Con for years, watching it grow to the juggernaut it has become along with this once-laughed at industry, I was more than thrilled when last year we got our very
own Orange County Con in Anaheim compliments of Wizard World.
The little Con-that-could made quite an impression on me last year. It was by many degrees smaller than the San Diego Con but that was actually to its advantage. It was a like a throw-back to the early San Diego days. I found it easy to navigate the aisles and a lot more fun to attend since you could actually (most of the time) talk to the stars there who were making appearances and signing autographs.
OCSWA did coverage last year (here) and (here) and I can't wait to go back and see how they've changed, grown and improved the experience. I actually ran into a lot of Hollywood buddies there, although I missed OCSWA friend Kevin Sorbo on Saturday because of a previous commitment.
Students and faculty members as well as members of the armed forces, fire and police may purchase specially priced tickets for just $5 with valid identification.
Tickets are free for children age 10 and under when accompanied by a paid adult (limit two children per adult). VIP packages that include special entry and exclusive merchandise are also available.
Here's some info on the Con happening in just a week in Anaheim.
Anaheim, CA – April 2011 – Wizard World, producers of North America’s largest pop-culture tour, brings its annual Comic Con expo to Anaheim Convention Center Friday, April 29 through Sunday, May 1, 2011.
Tickets are on sale now for the event that brings together fans of all ages along with fun-loving celebrities and top industry professionals, all celebrating the best in pop culture, movies, comics, toys, television, gaming, original art, collectibles, contests and more. Among the show’s celebrity guests include:
CELEBRITY GUESTS:
Adam West (Batman; Family Guy)
Harry Hamlin (Clash of the Titans)
Burt Ward (Batman [Robin])
Tricia Helfer (Battlestar Galactica)
Ray Park (Star Wars, X-Men)
Stephen Tobolowsky (Glee)
Michael McMillian (True Blood; What I Like About You)
Ernie Hudson (Ghostbusters)
Richard Roundtree (Shaft; Heroes)
Sally Kellerman (M*A*S*H; Back to School)
ARTISTS, COMIC CREATORS:
Phil Ortiz (The Simpsons; He-Man; Masters of the Universe)
Dustin Nguyen (Batman)
Judd Winick (Power Girl; Justice League)
William Stout (The Dinosaurs)
Mike Grell (Green Arrow; Green Lantern)
Bill Sienkiewicz (Elektra; Assassin)
Arthur Suydam (Marvel Zombies; Army of Darkness)
Nathan Edmonson (Who is Jake Ellis?; The Light)
DOZENS more listed on their website
GENERAL INFO:
Attendees of all ages are greatly encouraged to come dressed as their favorite villain, superhero or pop culture personality for the chance to win 
special prizes in costume contests for adults and children.
Event-goers may also try their hand at interactive product exhibits and shop for collectible comics, movie and television memorabilia, toys and games at more than 100 dealer booths.
In addition, Wizard World will host a special fundraiser for Best Friends Animal Society, where event-goers may adopt a deserving dog or cat from Best Friends’ network of local animal rescue organizations.
TICKETS:
Comic Con tickets are available online (here).
Adult single-day tickets are $25 in advance; a 15% savings over tickets purchased at the door. Three-day weekend tickets are $45 when purchased in advance; $55 at the door.
Students and faculty members as well as members of the armed forces, fire and police may purchase specially priced tickets for just $5 with valid identification.
Tickets are free for children age 10 and under when accompanied by a paid adult (limit two children per adult). VIP packages that include special entry and exclusive merchandise are also available.
For information about the show, including the advance purchase of professional photo opps with celebrity guests; participation in the “Magic: The Gathering” card game tournament; and other on-site activities, visit www.wizardworld.com. Join us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/anaheimcomiccon and on Twitter @WizardWorld.
See you all there!
