Posted in: Comics, Recent Updates | Tagged: chris claremont, Comics, entertainment, gillian anderson, neal adams, Wizard World Minneapolis
Wizard World's Whirlwind Tour Stop In Minneapolis
By Jason Strangis
The Wizard World tour made a stop in Minneapolis on May 1-3. Though not nearly on the large scale of Wizard World Chicago or Philadelphia, the Minnesota show still brought in thousands of comic book fans during the weekend to the Minneapolis Convention Center in downtown, Minneapolis.
Featured were media guests including Gillian Anderson (The X-Files), Karl Urban (Star Trek films), Kevin Conroy (voice of Batman on the popular animated series), Kristy Swanson (the original Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Sylvester McCoy (Dr. Who), and local hero Kevin Sorbo (Hercules).
Legendary comic book creators who made the visit to Minneapolis included Neal Adams and Chris Claremont.
Some of the featured guests were highlighted during panel presentations and answered questions from fans. Media guests also signed autographs for fans during the weekend.
Panels included a look back at the history of Marvel Comics, a preview of what is ahead for Marvel and DC movies and television shows, and how to break into comics.
At this "mini-show" in Minneapolis, about 100 exhibitors sold Golden and Silver Age comic books, movie posters, superhero artwork, action figures and collectibles, and other odd stuff that can only be found at comic book conventions.
This year there was more of an attempt to include popular cosplay and costume events, a music concert, After-Party, and even "speed dating" for Sci-Fi lovers to perhaps connect.
Wizard World added the Minneapolis tour stop last year and the show was successful enough to include it on the tour again this year. Other tour stops in the Midwest include St. Louis, Des Moines, Iowa, and of course the big show in Chicago scheduled for August 20-23.
Here's a photogallery to convey some of the flavor of the event:
Jason Strangis is a freelance writer who enjoys superheroes, sci-fi, and attending comic book conventions. He can be reached at jwstrangis@gmail.com