We’ve entered an age where pretty much every state has its own fan convention. Everyone has the opportunity to indulge their nerdy pleasures, connect with other fans, and meet stars. This means a few stand out as the best of the best. The New York City Comic Con and San Diego Comic Con in particular are the biggest names. Yet, there’s one more you should recognize, in the Second City. Wizard World Chicago might just be the best con you’ve never heard of.
Wizard World cons appear across the country, gathering big name stars, game tournaments, vendors, and all kind of other events for fans to enjoy. They’re always a big deal. Without many of us realizing it, Wizard World Chicago has started accumulating more and more stars and notable moments, becoming one of the Midwest’s biggest cons.
The star power is staggering. Back to the Future’ s Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, and Lea Thompson will be appearing at the upcoming show. An X-Files reunion of sorts is planned, with David Duchovny, Gillian Anderson, Mitch Pileggi, and William B. Davis showing up to meet their fans. Wrestling aficionados can geek out over John Cena, Seth Rollins, Dean Ambrose, the Bella Twins, Becky Lynch, and Bayley. And you can’t forget the cast of Daredevil , as Charlie Cox, Elden Henson, Deborah Ann Woll, Rosario Dawson, and Elodie Yung will all be there. That isn’t even taking into account stars who won’t have group photo ops available and are doing solo panels and signings, like Carrie Fisher, Bruce Campbell, and Norman Reedus. It’s a great opportunity to meet people you’ve known and loved for years.
Then there are the panels and supplemental activities. You can see Terry and Oliver Holler’s DeLorean Time Machine that the two hand-built. Rob Schamberger, the WWE’s artist, is doing a live painting demo. You can play Super Smash Bros or Tekken 7 Fated Retribution . It’s possible to participate in a miniature “paint and take” for $5. Pokemon Go meetups are planned. You can even be altruistic and participate in a blood drive. Wizard World Chicago is going out of its way to bring people together.
There are even show exclusives, just like there are at SDCC and NYCC. Wizard World Chicago has tons of merchandise that will only be at the event, like a Captain America shield pendant or copy of Back to the Future #1 with a variant cover . People are getting a chance to acquire unique comics, lithographs, and other products.
It may not have as wide a scope or the same level of fame as SDCC or NYCC, but Wizard World Chicago has grown to astonishing proportions over the last ten years. As a native Chicagoan, I’m amazed to see the sorts of celebrities that fly in for appearances, the range of the panels, and the different sorts of opportunities that arrive each year. It’s even at a point where Thursday, typically the most low key day of any convention, has must-attend events. People should pay more attention to Wizard World Chicago, as it’s the best the Midwest has to offer.
Looking to get in on all the con fun? Wizard World Chicago kicks off today in the Windy City and runs through this Sunday, the 21st. Check out Wizard World’s official site for celebrity guest information, panel schedules and to purchase your tickets!