Ladies and gentlemen, it's that time again. It's a bit earlier than we're used to but WHO CARES! Wizard World is right around the corner and as the official representative for ComicBookMovie I'm here to let the locals, and the entire pop culture community, know what's going down.
Honesty is important when it comes to things people are going to spend money on and WWSTL is no different. Last year was a bit of a disappointment to many for a variety of reasons. That being said, that was a year ago and the company, as a whole, has made many changes and improvements and we will be one of the first in 2018 to experience them. So, what, and who, can we expect at Wizard World St. Louis? Read On!
Talk about star power! For 2018, we got some WWSTL veterans returning this year but there are some brand new faces the fans have been longing to see and oh boy, you won't want to miss the show this year.
Returning to St. Louis is the man. THE man. Whom, if I remember correctly, hasn't been to a WWSTL show since the very first one in 2013. "Stan Lee, the legendary comic book writer, editor, actor, producer and publisher, today announced that he will attend Wizard World Comic Con St. Louis, February 3-4, and Cleveland, March 3-4. The iconic Lee, a member of both the Will Eisner Comic Book Hall of Fame and the Jack Kirby Hall of Fame, will greet fans, pose for photo ops, sign autographs and conduct interactive Q&A sessions in Saturday and Sunday appearances in both cities.
Known to millions as the man whose superheroes propelled Marvel to its preeminent position in the comic book industry, Stan’s co-creations include Spider-Man™, The Incredible Hulk™, X-Men™, The Fantastic Four™, Iron Man,™ and hundreds of others. He introduced Spider-Man™ as a newspaper strip which became the most successful of all syndicated adventure strips having appeared in more than 500 newspapers worldwide. Stan currently remains Chairman Emeritus of Marvel, as well as a member of the Editorial Board of Marvel Comics."
John Barrowman will be making his first appearance in St. Louis for 2 days during the 3 day event. "Perhaps best known for roles as “Captain Jack Harkness” from “Doctor Who/Torchwood” and “Malcolm Merlyn” in the hit series “Arrow” and “Legends of Tomorrow,” popular guest John Barrowman will make a triumphant return to Wizard World Comic Con at upcoming shows in St. Louis (February 3-4) and Cleveland (March 3-4)."
Another newcomer, and a real treat for Marvel fans, is the one and only Sebastian Stan! Name not familiar? You most likely know him as the smoky eyed, long haired, metal arm rocking former partner of Captain America, the Winter Soldier!
Easily one of the most interesting characters in the MCU, The Winter Soldier was brought to life by Stan, who shortly appeared in Captain America (2011) as best friend Bucky Barnes, when he returned in Captain America: The Winter Soldier as the brainwashed Soviet weapon who could easily go toe-to-toe with the Cap himself (played by Chris Evens). His development as a character has captured comic fans and the general audience alike, even becoming a very popular cosplay option.
If your a fan of Sabastian Stan, there is a special treat for locals. KPLR Ch. 11 is having a contest where you can win one (1) V.I.P. Package to meet Sabastian Stan. Package includes a weekend pass, photo op, autograph and more. I will place the link to the contest below.
Other new comers include Dan Fogler ("Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them"), Bonnie Wright ("The Harry Potter franchise"), Michael Rosenbaum ("Smallville", "Justice League" the animated series), Lucy Davis ("Wonder Woman") and "Charmed" star Holly Marie Combs among others.
Returning stars include James Marsters, who has had a recent resurgence thanks to his role in the Hulu exclusive, "Marvel's Runaways", as mad scientist and Pride member Victor Stein. Also schduled to appear are Sean Astin ("Stranger Things", "Lord of the Rings"), Sean Bean ( "The Lord of the Rings", "Game of Thrones"), Billy Boyd ("The Lord of the Rings"), Nichelle Nichols ("Star Trek"), James Frain ("Gotham") and more.
Returning with the show is a Wizard World staple, the Artist Alley. While we love the movie and tv stars that bring our favorite characters to life, many of those characters started in the comics and it is in the Artist Alley where we get to see and speak with the men and women who created, drew, wrote and animated the heroes, villains and vigilantes we've come to love. "Artist Alley in St. Louis will feature Chad Hardin ("Harley Quinn," "Justice League"), Greg Horn ("Phoenix," "Venom"), Jonathan Glapion ("Wonder Woman," Dark Knights Metal"), Kyle Starks ("Rick & Morty," "Rock Candy Mountain"), Tony Fleecs ("My Little Pony," "Jeff Steinberg: Champion of Earth"), Ashley Witter ("Doctor Aphra," "Squarriors"), Ash Maczko ("Squarriors," "Cold War Inc."), Steve Geiger ("Punisher," "Spider-Man"), James O'Barr ("The Crow"), Clinton Hobart (Disney licensed fine artist), Tom Cook (“Smurfs,” “Masters of the Universe”) and many others."
"Wizard World Comic Con events bring together thousands of fans of all ages to celebrate the best in pop culture: movies, television, gaming, live entertainment, comics, sci-fi, graphic novels, toys, original art, collectibles, contests and more. The second event scheduled on the 2018 Wizard World calendar, St. Louis show hours are Friday, February 2, 4-9 p.m.; Saturday, February 3, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sunday, February 4, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Kids 10 and under are admitted free with paid adult."
Don't forget, Wizard World now has Wizard World Gaming for all the gamers looking to find some new competition and compete in tournaments. Some of the celebrity guests have also been known to take on guests during the show. Cosplay is also still welcome and encouraged.
Of course, I'm not going to lay out ALL the details but for those attending and the ones who want updates on what goes down, here is your start. I look forward to seeing some of you and if your a cosplayer and want your photo taken, I will post it on my new site at
https://cmalpha.com (currently under construction) dedicated to all the former WWSTL events including interviews, news, panels and more that I've covered and, hopefully, other local comic conventions in town I can make it to.