Wizard World Comic Con Comes to Chicago

By Jen DeSalvo, 89 WLS-AM

(CHICAGO) Tens of thousands of fans of all ages come together to celebrate the best in pop culture, movies, graphic novels, cos-play, comics, television, gaming, and more this weekend at the Wizard World Comic Con event in Rosemont.

Wizard World (5) — Photo Credit: Wizard World

Wizard World Comic Con began in 2013 with eight shows touring across the United States. In 2014, that number doubled to 16 shows, and this year the event has expanded to 24 events with Chicago being number 15 on the tour.

“Chicago is our longest running show and it is our most attended,” Jerry Milani of Wizard World explained with “tens of thousands of fans” expected this year.

Wizard World (7) — A photo of the crowd and merchandise from a past Wizard World Comic Con event Credit: Wizard World

Wizard World Comic Con Chicago is also the place for cos-play, with fans young and old showing off their best costumes throughout the event.

Fans dressed as every imaginable character will roam the convention floor and participate in the famed Wizard World Costume Contest on Saturday night. Not only will there be costumes familiar to the general public, but Milani says that many people design their own personal creations for the event and the contest.

A group of fans dressed as their favorite characters at the Wizard World kick off event on August 19th, 2015 — A group of fans dressed as their favorite characters at the Wizard World Kickoff event on August 19th, 2015 Photo Credit: J. DeSalvo

The event isn’t limited to costumes and comic paraphernalia. Celebrities from cult classics, sci-fi and other pop culture movies and television shows will be available for pictures, autographs, and meet-and-greets.

Burt Reynolds (Smokey and the Bandit), Emilie de Ravin (Once Upon a Time), Michael Rooker (The Walking Dead, Guardians of the Galaxy) and Barry Bostwick (Rocky Horror Picture Show) are just a short list of the celebrities on the schedule. Actors aren’t the only people that fans can meet. Comic book artists, writers and even WWE Superstars, including The Undertaker, will be in attendance.

Barry Bostwick and Michael Rooker at the Wizard World Kickoff Event on August 19th at Level 257 Photo Credit: J. DeSalvo

For those who have never been to a Comic Con, Milani advises to “Come to the show because you might have one celebrity that you’re interested in, but don’t expect that to be the only thing that you do.”

Milani assures that “you’re going to probably come out of it with a very different idea of what you enjoyed than when you were going in.”