Wizard World Chicago Comic Con-Saturday Costumed Crowd Shots & More #photo feature

Another Comic Con has come and gone.   It was a whirlwind weekend at Wizard World Comic Con 2012.   







Saturday the people watching was prime. 





  

 

We dig seeing the rampant creativity.   

And the mash ups are hilarious.




Poor Spider Man got ganged up on by a band of armed villains in the lobby.





Some of our favs were the families who all got in on playing dress up!

Of course we dropped back to see our friends at the World of Traegonia booth.   The author was there again, with her daughter this time. 

  

And we got a chance to see their new Traegon costume.    



Check out the videos on their site to see her in action and watch their sweet animated short.  


This series is highly recommended, mid grade fantasy, chapter books.   We read them as family bedtime stories and got thoroughly engrossed in the highly imaginative, artistic, eco-friendly, creative, inventive, magical, World of Traegonia.


    
Dino, the illustrator and sculpture maker.

Check back with ChiIL Mama & ChiIL Live Shows like we vote in Chi, IL...early and often.   We're still hammering out the details but it looks like we'll be able to run a give aways later this fall.    Either way, we'll have a full review of both of these awesome books up for our readers shortly.




We also dropped in on our friends at Threadless and bought 3 new designs to celebrate back to school.

   

The all navy or white polo uniforms & navy bottoms leave something to be desired in the creative clothes department, so we make the most of our after hours with fun, colorful t's.   Like we said in our prior Comic Con coverage here, Threadless is great about giving back to the community and holding free kids' workshops with local non profits like Girls Rock! Chicago and 826CHI, so we're extra happy to kick them our business.



We also saw our Pinups for Pitbulls friends and bought a bunch of buttons.   I also snapped a pic with them--I wore my Pit 7 Seconds "Walk Together" Tee and they said they'd send it on to Kevin Seconds.   Check 'em out if you haven't already.   They have a cool mission statement.   We're all about rescue dogs and have a rescue Husky ourselves.   We don't have a pit bull, but we do have a 110lb. Akita, another breed sometimes misused for fighting, feared and misunderstood, who is the sweetest family dog ever.   So we get it.

Finally we said hey to our Gorilla Tango Burlesque Peeps and snapped a few more shots.
 

   

After the Con, I had a chance to spend the evening with a group of true Con Connoisseurs.   We hit up the bar in the Hyatt Hotel adjoining The Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, and talked about their hobby.   The guys had what I jokingly called "Star Tracker"....like train tracker which alerts you on smart phones when trains are incoming.   These guys had a small network of spies stationed around the hotel lobby, after party and bar, all texting each other whenever a celeb showed up.    And there were plenty!  



Unlike star stalkers, these guys are collectors and just want a quick photo and maybe an autograph.   They have extensive collections and like other collectors, long to finish their "sets", generally particular segments of a sci-fi show cast.    Some celebs are rare and hard to get, and these guys have traveled as far as England for some Cons, based on who was signing.     They were all nice, pretty normal guys, although one conceded his wife thinks his collection obsession is a bit nuts.   So do all of their co workers.   But it brings them a great deal of enjoyment and doesn't hurt anyone, so whose to say collecting photos and autographs is any odder than other things people have been known to amass. 



The did say there's a subset of Comic Con diehards who cross over from collectors to crazies, going so far as to pay off the maids to bring them celebs garbage!  They also conceded that Wizard World is so massive they only loosely include it in the Con Genre.   True collectors do better abroad, where the fans are more laid back and there's a genuinely good chance you'll get to hang out and have drinks with more than a few famous folk. 

  

Even the smaller, themed weekends, just centered around one show ie:  Dr. Who, are more to their taste and maximize the amount of collecting, formal signings and candid star shots they can do.   It was eye opening and enlightening for me to hang with them for an evening.   It felt a bit like hangin' with the fire department--all of us hanging out, talking, then a sighting text would come in and they'd all run off ASAP, and reappear with a hit or miss tale.

 

What Wizard World Chicago Comic Con does well is put on a great party....bringing together a diverse and colorful crowd, a sweet assortments of speakers and workshops, and unprecedented numbers of stars.   All in all, it was a fun weekend for the star trackers, casual and serious collectors, gamers, families, spandex fans, and people watchers.    Till next year.

Weekend Schedule Wizard World Chicago Comic Con

Saturday, August 11th

11:00AM – 11:45AM JAMES MARSTERS Q&A 
Best known for his role as Spike, the platinum blonde vampire on hit shows “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Angel,” James Marsters answers questions about everything from his evolution from acting to music, and the projects he plans to conquer in the future. (ROOM 14)

12:00PM – 12:45PM NCIS Q&A
Join the lovely ladies of CBS’ NCIS as they chat about romance and being in the crossfire. Lauren Holly (Director Jennifer Shepard) and Scottie Thompson (Jeanne Benoit) are taking the stage to answer all of your burning questions about what really happens around the NCIS office and team. Trust us; this isn’t normal water cooler gossip! (ROOM 11)

12:00PM – 1:30PM JEDI LIGHTSABER MASTER CLASS 
Learn lightsaber fighting from Star Wars stunt coordinator and sword master Nick Gillard, who choreographed the fight scenes for Star Wars I, II and III. In this 90–minute master class, Nick will teach a complicated run from Revenge of the Sith, which will cover all of the moves and the rules involved in Jedi fighting. Separate ticket required for this class. Visit Nick Gillard’s booth #1840 for more information. (SHOW ARENA – SHOW FLOOR)

1:00PM – 1:45PM JAMES HONG Q&A
You may recognize him as the voice of Mr. Ping in the hit kid’s movie Kung Fu Panda or from the hilarious comedy Balls of Fury as Master Wong, the blind mentor for down–and–out former professional ping– pong phenom that went from zero to hero. No matter what character he plays, there are always laughs to be had. Don’t miss your chance to ask James Hong a few questions about how he became a popular funny man in the industry and see what he has cooking for the future. (ROOM 14)

1:00PM – 1:45PM CHARMED Q&A
In this panel you will be able to catch up with former “Charmed” stars Holly–Marie Combs and Brian Krause. Join them as they take a trip down memory lane to speak about the show as well as what they are working on currently. This is a dynamic collaboration that you do not want to miss. (ROOM 11)

1:00PM – 3:00PM SCI-FI SPEED DATING
Are you single and ready to mingle or are you just looking to meet some interesting people? Either way, come out for Sci-Fi speed dating. Your special somebody may be awaiting you at Wizard World Chicago Comic Con! (ROOM 9)

2:00PM – 2:45PM MONSTER DYNASTY WITH CLEVE AND CONSTANCE HALL
Father, daughter duo Cleve and Constance Hall have been creating special effects and make up to transform humans into monsters for films and conventions for over a decade. Come join this session to see what it takes to become a special events creator and see how this duo started their Monster making business! (ROOM 14)

2:00PM – 2:45PM DEAN CAIN AND LAURA VANDERVOORT Q&A
This is a Smallville chat that you want to fly in to! Laura Dianne Vandervoort is a Canadian actress best known for her roles as Supergirl in Smallville. She is currently starring as Lisa on the ABC series V. Dean Cain, the star of the popular American television series Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman is landing onto the Wizard World stage. Citizen by day, superhero by night, Dean will share the secrets behind Clark Kent and what really went on behind the scenes. (ROOM 11)

2:00PM – 3:30PM JEDI LIGHTSABER MASTER CLASS 
Learn lightsaber fighting from Star Wars stunt coordinator and sword master Nick Gillard, who choreographed the fight scenes for Star Wars I, II and III. In this 90–minute master class, Nick will teach a complicated run from “Revenge of the Sith,” which will cover all of the moves and the rules involved in Jedi fighting. Separate ticket required for this class. Visit Nick Gillard’s booth #1840 for more information. (SHOW ARENA – SHOW FLOOR)

3:00PM – 3:45PM TOM FELTON Q&A
Take a trip to Hogwarts with Thomas Andrew “Tom” Felton who is best known for playing the role of Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter film series, the movie adaptations of the best–selling Harry Potter fantasy novels by author J. K. Rowling. He’s here and ready to answer questions about the past and future plans post Hogwarts. (ROOM 14)

3:00PM – 3:45PM STAR WARS Q&A
The stars behind Boba Fett (Jeremy Bulloch), Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew), and Nick Gillard the choreographer for all Jedi’s that had a role in the film, take fan questions and discuss their thoughts on the evolution of Star Wars, one of the highest grossing film franchises in history. (ROOM 11)

3:00PM – 3:45PM STAN LEE MEET & GREET – PAID EVENT 
Ever wonder what it’s like to hang out with Stan Lee? Well, here’s your chance, the king of comics is ready to meet you! Learn what inspires him, how he got to where he is today, and what advice he would give young aspiring talent who want to break into the comic industry. Whatever burning questions you have, your man Stan is ready to answer them. Must purchase a separate ticket for this event. (OVERLOOK ROOM)

4:00PM – 4:45PM BRUCE CAMPBELL Q&A
Best known for his roles on the big screen in cult classics Army of Darkness and Evil Dead, as well as his take on Sam Axe in the hit TV series “Burn Notice,” Bruce Campbell has proven to be a force to be reckoned with as an actor, director and author. Don’t miss your chance to ask him your most interesting questions as he makes an appearance at Wizard World Chicago Comic Con. (ROOM 14)

4:00PM – 4:45PM SEAN YOUNG Q&A
Don’t miss Sean Young at her first Wizard World Chicago Comic Con appearance, as she talks about her career in the industry, past roles and future plans. Young is best known for her roles in Blade Runner, No Way Out, Stripes and Ace Ventura: Pet Detective. (ROOM 11)

4:00PM – 6:00PM SCI-FI SPEED DATING
Are you single and ready to mingle or are you just looking to meet some interesting people? Either way, come out for Sci-Fi speed dating. Your special somebody may be awaiting you at Wizard World Chicago Comic Con! (ROOM 9)

5:00PM – 5:45PM GREG CAPULLO WORKSHOP 
Ever wonder what goes through the mind of a brilliant artist? Well here’s your chance to find out, as Greg Capullo, best known for his work on Spawn, Batman, Haunt, Creech, X–Force, and Angela, takes you through his work and discusses the thought process leading up to his creations. For all you aspiring artists out there, this is a workshop you won’t want to miss! (ROOM 14)

5:00PM – 5:45PM KEVIN SORBO Q&A 
Kevin Sorbo has enjoyed success on television for over 20 consecutive years, a feat rarely accomplished by an actor. Sorbo quickly rose to stardom in the title role of the hit series, “Hercules, the Legendary Journeys.” In 1997, Sorbo made his feature film debut in “Kull, the Conqueror,” a prequel to “Conan, the Barbarian.” Other films include, “Walking Tall, The Payback,” “Walking Tall, Lone Justice, “The Last Chance Café,” “Something Beneath,” “Clipping Adam,” and “The Avenging Angel.” Come pick his brain and see how Kevin has kept busy for 20 years. (ROOM 11)

6:00PM – 6:30PM WWE® SUPERSTAR CM PUNK® Q&A
From center ring to center stage at Wizard World Chicago Comic con, seven–time World Champion WWE® Superstar CM Punk® joins us to share his story. From backyard wrestling federation all the way to the big time, this superstar takes you through every step of his journey to the top. (ROOM 11)

6:00PM – 9:00PM WIZARD WORLD ADULT COSTUME CONTEST
Hosted by our very own superhero Jarrett “The Defuser” Crippen, the Wizard World Chicago Comic Con adult costume contest is no joke. The best of the best will be dressed to impress in their superhero finest, so be prepared for some serious cosplay. Grab your buddies and suit up to take a chance at bringing home the gold! (ROOM 14)

8:00PM – TBD OFFICIAL WIZARD WORLD CHICAGO AFTER PARTY 
At Wizard World there’s always a party after the show! Make sure you make your way to the Hyatt Lobby after the Cosplay Fashion Show for the Official Wizard World Chicago after Party! The party starts on Saturday, August 11th at 8:00PM. Be prepared to dance to the hottest music while enjoying delicious cocktails. See you there! (Hyatt Lobby)

Last, but certainly not least, Sunday’s programming will bring Chicago Comic-Con to a spectacular close, with a public Stan Lee Q&A, the Buffyfest panel, and the Boondock Saints panel! Bring your stay at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center to a close by checking out these awesome programs!

Sunday, August 12th

11:00AM – 11:45AM STAN LEE Q&A
Comic book king, Stan Lee is ready to rumble at Wizard World Chicago! This creator, writer, editor, producer, publisher and television personality can certainly do it all. Join world renowned, Stan Lee as he shares his inspiring story and answers all of your questions. (ROOM 14)

11:00AM – 11:45AM GHOSTBUSTERS READING
Bring the little ones to a special story time reading by the Ghostbusters. Kids can interact with the Ghostbusters when they play trivia and answer any questions the young ones have always wanted to ask. (ROOM 11)

12:00PM –12:45PM BUFFYFEST Q&A 
Come celebrate with some of your favorite “Buffy” cast members as they celebrate the 20th anniversary of the hit series “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and we have some of your favorite cast members coming together to celebrate. Join James Marsters, Juliet Landau, Amber Benson, Camden Toy, and Doug Jones, as they give you a behind the scenes look at what really went down on set, where they are now and their take on the phenomenon that is “Buffy.” (ROOM 14)

12:00PM – 1:30PM JEDI LIGHTSABER MASTER CLASS-FAMILY STYLE 
This class is specially tailored so that parents and children can learn how to ward off evil together. (Children must be under 14 years old to participate.) Learn lightsaber fighting from Star Wars stunt coordinator and sword master Nick Gillard, who choreographed the fight scenes for Star Wars I, II and III. In this 90–minute master class, Nick will teach a complicated run from “Revenge of the Sith,” which will cover all of the moves and the rules involved in Jedi fighting. Separate ticket required for this class. Visit Nick Gillard’s booth #1840 for more information. (SHOW ARENA – SHOW FLOOR)

12:00PM – 12:45PM KIDS ARTS & CRAFTS
Is your child an aspiring superhero? Well, this is not an ordinary day at Chicago Comic Con, it’s a day made for superheroes! Bring your kids to this special session where they will be able to create their own superhero persona, decorate masks and capes and play a little Superhero trivia! This is an event that no superhero would want to miss. (ROOM 11)

1:00PM – 1:45PM JON BERNTHAL Q&A
Come join Shane Walsh (Jon Bernthal) star of the hit AMC show The Walking Dead as he discusses what it’s like to be the bad boy of Atlanta’s small group of survivors. Maybe he will give you a few tips on how to survive a zombie apocalypse. (ROOM 14)

1:00PM – 1:45PM WIZARD WORLD KIDS COSTUME CONTEST
Calling all kids ages 10 and under to come out and strut your stuff at the 12th Annual Wizard World Chicago Comic Con Kids Costume Contest. Hosted by our very own superhero, Jarrett “The Defuser” Crippen, you won’t want to miss this Kodak moment packed with a whole lot of fun, laughs and prizes for all participants! (ROOM 11)

2:00PM – 2:45PM THE BOONDOCK SAINTS Q&A 
The bad boys of the blockbuster picture The Boondock Saints; Norman Reedus, Sean Patrick Flanery, and David Della Rocco will be storming the stage in style at Wizard World Chicago Comic Con. Join the MacManus brothers and Rocco as they rehash their experiences on set. (ROOM 14)

2:00PM – 2:45PM STAN LEE MEET & GREET – PAID EVENT 
Ever wonder what it’s like to hang out with Stan Lee? Well, here’s your chance, the king of comics is ready to meet you! Learn what inspires him, how he got to where he is today, and what advice he would give young aspiring talent who want to break into the comic industry. Whatever burning questions you have, your man Stan is ready to answer them. *Must purchase a separate ticket for this event. (OVERLOOK ROOM)

2:30PM – 4:00PM JEDI LIGHTSABER MASTER CLASS 
Learn lightsaber fighting from Star Wars stunt coordinator and sword master Nick Gillard, who choreographed the fight scenes for Star Wars I, II and III. In this 90–minute master class, Nick will teach a complicated run from “Revenge of the Sith,” which will cover all of the moves and the rules involved in Jedi fighting. Separate ticket required for this class. Visit Nick Gillard’s booth #1840 for more information. (SHOW ARENA – SHOW FLOOR)

2:00PM – 2:45PMREADING WITH JOHN SAZAKLIS
Come and experience the adventures of your favorite super-heroes and super-pets! New York Times best-selling author John Sazaklis will be reading selected stories to fans of all ages. The readings will be followed by a brief question and answer session, where John will share some of his secrets and quiz guests with fun trivia questions. The winners will receive a personally autographed copy of one of John’s books featuring Superman, Batman, Spider-Man or the DC Super Pets. (ROOM 11)

3:00PM – 3:45PM DRAW LIKE A SUPERHERO WITH ART BALTHAZAR
Bring your youngsters to meet the Eisner Award winning tag team behind kids’ favorites such as “Tiny Titans,” as they teach kids how to create their very own superhero comic! (ROOM 11)

3:00PM – 3:45PM BEN’S BUBBLESHOW
Smoke bubbles, spinning bubbles, bubble cubes, and giant bubbles are all part of this amazing show! Check out the bubble master himself Ben Jimenez as he demonstrates his unique form of bubble entertainment that blends art and science with a touch of magic! (ROOM 14)

Wicked Wild Wizard World Comic Con 2012 #Photo Filled Recap

ChiIL Mama's Adventures at Comic Con 2012


We had a blast at Wizard World Comic Con 2012 Thursday.   This show is massive, with something for all ages.   Steampunk costume pieces abound, and collectors and autograph hounds will have a field day.   There's also a robust "Artist's Alley" where you can see illustrators in action, and numerous authors are available for book signings.


   

Vintage toy and comic collectors as well as gamers can gather and geek out all weekend.   



The people watching's prime!

We went last year--you can check out our 2011 photo filled recaps here and our hints about kids' day this Sunday.



Thursday, my kids were elated to find an Elope Dragon hat & Totoro backpack.   We've been searching for both for a year, after they sold out locally.   We also got some rockin' steampunk goggles, 2 blind box punk unicorn collectable characters, 2 tiny steampunk hats and a Skelanimals backpack.




There are loads of unique, hand made items.   Our fam has called all barrettes, clips and hair hoo-has "hair babies" since Sagezilla was 3 and had some wooden doll heads on bands.   So, we were amused by these actual hair babies.



Space....the final frontier.   Get in a relaxing space and ChiIL Out at Wizard World Comic Con.



Pros of going on a week day....crowds were down, so we got first pick of the merch and could move quickly or spend time getting more in depth info from the vendors.

Cons of going on a week day....crowds were down, so we didn't get as many outrageously cool costume shots as we do on Comic Con weekends. 



Must See:

Chevy is everywhere!    Stop by their booth front n center--ya can't miss it.   Fill out a short form and leave with some hot shades and a chance to win some serious cool cash!!
   

"Skully Business"

Pricey Favorites we wish we coulda' bought but restrained ourselves:



I dig their symbol, too.   Kinda like a sweet celtic tat version of those plastic dealies that went in the center of 45's back in the day...


We're all about the UtiliKilt.   In fact we were just on their web site Wed night, drooling over the cool styles and colors.   Then there they magically were at Wizard World.   What can I say...  I dig dudes in skirts and have a soft spot for Scots.   Price range $200-$525.


You can enter on their web site to win one free, but only if you've already got one.   Sigh.   You've gotta photograph yourself in it (complete with feet) and send the shots in with a cool back story, for your chance to win one.  



Xtra hot with punk boots--can I win one for taking a picture of HIM in it...including the feet?!   There's gotta be some loop hole...





h. NAOTO
Upscale Anime Punk Boutique Fashions from Japan

This kitten's got style.  Meee Yow!   I'd love to fill my closet with these dark, Japanese goth goodies.  











They also have a web site right here with some sweet deals that'll make you puuuurrrrrrrr.   




  

To the bat cave!!   Wizard World Comic Con 2012 will be gone after Sunday, so go already!   Then check back with ChiIL Mama/ChiIL Live Shows like we vote in Chi, IL....early and often.   We'll have more Top Picks and Must See Tips for Wizard World all weekend!