Marvel Comics & Wizard World Reveal 'Amazing Spider-Man #1.2' Exclusive Variant Cover By J.G. Jones For Philadelphia Comic Con

VIP Attendees Receive Free Copy At Pennsylvania Convention Center, June 19-22; Continues Year-long Series In Which Marvel Offers Exclusive Books At All 16 Wizard World Shows

NEW YORK, May 15, 2014 – Marvel Comics and Wizard World, Inc. (OTCBB: WIZD) today revealed the latest edition of its 2014 series of exclusive variant covers of the best Marvel titles with the unveiling of Amazing Spider-Man #1.2, drawn by two-time Eisner Award nominee J.G. Jones. VIP attendees at Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con, June 19-22 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, will receive a free copy of the limited-edition book at registration.

Jones is scheduled to be on site at the event to sign copies (autograph fees may apply). Leading professional comic grader CGC will also be on hand to accept books for grading and Signature Series.

The colored version of Amazing Spider-Man #1.2 will be limited to 4,000 copies and provided free at registration to all Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con VIP attendees, including any celebrity VIP packages.

Jones's Amazing Spider-Man #1.2 follows the first six entries, Miracleman #1 and Miracleman #2, both drawn by Eisner Award Hall of Famer Neal Adams for Wizard World Portland Comic Con (Jan. 24-26) and New Orleans Comic Con (Feb. 7-9), respectively; Wolverine #1, illustrated by noted cover artist Greg Horn, for Wizard World Sacramento Comic Con (March 7-9); Daredevil #1 by Michael Golden for Wizard World Louisville Comic Con (March 28-30); Wolverine & The X-Men #1 by David Mack for Wizard World St. Louis Comic Con (April 4-6); and Hulk #1 by Mike Grell for Wizard World Minneapolis Comic Con (May 2-4). Artwork is also complete for Amazing Spider-Man #1 by John Tyler Christopher for Wizard World Atlanta Comic Con (May 30 – June 1).

“J.G. Jones is one of the top-flight talents in the industry,” says Marvel SVP, Sales & Marketing David Gabriel. “His covers and interior work for Marvel and other publishers have stood the test of time and we’re thrilled he could contribute a gorgeous variant cover to Amazing Spider-Man #1.2.”

Jones is always a big hit at Wizard World shows. His works include "Brian K. Vaughan's Y: The Last Man," the "Villains United" series and Grant Morrison's “Marvel Boy.” Jones earned Eisner Award nominations in 2002 for "Codename: Knockout" and "Transmetropolitan" and in 2006 for "Wanted."

“J.G. is one of the top creators in the industry. His art on Spider-Man is absolutely incredible,” says John Macaluso, Wizard World CEO. “Once again, we are pleased to have J.G. on hand to sign these limited edition books for the fans.”

J. Jonah’s Jameson’s crusade against Spider-Man kicks into overdrive! He warned us! He told us that kids might try to emulate Spider-Man! And he was RIGHT! Meet CLASH, New York’s newest menace. He may be Spidey’s biggest fan, but he’s about to become one of his worst enemies. Wanted by the cops, turned away by the Fantastic Four, his grades are slipping, and he still hasn’t figured out this whole crime-fighting-thing. Pete’s not a hero… not yet… but he’ll get there. Somehow. Writer: Dan Slott; Artist: Rámon Pérez; Cover: Alex Ross.

For more on the 2014 Wizard Philadelphia Atlanta Comic Con, go to http://www.wizardworld.com/home-pa.html.

About Wizard World:

Wizard World, Inc. (OTCBB: WIZD) produces Comic Cons and pop culture conventions across North America that celebrate graphic novels, comic books, cosplay, movies, TV shows, gaming, technology, toys and social networking. The events often feature celebrities from movies and TV, artists and writers, and events such as premieres, gaming tournaments, panels, and costume contests.

About Marvel Entertainment, LLC

Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world’s most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of more than 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media over seventy years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing and publishing. For more information, visit marvel.com.

The full event schedule can be found at www.wizardworld.com.

Con News: WHOOPI Hits Philly At Wizard World Philadelphia 2014 This June

Academy Award Winner Whoopi Goldberg To Attend Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con, June 20-21

'Star Trek: The Next Generation,' Ghost, The Color Purple, 'The View,' 'Sister Act,' Star, International Celebrity To Greet Fans, Sign Autographs, Pose For Photos At Massive Pop Culture Festival At Pennsylvania Convention Center

PHILADELPHIA, January 7, 2014 – Oscar® winner Whoopi Goldberg, will make her Wizard World debut at Philadelphia Comic Con, June 20-21 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.  With dozens of television and film credits, including “The View,” “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” Sister Act, The Color Purple, and a wide range of talents and accomplishments, Goldberg is known to millions as an actress, comedian, host, producer, author, activist, and singer-songwriter.

Goldberg began performing at age eight in New York with the Children's Program at the Hudson guild and the Helena Rubinstein Children's Theatre. Her successful Broadway show led to her being cast in Stephen Spielberg's The Color Purple, earning Goldberg the 1985 Golden Globe Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Dramatic Motion Picture. She has also starred in such motion pictures asJumpin’ Jack Flash, Burglar, Fatal Beauty, Clara’s Heart, Ghost, The Long Walk Home, Soapdish, and Robert Altman’s The Player.

Her TV career began with an appearance on a 1986 episode of “Moonlighting,” which earned her an Emmy Award nomination as Best Guest Performer in a Dramatic Series. Honored for many of her guest spots, Goldberg also earned acclaim for her recurring portrayal of the sentient bartender “Guinan” in “Star Trek: The Next Generation” from 1988-1993.

Today, in addition to her tireless humanitarian efforts on behalf of children, the homeless, human rights, substance abuse and the battle against AIDS, as well as many other worthwhile causes and charities, Goldberg has gained a fervent following as co-hostess of the daytime talk show “The View.”

At Philadelphia Comic Con, Goldberg will greet fans, pose for photo ops, sign autographs and conduct an interactive Q&A during the event. She will appear on Friday evening, June 20, and the full event day Saturday, June 21.

“Our fans have put Whoopi at the top of their wish lists and have been waiting for this day, in many cases 25 years, to meet the incomparable Whoopi Goldberg. They will get that chance at Philadelphia Comic Con 2014,” said John Macaluso, Wizard World CEO. “Whoopi’s appeal is broad, from those who loved her 'TNG' work to the many who have enjoyed her movies, TV shows, books and specials.”

Goldberg joins a standout roster of celebrities scheduled to attend Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con (June 19-22), including Norman Reedus of “The Walking Dead,” Daniel Cudmore (X-Men, Days of Future Past), John Carpenter (Director, Halloween, Escape from L.A.),David Hasselhoff (“Knight Rider,” “Baywatch”), Alan Tudyk (“Serenity,” Wreck-it Ralph) and dozens of others. It is the second-largest and second-longest running of 16 events scheduled in the 2014 series produced by Wizard World, Inc. (OTCBB: WIZD) and will also feature a top-drawer collection of well-known artists and writers and a variety of activities, exhibitors and special attractions.

Wizard World Comic Con events bring together thousands of fans of all ages to celebrate the best in pop-fi, pop culture, cosplay, movies, graphic novels, comics, toys, television, sci-fi, gaming, original art, collectibles, contests and more. Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con show hours are Thursday, June 19, 3-8 p.m.; Friday, June 20, noon-7 p.m.; Saturday, June 21, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m., Sunday, June 22, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

For more on the 2014 Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con, visit http://www.wizardworld.com/home-pa.html.

About Wizard World:
Wizard World (OTCBB: WIZD) produces Comic Cons and pop culture conventions across North America that celebrate graphic novels, comic books, movies, TV shows, gaming, technology, toys and social networking. The events often feature celebrities from movies and TV, artists and writers, and events such as premieres, gaming tournaments, panels, and costume contests.

The full event schedule can be found at www.wizardworld.com.

Wizard World 2014 Schedule
January 24-26 – Wizard World Portland Comic Con
February 7-9 – Wizard World New Orleans Comic Con
March 7-9 – Wizard World Sacramento Comic Con
March 28-30 – Wizard World Louisville Comic Con
April 4-6 – Wizard World St. Louis Comic Con
May 2-4 – Wizard World Minneapolis Comic Con
May 30-June 1 – Wizard World Atlanta Comic Con
June 19-22 – Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con
August 1-3 – Wizard World San Antonio Comic Con
August 21-24 – Wizard World Chicago Comic Con
September 12-14 – Wizard World Richmond Comic Con
September 26-28 – Wizard World Nashville Comic Con
October 2-4 – Wizard World Austin Comic Con
October 31-November 2 – Wizard World Ohio Comic Con
November 7-9 – Wizard World Tulsa Comic Con
November 21-23 – Wizard World Reno Comic Con

Comic News: Yu as Avengers Artists During Infinity Tie-Ins

   During Wizard World Philly 2013, Marvel has returned to the con for the first time in nearly a decade. They had several panels. One of them, CB Cebulski had the Marvel: To Infinity and Beyond panel ...which was modeled like a Cup O' Joe panels ... with con goers asking questions and Marvel Answering them. Well, we did hear one big announcement.

    During the panel, superstar artist Leinil Yu confirmed that he will be doing the art for Avengers during issues #18-23, which all tie in to Infinity. While this does seem like a lengthy guest stint, with Avengers being bi-weekly, that is to be expected.  And remember, this isn't his first stint drawing the Avengers. He was drawing New Avengers (vol 1) for about a year right after the events of Civil War.

  Yu stated, "I am a big fan of science fiction . . . I am getting to draw so many different things that I have always wanted to draw ..." He continued to say that he really felt honored to be able to draw all these sci-fi elements in a book as big as Avengers.

   The Infinity Tie-In issues for Infinity will hit stands this fall.

My Adventures at Wizard World Philadelphia 2013 Part 1

STAMPEDE!!! ... For John Cena on Thursday!

My Adventures at Wizard World Philadelphia 2013
 (Part 1)

DAY 1:

             Wizard World Philly 2013 was an adventure to say the least but definitely a fun outing. After taking the bus from where I reside to the Greyhound Station in Philadephia, I stepped out to enjoy the sun. With less than 2 hours to kill, I ran some errands and grabbed a little snake before the convention began. And was I ever glad I did.

            I hit the convention floor after communicating with BI’s own Hector Ramirez. As I and the rest of the press entered the hall, I saw people beginning to make a mad dash. Where to do you say? Well, it was Thursday at the convention. The first day. No one was really there but  … oh yeah, the Fruity Peebles eating, multicolored wearing, charismatic wrestler we know as John Cena. And when I say people were sprinting … they were literally running down the convention lanes to get to the line to see John Cena.

            After seeing that stampede roll by, I began to walk the convention floor. Merely 5 steps after I turned around, I noticed a very LARGE set up for Zenescope, with books ready to be sold and multiple staffers ready to sell them. The table was actually several, turned into a large cube for Zenescope’s set up. It was easy to see and it was in the main walkway of the convention. That was my first time on that table and ended up picking up the Godstorm trade paperback (for only $10 bucks= YEAH!!!) and the Neverland hardcover (for $20 … love it!). After that brief adventure, I began to walk down the aisle. As I passed more and more awesome things … like TARDISes (there were 2 there), the DeLorean, the Batmoblie, a GIANT Skeleton monster & even a great display full of figures … I made my way into Artist Alley.  And I saw a slew of artists … Greg Horn, Jerry Gaylord,  Bob Layton, Tom Raney, Bryan Turner and so many more.

            I stopped to go over and see my friend and BI’s own Jake Estrada, who had come up from Florida for the Convention. Jake and I chatted it up as he was wearing gear with the Broken Infinite logo on it … abet the old logo but still representing BI , yeah!  I had then met up with Hector Ramirez, who was excited and autograph crazed at the time. We ended up talking with Jake for a bit … and missing one of the panels I had planned to go to.  Whoops.

            After talking with some other people I knew (Scott Beach & Shawn Alleyne) and getting a good feel for the convention floor, it was nearly closing time. Yup. Time FLEW!  Hector and I shot pics and video and then the announcement for the show about to close was heard. After getting the feel for the con and talking with some creators, tomorrow was poised to be a great day.


---
                                    

Cobra Commander was Scouting on Friday & Saturday!

DAY 2:

            Friday had arrived. I was up early and was shaking off sleep when I met up with Darryll B Carter (Vice President of BI). After shooting a quick promo, which may show up later … we entered. There was definitely more people today than there was on Thursday. And it was exciting. I ended up walking around the tables, introducing Darryll to Jake in person and then we set off to do a few interviews. We lucked out as we got to spend a few minutes interviewing Tom Raney (That will get posted soon). After that, we got to talking with creator Scott Beach and I egged on Darryll to perform the interview. Darryll did me proud, doing an excellent job on the interview while I was the cameraman. Ah … I hadn’t been a cameraman in a LONG time.  Before I lunch, I was stopped by Cobra Commander who was asking me to join Cobra. He talked of World Domination and that Cobra was all powerful. I just smiled and walked away.

            We met up with Hector than journeyed to Reading Terminal for lunch. And boy, did we enjoy our lunch … Chinese food. Cooked in front of us. After we finished lunch, we raced back  Hector had ended up going to a Meet and Greet event while Darryll and I killed a little time. Our respected panels didn’t start till 5pm. As Darryll was looking at artists, I once again stopped at the Zenescope table. And as I looked over the $1 issues, I went back to the trades. Originally, I was going to pick up Grimm Fairy Tales vol 1, to kind of really get into the swing of it all. I had read a few of them but nothing in succession. And with news of their upcoming Animated Series (see my views on that in a separate post) … I kept looking at the Dream Eater Saga. A couple years back, I had done a news story on that very crossover event.  Yet, I had not picked it up. I had always promised myself I would. After a few more minutes of deciding, I grabbed both volumes of the crossover and resigned to my fate.

            After which, I stopped at one table and got a quick grab bag for a $1 which contained for different comics: The Lethal Foes of Spiderman # 2, Deadpool Team Up 897, Red Sonja # 65 and Action Comics # 875. Feeling good, I had met up with Darryll and Jake then rushed to the panel rooms. Darryll had decided to tackle Webcomics Bootcamp while I was going into Marvel: Breaking Into Comics the Marvel Way but as I went through the panel I found out some interesting information (which I will post in a separate article) that also may have helped me change my life . . .


TO BE CONTINUED  . . . 

WW Philly 2013: Zenescope & Titmouse Get Animated With Grimm Fairy Tales Pilot

Wizard World Philadelphia 2013 Report
Zenescope’s  Grimm Fairy Tale Animated Pilot


            It was Saturday. The busiest day at the convention. There was a LOT going on in the convention that day.  This was the first panel I had attended on Saturday and was excited. I had recently purchased Neverland and the Dream Eater Saga from the Zenescope table during the first 2 days of the convention. I was excited to see that we were gonna have a pilot showing at Wizard World Philadelphia.

            So, right before noon, I was able to slip in to the panel room as watch as Raven Gregory, Joe Brusha, Ralph Tedesco & Jon Schnepp. After introductions, they joked about the lights, each other and were happy to see so many people here. The lights were dimmed and the pilot episode of Grimm Fairy Tales Animated began.

            And we start off with meeting grand creatures, a warrior named Sela with a beast and a … troll? I was not sure at the time. And … heads get chopped off.  After the pretty damn awesome opening  … we get to met our warrior woman … as a teacher in the modern world named Sela. She wants to guide teens while also protecting the world known as Myst. She watches while a troubled teen named Gina ends up with the wrong crowd.

            And there is drinking and cursing … oh … I am sure the parents and children in the crowd were not expecting that. Especially after the heads were being cut off. And .. . did he just …. Like did he really just …? Oh my god.  A guy in the cartoon named Jerry … took some cocaine and snorted it off a chick’s ******.

            Um … yeah.  This panel should NOT have been scheduled at 12 noon. So we go through a gruesome retelling of Hansel and Gretel that seems to hit home for Gina and her brother Hank. After the end of the pilot,  Schnepp, Tedesco, Brusha and Gregory took questions.

            One person asked how they put all of it together and Schnepp and the others explained that Kickstarter really helped bring this show into fruition. One young hopeful was asking about the voice cast while also wanting to be part of the show himself. And while both during the pilot’s airing and the questions, there were some people who left, the majority of people stayed and enjoyed the pilot, after being asked about it by an enthusiastic Raven Gregory.

            We were treated to an abridged version of the 30 minute behind the scenes, condensed into 10 minutes but was interesting and fun to see how Schnepp and Titmouse got the show together. They said they are touring to raise more money for a full season of shows. And if the pilot was any indication, it is gonna be a fun, scary and entertaining ride.

Wizard World Philly 2013 Exclusive: Interview with Scott Beach

Join Darryll B. Carter, BI's own Vice President, as he takes some time to interview up & coming indy writer Scott Beach on his book Super Brawl: Cronus vs. Black Cloud, and much more.
  Forgive the shaky camera. - Frankie

Happy Birthday Broken Infinite ... From R2 -D2

 During Wizard World Philadelphia 2013, EIC Frankie Rodriguez & VP Darryll B. Carter run into a certain robot from the Star Wars franchise who had something to say.

Con News: Kids Day is June 2nd Wizard World Philadelphia

Sunday, June 2, Is Kids Day At Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con, May 30 – June 2

Balloon Art, Arts & Crafts, 'Creepy Crawler Bugs,' Green Ranger Power Hour, Baseball Book Event,'Kid-Friendly' Booths, Passport Program, Costume Contest Lead Special Children's Programming; Kids Under 10 Free With Paid Adult

NEW YORK and PHILADELPHIA, May 23, 2013 – Move over, mom and dad!  Sunday, June 2, is Kids Day at Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con, with an array of programming, kid-friendly celebrities, creators and exhibitors designed especially for children, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.  From the impossibly cute Kids Costume Contest to the positively “icky” Creepy Crawler Bug Display, children of all ages will enjoy a variety of activities all day long.  Kids 10 and under are free all weekend with a paid adult (two children admitted per paid adult).

As kids arrive on Sunday, they will receive an official “Wizard World Kids Day Passport” and sheet detailing all of the places they can visit to have the passport stamped.  Those include artists like Terry Huddleston and Sara Richard, fan groups like the New York Jedi and Delaware Valley LEGO Users Group, exhibitors like 3 Girls Creations and J&J Collectibles, and celebrities like “The Green Power Ranger” Jason David Frank.  Awesome!

Some of the highlights of the day include:

• Balloon Art, Arts & Crafts and “Creepy Crawler Bug Display” hosted by the Rutgers Univ. Department of Entomology all day at Wizard World Kids Booth #3000
• Junior Saber Training at the Cosplay Stage.  Show off those moves! (11 a.m. and 3 p.m.)
• Author Jon Lindenblatt and artist Brian Kong discuss Trolley Dodgers, Pinstriped Yankees, and Wearing Red Sox: How MLB Teams Got Their Names, a children's baseball book, with artwork to color (11 a.m.)
• Doodle! Scribble! Draw! A fun drawing game combining Jeopardy!, Pictionary and “Whose Line is it Anyway?" The challenge is on. (1 p.m.)
• Kick it at the Green Ranger Power Hour with Frank – a special hour-long karate class (2 p.m.)
• Kids Costume Contest (3 p.m.), hosted by Wizard World's own superhero, “The Defuser” Jarrett Crippen

“Torchwood” and Zero Dark Thirty star John Barrowman, “Serenity” and Firefly standouts Summer Glau and Gina Torres, Eisner Award Hall of Famer Stan Lee and WWE® Superstars John Cena® and Daniel Bryan® are at the top of a standout roster of celebrity guests scheduled to appear at Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con, May 30 – June 2.  It is the third in the 2013 series produced by Wizard World, Inc. (OTCBB: WIZD) and will also feature a top-drawer collection of well-known artists and writers and a variety of activities, exhibitors and special attractions.

Wizard World Comic Con events bring together thousands of fans of all ages to celebrate the best in pop-fi, pop culture, movies, graphic novels, comics, toys, video gaming, television, sci-fi, gaming, original art, collectibles, contests and more.  Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con show hours are Thursday, May 30, 3-8 p.m.; Friday, May 31, noon – 7 p.m.; Saturday, June 1, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m., Sunday, June 2, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

For more on the 2013 Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con, visit http://www.wizardworld.com/home-pa.html.

About Wizard World:
Wizard World produces Comic Cons and pop culture conventions across North America that celebrate graphic novels, comic books, movies, TV shows, gaming, technology, toys and social networking. The events often feature celebrities from movies and TV, artists and writers, and events such as premieres, gaming tournaments, panels, and costume contests.

The full event schedule can be found at www.wizardworld.com.

***** SAVE THE 2013-14 DATES *****
May 30 - June 2 – Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con
June 28-30 – Wizard World Comic Con NYC Experience
August 8-11 – Wizard World Chicago Comic Con
September 20-22 – Wizard World Ohio Comic Con
October 18-20 – Wizard World Nashville Comic Con
November 22-24 – Wizard World Austin Comic Con
January 24-26, 2014 – Wizard World Portland Comic Con
February 7-9, 2014 – Wizard World New Orleans Comic Con
April 4-6, 2014 – Wizard World St. Louis Comic Con