15th Annual Wizard World Comic Con – Philadelphia

Celebrity guests, talented Comic Creators, unique Cosplayers, and a variety of exhibitors will all be coming together in May for Comic Con 2015 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. This pop-culture extravaganza is hosted by Wizard World and will mark the 15th anniversary for the Philadelphia Comic Con.

Since 1997 Wizard World has been holding conventions celebrating the best in pop-fi, pop-culture, movies, graphic novels, cosplay, comics, television, sci-fi, toys, video gaming, gaming, original art, collectibles, contests and more. The Philadelphia Comic Con is recognized as being one of the more popular venues out of the twenty-seven annual conventions and is the only location currently scheduled as a four day event in 2015. The festivities kick off Thursday May 7th and run until Sunday May 10th.

WW Attendance

While numbers have not been clearly defined for attendance in the past few years, Philadelphia can probably expect a relatively significant turnout. The last recorded numbers for a Wizard World convention were in 2009 for Comic Con Chicago. It was reported that about 70,000 were in attendance. Since then the number of convention locations has aggressively increased with 7 locations being added just for 2014.

In an interview with Wizard World Public Relations Manager Jerry Milani, he mentions that the 2014 Philadelphia Comic Con was even bigger than Comic Con Chicago in 2013. With the recorded past attendance, success of the Wizard World events, and the four day schedule for Philadelphia, it is probably safe to assume that upwards of 100,000 could attend in 2015.

WW Celebrities

With this years Philadelphia Comic Con being possibly the most popular Wizard World event to hit the Mid-Atlantic region, fans that choose to attend will surely get their money’s worth from the price of admission. The celebrity lineup includes but is not limited to:

David Tennant and Billie Piper from the fan favorite “Doctor Who”
Ben McKenzie and Robin Lord Taylor of the hit show “Gotham”
Nathan Fillion (“Castle,” Serenity /”Firefly”)
Stephen Amell (“Arrow”)
Karl Urban ( Star Trek, The Bourne Supremacy )
Hayley Atwell (“Agent Carter,” Captain America: The First Avenger )
Danny Trejo ( Machete, From Dusk Till Dawn )
Penn Badgely (“Gossip Girl,” Easy A )
Kelly Frye ( The Flash )
Katie Cassidy (“Arrow,” “Gossip Girl,”)
Michael Cudlitz (“The Walking Dead,” “Southland”)
Summer Glau (“Firefly”)
Lacey Chabert ( Mean Girls , “Party of Five”)
Michael Rooker ( Guardians of the Galaxy )
Frankie Muniz (“Malcolm in the Middle,” Agent Cody Banks )
Scott Wilson (“The Walking Dead,” Dead Man Walking )
Cary Elwes ( The Princess Bride, Robin Hood: Men in Tights )
Kevin Conroy (“Batman: The Animated Series,” “Justice League”)
Lou Ferrigno (“The Incredible Hulk”)
Jason David Frank (“Mighty Morphin Power Rangers”)
Chris 51 (“Epic Ink”)
Joel Hodgson (“Mystery Science Theater 3000”)

WW Artist

In addition to the dozens of celebrities and guests that will be in attendance, all full-price Wizard World Comic Con Philadelphia attendees will receive a limited edition exclusive variant cover “The Walking Dead #1” comic. The covers will be drawn by one of Wizard World’s talented artist guests and will be issued at registration while supplies last.

But even if you’re not planning to register for the full four day pass to collect a hand drawn comic cover, there are still plenty of opportunities to see comic artists at the event. Fans can make their way to Artists Alley which will feature the following comic creators and many others:

Neal Adams (“Batman,” “XMen,”)
Billy Martin (“TMNT New Animated Adventures,” also lead guitarist, Good Charlotte band)
Rafa Sandoval (“Action Comics,” “Catwoman”)
Matteo Lolli (“Wolverine and the XMen,” “Thunderbolts”)
Will Sliney (“Spider Man 2099,” “Fearless Defenders”)
“CAFU” (“Earth2,” “Trigon-Villains Month”)
Andrés Guinaldo (“Superboy,” “JLA’s Vibe”)
Ken Kelly (KISS album covers, “He Man: Micronauts”)
Phil Ortiz (“The Simpsons,” “Muppet Babies”)
Mike Zeck (“SpiderMan,” “Punisher”)
Ethan Van Sciver (“Justice League,” “Green Lantern”)
Arthur Suydam (“Marvel Zombies,” “Army of Darkness”)
Michael Golden (“SpiderMan,” “Daredevil”)

WW Cosplay

This will truly be a special event for anyone that can make the trip. If the celebrities and guest artists aren’t enough to be excited about, the diverse and abundant cosplay is always a surreal yet exciting experience. Costumes of magnificent proportions will be seen throughout the entire convention center. Whether this is your first time or you’re a veteran to the event, just walking the exhibit hall will give you plenty to remember.

Saturday night (May 9th) will mark the climax of the cosplay as a number of these creative masterminds will be participating in the famed Wizard World Costume Contest. Make sure to check out this event to witness the wildest fantasy collaborations come together.

May 7th – May 10th will certainly be a memorable experience for anyone that has a chance to make their way to the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Be sure to grab tickets HERE and check the event hours below. Don’t miss this fascinating celebration of pop-culture hosted by Wizard World!

2015 Philadelphia Comic Con show hours:

Thursday, May 7th: 3 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Friday, May 8th:  12 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Saturday, May 9th: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Sunday, May 10th: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

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