Trying to write a report on an event like Wizard World, with unique characters at every turn, is a daunting task. More than just a Comic Con, it is a world in itself. As one attendee, Jason Fleigel, stated, “Wizard World is the place to go when you just want to be yourself…to not worry about stigmas and perceptions, but instead to immerse yourself in whatever your hobby is.”

The Chairman of Wizard Entertainment, Gareb Shamus, explained that Wizard World took over ownership of the Chicago Comic Con in 1997 and it quickly became the biggest comic convention in the Midwest (later expanding to Philadelphia, Los Angeles and Texas). Wizard has roughly 75 talented individuals who produce three monthly magazines, two websites, four conventions and numerous special publications including Toy Wishes.

One of the 250 exhibitors was Robert A. Kraus, founder of RAK Graphics, who displayed his popular superfreek superhero spoof series. Kraus, one of the first independent comic book publishers, has done conventions since the 80s, doing about 30 shows a year. Eager fans looked for their favorite superfreek or for new ones, of which Kraus said, “I get tons of requests….wrestlers and sports will be next (to be spoofed)”. The constant traffic at the booth indicates new ones cannot come soon enough. I am waiting for the Distribution Specialist series, featuring Lou, me and the rest of the Arch News Agency.

The most unique celebrity guest might have been wrestler, actor and instructor Al Snow, who enjoys the shows because they are part of the whole picture for him. He said, “Without wrestling, I couldn’t do these shows or instruct, but without these shows I couldn’t wrestle (and so on).” Snow is currently planning to open a new wrestling school and take over the world with his own evil army. It’s this type of humor that has earned Snow his tremendous following.

Terri Runnels is making her return to the convention circuit after a several-year absence. Runnels has worked for CNN, Ted Turner and the WWF/E, as well as owning SoccerTots-Gainesville, which she is selling. Runnels stated, “It’s a wonderful program, but I just don’t find joy in running a company day-to-day.” Runnels does have fun at the conventions, enthusiastically greeting her fans and promoting her latest project, Make the World Write. “This show (Wizard World) is not quite my specific audience, but so many great people have stopped by…it’s so much fun,” Runnels exclaimed. Runnels also planned on picking up some items at the show for her 14-year-old daughter, Dakota.

Other celebrities appeared as promotion for their employers, like Beth “Venom” Horn of NBC’s American Gladiators. While waiting for filming of AG to begin in November, Horn “has been traveling all over the place, having a blast promoting the show.” The success of Gladiators has Horn very excited: “They are doing a comic book, a tour and I’ll have my own action figure.” Despite her hectic schedule, Horn filmed a movie, Fancy Pants, to be released in 2009.

The enormity of this convention is really mind-boggling. I spent 3 days at Wizard World, but I feel like I have only scratched the surface of many stories from the dealers, celebrities and fans. I suppose that means I must return next year.

-John Wroblewski, distribution specialist