Wizard World Comic Con attendees could've gotten a case of whiplash checking out all the excitement on Sat., Aug. 21, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center. The Rosemont center, located at 5555 N. River Rd, had politicians, TV stars, movie stars, Playboy models, wrestlers, the faces behind popular superheroes and comic book paraphernalia everywhere.
Hundreds of people waited in lines circling around like the first day of a new ride at Six Flags Great America, ready to enter promptly at 10 a.m. The "Star Trek" actors were sitting near the entrance area, signing autographs, taking photographs, shaking hands and chatting with fans. The lineup included Avery Brooks, Brent Spiner, Walter Koenig, John de Lancie and the son of Patrick Stewart, Daniel Stewart.
Comic Con attendees strolling down the center hallway ran into "90210"s very own Ian Ziering (popularly known as Steve) and the star of "Shaft" Richard Roundtree. While Roundtree hid behind a folder so no one could take his photo and pointed at the sign for paid photographs, Ziering greeted everyone who came to his table with a smile and a handshake. He took paid photographs, signed autographs and answered questions from anyone who asked, mainly 20-something and 30-something women.
A first-time Comic Con visitor, Ziering hadn't had the chance to view the entire center yet, but ever the charmer, he looked at Chicago News & Events Examiner Shamontiel, and said, "My favorite part about meeting the fans is seeing the big smiles on their faces, like yours."
Roundtree dropped the folder long enough to explain why he came to Comic Con. "It's something different," he said before raising the folder again.
Roundtree wasn't the only one who chose paid photographs and kept a low profile. There were other TV stars who refused photos at all, like Burt Ward (popularly known as Robin from "Batman and Robin"), Julie Newmar (the original "Catwoman") and Adam West (the original "Batman") hidden in a corner towards the back of the center. They signed paid autographs while fans stood in line, with and without Batman outfits on. Excited Batman fans snapped shots of the Batmobile opposite the stars' booth though.
However, Ziering wasn't the only one who was there to greet his fans and give warm greetings. Former Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich strolled through the crowd with the police next to him, cameras flashing all over. He stopped to sign autographs, thank people for coming and looked into one person's camera to give a "Happy Birthday" greeting to someone who couldn't make Saturday's event. The police had to pull him away while he continued to talk to everyone, stopping by Ziering's and Roundtree's booths, too. Random shouts and boos from the back of the Center didn't wipe the grin off of the former governor's face, especially considering the number of people who wanted to shake his hand, take photos with him, praise him for the results of his case and give him words of encouragement.
Other stars among many included Jennifer Blanc from "Party of Five," Michael Biehn from "The Terminator," Bess Motta from "The Terminator," Richard Anderson from "Six Million Dollar Man" and "The Bionic Woman," and Lindsay Wagner from "The Bionic Woman."
Rare comic books lined the walls of booths, along with stuffed superhero gifts, T-shirts, DVDs and soundtracks. Comic Con visitors awed at comic book artists drawing photographs on the spot and showcasing their own framed and autographed work. Humorous signs lined the way with lines like "These are for sale. For money" and "Will draw for career."
But the entertainment wasn't just at the booths. A large percentage of the hundreds who showed up were in costumes like Superman, Batman, Sonic the Hedgehog, Godzilla, the Joker, Darth Vader, a Samurai warrior, Battlestar Galactica characters and more. One lady came as Psycho Mantis from the video game "Metal Gear Solid." There were more grown-up men and women than there were children, either dressed up or with a load of new comic book collectors items in their arms.
The weekend lineup included showcasing music videos, guest appearances, a Batman cocktail party, a costume contest, the Mafia II Launch Party and Masquerade Ball, the Horror Film Festival and Q&A sessions with Joe Madureira, Victor Gischler and the Bionic Panel. Tonight's events will end at 7 p.m., and re-open again on Sun., Aug. 22, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Wizard World Chicago Comic Con, created by Gareb Shamus, has brought out the largest audience in previous years.
Photo Gallery:
"Comics, celebs and superheroes from Wizard World Chicago Comic Con 2010"
Video:
"Blagojevich at Wizard World Chicago Comic Con 2010"
For more info:
"Blagojevich guilty on 1 of 24 counts, do Chicagoans think he's guilty"
"Five favorite childhood comic strips"
"Retrial of Governor Rod Blagojevich corruption case will put Chicagoans further in debt"
"What do women love about 'The Peanuts' comic strip guys?"
"Wizard World Chicago Comic Con coming Aug. 19-22, 500 superhero celebs, comic artists, pop artists"
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