By Alex Lloyd Gross

           It started out several years ago as a convention for comic book collectors and super hero devotees. They would gather in cities and learn from the people in the industry.  Wizard World  has morphed itself into a pop culture convention. Actors and actresses who have little if anything to do with comic books come to Wizard World to meet fans and make money.

          From Ernie Hudson, who was most recently on OZ, the adult prison drama on HBO to sexpot Clare Kramer, best known for her role in Bring it On.  They were all on hand to say hello and shake hands with fans.  Probably, if you were to see these people on the street and ask for an autograph, they would oblige. However, spotting on on the streets of Philly is rare. They were at Wizard World, and willing to sign autographs. The going price for a signed photo is about $25.00 for a photo.

           To some diehards it was money well spent. Some would dress up as a character in a movie or Television series.   Nathan Paro and Adam Marish, spent countless hours putting together a Ghostbusters  outfit that would rival anything done on the big screen. They were in line to meet Ernie Hudson, who played a major role in that movie.

            Others were pleased to see a Batmobile replica on display from Gotham City Supercars.  for $10.00 people could sit inside and get their photo taken. For $85.000 you can get a car built for you. Their display was directly across from Adam West and Julie Newmar, from the original Batman television series.

             There were dozens of comic book dealers selling everything from a few dollars  to several hundred. Pristine copies of certain comics  could be had for much more, depending on rarity and demand.

          Artists were also there to teach, and sign their work.   Of course, memorabilia was for sale, from movies to clothing.

            Some actors that were there you would not recognize , such as Paris Themmen, best known as Mike Tee Vee from the Original Willy Wonka movie. Others had memorable lines such as Vernon G. Wells, best known for his role as a menacing biker  shown the door in Weird Science. Frequently, fans will come up and recite lines or ask the actor to recite them back. Some remember, some don't. Wells remembers  every line he spoke in the movie.

                 If an autograph and photo was not enough, some guests were charging fans $100- $150.00 for the opportunity to eat with them or share a drink. Whatever you were interested in, chances are good it can be found at Wizard World. For more information:http://www.wizardworld.com/home-pa.html