07/13/08

Wizard World Philadelphia 2006

Wizard World Philadelphia 2006 began on Friday, June 2, 2006.  The day began with the customary acquisition of tickets.  I purchased a Toyfare VIP three day ticket so I was able to go to a line at the front of the room.  As part of the ticket there was a goodie bag that included the customary ads and goodies like gummy lifesavers but also had two comic books.  The VIP ticket that I had also enabled me to go to a room above the expo hall where I was issued a bag that contained a Chrome Claws Wolverine Bust, a Fantastic Four Bust, and a Batman action figure.  At that point I was able to join the VIP line for the expo hall.

The Expo hall was vast with TONS of vendors including DC, Marvel, Spike TV, Wizkids, Wizards of the Coast, as well as many comic books/shops.  Upon entering I went to the Gentle Giant stand and purchased the Darth Vader in Fire Bust-up 2006 Tour Exclusive.  From there I went to the Toy Cave’s booth where I found several UGH Saga figures with the silver holo figures as well as several Clone Wars Cartoon Network action figures that were missing from my collection.  I was happy to be able to add all of those to my collection.  I then went to the Wizard World information booth where I purchased a Christopher Reeve Foundation Superman tag whose proceeds support the research into paralysis.  At this booth I also received my complimentary Official Wizard World 2006 T-Shirt that was included as part of my ticket. 

There were also several programs throughout the day.  On Friday I attended Marvel:  X-Men Changes which was a panel discussion with several of the writers for the X-men comics.  Later that day I attended Mondo Marvel which was a similar panel but it revolved around all the Marvel comics including “Civil War”.  An interesting fact that was revealed is that Union Jack will be making a come back in the Captain America books. 

Jim Lee, comic book creator and illustrator, was the Wizard World Guest of Honor this year.  He held a session entitled One on One with Jim Lee where he did a question and answer session as well as a discussion of All-Star Batman & Robin and WildC.A.T.s series he is working on.

Back in the expo center, Spike TV had a large booth where they had a DJ and hot girls dressed in tight outfits dancing.  They handed out free bags that advertised the Blade TV show. Also there on Friday was Jeff Jarrett and Traci from TNA wrestling.  They provided free personalized autographs on a 8 x 10 print as well as signing trading cards.  Spike even gave out an additional trading card for each wrestler so we could have one that wasn’t signed.  They had the opportunity for photographs but I didn’t have my camera with me at the time. 

Time & Space Toys had a Stargate SG1 Series One Daniel Jackson in T-Shirt Wizard World Philadelphia Exclusive that was limited to 200 pieces that I picked up.  After that I ended my day Friday by attending The DC Nation Tour Continues! which was a panel by DC Comics describing their upcoming projects.  This was probably the best panel I attended that day as it was very exciting and hosted well.  There was standing room only and as you entered you were handed a DC Comics button as well as a coupon for a “surprise” at their booth in the expo hall.

I got up early on Saturday and I’m glad I did.  We had to start out by waiting outside of the convention center but shortly before 8 AM VIP ticket holders were escorted into center where we were able to wait outside the expo hall until it opened at 10 AM (yeah long wait).  I was among the first 20 people inside the hall when it opened and  I went directly to the special events booth where I got a ticket for Kevin Smith Q & A which was being held that night.  There was no additional charge but a ticket was required as there was limited seating.

Next I went to the Las Vegas Autographs booth and purchased a ticket for autograph with Erica Durance (Lois Lane from Smallville) and Michael Woods (voice of General Grievous in Revenge of the Sith).  The cost was $25 per ticket which sucks but I was guaranteed a spot with each.  The next stop I made was to the Aspen Comics booth where I picked up a copy of Marvel:  Civil War #1 which had an exclusive variant cover by Michael Turner. 

By then it was time to wait in yet another line for my autographs but it was well worth it.  Erica Durance, if its possible, is more beautiful in person than on Smallville and extremely nice.  I told her that everyone at Shadows said hello and I looked over at her husband, David Palffy, who was sitting next to her and told him he was a lucky man.  Erica replied that she was lucky.  She then personalized the 8 x 10 that you received as part of the ticket and I had my picture taken with her. 

I then moved over to Michael Woods’ booth where he did an awesome signing and then I had my picture taken with him.  As I left the 501^st approached him and presented him with a large cookie made in the shape of Grievous. 

Michael Turner then had a spot where he autographed the comic with the variant cover that I purchased which was great.  After that, Geoff Johns who is known for his work in comics and the Blade Movies had an autograph signing at the Spike TV booth.  Johns will be Executive Producer and Producer of Blade:  The Series which will premier on Spike TV on June 28, 2006.  I had my program, one of the Blade bags I had received, and 2 Blade trading cards Spike TV gave out autographed by him. 

At 2:00 Erica Durance and her husband David Palffy held a Q & A session which was very well done.  During this Erica revealed that she has been asked to come back and do at least 13 episodes next season.  When asked how long the series would go on she said she didn’t know but speculated about another one to two years.  A funny tidbit she said was that Michael Robenbaum’s chair is leopard print and that the actor can be quite manic at times although he is a very good-hearted person. 

Back in the Expo Hall Bubba Ray and D-von or Team 3-D were giving autographs at the Spike TV booth.  I got their autographs on a 8 x 10 that was provided and had my picture taken with them. 

Kevin Smith’s Q & A was packed and we were packed in like sardines but it was well worth it. 

Jason “Jay” Mewes made an appearance but really didn’t say anything. 

Smith was very funny even and he made a lot of jokes.  The over 2 hour show ended with a sneak preview of Clerks 2 which looks really funny!  The show ended with a raffle for tickets to an autograph session with Kevin but I didn’t get one (although my Saturday was pretty good).  During the Q & A session someone asked about him and the Star Wars live action TV show.  It turns out it was all a rumor.  He says he never had any communication with Lucas or his team at all but he would answer cryptically when asked about it and it seems Lucas did the same.  So as of now, no luck with him being involved in Star Wars.

Sunday was pretty low key without much programming.  I picked up a copy of Ultimate Batman and Robin issue number one (2 variant covers) and had Jim Lee sign them at his autograph session.  Also had my picture taken with him which was pretty cool. 

I also picked up some more Star Wars collectibles in the expo center while walking around.  After grabbing some lunch I met and got the autographs from TNA wrestlers Raven and Jackie Gayda.  Also had my picture taken with them. 

The 501st was present at the convention and had people walking around in costume:

And boy were they having fun! LOL

Overall, it was a great weekend!