Get Ready for Comic Con

While the Philadelphia Wizard World Comic Con is still two months away, many who will be attending are already preparing. If you are like one of their more enthusiastic visitors (yours truly included) you will have been prepping for months now. I am not just talking about the cosplayers who make the yearly event a visual spectacle, but also the artists, vendors and craftsman you can find gracing the Pennsylvania Convention Center’s hallowed halls.
 Pennsylvania Convention Center

If you don’t know what “cosplay” is, do not worry; it is basically a word that describes the practice of dressing up as a character from a movie, book, or video game. At first, the term was mostly used to describe when people dressed up as characters from manga and anime, but it has quickly been adapted to cover most forms of fan-based dress up. The sky is the limit and Comic Con is where to find the best of the best!
Cosplay

Joker & Friend
Whether you choose to participate in cosplay when you attend is up to you, but (as a person who is attending this year as her favorite librarian superhero: BATGIRL) I can say it can definitely add extra fun to the experience.

The convention is called Comic Con so “where are the comics?” you ask. Oh, there are plenty of them. The convention is full of vendors, selling everything from comics to furry cat ears, tee-shirts to Aquaman’s trident, and WANDS! So, if you are planning on attending, showing up with a spare amount of pocket change would not be a bad idea. You do not have to buy anything, of course, but if you are a fanboy or -girl, you will find temptation around every booth, and much of the merchandise can be had for fair or even bargain prices.

The vendors are one of the great aspects of the convention because you get to see just how many fans out there are also great craftsman. People who work in all mediums can be found selling their creations; things such as Mad Hatter top hats, horns sculpted from clay and painted to look so life-like you are sure to win whatever costume contest you enter while wearing them, quilts and steampunk goggles galore!
Cosplay
While many might think the best part of Comic Con is the star appearances and photo ops or the celebrity panels (we will get to that next), my personal favorite part is Artists' Ally.
Comic Con Swag
Catwoman
Artists' Alley is where the people who actually illustrate the comics and books we love, the people who work designing the movies and shows that we cannot stop talking about, all gather and present their work.

As an attendee, you are able to buy prints or original pieces. You can get your favorite artists to sign their pieces and even strike up a conversation about their method, what tools they use, or if you could grab them a drink. (Hint: they would probably love it if you did that!)

There is probably no other time of year that the Pennsylvania Convention Center houses more artistic talent. And if the crowds waiting for celebrity signatures (or bathrooms) start making you feel a little claustrophobic, a walk down Artists' Alley with its aesthetically pleasing aisles and friendly faces, will surely stave off exhaustion at least until you can make it to the food vendors.
Spacedude; Superman
Now for the celebrities! The Who’s Who of the convention circuit? Well, that depends. Do you like DC movies, or Marvel movies? Do you like Doctor Who or Back to the Future? Well, the good news is that your favorite characters from many of your favorite franchises will be in attendance this June 2nd through the 5th.

As of now, here is a list of who will be appearing:

  • AGENT CARTER – Hayley Atwell, Dominic Cooper & Anthony Mackie Photo
  • AVENGERS – Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth & Tom Hiddleston
  • BACK TO THE FUTURE – Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd & Lea Thompson
  • BOONDOCK SAINTS – Norman Reedus, Sean Patrick Flanery & Billy Boyd
  • CAPTAIN AMERICA – Chris Evans, Hayley Atwell, Sebastian Stan, Stanley Tucci, Dominic Cooper, Anthony Mackie & Georges St-Pierre
  • TMNT – Stephen Amell & Sheamus

Back to the Future
Captain America
Also:

David Duchovny, James Remar, Jason David Frank, Mitch Pileggi

PENNSYLVANIA CONVENTION CENTER
1101 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Philadelphia Wizard World Comic Con

Whether you come to Comic Con to try out your cosplaying skills or to meet your favorite movie star, whether you want to get an R2-D2 art print signed, or buy a specialty-crafted Zelda sword, you are sure to have a good time at the Philadelphia Comic Con.

Bring a friend, get lost in the crowds and soak up some mild to significant nerdiness!

Most importantly have fun! And I hope to see you there!

-Amanda J.

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