Wizard World Portland Comic Con brings a galaxy of stars from movies, television and the comic book world to the Rose City later this month. Pacific Northwest fans have the chance to meet and greet celebrities and artists for three days (January 24, 25, 26, 2014) at the Oregon Convention Center.
Let’s begin with some Living Legends:
Stan Lee: The man who created Spider-Man, X-Men, Fantastic Four will be there all three days to sign autographs, take photos and share incredible, uncanny, amazing stories of his historic career. After multiple cameos in Marvel movies, Lee will guest star on Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (see above) on ABC next month. Always a thrill. Get in line fanboys and girls – Stan “The Man” Lee is worth it! You never know what Stan will do for fans. Last year I watched the legend join dozens of Marvel inspired cosplayers for an amazing photo op!
William Shatner: Star Trek fans will be beaming as the man who commands as Captain Kirk transports to the Rose City.
Billy Dee Williams and Peter Mayhew of the original Star Wars trilogy: The ultimate cool customer, Williams portrayed the smooth Lando Calrissian, original owner of the Millenium Falcon and Mayhew was the mighty Chewbacca.
Adam West and Burt Ward: Batman and Robin of the classic 60’s series who inspired so many future geeks like me. Batman reruns after school were my first comic book character exposure that made be run to the magazine racks in search of comics! West and Ward are hilarious in person and give fans a fun, insightful insider take on the iconic television series and how it shaped their careers.
George Perez: The acclaimed writer/artist of New Teen Titans, Wonder Woman, Superman and classic epics: Crisis of Infinite Earths, The Infinity Crisis and JLA/Avengers (which he worked with fellow WW guest Kurt Busiek.) Personally, Perez is one of top reasons I’m attending. You’re meeting a true legend and major influence on today’s creators and beyond who is still working at the top of his game.
Mike Zeck: He’s one of “THE” signature artists of The Punisher. Zeck’s art on Kraven’s Last Hunt made it one of the greatest Spider-Man epics of all time. I found a copy of the masterpiece Secret Wars #1, in which Zeck drew Marvel’s greatest heroes and villains in a battle that was a major influence on the industry.
Neal Adams: The artist who helped revive the X-Men, transform Batman into a darker Knight and was part of incredible runs on Green Lantern/Green Arrow and Deadman. Adams is one of the most influential artists ever who challenged and changed the industry. Adams co-wrote and drew The First X-Men limited series for Marvel last year and was one of the all-stars on Detective Comics #27 celebrating Batman’s 75th Anniversary.
Kurt Busiek: The writer with phenomenal runs on Superman, Avengers, Thunderbolts plus epic limited series JLA/Avengers, Marvels and his own Astro City. Busiek will be featured in his own spotlight panel on Friday.
Television Superstars:
Four Stars of The Walking Dead: Norman Reedus, Michael Rooker, Laurie Holden and Jon Bernthal will be there to meet fans and answer (almost all) your burning questions about the smash hit series based on the phenomenal comic book.
Ron Perlman: Hellboy, Sons of Anarchy, Beauty and the Beast are just some of the signature roles of this superstar.
Bruce Campbell, Robert Englund and Summer Glau are among the stars giving fan moments and talking about the classic roles you love them for.
Comic Book Superstars:
Jim Cheung: The artist of Avengers: The Children’s Crusade, Infinity and covers for Avengers vs. X-Men.
Humberto Ramos, David Marquez, Michael Oeming and Steve Lieber are the artists signing for fans and featured in a roundtable panel Sunday.
Jim Valentino: Co-founder of Image Comics, Shadowhawk creator and fan-favorite Marvel artist before the Image revolution.
Michael and Laura Allred! From creator owned Madman to runs on X-Statix, FF and upcoming Silver Surfer, the Allred signature style is unforgettable.
I could go on and on naming celebrity and comic book guests but these are some highlights this geek. Be sure to check out the programming guide to see the stellar lineup of panels, parties and when to get in line for a possible photo op. Wizard World Portland Comic Con is January 24, 25, and 26. Stay tuned for coverage right here from the Rose City.
By Editor