Later this month, Chicago will be home to one of the biggest comic and media conventions on the Eastern side of the country. I like to think of this as SDCC for those of us too poor to fly to California, and this year they’ve really outdone themselves.
Their guest list is diverse enough that everyone, no matter what they’re a fan of, will be able to find somebody that they’d like to meet or listen to a panel from. There are so many quality guests that I’m only going to do a brief overview to showcase the diversity. A full guest list is available at http://www.wizardworld.com/home-chicago.html#special-guests
WWE’s The Undertaker, Sting, Daniel Bryan, Randy Orton, and Paige
This convention features a pair of rare appearances for the WWE. Not only will the Undertaker be there, but the WWE’s newest acquisition Sting will also be making an appearance. For fans hoping for the immortal moment of seeing the two on stage together, however, you’ll have to keep waiting. Randy Orton and Daniel Bryan are appearing Thursday only, The Undertake and Paige are Friday only, and Sting will be there Saturday only.
Jeremy Renner – The Avengers’ Hawkeye
Appearing Sunday only, Hawkeye will be making an appearance in the Chicago area, we can only hope the city survives.
Bruce Campbell – Ash, Army of Darkness/Evil Dead
Coming (hopefully) boom-stick in hand, well, his remaining hand, Ash will be coming to Wizard World to ensure the event remains undead-free.
Normal Reedus – Daryl, The Walking Dead
Joining Ash Sunday on his campaign against the undead is Daryl, the cult-favorite character of the Walking Dead. Despite the character’s total non-inclusion in the comics, Daryl has fast become the most beloved character in the show. Talk about a top-tier crossover episode.
Burt Reynolds – Deliverance/Smokey and the Bandit/etc.
If we’re talking about the undead, we can’t forget Burt Reynolds (joking!). The absolute legend is lending his star-power to the guest list on Saturday, proving that the mustache is still cool.
Nathan Fillion – Castle/Firefly/etc.
Captain Mal himself will be bringing his swagger, and hopefully not his propensity for getting into trouble, to the Wizard World stage. The star of everything from the ill-fated but much-beloved Firefly to Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Castle will be around all week to answer questions and be generally mobbed with fans.
Carol Spinney – Big Bird, Sesame Street
Rounding out this list is a blast from all of our pasts, the voice of Big Bird from Sesame Street. Carol Spinney helped us learn to count, to know our letters, and so many other things. Now he’s going to be at Wizard World Chicago to answer your questions and maybe get that old VHS of Sesame Street signed.
Additionally, as a gift, all Wizard World Chicago attenders will receive a limited edition copy of The Walking Dead issue #1 with cover art by artist Whilce Portaciohas. VIP attenders will receive an additional black and white variant cover. These are incredibly limited qualities and are available while supplies last at the Chicago convention only. Just don’t try to have Norman Reedus sign it because, as I’ve said, his character isn’t in the comics. You don’t want to be THAT GUY do you?
GeekDad will be on location August 20th through the 24th for the 2015 Wizard World Chicago convention.
