A Report from Philadelphia Comic Con 2010

This past weekend the Pennsylvania Convention Center played host to Philadelphia Comic Con 2010 (also known as Wizard World Philly). There’s no doubt that big name celebrity guests like Sir Patrick Stewart, James Marsters, Bruce Campbell, and Adam West prompted fans to come out in droves for the event, especially on Saturday. Whereas previous years had seen smaller crowds, Saturday was swarmed by eager attendees. At times, the line to get in stretched down the escalators and outside the convention center.

Fans were treated to Q&As with several of the celebrity guests, along with a chance to purchase professional photos and autographs. And if the celebrities weren’t enough of a drawn in-of-themselves, there was an expo hall packed with vendors and artists with all manner of great merchandise and art for sale. There were several comic, t-shirt, DVD, poster, and weapon dealers in attendance, along with some specialty booths like Brute Force Studios (known worldwide for their steampunk costumes).

Some of the other events at Philadelphia Comic Con included a chance to try out for the TV show “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire,” as well as the opportunity to test drive a Ford Fiesta. The convention also had costume contests for kids and adults, sanctioned gaming tournaments, a screening of TBS’ new series “Neighbors from Hell,” several exclusive items (such as figures, prints, and comics), and a horror film festival.

There were also some great official after parties at The Trocadero, which was just a few blocks away. Friday night was the Zombie Beach Party, which featured zombification stations manned by Terror Behind The Walls make-up artists. Entry was free with a Philadelphia Comic Con wristband. Saturday night was Kaiju Big Battel (which did have a separate entry fee). For the uninitiated, Kaiju Big Battel involves people in foam monster suits battling it out over over miniature cityscapes, all for the audience’s amusement. It was a bit strange, but extremely entertaining.

If you missed Philadelphia Comic Con 2010, dates for 2011 have already been announced, so get ready! Next year’s convention will be held June 10 – 12, 2011, and will again be at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Organizers have said that 2011 will have an expanded “list of guests, artists and vendors.”

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