On the Beat at Wizard World Chicago 2016

I spent the last weekend ensconced in pop culture greatness at Wizard World. For many reasons, this was my favorite Wizard World ever.

The four day event started with a ceremony honoring Rosemont’s First Responders. Wizard World President John D. Maatta was joined onstage by Lou Ferrigno, Jason Mewes, Ralph Macchio, Ray Santiago and Cerina Vincent, as special Captain America shields were presented to those representing the First Responders. It was a moving ceremony, celebrating those who serve so fearlessly.

The rest of the weekend was a whirlwind of activity. I met some of my favorite celebrities. I reconnected with comic con artists and friends. I attended several panels (and even participated in a couple). Of course, I also bought some cool stuff.

In terms of celebrities, this Wizard World lineup was topnotch. WWE superstar John Cena is as big as it gets in the recent world of pro wrestling. Carrie Fisher co-starred in Star Wars, one of the greatest movies ever. Michael J. Fox is one of my all-time favorites. Not only did I meet all of them, my Star Wars-loving friends Jason Fleigel and Ashley Prester joined me in meeting Ms. Fisher.

The fun didn’t stop with those headliners. I also reconnected with Milo Ventimiglia, David Della Rocco and Dana Delorenzo. I had previously met all of them and now we are sort of “convention” friends. I don’t expect any celeb to remember me, yet these three did and it makes seeing them even more special. Each is special to me in a different way.

I also enjoyed bringing my friend Gabriel Baron with me to meet William Sadler and Deborah Ann Woll, two of his favorites. It meant a lot to me to be able to experience this with him, a huge fan of both.

There were so many other great celebrities, too. I can’t list them all or relate our little stories, but every celebrity encounter has a place in my mind and heart.

Moving into Artist Alley, I reconnected with friends like Author James Finn Garner, Nerd Parodist Paul Erickson, Author Genese Davis, Author Dirk Manning, Artist Terence Muncy, Artist Victor Dandridge, Mad Cartoonist Tom Richmond and more. I have met these talented folks at previous Wizard World events and all have become friends beyond the con. With no disrespect to any to them, their particular focuses would not be on my radar, but thanks to meeting them at Wizard World, I became exposed to their work and I really enjoy all of it. This is another of the magical parts of the convention.

Erickson asked me to be a “celebrity” judge for his “Star Wars or Lord of the Rings: Which is Better?” Panel. My fellow judges and I presided over the fun (while laughing all the way).

There was also a row of tattoo artists ready to ply their ink artistry on willing patrons. I resisted the urge, but still reconnected with Josh Bodwell and Chris 51, two of my favorites, who star on tv’s Epic Ink.

There was also a huge gaming section. I relived my high school years with a rousing session on Ms. PanMan. I didn’t reach my teenage heights, but the moves were coming back to me, as was the thrill.

As always, I was looking for any old school Aquaman trinket I could find. I found a couple Aquaman figures I did not have and I added them to my collection. If you’re looking for this type of collectible, Wizard World is the place.

As I left the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center on Sunday, I did not have the usual bittersweet feeling. I usually am sad as Wizard World ends. Not having that feeling bugged me a bit. Then I realized it wasn’t bittersweet, because I did everything I wanted and more this year. It was the perfect convention and I was okay with leaving (but I am still already looking forward to the next one).

Wizard World holds over a dozen such events every year all across the country. Earlier this month, I attended Wizard World in Columbus. My next planned one is Wizard World Cleveland in early 2017. I can’t wait!