Fan Fest Has Pop Culture Coming Alive in Rosemont

Wizard World Comic Con is the biggest and best national comic con, occurring in many cities throughout the year. It is usually held in August in Rosemont, IL. This year, they have added Wizard World Fan Fest and that is happening this weekend (ending at 5 p.m., Sunday, March 8).

Where else can you meet old television favorites like Karyn Parsons (The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air), David Faustino (Married With Children) and Tracey Gold (Growing Pains)? Where else can you meet new favorites like Taryn Manning and Drea de Matteo (Sons of Anarchy)? Where else can you meet over 50 artists and creators like Renee Witterstaetter (Editor of She Hulk) and Neil Adams (Artist of Batman)? These celebrity guests and many more are all under one roof at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center.

While Fan Fest is much smaller than the regular Wizard World Comic Con, this is an impressive debut. Thousands of fans were in line waiting for the doors to open today and the crowd kept coming. Despite the large crowd, everything ran smoothly at the event. Wizard World always has plenty of staffers everywhere to ensure things go right.

I haven’t even mentioned the rows and rows of dealer tables. If you are looking for some comic or super hero-related item, chances are you will find it. You will probably also find stuff you didn’t know existed.

I am a big fan of Aquaman, one of the least-marketed super heroes. I always know I will find some cool Aquaman stuff at Wizard World cons and Fan Fest was no different. I picked up a handful of Aquaman prints from the various artists present. I enjoy seeing the new takes on Aquaman from the new artists I find and then adding the pieces to my collection.

Even if you aren’t into meeting celebrities or buying pop culture collectibles, a good time can be had just by people watching. I saw Mr. Spock, a female Thor, a male Wonder Woman, a toddler Hulk Hogan and other attendees in costume. It is such great fun for everyone. These costumed fans love posing for pictures and plenty of people ask them.

Fan Fest is a great way to spend an hour or an afternoon. The buzz is palpable. It’s like the entire place is alive and in sync. I just love being there. The tagline for Wizard World is “where pop culture comes to life” and that is the perfect description.

I always get a little disappointed when I am leaving, knowing that the fun is over until next time. I am hoping Fan Fest becomes a regular event. That way, the wait between conventions won’t be as long and I will have twice the fun every year.