Comic Con. Whether it's a mainstay of your geeky high school years or a phenomenon you've only seen on TV, here's your chance to get in on the action in Philadelphia.
This week, Wizard World Comic Con will land in Philadelphia for the 16th time, once again opening its doors (and booths) to the thousands of attendees who will flood into the Philadelphia Convention Center from Thursday, May 17th through Sunday, May 20th.
So, what exactly is it? Wizard World Comic Con is a type of traveling convention that allows fans to meet, MARVEL (true fans will get this pun) over, and greet a variety of their favorite actors, artists and other featured guests from popular fandoms. The convention itself is set up like a massive trade show, one with costumes, panel discussions, and fandom paraphernalia scattered throughout. Wizard World Comic Con is one of the opportunities for cosplayers (a conjunction of the word “costume play”) to show their dedication to their chosen fandom, donning costumes and mannerisms to play the role of a particular character. Often, the outfits are self–made, and the best costumes will be judged during a costume contest on May 18th.
Photo Courtesy of Wizard World Comic Con via Flickr // Cosplayer at 2017 WW
Expect to see many Game of Thrones, Captain America, or Lord of Rings cosplayers wandering around the convention center. Headliner guests will include: Sebastian Stan (Captain America), Elijah Wood (Lord of the Rings), Natalie Dormer (Game of Thrones), Ezra Miller (The Flash), Holly Marie Combs (Charmed), and Stephen Amell (Arrow). The full guest list can be found here.
Throughout the convention's four days, people of all ages will gather to attend Q&A sessions and photograph and autograph opportunities (purchasable through set packages) with their favorite celebrities. For those less interested in the stars, there are also plenty of opportunities to shop. The exhibitor section includes merchants selling comic books, fandom apparel, autographed memorabilia, replica props, and much more.
Other featured entertainment will include acoustic performances by actor and musician Thomas Ian Nicholas (of the American Pie franchise) and a dueling piano performance by Rock It Man Entertainment. And, for the brave, there will be karaoke competition and a dance party on Thursday, not to mention trivia and DJ “spinning” available during the weekend.
Photo Courtesy of Wizard World Comic Con via Flickr // Entertainment stage at 2017 WW
So, for those grads still in town post-ceremony, what better way to christen your new adult life than to find your inner child: celebrate by trading in your graduation robes for a different kind of costume. And for everyone else still on campus–come on, you know you want to. Wizard World Comic Con only comes once a year. Wasn’t one of your goals this year to get out of the Penn bubble anyways?
Show hours
Thursday, May 17: 4 p.m.–9 p.m
Friday, May 18: 12 p.m.—7 p.m.
Saturday, May 19: 10 a.m.—7 p.m.
Sunday, May 20: 10 a.m.—4 p.m.
Get tickets here. Prices Range between $35 and $55, depending on day. Four-day passes for $95. *Kids 10 and under have free admission with paid adults.
