Celebrities, events and costumes cast a spell over Philadelphians.
Wizard World Comic Con wrapped up on Sunday, with fans coming out to see dozens of celebrities at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.
In addition, there were various events held in conjunction with the annual extravaganza.
For example, Horror Fest featured horror film icons and movie premieres. One highlight was an anniversary screening of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, with special guest Kristy Swanson. There were also screenings of A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors and The Monster Squad, with stars Andre Gower and Ryan Lambert.
Horror Fest moved to Underground Arts, 12th and Callowhill streets, on Saturday for a celebration featuring A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors star Heather Langenkamp and a concert by rock star Don Dokken, who performed Dream Warriors on the film’s soundtrack.
But the bulk of the action took place at the convention center.
The big names included movie and television star and world karate champion Chuck Norris, making his Wizard World debut. Norris is also founder of the Kickstart Kids Foundation, which uses karate to teach character-building values to students. More information on the initiative is available at kickstartkids.org
The celebrity roster also included movie stars Jesse Eisenberg and Famke Janssen;, rocker Gene Simmons; Guardians of the Galaxy stars Michael Rooker and Sean Gunn; and Riverdale stars K.J. Apa, Lili Reinhart, Camila Mendes and Cole Sprouse.
Adults and kids packed Wizard World Comic Con, which celebrates movies, television, gaming, live entertainment, comics, science fiction, graphic novels, toys, original art, collectibles and contests.
The event is also the place for cosplay, with fans dressed in costumes of every imaginable character. A costume contest took place on Saturday night.
After leaving Philadelphia, Wizard World Comic Con’s next stop will be Sacramento, California.
Dates have not been announced for the next Wizard World Comic Con in Philadelphia. Visit http://wizardworld.com/comiccon/philadelphia for news about the 2018 show. ••
