Guardians Of The Galaxy #17 Exclusive Variant Cover For Chicago Comic Con Revealed

Timed to coincide with the release of Guardians of the Galaxy into theaters on August 1, Wizard World has revealed the latest of its 2014 series of exclusive Marvel variant covers with the unveiling of Guardians of the Galaxy #17, drawn by Alvaro Martinez. VIP attendees at Wizard World Chicago Comic Con, August 21-24 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, will receive a free copy of the limited-edition book at registration.

Martinez is scheduled to be at the event to sign copies, and professional comic grader CGC will also be on hand to accept books for grading and Signature Series.

On 4000 copies of the exclusive variant cover to Guardians of the Galaxy #17 will be available and provided free at registration to all Wizard World Chicago Comic Con VIP attendees, including any celebrity VIP packages.

The cover features Drax the Destroyer, portrayed by Dave Bautista in the film, Nebula, played by Karen Gillen, and Yondu, played by Michael Rooker. All three actors are scheduled to appear at the show.

"I love how the Guardians of the Galaxy #17 Chicago Comic Con Exclusive came out," said Bautista. "It's an honor to see Drax on the cover and I look forward to signing for the fans in Chicago."

"Just in time for Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy comes this stunning cover from Alvaro Martinez," says Marvel SVP Sales & Marketing David Gabriel. "We're excited to bring this cover exclusively to attendees of the show & give them something special they can get signed by some of the stars of the upcoming film!"

Martinez's previous work includes includes Marvel titles like Cataclysm: Ultimate X-Men, Ultimate Comics X-Men and Iron Man Annual Vol. 5, as well as Valiant's Harbinger #10 and Archer & Armstrong #9.

"We are pleased to welcome Alvaro Martinez to the Wizard World family and are particularly excited that his excellent Guardians cover is timed so well with the release of the film," says John Macaluso, Wizard World CEO. "Having Drax, Dave Bautista's character, on the cover with him attending our event is an extra special treat for VIP attendees."