One of the biggest comic book conventions in the country returns this week, as the 2011 Wizard World Chicago Comic Con gets underway officially at 5PM on Thursday, August 11th.The Donald E. Stephens Convention Center plays host to the event, which will run until Sunday, August 14th at 5PM.As always, this convention has plenty of famous guests, lots of comic book celebrities, and tons of comics to buy, sell and trade!Read on as we give you a preview as to what is in store for fans who might be attending this weekend’s festivities.And of course it’s also a maddening tease for fans who can’t be there (such as yours truly)!Celebrity Guests! There are some VERY big names from film and television coming to this years Wizard World Chicago, but first, there’s a very well-known musician making an appearance as well.Former Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan will be appearing to promote his new involvement with professional wrestling promotion Resistance Pro.More details about the project will be announced this weekend, but Corgan’s appearance is sure to excite fans of pro wrestling and alternative music!Fans of Buffy the Vampire Slayer will rejoice at the gathering of EIGHT former cast members of the cult tv series.Actors James Marsters, Julie Benz, Nicholas Brendon, Charisma Carpenter and others will be on hand for a panel to discuss their work on the series.But wait! There’s more!Sir Patrick Stewart, known for his roles on Star Trek: The Next Generation and the X-Men films as well as a HOST of other work will be on hand.The names go on.Pam Grier, Vivica A. Fox, Bruce Campbell, Christopher Lloyd, Sean Maher, LeVar Burton and MORE will be there as well!Comic Book Talent! Get ready for another impressive list, as the comic book artists and writers assembled is nothing to sneeze at as well.Names such asBrian Azzarello, Stuart Moore, Gary Shipman, Ethan Van Sciver, Mike Deodato Jr, Mark Texeria,Arthur Suydam, Eliza Frye, and dozens of others will be on hand to sign autographs and interact with fans.Many of the creative attendees for the convention are Eisner Award winners or nominees, so there’s no shortage of talent assembled for this event!There will be over 400 creators, yes, you read that right, attending this weekend to take part in the festivities.If you are planning on attending, check to see what your favorite artist or writer’s schedule is, as some people may only be appearing for a couple of days.Where, When and How Much! The convention starts on Thursday, August 11th at 5PM and runs until 9 that night.The hours for Friday are 12PM-8PM, Saturday’s hours are 10AM-7PM and on the last day, Sunday, the show runs 10AM-5PM.Ticket prices vary by the amount of days you plan on attending, and just follow this link to purchase tickets and VIP packages. A one day ticket is $25.00 online and $30 at the door.A four day pass in advance is $50, so you’re math skills should be clicking here!Have fun!
