Nichelle Nichols at the 2013 Phoenix Comicon in Phoenix, Arizona. (photo by Gage Skidmore)
Wizard World Comic Con makes its fourth visit to the Music City Center in Nashville, Friday September 7 through Sunday, September 9, 2017. Nichelle Nichols, the iconic Lt. Uhura of Star Trek, is scheduled to appear along with Marvel Comics master creator Stan Lee, and a galaxy of other stars from television and film, as well as other artists and creators in the entertainment and gaming industry. Wizard World Comic Con events bring together thousands of fans of all ages to celebrate the best in pop culture: movies, television, gaming, live entertainment, comics, sci-fi, graphic novels, toys, original art, collectibles, contests and more.
Other well-known celebrity guests from film and television at Wizard World Comic Con Nashville include four from “Firefly” / “Serenity” — Summer Glau, Jewel Staite, Alan Tudyk and Sean Maher; former pop stars Aly & A.J. — Alyson Michalka (“Hellcats” and “iZombie”) and A.J. Michalka (“The Goldbergs” and “Super 8”); Val Kilmer (“Batman”); Loni Anderson (W.K.R.P. in Cincinnati”); Dean Cain (“Supergirl” and “Adventures of Lois and Clark”); Lou Ferigno (“The Hulk”); Steve Blum; WWE Superstars Bayley and Roman Reigns; Sam Jones (“Flash Gordon” and “Ted”); Ray Park (“Star Wars”); Jason Mewes (“Jay & Silent Bob”, “Clerks I”, “Clerks II” and “Mallrats”); Ivy Doomkitty (“Syfy’s Heroes of Cosplay”); Lex Lang; Sandy Fox; Graham McTavish; and Brian O’Halloran.
Comics creators at Wizard World Comic Cons are engaging with fans more than ever. The Creative Stage, active throughout every show, provides attendees additional opportunities to interact with artists and writers, with demonstrations, interactive Q&As, informative discussions, art raffles and auctions, learn-to-draw instruction and more.
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Artist and cosplayers and creators in attendance include Guy Gilchrist, Victor Dandridge, Jahni Kwatrae, Timothy D. Cribbs, Brit Bliss, Megan Golden, Mogchelle, Gerhard, Arthur Suydam, James O’Barr, Alex de Campi, Steve Geiger, NEN, Tom Bancroft, Joe Casey, Kelly McKernan, Barry Kitson, Peter Mohrbacher, Sam Flegal, Jeremy Clark, Ryan Kincaid, Joe Rubenstein, Stuart Sayger, Phil Ortiz, Tom Cook, Mark Kistler, Kurt Lehner, Sam Ellis, Philip A. Buck, Genese Davis, Danny Fingeroth, Mostafa Moussa, Samantha Gorel, K. Lynn Smith, Caleb King, Bill McKay, Gavin Smith, Jacob Rougemont, J. Matthew Wekler, Matthew Southworth, Olivia Buff, Chris Hamer, Noel Saabye, Cameron Johnson, Jim Mehsloing, Kristian Lehner, S.A. McClure, Chris Miller, Red Crow Comics, Nate Michaels, Andrew Day, Beth Hughes, Maxina Storibrook, Billy Martinez, Shaun K. Thornhill, 3D Geek Models, Nick Dertinger, K.L. Luttrell, Gates of O’brillin, Cameron Lucente, Carlos Abraham, James Morris, Jeremiah Lambert, Jenny Wang Musetap Studios, Perfectly Pastel, Fangirl Frames, Earth Prism – Lindsey Garner, William Louis DBA Broku9000, Jess Scutella, Yoni Limor, Danny Limor, Cinema Sins, Lee Horton, Pandara Polaris, Woodside Illustrations – Brent Woodside, Taylor Burton, Thor the “Supernatural” Impala, ‘Speed Racer’ Mach 5, 1989 Batmobile, 1966 Batmobile, DeLorean Time Machine, Dom Toretto’s 1970 Plymouth RoadRunner, Iron Man motorcycle, Captain America motorcycle, Batman motorcycle, and the Scout-1 Z.O.D. Apocalypse vehicle.
Nashville’s own Guy Gilchrist, who has drawn the iconic “Nancy” comic strip since 1995, was named the fifth honoree in the Wizard World Hall of Legends, a new initiative to celebrate the artists, writers and insiders who have built the industry and those who continue the traditions.
”I am touched to have been selected by Wizard World to join the distinguished list of honorees,” said Gilchrist. “I am especially gratified that I am able to receive this honor in my hometown.”
This year marks Gilchrist’s twenty-second year drawing Nancy, her Aunt Fritzi, and of course …Sluggo. Syndicated internationally in 80 countries and some 400 newspapers, “Nancy” has a viewership of 57 million readers around the world.
“Guy Gilchrist is a worthy and strong addition to the Wizard World Hall of Legends,” said John D. Maatta, Wizard World President and CEO. “He has thrilled millions with his work on huge franchises like The Muppets and Nancy, and he has shown a deep commitment to children’s causes and charities.”
Gilchrist will receive the award at a ceremony at Wizard World Comic Con Nashville on Friday, September 8, at 7 p.m. on the main entertainment stage at the Music City Center.
Wizard World Comic Con Nashville is also the place for cosplay, with fans young and old showing off their best costumes throughout the event. Fans dressed as every imaginable character – and some never before dreamed – will roam the convention floor and participate in the famed Wizard World Costume Contest on Saturday evening.
Hosted by your very own superheroes Victor Dandridge and Brit Bliss, the Wizard World Comic Con Costume Contest is no joke. The best of the best will be dressed to impress in their superhero & pop culture finest, so be prepared for some serious cosplay. Grab your buddies and suit up to take a chance at bringing home the gold! Categories include Best in Show, Best Male / Female Heroes, Best Male / Female Villains, Best Group and Best Anime!
Anyone interested in participating can sign-up at the Wizard World Info booth inside the exhibition floor on Saturday. Recommended for ages 13 and older. Registration closes at 5PM.
The 11th event scheduled on the 2017 Wizard World calendar, Nashville show hours are Friday, September 8, from 4 – 9 p.m.; Saturday, September 9, from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Sunday, September 10, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. (Watch out for heavy traffic on Sunday as it is an NFL Gameday for the Titans’ home opener.) Tickets start at $39.95; Kids 10 and under are admitted free (up to 2 each) with paid adults. The only animals allowed at the show are licensed Service Animals.
Please note that not all guests will be in attendance all three days; and cancellations may occur. Be sure to take a look at the Guest Page. If a guest is NOT going to be there all three days, there will be a notation under their picture telling you what days they will be there. Sometimes guests do have to cancel for a variety of reasons (work, family, etc.). Any and all guest changes will be reflected on the website.For more on the 2017 Wizard World Nashville, visit: www.wizardworld.com/comiccon/nashville.
Wizard World, Inc. (www.wizardworld.com) produces comic, gaming and pop culture conventions across North America that celebrate the best in pop culture: movies, television, gaming, live entertainment, comics, sci-fi, graphic novels, toys, original art, collectibles, contests and more. A first-class lineup of topical programming and entertainment takes place at each event, with celebrity Q&A’s, comics-themed sessions, costume contests, movie screenings, evening parties and more. Fans can interact with Wizard World on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and other social media services.
