'Wonka,' 'The Evil Dead,' Stewart, Campbell, Lloyd Q&A's Highlight Chicago Comic Con Programming

Online, August 1, 2011 (Newswire.com) - Wizard World Chicago Comic Con today announced its huge programming schedule, featuring unique celebrity Q&A's, music, film screenings and discussions, artist schools, contests and more for the event, set for Thursday through Sunday, August 11-14, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center. Sessions featuring superstars Patrick Stewart, Bruce Campbell and Christopher Lloyd and notables from such popular programs and films as "Buffy: The Vampire Slayer," "The Walking Dead," WILLY WONKA AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY and THE EVIL DEAD are among the highlight attractions.

Some of the top sessions include:
-- Rare Q&A sessions with Patrick Stewart ("Star Trek: The Next Generation:), Christopher Lloyd (BACK TO THE FUTURE, "Taxi"), Anthony Michael Hall (SIXTEEN CANDLES), Morena Baccarin ("V," "Stargate SG-1"), Pam Grier ("Smallville") and Felicia Day ("The Guild")
-- "Buffyfests" with "Buffy: The Vampire Slayer" stars Nicholas Brendon, Kelly Donovan, Mercedes McNab and Clare Kramer
-- Popular panels with Julie Benz ("Dexter," "No Ordinary Family), Bruce Campbell ("Burn Notice," ARMY OF DARKNESS), Lou Ferrigno ("The Incredible Hulk") and Ray Park (STAR WARS)
-- Up-close and personal concert with the multi-talented James Marsters (separate admission)
-- Screening and reunion of the five stars of the cult classic film THE EVIL DEAD, including Campbell, Ellen Sandweiss, Richard DeManincor, Betsy Baker and Theresa Tilly
Young stars Chandler Riggs, Addy Miller and Adrian Kali Turner along with other stars of the hit television series "The Walking Dead"
-- A WILLY WONKA panel featuring the five child stars of the original 1971 classic film
-- "Stargate Universe" Q&A with the beautiful tandem of Alaina Huffman and Julia Benson
-- "Kids' Day" program with face painting, balloons, other fun activities specially designed for children
-- Wizard Art School and Q&A's featuring leading creators like Ivan Brunetti, Michael Golden, Bill Sienkiewicz, Mike Grell, Humberto Ramos, Greg Horn and others
-- The popular adult costume contest and fun kids costume contest with great prizes

Unless noted, Chicago Comic Con programming will take place in the designated panel rooms at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, and is included with admission to the event. Seating for panels is strictly limited and available on a first come first serve basis and each room will be cleared between panels. The full schedule can be found at http://www.wizardworld.com/programming-ch.html .

Chicago Comic Con is the seventh stop on Wizard World's 2011 North American tour. Hours are Thursday, August 11, 5 - 9 p.m.; Friday, August 12, noon - 8 p.m.; Saturday, August 13, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.; and Sunday, August 14, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tickets are available in advance online at http://www.wizardworld.com/chicago.html at a savings over tickets purchased at the door. Advance adult single-day tickets are priced at $25 ($35 on site); four-day all-session tickets are $50 ($60 on site), and tickets are free for children age 10 and under when accompanied by a paid adult (limit two children per adult). VIP packages with special entry and exclusive items are also available on a limited basis.

About Wizard World:
Wizard World produces Comic Cons and pop culture conventions across North America that celebrate graphic novels, comic books, movies, TV shows, gaming, technology, toys and social networking. The events often feature celebrities from movies and TV, artists and writers, and events such as premieres, gaming tournaments, panels, and costume contests. Wizard World also produces Wizard World Digital, an online publication covering new and upcoming products and talents in the pop culture world, and is distributed on a weekly basis to online and iPad users worldwide.