This years Wizard World was one of the most disappointing convention experiences I've had. I'm not sure what happened since last years convention, I know that the last organizers had been let go after last year's convention and a new team was in place, but it just felt like Wizard didn't have that much to offer this year. There were less guests, heck even Kevin Smith didn't make his annual pilgrimage to Chicago to rehash old stories and share with us why he isn't the most timely guy in the world. Having said that, I also must defend Wizard regarding this year. I think this was a transition year for the convention, having to take place so soon after San Diego has never been a good thing. It's always felt like we got the San Diego left over's.
Next year the convention is moving to earlier in the year, the end of June, back to he time period that the original Chicago Comic Con used to take place before Wizard bought them out. I think this is a banner move for Wizard to make since it will put them in a better position for more important announcements, and have them poised for the middle of the Summer movie season and next year promises to be a big one. I think that may have come into play with this years event, perhaps the focus of making the move and trying to line up another event in such a short time may have lead to this year being kind of an half hearted effort, and I don't really blame them. Since San Diego has been getting bigger and bigger, fighting for relevance has become harder especially when you have your convention mere weeks after the "big show". I'm sure San Diego is a major expense for companies and to ask them to incur the same type of expense so soon afterwards may have lead to the simplifying of their efforts. This may not be such an issue next year with almost a month between the two, hopefully things will be more lively next year.
Also in Wizards defense, there wasn't really much for them to focus on this year. There were no real big movies or "events" coming in the near future so trying to drum up excitement when there wasn't a whole lot to be had must have been very difficult for the Wizard staff to arrange. When your big media attractions are actually sponsored by exhibitors, you know there isn't much going on. Granted having Tricia Helfer, and Michael Madsen (among a few others) on the bill seemed exciting, but without them being attached to larger "events", it seemed anti climactic.
One thing I will say for Wizard though, they scored a major coup, by being able to arrange the surprise Dark Knight panel for Saturday night. Being able to have cast members and the film makers at the convention, along with the trouble they went to to make it all worth while, said something for the organizers. Granted the film was shooting in Chicago, but after their "snub" of San Diego, it did not seem like there was going to be much of anything from their camp at Chicago, and boy did they surprise us. I appreciate that they gave folks a heads up Friday at one of the Panel so they could plan ahead and have a days worth of anticipation. They really did a good gob setting that up.
The only real complaint I have about the convention is a minimal one, but one worth noting. Generally when you ordered advance tickets, you are allowed to enter the convention floor an hour early. they would let you in to an area behind he convention floor and line people in pens and let you in through the back. It was orderly and everyone was kept informed as to what was going on. This year they decided to change things a bit. I'm not sure if it was for the photo opportunity or if it was because of something going on within the convention center itself, but this year folks were lined up outside. Now ordinarily that wouldn't be much of an issue, but do the math here- High temperatures + High humidity + A generally hygienically challenged group of folks = A really aromatic experience. Granted Friday morning there was a breeze, so it wasn't too bad, but Saturday was not good and Sunday even worse since it rained the night before.
All that having bee said- let's bring on the pictures.