Big Apple Comic Con invades NYC
By John Soltes / Editor in Chief
NEW YORK (Oct. 1, 2010) — If you live and breathe comic books, television and movies, then plan on heading into New York City this weekend for the annual festival of pop known as the Wizard World Big Apple Comic Con. Held this year at the Penn Plaza Pavilion in midtown (and an easy train ride for South Bergen residents), the three-day event promises to be a smorgasbord of celebrities, photo opportunities, autographs, cool gifts and devoted fans.
There are several highlights to this year’s comic con, but perhaps the brightest spotlight will be turned on two iconic stars. Mary McDonnell, a two-time Academy Award nominee, will make an appearance on Saturday, Oct. 2. Though she is likely best remembered for her legendary acting roles in “Dances with Wolves,” “Passion Fish” and “Independence Day,” for sci-fi fans she is President Laura Roslin of “Battlestar Galactica.” Enough said.
McDonnell will take part in a panel discussion, plus sign autographs and pose for pictures.
The other big name is Lee Majors, aka The Six-Million-Dollar Man. The actor will appear all three days of the convention and this rare appearance will surely result in tons of fans clamoring for a chance to meet him.
Other celebrities scheduled to appear include Ahmed Best (Jar-Jar Binks) and Jake Lloyd (young Anakin Skywalker) of the “Star Wars” films, plus Julia Jones of the “Twilight” saga.
Comic book fans should be happy to see Mark Millar, creator of “Kick-Ass” and “Wanted.” While horror fans can enjoy the company of the cast from “The Human Centipede.”
Aficionados of old television shows will not be disappointed. Adam West (Batman) and Burt Ward (Robin) will fly into the convention to discuss their memorable roles on the original “Batman” TV series. Plus, Christopher Knight, Mike Lookinland and Barry Williams — the three brothers from “The Brady Bunch” — will meet fans and sign autographs.
The comic book artists are plentiful, from Rich Buckler to Shane Davis to Dick Ayers and Carmine Infantino.
Sports fans should enjoy seeing Earl ‘The Pearl’ Monroe, Kevin Nash, Ted DiBiase and Virgil.
All in all, the Big Apple Comic Con will keep your eyes wide open and your wallet a little lighter. Tickets, which can be bought at www.wizardworld.com or in person at the event, cost $30 for one day or $50 for all three days. The Penn Plaza Pavilion will be open Friday, Oct. 1 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 2 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Sunday, Oct. 3 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
How much will photo opportunities and autographs set you back? Depends on the talent. McDonnell is charging $45 for photos and $30 for autographs. Majors is the top gun at $70 for pictures and $60 for autographs. Most others are in the $20-$30 range, with maybe West and Ward being a little bit more.
The venue can be found at 401 Seventh Ave. at 33rd Street in New York City.
E-mail JSoltes@LeaderNewspapers.net
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