Wizard World beams into Fort Lauderdale

Collin Simpson // Staff Writer

Wizard World Comic Convention had its first trip to Fort Lauderdale from Oct. 2 to Oct. 4, and it took place at the Broward County Convention Center.

Unlike most conventions that occur at the same locations every year, Wizard World constantly explores new localities. Every weekend, this comic-con takes place in a different city and state across the United States. Each Wizard World convention is unique because it showcases a different cast of actors and artists. The Fort Lauderdale Wizard World was the 20^{th event in the convention’s 2015 line-up.}

As a special treat, full price Wizard World Comic Con Fort Lauderdale attendees received a limited edition variant cover of the first issue of “The Walking Dead” series, which had been designed by Julian Totino Tedesco, one of the attending artists.

The guest of honor at this event was no other than William Shatner, who portrayed the legendary captain James T. Kirk in the “Original Star Trek” series from Sept. 8, 1966 to June 3, 1969. He also portrayed Kirk in seven of the subsequent “Star Trek” films. Other actors appearing at the event included Sean Astin (“The Lord of the Rings,” “Rudy,” “The Goonies”), Christian Kane (“The Librarians,” “Leverage”), James Marsters (“Buffy the Vampire Slayer”) and Ernie Hudson (“Ghostbusters”).

Many of the celebrities charged fair prices for their autographs, $30-$40 each (with the exception of Shatner, who charged $80 an autograph).

Numerous celebrities also hosted panels, describing their experiences as actors and discussing the films and shows that they worked in. Shatner’s panel was packed and he was incredibly kind to his fans. He answered all their questions, including whether he would appear in “Star Trek Beyond,” set to be released in 2016.

“I’d love to be in the film, as long as they find a role that suits me and makes sense,” Shatner announced, much to the excitement of the audience.

The convention also hosted an array of comic artists, including the legendary “Batman” writer Neal Adams; writer Michael Golden, who is the co-creator of the “X-Man Rogue;” and Rob Liefeld, who co-created the famous Marvel character “Deadpool.”

Unfortunately, several actors including Norman Reedus and Jon Berenthal (The “Walking Dead”), Burn Goldman(“Game of Thrones,” “The Dark Knight Rises”) and Jon Barrowman (“Arrow”) cancelled their appearances at the last moment to the disappointment of fans. Several artists also cancelled at the last minute, including Ethan Van Scriver and Mike Mayhew.

The vendors attending offered numerous products, from custom crafted Lego statuettes to original packaged figurines. Surprisingly, there was not as large a vendor selection as in previous conventions, with the majority of the convention space taken up by the artists and actors.

For those who were unable to attend Wizard World, the next convention will be Animate-Miami, which will take place on October 23-25, 2015 at the Miami Airport Convention Center and Doubletree Hotel. For the “Star Trek” fans who were unable to attend and meet William Shatner, don’t worry! Shatner has already been announced as the guest of honor at the 2016 Florida Supercon, in commemoration of “Star Trek’s” 50th anniversary.

Photo courtesy of: Creative Commons