Toronto Comic Con annouces line-up

Fan Expo may be the biggest comic convention in Canada, but it’s not the only one.  The line up for Wizard’s 2011 Toronto Comic Con was announced earlier this week, and it’s chalk full of fandom favourites including Star Wars alumni Billy Dee Williams and David Prowse.  Of course, beyond the pop culture draws, there will be plenty of comic creators on hand.

With it’s only stop north of the border, the Toronto leg of the Wizard Comic Con tour pulls into the Exhibition Centre March 18th to 20th, 2011.  You can find more details at Wizard World. 

Official Press Release

Billy Dee Williams, Julie Benz, David Prowse, Daniel Logan, John Schneider, Scott Thompson Among Headliners At Wizard World Toronto Comic Con, March 18-19-20 At Direct Energy Centre

 Nicholas Brendon, Clare Kramer, Claudia Christian, Kate Vernon Among 150+ Celebrity Guests, Leading Comics Artists, Creative Directors

NEW YORK and TORONTO, January 17, 2011 – North America’s largest pop-culture tour continues as Wizard World Toronto Comic Con returns to the Direct Energy Centre, March 18-20, with superstar guests Billy Dee Williams, Julie Benz, David Prowse, Daniel Logan, John Schneider and Scott Thompson headlining the list of celebrity attendees.  The event will bring together thousands of fans of all ages and dozens of celebrities and industry professionals to celebrate the best in pop culture, movies, comics, toys, video gaming, television, gaming, original art, collectibles, contests and more.

The iconic Williams, known to millions as “Lando Calrissian” in STAR WARS: THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK and for memorable roles in BATMAN and BRIAN’S SONG, will be joined in Toronto by other popular STAR WARS guests Logan (“Boba Fett”) and Prowse (“Darth Vader”).

Fans are also greatly anticipating the appearances of Benz, who has starred in “Dexter,” “No Ordinary Family,” “Desperate Housewives,” and “Buffy: The Vampire Slayer,” Schneider (“Dukes of Hazzard,” “Smallville,” “Desperate Housewives”) and Thompson (“Kids in the Hall,” “Star Trek: Voyager”).

“We are looking forward to following up last year’s hugely successful debut in Toronto with an array of exciting new guests,” said Gareb Shamus, Wizard World CEO. “Fans from across the region embraced Toronto Comic Con and we’re confident that even more will be on hand this March.”

Other popular Toronto Comic Con celebrity guests include Claudia Christian (“Look”; “Babylon 5”), Nicholas Brendon and Clare Kramer (“Buffy: The Vampire Slayer”), Kate Vernon (“Battlestar Galactica,” PRETTY IN PINK), Academy Award Winner© (special effects) Tom Woodruff Jr. (THE TERMINATOR, SPIDER-MAN), Daniel Kash (ALIENS, ROBOCOP), Robert Maillet (300, SHERLOCK HOLMES) and Chandler Riggs (“The Walking Dead”).

Fans can also meet their favorite comic creators and artists, including Carlos Pacheco (“X-Men,” “Green Lantern”),  Mike Grell (“Green Lantern,” “Green Arrow”), Yanick Paquette (“Batman,” “Superman”), Mitch Breitweiser (“Captain America,” “Deadpool”), Jeff Parker (“Hulk,” “Spider-Man: 1602”), Gabriel Hardman (“Hulk,” “X-Men”), Bruce Jones (“Incredible Hulk,” “Nightwing”), Phil Jimenez (“Amazing Spider-Man,” “Astonishing X-Men”), Greg Horn (“Daredevil,” “Green Lantern”) and Michael Golden (“Wolverine: First Class,” “New Exiles”).

The Toronto Comic Con Wrestling section includes the popular Ted “The Million Dollar Man” DiBiase and diva Lisa Marie “Tara” Varon.

Children and adult attendees are encouraged to come dressed as their favourite villain, superhero or pop culture personality for the chance to win special prizes in costume contests.  Event-goers may also try their hand interactive product exhibits and shop for collectible comics, movie and television memorabilia, toys and games at more than 100 dealer booths.

Special events at Toronto Comic Con include the “Magic: The Gathering” card game tournament, professional photo opportunities (Photo Ops), movie screenings with celebrities and others.

Toronto Comic Con is the third stop on Wizard’s 2011 North American tour, which to date has 13 events scheduled.  Hours are Friday, March 18, 4-9 p.m.; Saturday, March 19, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., and Sunday, March 20, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m..  Tickets are available in advance online at www.wizardworld.com/toronto.html at up to a 40% savings over tickets purchased at the door.  Advance adult single-day tickets are $25 ($35 on site); three-day weekend tickets are $45 ($55 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.