Celebrities, Comic Books, Collectibles, Toys and Anime Converge on the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center

Congers, NY (August 1, 2006) - Wizard World returns to its roots this weekend for the much anticipated 10th anniversary of the Wizard World Chicago pop culture extravaganza. Hot on the heels of the debut of Wizard: The Magazine of Comics, Entertainment and Pop-culture new larger-size format, more than 55,000 attendees of all ages are expected to visit the three and a half day family-friendly event at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center to explore comic books, toys, anime, movies, manga and video games, and meet some of the biggest stars in comics, film and television.

Pop culture enthusiasts will be given a chance to meet and interact with this year's Guest of Honor Jeph Loeb, who has worked as both a comic book writer (Superman/Batman, Batman: The Long Halloween,Ultimates 3) and a film/TV producer/writer (NBC's Heroes, Lost, Smallville). In addition to panel and autograph appearances, Loeb will be co-hosting a Saturday art auction featuring all of the original artwork for Superman/Batman #26, with all proceeds benefiting the Sam Loeb College Scholarship Fund. Celebrity guests will include screenwriter and film director Kevin Smith (Clerks 2, Chasing Amy, etc.); actress Erica Durance, (Smallville) who is co-hosting Saturday's Sam Loeb Scholarship Fund Art Auction; actress Kristen Bell (Veronica Mars, Pulse; actor Thomas Jane (The Punisher, The Mutant Chronicles);) and many more.

Signing autographs will be actor Lou Ferrigno (The Incredible Hulk); actress Noel Neill (The Adventures of Superman); actor Dirk Benedict (The A-Team); wrestling superstar Al Snow; actress Joyce DeWitt (Three's Company), actress Priscilla Barnes (Three's Company, Devils Reject) and others.

"Wizard World first started in Chicago, and coming back for our 10th year with such a strong program and first-class guest list is a great homecoming for us," said Gareb Shamus, chairman and CEO of Wizard Conventions. "With over 130 exhibitors from across the entertainment spectrum and some of the top names in television, film and comics attending the show, Wizard World Chicago gives attendees a rare opportunity to get up close and personal with their favorite artists, creators and entertainers."

Many notable comic book artists, writers and creators will also be in attendance, including: Joe Quesada (Editor-in-Chief of Marvel Comics), Adam Kubert (Action Comics), Andy Kubert (Batman), Peter David (The Incredible Hulk, X-Factor), Joseph Michael Linsner (Dawn), Michael Turner (Fathom), Marc Silverstri (Top Cow Founder), John Romita Jr. (The Eternals), Paul Jenkins (Civil War: Frontline), Dustin Nguyen (Wildcats), Angel Medina (Marvel Knights: Spider-man), Geoff Johns (Infinite Crisis, 52, Flash), Josh Middleton (Superman, Shazam: First Thunder), Skottie Young (New Warriors), Jim Starlin (Dreadstar), Billy Tucci (Shi) and many others.

In addition to the stars of comic books, television and films, many exhibitors will be on hand to showcase their latest products to an eager audience. SpikeTV will attend with the stars of TNA Wrestling, and will be showing clips from episodes of the hit television series Blade. Fast-growing mixed martial arts organization the International Fight League will also be in attendance for seminars featuring some of the league's stars including Renzo Gracie, Pat Miletich, Maurice Smith, and Bas Rutten.

For a complete list of events, guests, activities, ticket prices and times, visit www.wizardworld.com.

About Wizard World
Wizard World Los Angeles, Wizard World Philadelphia, Wizard World Chicago and Wizard World Texas are produced by Wizard Conventions Inc. Wizard Conventions is a sister company of Wizard Entertainment, the industry leader in the comic book and collectibles market that publishes four magazines, Wizard: The Magazine of Comics, Entertainment and Pop-culture, InQuest Gamer: The Gaming Magazine, ToyFare: The Toy Magazine and Anime Insider, as well as co-publisher of Toy Wishes: The Ultimate Guide to Family Entertainment. Wizard's publications have a monthly national readership of more than 2 million and are currently sold in 25 countries and five languages. Wizard can be found online at www.wizarduniverse.com.