Shatner, Lee Meet-and-Greets, Marsters Q&A, Parties Highlight New Orleans Comic Con Programming

New Orleans, LA, January 05, 2012 --(PR.com)-- Rare meet-and-greets and Q&A sessions with legends William Shatner and Stan Lee, panels with movie and TV stars James Marsters, Mary McDonnell and Adam Baldwin, and several themed parties headline a broad, diverse schedule of special programming at the 2012 Wizard World New Orleans Comic Con, January 28-29 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Unique Jedi lightsaber classes, sessions with stars of classic favorites, a screening of the new film "The Victim" and artist schools to costume contests are some of the activities that reflect the wide variety of interests shared by Comic Con attendees.

Some of the top sessions include:

-- Once-in-a-lifetime, extremely limited meet-and-greet opportunities with pop culture legends Shatner and Lee, including photo ops and special gifts
-- Q&A panels with Marsters (“Buffy The Vampire Slayer,” “Angel”), McDonnell (“Battlestar Galactica”), Baldwin ("Full Metal Jacket," "Serenity"), and Lou Ferrigno (“The Incredible Hulk”)
-- Cult classic "Boondock Saints" reunion featuring the personable duo of Norman Reedus and Sean Patrick Flanery
-- Young stars Chandler Riggs and Madison Lintz of the hit AMC series “The Walking Dead”
-- Informative, interactive sessions with superstar artists including John Layman, Rob Guillory, Tyler Kirkham, Carlos Pacheco, Vic Mignogna and others
-- Jedi Lightsaber classes, in which fans can learn the same techniques used in STAR WARS films, taught by sword master Nick Gillard, who choreographed the fight scenes for three of the blockbuster films
-- Screening of the new feature film "The Victim," with director/producers Michael Biehn and Jennifer Blanc
-- Party time... including the Official Kick Off Party on Friday night, Saturday After-Party and popular Masquerade Ball
-- Wizard World New Orleans Drink And Draw, hosted by artist Tommy Castillo, during which some will drink…some will draw…and the best will take on the challenge of doing both
-- The popular adult costume contest and fun kids costume contest with great prizes

Unless noted, New Orleans Comic Con programming will take place in the designated panel rooms at the Morial Convention Center, and is included with admission to the event. Notable events requiring additional ticket purchase include the Shatner and Lee meet-and-greets and lightsaber classes. Seating for panels is strictly limited and available on a first come first serve basis and each room will be cleared between panels.

The full schedule is at wizardworldcomiccon.com/programming-neworleans.html

New Orleans Comic Con is the first stop on Wizard World's 2012 North American tour. Hours are Saturday, January 28, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.; and Sunday, January 29, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tickets are available in advance online at wizardworldcomiccon.com/neworleans.html at a savings over tickets purchased at the door. Advance adult single-day tickets are priced at $30 ($40 on site); weekend all-session 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 on a limited basis.

About Wizard World:
Wizard World produces Comic Cons and pop culture conventions across North America that celebrate graphic novels, comic books, movies, TV shows, gaming, technology, toys and social networking. The events often feature celebrities from movies and TV, artists and writers, and events such as premieres, gaming tournaments, panels, and costume contests. Wizard World also produces Wizard World Digital, an online publication covering new and upcoming products and talents in the pop culture world, and is distributed on a weekly basis to online and iPad users worldwide.

The full event schedule can be found at wizardworld.com.

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