Fan Groups Invade Wizard World Philadelphia: Browncoats and Jedi Knights and Ghostbusters, Oh, My!

Philadelphia, PA, May 19, 2012 --(PR.com)-- From mainstream franchises like Star Wars and Ghostbusters to cult favorites like “Star Trek” and “Firefly,” fan groups supporting movies and TV shows have become a staple of Wizard World events. More than 20 clubs, podcasters, cosplayers, historical societies and charitable organizations will be on hand at Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con, May 31 – June 3 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, interacting with fans and enhancing the atmosphere and attendee experience.

Groups Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con-goers will encounter include:

· 501st Garrison Carida, a chapter of the world’s definitive Imperial costuming organization. No matter where you live, the power of “Vader’s Fist” can be felt through professionally organized charity, fundraising, and promotional events feature the “bad guys” of Star Wars.
· 726th Marine Strike Group, Starfleet Marine Corps, dedicated to the same principles as other members of STARFLEET International (SFI), including community service and charity fund raising, as well as a focus on organizations that associate with or assist military members, veterans and their families.
· Alliance Live Action Role Playing (LARP), dedicated to recreating the Days of Legend as we would like them to be. Around since 1989, it is one of the largest live action fantasy medieval games with over a dozen active chapters in the United States and Canada, with more on the way.
· Camden Riversharks, a member of The Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. The Riversharks play their home games at Campbell's Field, which is situated at the base of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge offering a clear view of the Philadelphia skyline.
· Capital City Jedi Knights, a non-profit club whose primary objective is to teach and perform staged combat lightsaber duels for conventions, community, and charity events.
· League of Superheroes, the original Superhero costuming resource forum on the web, boasting over 2500 members and growing. Since July 16, 2004, League of Superheroes has been promoting, helping, and encouraging the growth of the costuming community one hero at a time.
· Legendary Women, Inc., an organization that works to promote the positive portrayal of women in the media and to help empower women in their daily lives via philanthropy.
· Mav Oya’la Clan of the Mandalorian Mercs, Pennsylvania representative providing a nexus for Mandalorian costumers, giving them a collective identity and representation within the Star Wars costuming community.
· MegaPodzilla, which since 2009 has been rampaging the geek landscape like the podcast equivalent to a 100 foot radioactive lizard with horn rimmed glasses and a pocket protector.
· NYC Browncoats, one of numerous independent, but similarly minded, fan groups, dedicated to Joss Whedon’s television series “Firefly”, and its subsequent follow up movie, Serenity.
· NYC Cosplayer Network, a non-profit group involved in community volunteerism. Its costumed performers volunteer for free at a variety of family focused activities, and perform for children’s hospitals, street fairs, and local comic book store special events.