Wizard World New Orleans Is Nearly Here!

Are you heading to Wizard World New Orleans? There’s still time to pick up tickets! You can click here for our full schedule, or check things out below to see what we’ll be bringing you! Can’t make it to New Orleans? Don’t worry! We’ll be bringing you videos, photos, interviews, and more from the show floor so you can see what it’s like to attend a Wizard World. With special guests William Shatner, Stan Lee, and more, stay tuned, and we’ll take you inside the show!

Thursday 01/26

5:00PM – 9:00PM

3 ALARM COMICS PRE-PARTY
3 Alarm Comics will host the Wizard World New Orleans Comic Con pre-party, featuring James Charles Leary (Actor: “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”), Mitch Byrd (Artist: Green Lantern; Spawn; Predator; Magnus: Robot Fighter) and Steve Scott (Artist: X-Men Forever; Wolverine; JLA; Batman). Autographs and photo ops will be available with all guests and prizes given away hourly. For more info call (228) 257-3245. (3 Alarm Comics – 15210 Lemoyne Blvd, Biloxi MS 39532)

Friday 01/27

6:00PM – 7:00PM

STAN LEE MEET AND GREET
Don’t miss your chance to meet comic book legend Stan Lee! Light food and refreshments will be served, and you will also have the opportunity to take one photo with Stan Lee on your own camera. Spots are very limited and this event will be closed once we reach capacity. You must present a Stan Lee Meet and Greet ticket to gain entry to this event. (ROOM D)

8:00PM – 12:00AM

WIZARD WORLD WEEKEND EXTRAVAGANZA – PART I: KICK-OFF PARTY
Kick off the con the right way at new bar and restaurant The District! Don’t miss your chance to mix and mingle with fellow con-goers from near and far, and meet some of our special guests of honor for part one of the Wizard World Weekend Extravaganza! Enjoy $2 Millers, $3 Coors Lights and $4 well drinks and wines from 8-10pm, or choose anything from Wizard World’s special super-hero themed menu for great discounts all night! (The District – 711 Tchoupitoulas Street)

Saturday 01/28

11:00 – 11:45AM

Kick off the hour with a special preview of Disney’s newest animated adventure The Secret World of Arrietty, set to release 2/17. (ROOM A)

THE ART OF CHEW AND SWEETS
Comic minds John Layman (Chew), Rob Guillory (Chew) and Kody Chamberlain (Sweets) reunite for their very first panel together in New Orleans, and sit down to spill on the successes of their breakout Image comics Chew and Sweets. (ROOM A)

COMIC CON COSTUMING WITH THE 501st
The 501st costuming group shares their tips, skills and ideas on how to build and improve your comic con costumes. Whether you’re a Jedi, Rebel Pilot, Trooper or Princess, they will share their knowledge on how to make sure your costume is the best. (ROOM B)

12:00 – 12:45PM

SCI-FI JEOPARDY
Bayou Con hosts this this special high energy and fast paced version of Jeopardy. Test your knowledge of all things sci-fi in and compete for total bragging rights to show everyone who the real geek of the galaxy is! Did somebody say Daily Double? (ROOM A)

YEAR IN REVIEW WITH NORM BREYFOGLE, ALEX SAVIUK AND MIKE MCKONE
Norm Breyfogle (Batman; Superman), Alex Saviuk (Spider-Man; The Flash) and Mike Mckone (X-Men; Avengers) discuss the year in comics and share the newest projects that you can expect to see in 2012. (ROOM B)

12:00 – 1:30PM

JEDI LIGHTSABER MASTER CLASS
Learn lightsaber fighting from Star Wars stunt coordinator and sword master Nick Gillard, who choreographed the fight scenes for Star Wars I, II and III! In this 90-minute master class, Nick (assisted by CC Weske) will teach a complicated run from Revenge of the Sith, which will cover all of the moves and the rules involved in Jedi fighting. Must purchase a separate ticket for this class. (SHOW ARENA)

1:00PM – 1:15PM

THE INTERGALACTIC KREWE OF CHEWBACCHUS PARADE
They’re hard to miss, so when you see the Intergalactic Krewe of Chewbacchus pass, join them as they parade around the show floor! (CONVENTION FLOOR)

1:00 – 1:45PM

STEAMPUNK 101
Join the Steam Engine Intrepid as they give you a tour of the exciting world of prop weapons and Steampunk fashion! They will share the tricks and short cuts to building your own Steampunk armory and wardrobe, including step-by-step instruction on everything from corset construction and bustling, to distressing your weapons. (ROOM B)

1:15 – 2:45PM

Don’t miss out on a special Wizard World greeting from Daniel Radcliffe, followed by an exclusive preview of his upcoming film The Woman in Black! (ROOM A)

WILLIAM SHATNER Q&A AND INTERLUDE
Take your seats and listen to a musical interlude by the band Five Year Mission, as they open up with up a special Star Trek medley. (ROOM A)

With a career spanning over five decades, and an extensive résumé that includes starring roles in shows such as “Star Trek” and “Boston Legal,” or as the funny and familiar face of Priceline, Emmy-award winner William Shatner takes the stage to dish on the roles that have made him a household name and one of the most recognizable faces on television. (ROOM A)

2:00 – 2:45PM

VAMPIRE LORE AND OTHER URBAN MYTHS AND LEGENDS
Lord Chaz, creator of the first nightly Ghost and Vampire Tours in New Orleans, will take you on a spooky and mystifying tour of New Orleans’ macabre history through tales of vampires, ghosts and other things that go bump in the night. This one’s for brave souls only, as these are tales that are sure to chill you to the bone. For more information visit Lordchaz.com or call 504-832-3065. (ROOM B)

2:00 – 3:30PM

JEDI LIGHTSABER MASTER CLASS
Learn lightsaber fighting from Star Wars stunt coordinator and sword master Nick Gillard, who choreographed the fight scenes for Star Wars I, II and III! In this 90-minute master class, Nick (assisted by CC Weske) will teach a complicated run from Revenge of the Sith, which will cover all of the moves and the rules involved in Jedi fighting. Must purchase a separate ticket for this class. (SHOW ARENA)

2:00PM – 3:00PM

STAN LEE MEET AND GREET
Don’t miss your chance to meet comic book legend Stan Lee! Light food and refreshments will be served, and you will also have the opportunity to take one photo with Stan Lee on your own camera. Spots are very limited and this event will be closed once we reach capacity. You must present a Stan Lee Meet and Greet ticket to gain entry to this event. (ROOM D)

3:00PM – 3:15PM

THE INTERGALACTIC KREWE OF CHEWBACCHUS PARADE
They’re hard to miss, so when you see the Intergalactic Krewe of Chewbacchus pass, join them as they parade around the show floor! (CONVENTION FLOOR)

3:00 – 3:45PM

MARY MCDONNELL Q&A
Having starred in one of the most popular and longest running sci-fi shows ever on television, Mary McDonnell dishes on her extensive career, what went on behind-the-scenes of “Battlestar Galactica,” and gives her thoughts on the new generation of sci-fi and fantasy on television. (ROOM A)

STORYTELLING WITH MICHAEL GOLDEN: TAKING IT TO THE NEXT LEVEL
Join groundbreaking storyteller Michael Golden, known for his work on Dr. Strange, The ‘Nam, G. I. Joe, and Batman, as he shares his fundamental rules for how to craft your story and take it to a professional level, whether it’s for animation, film or comic books. (ROOM B)

4:00 – 4:45PM

Don’t miss out on a special Wizard World greeting from Daniel Radcliffe, followed by an exclusive preview of his upcoming film The Woman in Black! (ROOM A)

BOONDOCK SAINTS REUNITE
Norman Reedus and Sean Patrick Flanery – the pair known as Murphy and Connor MacManus in The Boondock Saints I and II – re-team with “The Funny Man” Rocco (David Della Rocco) for a special Q&A session. (ROOM A)

WIZARD WRITING SCHOOL WITH NATHAN EDMONDSON AND RENEE WITTERSTAETTER
Join bestselling author Nathan Edmondson (Who is Jake Ellis; PopGun) and writer/editor/colorist Renee Witterstaetter (She Hulk; Hercules; Spartan-X) for this panel on writing and editing for comics. (ROOM B)

5:00 – 6:00PM

Kick off the hour with a special preview of Disney’s newest animated adventure The Secret World of Arrietty, set to release 2/17. (ROOM A)

VIC MIGNOGNA CONCERT
Experience the creative works of anime’s own rockstar Vic Mignogna, in a memorable concert featuring music from his voice acting career, as well as original works composed and produced by Vic himself. (ROOM A)

THE INCREDIBLE LOU FERRIGNO Q&A
Lou Ferrigno became a household name after starring in the original “Incredible Hulk,” but decades later the former Mr. Universe discusses how he continues to build his empire through his health and fitness brands, and how he’s managed to make it a family affair. (ROOM B)

4:45- 5:45PM

WILLIAM SHATNER “TIMELESS” MEET AND GREET
Come meet superstar William Shatner, and receive an autographed copy of his “Timeless” lithograph. Light food and refreshments will be served, and you will also have the opportunity to take one photo with William Shatner on your own camera. Spots are very limited and this event will be closed once we reach capacity. You must present a William Shatner Timeless Meet and Greet ticket to gain entry to this event. (ROOM D)

6:00 – 7:00PM

DRAGON SONG FORGE PRESENTS: SELECTING A KATANA
Dragon Song Forge presents a how-to guide for selecting your katana, caring for your blade and choosing a school, including a live cutting demonstration. (ROOM B)

6:00 – 8:00PM

ADULT COSTUME CONTEST
Get your best costume together and come on down to Wizard World’s New Orleans Comic Con costume contest for fun prizes and some of the craziest outfits you’ll see this weekend! (ROOM A)

8:00 – 10:00PM

SPECIAL SCREENING OF THE VICTIM – HOSTED BY MICHAEL BIEHN AND JENNIFER BLANC
Husband and wife team Michael Biehn (The Terminator) and Jennifer Blanc (“Dark Angel”) directed and produced the new psychological thriller The Victim, which will make you question your own trust in mankind. Join them in this exclusive and intimate screening, including live commentary and behind-the-scenes scoop from the film’s stars. (ROOM A)

8:00PM – 12:00AM

WIZARD WORLD WEEKEND EXTRAVAGANZA PART II – AFTER PARTY
The party continues as we take over the Hampton Inn for a night of fun with three simultaneous events, all under the same roof! So whether you want to dance, drink or draw, we’ve got you covered. There will be lots of surprises in store for the night and you never know just who will pop in, so make sure you get there early. FREE ADMISSION with your Wizard World Comic Con wristband! (Riverside Room 1/2/3 at the Hampton Inn & Suites: 1201 Convention Center Blvd)

8:00-10:00pm -

DRINK AND DRAW
Some will drink…some will draw…and the best will take on the challenge of doing both! Don’t miss your chance to hang out with some of your favorite artists at the official Wizard World Drink and Draw, hosted by Tommy Castillo! FREE ADMISSION with your Wizard World Comic Con wristband! (Riverside Room 3 at the Hampton Inn & Suites: 1201 Convention Center Blvd)

9:00-12:00am

LIVE ART SHOW
We’re pulling back the curtain and transporting you directly into the art studio with some of our top artists. Watch the battle it out against the clock and each other in this music-infused live art demo, hosted by Kody Chamberlain. FREE ADMISSION with your Wizard World Comic Con wristband! (Riverside Room 2 at the Hampton Inn & Suites: 1201 Convention Center Blvd)

8:00-12:00am

MASQUERADE BALL
All dressed up with nowhere to go? Come hit the dance floor and show us what you’ve got at the New Orleans Comic Con Masquerade Ball. It’s the perfect chance to mingle and show off your costumes, or visit the karaoke booth and sing along to one of over 40,000 songs. Featuring a special performance by the Dustin Kahlil Band. Costumes preferred but not required. FREE ADMISSION with your Wizard World Comic Con wristband! (Riverside Room 1 at the Hampton Inn & Suites: 1201 Convention Center Blvd)

8:00PM – 10:00PM

THE INTERGALACTIC NEMESIS LIVE-ACTION GRAPHIC NOVEL SHOW
The stage version of The Intergalactic Nemesis projects more than 1,250 images into comic book artwork panel-by-panel with voices from actors Jason Neulander, Amy Hackerd and David Higgins. The live performance also features Foley artist Buzz Moran to orchestrate sound effects and keyboardist Graham Reynolds to play the score. A separate ticket must be purchased for this event. Attendees must be 21+ (Harrah’s Casino – 228 Poydras St.)

Sunday 01/29

11:00 – 11:45AM

Don’t miss out on a special Wizard World greeting from Daniel Radcliffe, followed by an exclusive preview of his upcoming film The Woman in Black! (ROOM A)

JAMES MARSTERS Q&A
Best known for his role as Spike, the platinum blonde vampire on hit shows “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Angel,” James Marsters answers questions about everything from his evolution from acting to music and back, and the projects he plans to conquer in the next few years. (ROOM A)

BREAKING INTO COMICS WITH THOMAS YEATES, TYLER KIRKHAM AND BARRY KITSON
Fan favorites Thomas Yeates (The Outlaw Prince; Conan), Tyler Kirkham (Green Lantern Corps; Amazing Spider-Man) and Barry Kitson (Uncanny X-Force; FF) team up to give out their tips on refining your art, pitching to publishers, and other sound advice for working in comics. (ROOM B)

12:00 – 12:45PM

WALKING DEAD Q&A
Based on Robert Kirkman’s ultra-hot zombie graphic novel series, “The Walking Dead” has come to life in one of the top-rated shows on cable! Join the cast members for a Q&A, followed by behind-the-scenes footage and extended clips from the show. (ROOM A)

MAKING IT IN COMICS WITH JESUS MERINO AND GEORGE PEREZ
Superstar artists George Perez (Superman; JSA) and Jesus Merino (Superman; JSA reveal the startling and sometimes silly secrets of drawing comics, dealing with editors and breaking into the business. This is a rare USA appearance for both artists, so don’t miss this unique opportunity to learn from these comic masters! (ROOM B)

12:00 – 1:30PM

JEDI LIGHTSABER MASTER CLASS
Learn lightsaber fighting from Star Wars stunt coordinator and sword master Nick Gillard, who choreographed the fight scenes for Star Wars I, II and III! In this 90-minute master class, Nick (assisted by CC Weske) will teach a complicated run from Revenge of the Sith, which will cover all of the moves and the rules involved in Jedi fighting. Must purchase a separate ticket for this class. (SHOW ARENA)

1:00 – 1:45PM

Kick off the hour with a special preview of Disney’s newest animated adventure The Secret World of Arrietty, set to release 2/17. (ROOM A)

MY FAVORITE GIANT READING WITH PETER MAYHEW
Peter Mayhew- the 7’3″ actor that brought Chewbacca to life- now brings you his latest children’s book My Favorite Giant, intended to help little ones understand that being different doesn’t have to be a bad thing. Join Peter and his wife/co-author Mary Mayhew, for their special reading and book signing. (ROOM A)

VIC MIGNOGNA Q&A
Meet the man that has taken the anime world by storm as the voice behind dozens of your favorite anime characters in shows such as “Full Metal Alchemist,” “Dragon Ball Z” and “Reservoir Chronicle: Tsubasa.” (ROOM B)

2:00PM – 2:15PM

THE INTERGALACTIC KREWE OF CHEWBACCHUS PARADE They’re hard to miss, so when you see the Intergalactic Krewe of Chewbacchus pass, join them as they parade around the show floor! (CONVENTION FLOOR)

2:00 – 2:45PM

Don’t miss out on a special Wizard World greeting from Daniel Radcliffe, followed by an exclusive preview of his upcoming film The Woman in Black! (ROOM A)

ADAM BALDWIN Q&A
With roles on sci-fi classics such as Serenity, “Firefly,” as well as on the hit show “Dexter,” Adam Baldwin’s extensive resume speaks for itself. Don’t miss his Wizard World New Orleans debut, where he will sit down to answer fan questions and share his favorite moments from the shows we’ve all come to love. (ROOM A)

KID’S COSTUME CONTEST
Bring kids 10 and under for this special event with fun prizes just for families and the youngsters. (ROOM B)

2:00 – 3:00PM

STAN LEE MEET AND GREET
Don’t miss your chance to meet comic book legend Stan Lee! Light food and refreshments will be served, and you will also have the opportunity to take one photo with Stan Lee on your own camera. Spots are very limited and this event will be closed once we reach capacity, so get your tickets now before it’s too late. You must present a Stan Lee Meet and Greet ticket to gain entry to this event. (ROOM D)

2:00 – 3:30PM

JEDI LIGHTSABER MASTER CLASS
Learn lightsaber fighting from Star Wars stunt coordinator and sword master Nick Gillard, who choreographed the fight scenes for Star Wars I, II and III! In this 90-minute master class, Nick (assisted by CC Weske) will teach a complicated run from Revenge of The Sith, which will cover all of the moves and the rules involved in Jedi fighting.*Must purchase a separate ticket for this class. (SHOW ARENA)

3:00 – 3:45PM

Kick off the hour with a special preview of Disney’s newest animated adventure The Secret World of Arrietty, set to release 2/17. (ROOM A)

WIZARD SPOTLIGHT: STAN LEE
Legendary writer, editor, actor, producer, publisher and Eisner Award-winning Hall-of-Famer, Stan Lee is responsible for many of the iconic characters that we have all come to love. Stan Lee will make his Wizard World debut to discuss bringing characters such as Spider-Man, Captain America and The Avengers to the big screen, and how he’s cemented his place in pop-culture history for decades to come. (ROOM A)

KID’S MOSAIC BUILDING WORKSHOP
Galeria Alegria is known for their breathtaking mosaic pieces, with proceeds from many of the pieces going to local charities in the city of New Orleans. Children 9 years and older are invited to join Stephan Wanger in this interactive session to create mosaic masterpieces of their own. Limited to the first 20 children. Please register at the Guest Registration booth. (ROOM B)

4:00 – 5:30PM

WITH GREAT POWER: THE STAN LEE STORY Don’t miss this feature length documentary on the life and creations of Stan Lee, introduced by the legendary comic creator himself! Separate ticket required. (ROOM A)