Press Release: William Shatner, who has starred in popular television series and movies for more than five decades, will attend 2012 Wizard World New Orleans Comic Con, it was announced today. Shatner, whose most well-known credits include lead roles in “Star Trek,” “T.J. Hooker” and “Boston Legal,” will appear on Saturday, January 28, at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.

Instantly recognizable to several generations of cult TV fans as the square-jawed Capt. James T. Kirk, commander of the starship USS Enterprise, Shatner went on to star in several feature films in the “Star Trek” franchise’s revival in the 1980?s. He also won two Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe Award for his portrayal of attorney Denny Crane in the television dramas “The Practice” and its spin-off “Boston Legal,” and currently hosts the edgy, off-beat Biography channel original talk show “Shatner’s Raw Nerve.”

“William Shatner is a television and movie icon to the highest degree,” said John Macaluso, Wizard World Board of Directors. “He has entertained millions of fans over the last half-century, and Wizard World New Orleans Comic Con attendees are ecstatic to have the chance to meet him in person.”

Shatner joins a list of standout guests that includes Adam Baldwin, Mary McDonnell, James Marsters, Michael Biehn, WWE® Diva Kelly Kelly™ and WWE® Superstar Zack Ryder™. The event, produced by Wizard World, Inc. (WIZD.PK) will bring together thousands of fans of all ages and dozens of celebrities and industry professionals to celebrate the best in pop-fi, pop culture, movies, graphic novels, comics, toys, video gaming, television, sci-fi, gaming, original art, collectibles, contests and more.

The roster of top artists at Wizard World New Orleans Comic Con is also impressive, including Carlos Pacheco (“X-Men,” “Green Lantern”), George Pérez (“Superman,” “JSA”), Jesus Merino (“Superman,” “Superman/Batman”), Félix Ruiz (“Halo: Fall Of Reach – Boot Camp,” “Marvel Zombies 5), Tyler Kirkham (“Green Lantern: New Guardians,” “Amazing Spider-Man”), Barry Kitson(“Uncanny X-Force,” “Spider-Man”), Greg Horn (“Spider-Man: Turn off the Dark,” “X-Force”), Bernie Wrightson (“Batman,” “House of Mystery”), Norm Breyfogle (“Batman Beyond, “Life with Archie”), Arthur Suydam (“Marvel Zombies,” “Army of Darkness”) and dozens of others.

Children and adult attendees are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite 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 scores of dealer booths.

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 http://www.wizardworldcomiccon.com/neworleans.html at a savings over tickets purchased at the door. Advance adult single-day tickets are priced at $25 ($30 on site); weekend all-session tickets are $40 ($45 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 www.wizardworld.com.