Thursday, 04 November 2010
GM
 Gareb Shamus, CEO of Wizard Entertainment, today announced the acquisition of the Central Canada Comic Con, of which the 2010 event was held this past weekend at the Winnipeg Convention Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The dates for the 2011 Wizard World Central Canada Comic Con are October 28-29-30, 2011.
“We have seen this hugely successful event and are proud to add Central Canada Comic Con as our newest Canadian show,” said Shamus. “We look to continue its run of great events and celebrating pop-culture across Canada.”
“I am excited to be partnered with Wizard World as they will help bring the C4 Event to the next level for the fans,” said Damien Paille, President of Cencon Inc. and Show Manager of Central Canada Comic Con. “They will benefit the community exponentially.”
Central Canada Comic Con is the second largest convention of its genre in Canada. The show grew out of the Manitoba Collector’s Expo, with everything from sports cards to antiques to toys and comic books. In 2000 it became the Manitoba Toy & Comic Expo, dropping the antiques and reducing the sports cards.
In 2006, the show’s attendance exploded as the Manitoba Comic Con, and brought in attendees from all over Manitoba and North Dakota. The show focused on toys, comic books, gaming, anime, and local artists. In 2007, it added media guests from the world of Star Wars, Superman, Star Trek and more. Finally, in 2008, it moved to its current home at the Winnipeg Convention Centre. Wizard World will continue all the customs and traditions that have made this show successful, while adding many of the elements that Wizard World fans have come to expect at our pop-culture festivals across North America!
About Wizard Entertainment:
Gareb Shamus founded Wizard Entertainment in 1991. Today, Shamus publishes consumer magazines Wizard, ToyFare, FunFare and numerous books about pop-culture’s top talent, comic books and toys. Shamus also produces the largest North American Comic Con tour. Wizard World Comic Con – The Pop-Culture Capital of the World!
For the most recent event information please visit www.wizardworld.com and become a Wizard World Comic Con Fan on Facebook.
Wizard World Comic Con Tour:
November 12-14, 2010 – Austin Comic Con – Austin Convention Center
December 4-5, 2010 – Atlanta Comic Con – Cobb Galleria Centre
January 29-30, 2011 – New Orleans Comic Con – New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
February 26-27, 2011 – Miami Comic Con – Doubletree Miami Mart Airport Hotel and Exhibition Center
March 18-20, 2011 – Toronto Comic Con – Direct Energy Centre
April 29-May 1, 2011 – Anaheim Comic Con – Anaheim Convention Center
May 21-22, 2011 – Big Apple Comic Con ‘Spring Edition’ – Penn Plaza Pavilion
June 17-19, 2011 – Philadelphia Comic Con – Pennsylvania Convention Center
August 11-14, 2011 – Chicago Comic Con – Stephens Convention Center
Fall 2011 – Big Apple Comic Con
Fall 2011 – New England Comic Con
October 28-30, 2011 – Central Canada Comic Con
November 2011 – Austin Comic Con
December 2011 – Atlanta Comic Con
TBA – Central Canada Comic Con
TBA – New Jersey Comic Con
TBA – Cincinnati Comic Con
TBA – Cleveland Comic Con
TBA – Nashville Comic Con
Press Release for November 4th, 2010
Monday, 25 October 2010
GM
 Ai-Kon is looking for a new design for Aiko, the Ai-Kon mascot, for use on the convention's promotional materials and merchandise.
The theme for Aiko 2011 will be Celebration in recognition of this being Ai-Kon's 10 year anniversary. The theme was selected based upon suggestions on the forums and by the Ai-Kon committee. If you require further information on the selection, or on what we're looking for from the theme "celebration" please contact art@ai-kon.org.
Contest Rules and Requirements:
Entries must be full-body images, with no background.
Images should contain the subtle integration of the number 10 (It should be noticeable but not have any predominance over the image, as Aiko should be the focus of the piece).
Images featuring poses, outfits and/or hair styles of copyrighted characters, or copyrighted characters themselves, will not be accepted.
No adult-themed images will be accepted. This will be at the discretion of Ai-Kon executives. Please ensure entries are suitable for all ages.
A maximum limit of three entries per person will be accepted. Please note; all entries should be individual and not adjustments to an earlier entry.
Entries must be full-colour, 300 dpi resolution and submitted electronically in JPEG or PSD format. A smaller version of your entry may by submitted for judging as long as a higher resolution version is available.
You may also post artwork to your own web site, DeviantART account, or other hosting service and e-mail us the URL.
Do not use a watermark on your submission.
When submitting entries, please use the following naming format for your file: firstname_lastname_01.jpg (or PDF). If you are submitting more than one entry, please number them appropriately (i.e: firstname_lastname_02.jpg, firstname_lastname_03.jpg, etc.).
How to enter:
E-mail entries to art@ai-kon.org. The following information must be included with your entry:
In the subject line of your submission e-mail please list and "Ai-kon Mascot". (Ex Jane Doe- Ai-Kon Mascot)
-In subject, please list your real name, and Ai-Kon Mascot
-Your real first and last name
-Your artist nickname (if you use one)
-Your e-mail address (the one you use)
-Your telephone number
Participants will receive a confirmation e-mail within a week of submission. Entries must be received no later than Saturday, January 22, 2011 at 11:59pm and will be judged by Ai-Kon executives. The winning entry will be announced on or before Sunday, January 29, 2011.
All entries and rights to the images become property of Ai-Kon.
Prizes:
Winner: a free art table, a weekend pass to Ai-Kon 2011, and an Ai-Kon 2011 t-shirt.
The winning entry will be used for Ai-Kon 2011 promotional materials and merchandise.
There are two runner-ups.
Runner-up: A free half art table at and a week-end pass to Ai-Kon 2011.
Ai-Kon 2011 is scheduled for July 15-17, 2011 at the Winnipeg Convention Centre.
Good luck to all entries!
ABOUT AI-KON: Ai-Kon (http://www.ai-kon.org) is Manitoba's largest anime convention. An all-ages event, the goal of Ai-Kon is the promotion of Japanese/Asian animation and culture to the public. Started in 2001 by a local anime club, Ai-Kon took a reorganizing hiatus in 2002, returning in 2003 to become an autonomous event, run by an independent volunteer committee. "Ai" means "love" in Japanese, hence Ai-Kon's slogan "For the Love of Anime".
Press Release for October 20th, 2010
Saturday, 21 August 2010
GM
Ai-Kon returns for it's 10th year on July 15-17th, 2011!
Ai-Kon has confirmed their dates and is happy to announce that it will be returning to the Winnipeg Convention Centre on July 15-17th, 2011!
This upcoming year marks the ten year anniversary for Ai-Kon and is expected to be the best year yet. It's humble roots began from a small University based anime club and has expanded into an ever-growing, ever-changing community that brings fans and enthusiasts together every year. The continued support of a dedicated committee and growing number of attendees has made it possible for Ai-Kon to grow year after year. It is because of the fans and industry support that they are able to continue for the tenth year, marking a decade of Manitoba's largest anime convention.
ABOUT AI-KON: Ai-Kon (http://www.ai-kon.org) is Manitoba's largest anime convention. An all-ages event, the goal of Ai-Kon is the promotion of Japanese/Asian animation and culture to the public. Started in 2001 by a local anime club, Ai-Kon took a reorganizing hiatus in 2002, returning in 2003 to become an autonomous event, run by an independent volunteer committee. "Ai" means "love" in Japanese, hence Ai-Kon's slogan "For the Love of Anime".
Press Release for August 13th, 2010
 BOOM! STUDIOS GUESTS INCLUDE:
Eisner Award-Nominated THE MUPPET SHOW COMIC BOOK's Roger LangridgeTHE INCREDIBLES' Marcio Takara
WALL-E's J. Torres
SCHEDULED SIGNINGS & PANELS
Saturday, May 8, 2010 – Tables # 170 & 171
10:00 – 11:00am – J. Torres Signing at BOOM! Tables
10:00am – 12:50pm – Roger Langridge signing at BOOM! Tables
1:00 – 2:00pm – Roger Langridge Spotlight Panel with Tom Spurgeon
3:00 – 4:00pm – Marcio Takara signing at BOOM! Tables
3:00 – 5:00pm – Roger Langridge signing at BOOM! Tables
Sunday, May 9, 2010 – Tables # 170 & 171
11:00am – 1:00pm – Roger Langridge signing at BOOM! Tables
1:00 – 2:00pm – J. Torres Signing at BOOM! Tables
2:00 – 5:00pm – Roger Langridge signing at BOOM! Tables
The 2010 BOOM! Studios' LIGHT THE FUSE convention tour continues at The Toronto Comic Arts Festival 2010. Here are the full tour dates:
BOOM! STUDIOS
LIGHT THE FUSE TOUR 2010
Keep an eye out for us, we might be coming to a town near you!
May 22 - Summit City Comic Con - Fort Wayne, IN
May 25-27 - Book Expo America - New York, New York
June 4-6 - HeroesCon - Charlotte, North Carolina
June 25-28 - ALA Annual Conference and Exhibition - Washington DC
July 21-25 - Comic-Con International - San Diego, California
August 27-29 - Fan Expo Canada - Toronto,Canada
August 28-29 - Baltimore Comic-Con - Baltimore, MD
October 8-10 - New York Comic Con - New York, New York
October 29-31 - Long Beach Comic Con - L.A., California
Press Release for May 4th, 2010
Thursday, 29 April 2010
GM
 Ai-Kon is pleased to announce it's final round of guests, Kirby Morrow and Christopher Ayres!
Kirby Morrow is active as a producer, director, and screen actor. He is also quite busy in the voice-over industry. Some of the anime projects that Kirby has worked on include: Inuyasha, Hamtaro, Alienators: Evolution Continues, X-Men: Evolution, NASCAR Racers, Mobile Suit Gundam, Dragonball Z, Vision of Escaflowne, Gundam Wing, and Ranma 1/2.
Kirby trained in theater and developed his vocal skills on the stand-up comedy stages around the world. He began voicing characters in 1997, amidst his flourishing acting career. Kirby is also an award-winning writer and enjoys directing.
Christopher Ayres has been working professionally in theatre, television and film since the age of 6. His work has been seen Regionally, Nationally and on Broadway. He currently works as a voice actor for ADV FILMS and FUNimation ENTERTAINMENT Chris is also an A.D. R. Director for ADV FILMS and AMUSEMENT PARK MEDIA. Most recently he served as director at Amusement Park Media for MERMAID MELODY PITCHI PITCHI PITCH.Some of his roles as a voice actor are Kei Kourono in Gantz, Hayashimizu in Full Metal Panic? and Woogy in Michel. His voice can also be heard in Elfin Lied, Claymore, Ouran High School Host Club, Cannon, Gravion Zwie, Desert Punk, and as Wagram in the new Square Enix Game THE LAST REMNANT. And most recently in HALO: LEGENDS. Chris is also one of the Anime industry voice actors who sings on Voices for Peace. He is very proud to be a part of the "Voices For..." organization.
ABOUT AI-KON: Ai-Kon (http://www.ai-kon.org) is Manitoba's largest anime convention. An all-ages event, the goal of Ai-Kon is the promotion of Japanese/Asian animation and culture to the public. Started in 2001 by a local anime club, Ai-Kon took a reorganizing hiatus in 2002. It returned in 2003 to become an autonomous event, run by an independent volunteer committee. "Ai" means "love" in Japanese, hence Ai-Kon's slogan "For the Love of Anime".
Press Release for April 29th, 2010
Saturday, 27 February 2010
GM
 Ai-Kon is happy to announce it's first round of guests, Monica Rial and Greg Ayres! Monica Rial has been working in the anime voice over industry for 10 years. As an actress for ADV Films and Funimation Entertainment she has appeared in over 150 anime, some of which include; Tsubasa Chronicles (Sakura), Air TV (Misuzu), Air Gear (Simca), Azumanga Daioh (Nyamo), Burst Angel (Jo), DN Angel (Towa), Excel Saga (Hyatt), Full Metal Panic (Kyoko), Ghost Stories (Momoko), Gunslinger Girl (Angelica), Hello Kitty‚s Animation Theater (Hello Kitty), Kiddy Grade (Lumiere), Negima (Konoka), Moon Phase (Hazuki), Nanaka 6/17 (Nanaka), Noir (Kirika), Princess Nine (Izumi), Rahxephon (Haruka), Macross (Misa), Speed Grapher (Kagura), Spiral (Rio), Steel Angel Kurumi (Saki) and Utawarerumono (Yuzuha). She can be heard on the Cartoon Network in Crayon Shinchan (Ai) and Fullmetal Alchemist (Lyra/Dante). She is also an ADR script adapter and director for FUNimation Entertainment. Greg Ayres has been a guest at Ai-Kon for 2007, 2008 and will be returning this year for Ai-Kon 2010! The once "Fanboy" turned VA started working in anime a little over six years ago, and within the first two years managed to snag two of his favorite roles in all of anime. He was thrilled to voice the role of his favorite character Son Goku in Saiyuki. Then just one year later voiced Kaworu Nagisa in the Director's Cut of Neon Genesis Evangelion. Other roles include Chrono in Chrono Crusade, Negi Springfield in Negima, Heihachi in Samurai 7, Jr. in Xenosaga:The Animation, Satoshi Hiwatari in DNAngel, Pope Alessandro XVIII in Trinity Blood, Tsuyoshi in Kodocha, Leo in Ghost Stories , Tsujido in Speed Grapher, and Gau Ban in Shadow Skill. He can also be heard in other anime titles such as Super Gals, Spiral, Macross, Mythical Detective Loki, Burst Angel, Gravion, Godanner, Pretear, Full Metal Panic, E's Otherwise and a whole lot more. ABOUT AI-KON: Ai-Kon ( http://www.ai-kon.org) is Manitoba's largest anime convention. An all-ages event, the goal of Ai-Kon is the promotion of Japanese/Asian animation and culture to the public. Started in 2001 by a local anime club, Ai-Kon took a reorganizing hiatus in 2002. It returned in 2003 to become an autonomous event, run by an independent volunteer committee. "Ai" means "love" in Japanese, hence Ai-Kon's slogan "For the Love of Anime".
Monday, 14 December 2009
GM
 RAS Management (Div. of The Pinehurst Management Group Ltd.) has Announced that the CAN AM Comics and Anime Expo, scheduled for March 12-14, 2010 at the Skylon Tower Niagara Falls, Ontario has been postponed for approximately six months.
Lack of exhibitors willing to commit to the event in a timely fashion wascited as the main reason for the action. " Without knowing that we have an exhibitor base in place, it is not possible to do a proper job of marketing and promoting the event. We need to commit to media plans for things like television and radio as well as other venues to ensure that the show would be successful for the participants. There was a good deal of interest in the event, in fact the shows website has had over 110,000 hits already. The response from University Anime clubs to the Forum Contest was non existent." said show organizer Bob Sinclair, "but once we opened it up to individual presenters interest in the $1,000 first prize began to build."
"Our change of topics from anime to comics and anime resulted in us having a nearly conflicting date with not just one Anime show but a very prestigious comic book event as well made the organization harder not just for the the organizers, but for all the exhibitors as well. We will find a new date that is more suitable and try and have our sales kits out in the street within the next two or three weeks," promises Sinclair.
Saturday, 14 November 2009
GM
Toronto ComiCON, a comic book convention, will be held on November 22, 2009 in Toronto, ON, Canada.
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“We have seen this hugely successful event and are proud to add Central Canada Comic Con as our newest Canadian show,” said Shamus. “We look to continue its run of great events and celebrating pop-culture across Canada.”