Press Release: Anime Midwest is excited to announce that the Chicago anime convention will be held July 6-8, 2012 at the Wyndham Lisle Chicago Hotel & Executive Meeting Center. The three-day event brings together fans of anime, Japanese culture, and video gaming to a weekend of events, panels with special guests, anime vendors, and cosplay contests.

The second annual Midwest anime convention is known as one of the most exciting upcoming Chicago conventions, with several special guests attending every year. Last year's convention guests included Sean Schemmel (DBZ's Goku), Ellen McLain (Portal's GLaDOS), LeetStreet Boyws, John Patrick Lowrie (Author), Samurai Dan & Jillian, Micah Solusod (Soul Eater's Soul), and Jamie Marchi (Soul Eater's Liz Thompson).

The convention's events will include a cosplay masquerade, an exhibit hall with anime merchandise, anime screenings, video game tournaments, a rave dance, a formal ball, cosplay photoshoots, and multiple panels and events.

This year's Chicago anime convention will be held at the Wyndham Hotel in Lisle, Illinois, just outside of Naperville. Rooms for attendees are only $99 per night.

"We're so excited to be closer to downtown this year," said Molly, one of the convention's organizers. "And we still have free parking, and we're right by a train stop."

Registration begins in November. Special early-bird registration for the convention is only $25 until April 15, 2012, and regular pre-registration is $30 from April 16 to June 10, 2012. Attendees can instead register for weekend passes at the door for only $35 per person. One-day passes will be available for just $25 per day.

Included with all convention registrations is access to the convention's new ConSuite, which will be supporting attendees with unlimited ramen, Mt. Dew, and other snacks throughout the weekend.

Additional information, including volunteer opportunities, can be found at http://www.animemidwest.com/

Press Release: Organizers of Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo (C2E2) have announced that the 2012 edition of the annual pop culture convention will take place April 13 – 15 in the North Hall of McCormick Place Convention Center. While this represents a small move from the West Building of McCormick Place where the show took place last year, convention officials note that they were eager to remain at McCormick while also securing a slightly later date for C2E2 in conjunction with a change of dates and venue for WonderCon in 2012. An announcement about WonderCon’s change of dates and C2E2’s cooperation in alleviating a crowded convention calendar has just been released (9/1/11) by WonderCon organizers.

Press Release: Wizard World Chicago Comic Con today announced its huge programming schedule, featuring unique celebrity Q&A’s, music, film screenings and discussions, artist schools, contests and more for the event, set for Thursday through Sunday, August 11-14 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center. Sessions featuring superstars Patrick Stewart, Bruce Campbell and Christopher Lloyd and notables from such popular programs and films as “Buffy: The Vampire Slayer,” “The Walking Dead,” WILLY WONKA AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY and THE EVIL DEAD are among the highlight attractions.

Press Release: It will be a “scrumdiddlyumptious” gathering when the five child stars from the original Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory reunite 40 years after the release of the now classic film at Wizard World Chicago Comic Con at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, August 11-14. Peter Ostrum (“Charlie Bucket”), Paris Themmen (“Mike Tee Vee”), Julie Dawn Cole (“Veruca Salt”), Denise Nickerson (“Violet Beauregard”) and Michael Boellner (“Augustus Gloop”) will appear together for an extremely rare reunion, joining more than 500 celebrities and artists at the event, which will bring together thousands of fans of all ages 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 original 1971 film, based on Roald Dahl’s book and screenplay, told the story of five children who won the opportunity to tour the fictional, world famous Wonka Chocolate Factory after finding a “golden ticket” in packages of Wonka chocolate. The poor but extremely good-hearted Charlie is joined by the other four, whose quirks have made them among the most memorable characters ever as the film has achieved cult status. All-time greats Gene Wilder, who played the eccentric Wonka, and Jack Albertson, who portrayed Charlie’s beloved Grandpa Joe, starred in the feature roles.

Press Release: Anime Midwest, the newest and hottest anime convention to come to the Chicago area, is excited to announce that Anime Midwest 2011 will be held July 15-17, 2011 at the Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles, IL.

Anime Midwest is a new Chicago anime convention, featuring events ranging from a Cosplay Masquerade to multiple late night dances. Events include video game tournaments, anime screenings, contests, workshops, panels, discussions, and much more. There will also be FAQs and other discussions with special guests of honor. On Friday evening the convention will include special Formal Dance lessons, followed by a Formal Cosplay Ball.

With 100 Avengers Unveiling Party sponsored by Graham Crackers Comics

March 14, 2011: C2E2 – short for the Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo – is the latest convention spanning the greatest in the worlds of comics and pop entertainment. Hero Initiative, the non-profit organization raising money for comic creators in need, will be joining in the fun March 18-20 at McCormick Place in Chicago, IL. Hero will be joined by our special guest, artist John McCrea, making his first North American appearance in eight years. John is best known for Hitman, Spider-Man and Hulk Smash!, and will be signing and sketching all weekend at Hero’s booth, #457.

You can purchase your tickets to C2E2 using Hero Initiative’s special link online at:

http://www.c2e2.com/en/home/?campaignid=61619341&iusercampaignid=65576889.

Use this link, and C2E2 will donate a portion of each ticket purchase to Hero at NO extra cost to you—a true win/win!

In addition, Hero is displaying all 100 of its original New Avengers #1 covers for the first and only time at C2E2 in a gala event sponsored by Chicago’s own Graham Crackers Comics. The special unveiling will take place from 6 PM to 8 PM on Saturday, March 19 in Room 185bc of the West Building of McCormick Place. Admission is a mere $5, or $3 if you show up wearing any Avengers costume. Tickets will be on-sale at the door starting at 5 PM. And, be advised, only 200 tickets will be sold! Your admission also gets you a free raffle ticket to win a special New Avengers #1 wine bottle, covered in sketches from a variety of Avengers artists! Additional raffle tickets will be available for sale at the party. This star-studded event will be attended by Phil Hester, Jamal Igle, John McCrea, Andrew Pepoy, Gordon Purcell, Joe Quesada, Alex Saviuk, Tim Seeley, Mark Waid, and more. Spend your Saturday evening with some amazing people for an astonishing cause!

It's arrived! Archie: 50 Times an American Icon, the collection of Hero’s original Archie #600 covers, will be available for the first time ever at C2E2 in both hardcover and softcover editions! Grab your copy and get it signed by contributors Dave Hillman, Andrew Pepoy, Cliff Chiang, Jill Thompson and Dan Parent, Friday at 6:15 at booth #457!

And if getting inked is your thing, check out the eBay auction to win BOTH custom Cliff Chiang art and a tattoo based on the art by tattoo artist Brian Stringer at: http://qurls.com?i=50010

Hero Initiative’s booth schedule for C2E2 at booth #457:

Friday, March 18 (hours 10-7)

1130-130: John McCrea

130-230: Jamal Igle

230-330: Gene Ha

330-530: John McCrea

530-615: Gordon Purcell

615-700, Archie book signing: Dave Hillman, Andrew Pepoy, Cliff Chiang, Jill Thompson, Dan Parent

Saturday, March 19 (hours 10-7)

1030-1230: John McCrea

1230-130: Jamal Igle

130-230: Tim Seeley

230-430: John McCrea

430-600: Gene Ha

600-800: 100 Avengers event, attended by Phil Hester, Jamal Igle, John McCrea, Andrew Pepoy, Gordon Purcell, Joe Quesada, Alex Saviuk, Tim Seeley, Mark Waid

Sunday, March 20 (hours 10-5)

1030-1230: John McCrea

1230-130: Bill Reinhold

130-230: Gordon Purcell

230-430: John McCrea

Chicago will soon play host to The Vampire Diaries (Thursdays 8/7c The CW) and Chuck (Mondays 8/7c NBC), as stars and creators from the series are set to visit the Windy City on Saturday, March 19, for C2E2 2011, the Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo, marking the first appearance by each show at the convention.

To celebrate the passionate fan followings for both Chuck and The Vampire Diaries, “fan-favorite” cast members from both shows will attend C2E2 2011. Selected stars and producers will be on-hand for panel sessions, media appearances and autograph signings at Chicago’s signature pop culture event:

The Vampire Diaries executive producer Julie Plec joins series stars Candice Accola (“Caroline Forbes”) and Michael Trevino (“Tyler Lockwood”) for a discussion on all things Mystic Falls — including the supernatural transformation of Accola’s and Trevino’s characters in season two

Chuck co-creator/executive producer Chris Fedak leads a panel of fan favorite characters from Chuck. Series stars Joshua Gomez (“Morgan Grimes”), Ryan McPartlin (“Captain Awesome”), Vik Sahay (“Lester Patel”) and Scott Krinsky (“Jeff Barnes”) are scheduled to attend.

Following is the complete WBTV C2E2 2011 schedule:

SATURDAY, MARCH 19

3:00–3:45 p.m. The Vampire Diaries Signing in Room 178A

5:00–6:00 p.m. The Vampire Diaries Special Video Presentation and Cast/Producer Q&A — The Vampire Diaries descend on the Windy City — a C2E2 first! Join season two breakouts Candice Accola (starring as Caroline Forbes) and Michael Trevino (starring as Tyler Lockwood), as well as executive producer Julie Plec, for an in-depth discussion on each character’s recent supernatural transformations. From Caroline’s undead vampire awakening to Tyler’s bone-crushing werewolf metamorphosis — don’t miss this unique opportunity to connect with the cast and find out what it takes to become immortal. NOTE: Attendees are subject to change. From Bonanza Productions Inc., Outerbanks Entertainment and Alloy Entertainment in association with Warner Bros. Television and CBS Television Studios, The Vampire Diaries airs Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on The CW. Connect with The Vampire Diaries community on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/thevampirediaries and on on Twitter: @CW_VampDiaries. IGN Theater/Room 375E

6:15–7:15 p.m. Chuck Special Video Presentation and Cast/Producer Q&A — Chuck makes its debut at C2E2 for a Q&A and special screening of exclusive footage and a fan-favorites panel. Co-creator/executive producer Chris Fedak will be on hand, along with fan favorites from the cast, including series stars Joshua Gomez, Ryan McPartlin, Vik Sahay and Scott Krinsky. NOTE: Attendees are subject to change. Airing Mondays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on NBC, Chuck is produced by Fake Empire, Wonderland Sound and Vision in association with Warner Bros. Television. Become a fan of Chuck on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/chuck, and follow the show on Twitter: @nbcchuck. IGN Theater/Room 375E

8:15–9:15 p.m. Chuck Signing in Room 178A

Press Release for March 3rd, 2011

Norwalk, CT, February 16, 2011: Officials at the Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo (C2E2) have announced more notable guests from the world of entertainment who will participate in the show and take part in panels. Eliza Dushku, the star of Joss Whedon’s Dollhouse will be at C2E2 on both Saturday, March 19 and Sunday, March 20 where she’ll be signing both days and speaking with Dollhouse co-star and previously announced guest of C2E2, Tahmoh Penikett, in a Q & A session on Saturday afternoon.

Major companies who help shape and define the pop culture universe will once again participate in the Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo (C2E2). According to officials, many of the exhibitors and partners who have a significant stake in New York Comic Con will also have a major booth presence in Chicago and will be bringing many of their top artists and creators to meet and greet the thousands of fans who will be in attendance. Both C2E2 and NYCC are owned and operated by ReedPOP, a boutique group within Reed Exhibitions exclusively devoted to organizing events in the pop culture arena.

CELEBRITY APPEARANCES AT THE CHICAGO COMIC AND ENTERTAINMENT EXPO (C2E2) SPAN POP CULTURE UNIVERSE

Guests from Entertainment World to Join Artists, Creators and Writers at Annual Convention