Chris Hemsworth, Stan Lee, Lou Ferrigno, Top Artists Have ‘The Avengers’ Covered at Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con

Fans Can Meet, Get Sketches From More Than A Dozen Artists Who Have Worked On The Blockbuster Franchise

NEW YORK and PHILADELPHIA, May 11, 2012 – “The Avengers” fever has hit the world by storm, with the newly-released feature film racking up huge box office numbers and critical acclaim, and interest in all things related to the blockbuster franchise soaring.  What could be better for fans than meeting some of the men and women who have made the characters and stories such a huge hit?

At Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con, at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, fans can meet Chris Hemsworth, who plays Thor, Stan Lee, co-creator of the franchise and its characters, and more than a dozen comic book artists who have worked on numerous titles.  Hemsworth, who also stars as the ‘Huntsman’ in Universal’s big revisionist fairy tale SNOW WHITE AND THE HUNTSMAN opposite Charlize Theron and Kristen Stewart this summer, will attend the event on Saturday, June 2, while Lee will be on hand from Friday, June 1, through Sunday, June 3.  Lee is simply one of the most influential leaders in the comics industry, as he has been for decades.  Both will meet fans, be available for photo ops, sign autographs and discuss their respective roles in the franchise’s success.

But it doesn’t stop there.  Lou Ferrigno, known to millions as “The Incredible Hulk” from the 1977-82 hit TV series and provided the voice for The Hulk in the current film, will also be on hand from Friday through Sunday, June 1-3.

And at least 15 creators, whose credits in addition to the flagship “Avengers” include popular titles such as “Ultimate Avengers vs. New Ultimates,” “Avengers Assemble,” “Mighty Avengers” and  “Avengers Academy,” will have Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con Artist Alley tables, featuring their “Avengers” work and sketching for fans.  Among the talented artists are Carlo Pagulayan, Stephen Segovia, Harvey Tolibao, Ariel Olivetti, Kate Bradley, Jim Calafiore, Mike Lilly, Khoi Pham, Tom Raney, Mark Stegbauer, Miguel Sepulveda, Tom Raney, Jamal Igle, Alitha E. Martinez and Rodney Ramos.

Other top celebrities such as William Shatner (“Star Trek,” “Boston Legal”), Scott Bakula (“Star Trek: Enterprise,” “Quantum Leap”), Jeri Ryan (“Star Trek: Voyager,” “Body of Proof”), WWE® Superstar CM Punk™ and Bruce Campbell (Army of Darkness, “Burn Notice”) are also scheduled among more than 60 special guests at Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con.

Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con, 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.

For more on the event, including hours, celebrities, creators, vendors, VIP and photo opportunities, programming schedules, evening entertainment, autographs, sponsorship and volunteer information and more, visit http://www.wizardworldcomiccon.com/home-pa.html.

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.

The full event schedule can be found at www.wizardworldcomiccon.com.

***** SAVE THE 2012-13 DATES *****
May 31 – June 3 – Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con
August 9-12 – Wizard World Chicago Comic Con
September 29-30 – Wizard World Ohio Comic Con
October 26-28 – Wizard World Austin Comic Con
November 30 – December 2 – Wizard World New Orleans Comic Con
TBD 2013 – Wizard World Toronto Comic Con