Every year we get our own taste of Comic Con around here with Wizard World. The excitement was nearly uncontrollable when we first learned about The Doctor and his companion arriving in Philadelphia. Philadelphia does not always get the stars we want to see. Guess we just aren’t a high enough market like Chicago or New York to draw a big enough crowd.
Sadly, my excitement was completely dashed when the final schedule hit the interwebs and the Doctor Who panel was VIP only! Meaning none of us run of the mill folks that could not afford a $500+ ticket could even sit in the back and see the stars. VIP tickets also ruin any chance for folks like myself on a budget to get in line and maybe see the stars or get an autograph as the stars are tied up with VIP events, photo ops and more making the general public unable to get near them. Good for the folks running the events as all those things cost big bucks. While they are raking in the money the little guy that comes to the events are left out in the cold. Many of the stars are now behind curtained off areas so not only do you have to pay big bucks for that autograph now the only way to even get a glimpse of the stars is to buy that expensive autograph ticket!
So what is left for the little guy to do at a con like this? A few panels remain open to the public. Odd ones about how to sell your comics etc. Or maybe a screening of a TV show or even movie (maybe). There is always to sales floor but walking that endlessly gets tiring (and boring), but you get to see the cosplayers. Every year it is the same three cars (there has to be other vehicles out there to bring in) at least this year there was enough room to get around said cars. A few years ago they were so close together you could not even seem them let alone walk past them.
Still wishing that Wizard World allowed clubs to have tables at the events. I miss those. There was a beer garden. REALLY? I saw no need for alcohol to be served at a family event or in that heat. Remove that and bring back the clubs!
Overall there can still be some fun to be had at these events even when you aren’t allowed to do the one thing you really want to do because there just isn’t enough money to do everything.
Check out all the fun cosplayers and other fun stuff below.
