The Guardian's Playlist

It's a rare thing these days when I pick up something at a convention, tuck it into my backpack, take it home and finally find the time to read it simply to fall in love with it. When I met the author at Wizard World - Ohio, I thought she was this fantastic woman with the right convention attitude and I had hopes that she would do well that weekend. Her son made me laugh and I thought they made a fantastic pairing and it was pretty great to see them sharing the convention scene. However, like so many things I pick up, I didn't put much hope in the book wow'ing me. Before I go on and tell you just how wrong I was, let me show you the back cover of the book so you can see what the book is about:

Click to make larger if it's too small!

Right, so I was wrong. It does happen and in cases like this, I am always thrilled when it does. Honestly, when I first read the book cover, I cringed and thought, "Oh no, not another in your face religious fiction piece." Let me stop myself and you right there. It's not. Yes, there are angels and yes, her faith comes into play. However, that's where the religious stops and a fantastic story takes over. These are characters that you grow to love and to care about. When the book ends, you search frantically for the next installment because you need to know what happens to your friends. You may even go so far as to contact the author to ask about the next installment, in a completely non-stalker like way, of course. 

In all seriousness, this was a book that once I started reading, I didn't want to put it back down. The story drew me in and kept me right there up until the final period on the final page and I can't wait for the first capital letter on the first page of the next book in the series. With any luck, we'll be allowed to review it and I can let you know if it held up to the fantasticness that was the first book.

To find your very own copy of the book and more information about the author, head over to http://www.theguardiansplaylist.com/

Geek-o-Rama received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts, comments and opinions are those of the individual reviewer and were not influenced by angels or demons so far as we are aware.

Wizard World Adds New St. Louis, Nashville Comic Con Events To 2013 Schedule; Stan Lee, Dean Cain, Billy Dee Williams Among Early Guests

St. Louis Set For March 22-23-24, Nashville Oct. 18-19-20; James Marsters, Ernie Hudson Also Commit As Wizard World Schedule Extends To Seven Events In 2013

NEW YORK – Wizard World, Inc. (PK.WIZD) today announced the addition of shows in St. Louis and Nashville to its 2013 schedule of pop culture conventions, with Wizard World St. Louis Comic Con set to make its debut March 22-24 at America's Center and Wizard World Nashville Comic Con debuting October 18-20 at Music City Center.  Popular Wizard World celebrity guests Stan Lee, Dean Cain, James Marsters, Ernie Hudson, Billy Dee Williams and Jason David Frank are the early celebrity roster headliners at both events.

Additional celebrities, artists, exhibitors and other attractions will be announced in the coming weeks.

St. Louis and Nashville fit comfortably in the 2013 Wizard World calendar, which also currently includes shows in Portland, Ore. (Feb. 22-24), Philadelphia (May 30 - June 2), Chicago (Aug. 8-11), Columbus, Ohio (Sept. 20-22), and Austin, Texas (Nov. 22-24).  Wizard World has also scheduled its next New Orleans date (Feb. 7-9, 2014).

Wizard World Comic Con events 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.  St. Louis Comic Con show hours are Friday, March 22, 3-8 p.m.; Saturday, March 23, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.; and Sunday, March 24, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.  Nashville Comic Con will take place on Friday, Oct. 18, 3-8 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 19, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.; and Sunday, Oct. 20, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

For more on the 2013 Wizard World St. Louis Comic Con, visit http://www.wizardworld.com/home-stlouis.html.  For Nashville Comic Con information, visit http://www.wizardworld.com/home-nashville.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.wizardworld.com.

***** SAVE THE 2013-14 DATES *****
February 22-24 – Wizard World Portland Comic Con
March 22-24 – Wizard World St. Louis Comic Con
May 30 - June 2 – Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con
August 8-11 – Wizard World Chicago Comic Con
September 20-22 – Wizard World Ohio Comic Con
October 18-20 – Wizard World Nashville Comic Con
November 22-24 – Wizard World Austin Comic Con
February 7-9, 2014 – Wizard World New Orleans Comic Con

Con Recap: Wizard World Ohio Part 2

When last we met to talk about this con, it was Friday night and I was zonked out in the hotel room. At least I think that's where we left off. If it's not just go with it. That way we can talk all about Saturday!

Since I had covered most of the con floor on Friday, I decided to be lazy and sleep in on Saturday. In reality, I tried to. The hotel cleaning crew had other ideas. While they respected the Do Not Disturb sign on my door by not coming into the room, they didn't grasp the concept that sweeping the hall outside my door and the rooms on either side of me might be disturbing. In the end, I gave up and headed back down to the con.

This time, however, my little lot was full. So, I tried following the signs for the convention center parking. That didn't go so well. There was more construction and signs ended up vanishing before I found parking. It turned out ok, though. I turned up the one street whose name I recognized and discovered a parking garage under the convention center itself! Granted, it was at the other end but close parking is close parking and I took it.

Then, it was back to the convention. Friday night was pretty dead so I wasn't sure what Saturday would be like. It turns out that I didn't need to worry. The crowds came out in full force on Saturday and almost every single table had people standing around checking things out. While this makes my job more difficult, it always makes me happy for the people sitting behind the tables.

Blair Smith with Spiderman -- and the crowds.

As for me, I made my way back to artist alley, stopping to see a few friends along the way. In my head, I was already making my shopping list but I try to make myself finish working before shopping. Plus, if I'm buying prints, the last thing I want to do is carry those around all day and potentially damage them!

I do have to say, though, that artist alley is almost always one of my favorite places at any convention. It gives me a chance to meet some really cool people and they're almost always open to talking for a few minutes, not only about what they do but also about what I do. For example, I had the pleasure of meeting Jamie Tyndall, who not only gave me some great advice about putting together a media kit, but also donated two of his art books to our giveaway!

Speaking of cool people that were hanging out back in artist alley, I also got to meet these guys:

Aren't you envious? These guys were totally awesome and even let me hang out behind their table(s) for an hour or so. I cannot begin to tell you how much I appreciated that. Convention floors are almost always concrete which is just miserable to walk around on all day. I was lucky enough to have an in because they knew Keith. Remember Keith from yesterday? Yep. Looking for him on Saturday turned into an adventure, but scored me a chair. He was forgiven for being elusive. 

What else can I tell you about Saturday? The people I got to meet were awesome. The traffic congestion in the convention hall wasn't misery. There were some pretty awesome cosplayers walking around. Don't believe me? Check out these costumes:

I love when people take the time to put together awesome costumes. I honestly have no idea how they do it. I think that we saw these guys on Sunday, but either way, awesome costumes were all around. As Saturday drew to a close, I yet again missed dinner with Blair and Keith. Turns out they were looking for me as I was looking for them. There was a whole slew of mis-communication and failed attempts so I ended up back at the hotel doing some ordering in from a local pizza place.

The bonus of being back in your hotel by 7:30? You get to have amusing Facebook conversations with some of the very people you just missed for dinner, plus, you get to be extra organized for the next day. Here's what I mean: 

From Back to Front, Clockwise : Giveaway, Stuff for the kids, My goodies!

Review Stack!

Sunday dawned and I headed back down to the convention center one last time. First, I made one quick stop. The guys at Zenescope had been talking about how much they loved White Castle so I picked them up 10 burgers. I love doing little things like that. They're small but they can change someone's whole day. Their faces were priceless when I dropped the bag off at their table on my way in.

Other than that, truth be told, I spent the entire day socializing and hanging out with friends, both new and old. As much as I enjoy the bigger shows for work, I enjoyed this smaller show for the chance to see people that I adore. I even got the chance to man another table, thanks to Jon Lennon.  Plus, just for a bit of fun, we took over a table for about ten minutes while I was waiting to see Keith one last time. 

Keith's things were behind this table and so I was guarding them while I goofed around with the folks at Last Call Comics. After this, I went around and said my goodbyes to folks and then it was back to the "porno room" at the hotel to relax and watch some tv while I packed up for the drive home on Monday.

 Oh! I almost forgot to share one last picture with you! This is Pat Shand, writer at Zenescope with Keith, writer of awesomeness. Turns out they were roommates over the weekend. Either way, they're both great guys and great writers. Pat has a brand new book out, Robyn Hood. You should read it. We'll be reviewing it here soon. 

Keith and Pat

So, my over all take on Wizard World Ohio? It was small, but good. Small let you have a chance to really meet and talk to people. It also gave a chance to catch up with friends. Plus, let's face it, it can be fun to "stalk" your friends around the convention floor. If you're looking to dip your toes into the convention world, this might be one you want to check out next September.

We received a press badge for the purpose of attending this event. All commentary, thoughts and ramblings are 100% the authors. All pictures, except the one of me, are thanks to Keith Thomas and Blair Smith.

Con Recap: Wizard World Ohio Part 1

Like any con that I attend, this one started out with travel. I am thrilled to report that my 5 hour drive to the Columbus area was uneventful. Pretty exciting start, huh? Don't worry. I promise it gets better.

My first stop was to check into my hotel room. Now, since we're still pretty small, we went with a pretty small priced hotel. Someday though, we'll be among the awesome who stay at convention hotels. Luckily, I don't mind a bit of adventure when it comes to staying in a hotel. Besides, quite often I walk away with a story to tell. This con choice? The Microtel on Stringtown Road in Grove City. Yep, Stringtown Road. I think I giggled every single time the gps told me to get off there. It's just such a fun name. I figured a fun name was a good start for what would hopefully shape up to be a fun weekend.

Getting to the hotel was a bit of a hassle. The directions said to go past the hotel and make a u-turn. The only problem? U-turns weren't allowed at the next intersection so I ended up pulling onto the street, into a shopping center, driving all the way around the shopping center, coming back out onto the street, turning onto the correct road and then into the hotel. Whew! Check in was a breeze, even if the girl at the desk didn't seem to really love her job. She wasn't rude, just sort of bored. I managed to get everything inside and down to the room...opened the door to find...1970's porno room! Woo!


These pictures honestly don't do it justice. It was just beyond weird to me that the mirrors were placed like that. Ok, it's kind of weird to have a giant mirrored wall to begin with.

After getting over the shock of the mirrors, I headed down to the convention center. My directions were pretty clear which as y'all know means absolutely nothing when the very exit you're supposed to take no longer exists! I tried following signs that said to convention parking..that didn't help. Luckily, my phone has a built in gps app and it saved my buns! I even got super lucky and found parking in the tiny lot that was right next to the entrance!

After parking, I headed in and stood around  hung out with other fine folks waiting to get their press badges. Right on time, they were handed out and even came with an offer of an introduction to any celebrities and artists that I might want to talk to. It felt really good to be appreciated for what I was there to do.

Once I received my press badge, I got to hang out with two of the volunteers and an on site security guard while I waited for the doors to open. It turns out that the security guard was from Flint. We talked a bit about what it was like and had a great time joking around until it was time for me to get to work.

First stop? Zenescope. I didn't mean to. I'm not addicted to them. Really. Actually, I stopped by because Keith Thomas was standing at their table. If you're not familiar with Keith, you should be. Not only is he a great guy but he wrote one of my current favorites, Cricket for Big Dog Ink. Cricket is a one-shot that should be turned into a mini-series with Keith at the helm. Seriously, it's good stuff.

Tyler Kirkham with the awesome Keith Thomas. Watch out for these two!

Since he was standing there, I stopped by and said hi to him and the Zenescope guys. After some chitchat, it was time for me to really get to work so business cards in hand, I worked my way around the convention floor.

This convention is much smaller than others that I've attended but that didn't prevent it from having some seriously quality people there. I confess to sighing longingly at the Doctor Who store and finding it very cool that there was a booth/table where you could go and they would make you fangs that were quality and would last a lifetime if you took care of them.

Since the con was pretty small, I actually managed to cover all of the floor and about half of artist alley on Friday night. I even had the chance to stop by and say hi to friends like, Dirk Manning (author of Nightmare World).

At the end of Day 1, my feet were tired and I was tired from a long day, but content. I wrapped it all up by being brave and grabbing some White Castle for dinner before relaxing on the bed at the hotel. Why brave? I haven't had White Castle since our whole house got food poisoning in 1996 from some frozen burgers gone bad. All in all, I'll give them an "it's ok." They're not my favorite, but they were ok.

Make sure y'all come back tomorrow where I'll fill you in on the rest of the convention and share lots of pictures that I stole totally took with permission from Keith and Blair.

Geek-o-Rama received press passes for the purpose of this con writeup. All thoughts, comments, fan girling and porn room photos belong to the author. All other pictures belong to their respective cameras. 

Wizard World Ohio Announces Programming

NEW YORK and COLUMBUS, Ohio, September 21, 2012 – Interactive Q&A discussions with all the event's top celebrities, superstar artist sessions and costume contests for adults and children are among the highlights on the special programming schedule at Wizard World Ohio Comic Con, set for Sept. 28-30, 2012, at the Greater Columbus Convention Center. Patrick Stewart, Eliza Dushku, Stan Lee, Val Kilmer, WWE® Superstar CM Punk® and others will answer fans' questions in panels that are often surprising and always entertaining.

Some of the most interesting scheduled sessions include:

• Celebrity Q&A's featuring Stewart, Dushku, Lee, Val Kilmer, Punk, Dean Cain, and Boondock Saints actors Norman Reedus, Sean Patrick Flanery and David Della Rocco
• Artist sessions focusing on various facets of the industry: breaking into the industry by Neal Adams; pitching publishers by Tyler Kirkham; crafting stories by Michael Golden; reflecting on Spider-Man with Humberto Ramos and Paul Jenkins
• Kids Day on Sunday, with a full slate of activities specially designed for the youngsters
• “Drink and Draw” event featuring many of the top artists in a more casual setting
• Music, prizes and fun at the always unpredictable Wizard World Masquerade Party
• It wouldn't be Wizard World Comic Con without cosplay and costume contests – adults on Saturday night, kids on Sunday

Unless noted, programming events take place in the designated Programming Room (Room E172) at the Greater Columbus Convention Center. Many are included as part of standard Wizard World Ohio Comic Con admission; VIP tickets or additional costs may apply to ensure access to select activities. Seating for panels is strictly limited and available on a first come first serve basis and each room will be cleared between panels. Programming subject to change; attendees should check the schedule board on site for updates.

Programming at Wizard World Ohio Comic Con is available in detail at http://www.wizardworld.com/programming-ohio.html, and scheduled as follows:

Friday, September 28

9-11:00 p.m., Wizard World Drink & Draw (Ballroom Foyer, 2^nd level)

Saturday, September 29

11 – 11:45 a.m., Storytelling With Michael Golden: Taking It To The Next Level (Room E172)

12 – 12:45 p.m., Eliza Dushku Q&A (Room E172)

1 – 1:45 p.m., Humberto Ramos & Paul Jenkins (Room E172)

1 – 1:45 p.m., Stan Lee Meet & Greet – Paid Event (Room E160b)

2 – 2:45 p.m., Star Trek Panel W/ Patrick Stewart & John De Lancie (Room E172)

3 – 3:45 p.m., Alan Davis Q&A (Room E172)

4 – 4:45 p.m., The Boondock Saints Q&A (Room E172)

5 – 5:45 p.m., Val Kilmer Q&A (Room E172)

6 – 6:30 p.m., WWE® Superstar CM Punk® Q&A (Room E172)

7 – 9 p.m., Wizard World Adult Costume Contest (Room E172)

9 p.m. - 12 a.m. - Wizard World Masquerade Party (Tavern on Front)

Sunday, September 30

11 – 11:45 a.m., Stan Lee Q&A (Room E172)

12 – 12:45 p.m., Neal Adams Q&A (Room E172)

1 – 1:45 p.m., Dean Cain Q&A (Room E172)

2 – 2:45 p.m., Wizard World Kids Costume Contest (Room E172)

3 – 3:45 p.m., Stan Lee Meet & Greet – Paid Event (Room E160b)

4 – 4:45 p.m., Jorge Molina Q&A (Room E172)

Lee, Stewart, Punk®, Dushku and Cain headline the Wizard World Ohio Comic Con celebrity roster. They will be joined by many of the world's greatest comics creators, exhibitors and thousands of fans in a celebration of all things pop culture in an expanded format, which now includes a preview on Friday evening and two full weekend days.

Top creators include Eisner Award Hall of Famer Adams (“Batman,” “Green Lantern”), Alan Davis (“Captain America,” “Thor”), Eisner Award nominee Ramos (“Amazing Spider-Man,” “Impulse”), Eisner Award winner Jenkins (“Spider-Man,” “Hulk”) and many others.

Wizard World Ohio Comic Con, produced by Wizard World, Inc. (WIZD.PK), 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.

Show hours are Friday, Sept. 28, 5-9 p.m.; Saturday, Sept. 29, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.; and Sunday, Sept. 30, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

For more on the 2012 Wizard World Ohio Comic Con, visit http://www.wizardworld.com/home-ohio.html.

Val Kilmer To Attend Wizard World Ohio Comic Con

'Batman Forever,' 'Top Gun,' 'Tombstone' Star Val Kilmer To Attend Wizard World Ohio Comic Con Next Weekend

Prolific Actor Joins Patrick Stewart, Stan Lee, WWE® Superstar CM Punk®, Eliza Dushku At Greater Columbus Convention Center
NEW YORK and COLUMBUS, Ohio, September 19, 2012 – With memorable, starring roles in such films as Batman Forever, Top Gun and Tombstone, Val Kilmer has been one of the most prolific, successful actors of the past quarter century.  Now his legions of fans will have a chance to meet this megastar when he attends Wizard World Ohio Comic Con, set for Sept. 28-30 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center.

Kilmer, who will be making his first Wizard World appearance, will meet fans, sign autographs, pose for photo ops and conduct an interactive Q&A session.  He will attend on Saturday, Sept. 29, and Sunday, Sept. 30.

Moviegoers were first introduced to Kilmer en masse when he portrayed “Iceman,” opposite Tom Cruise in Top Gun in 1986.  He went on to secure top billing in such blockbusters as The Doors (1991), Tombstone (1993), Batman Forever (1995) and The Saint (1997).  His other starring roles include Michael Mann’s Heat (1995) with Robert De Niro and Al Pacino, True Romance (1993) directed by Tony Scott, Ron Howard’s Willow (1988), At First Sight (1999) and Thunderheart (1992).  He won the 2003 Prism Award for his work in The Salton Sea, and appeared in the 3-D epic Wings of Courage (1995) as well as voicing the character of Moses in the animated film The Prince of Egypt (1998).

He has since regularly appeared in movies and television series and recently announced that he will produce, direct and star in the title role in Mark Twain and Mary Baker Eddy.

Kilmer joins comics legend Stan Lee, veteran actor Sir Patrick Stewart, WWE® Superstar CM Punk® and “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” star Eliza Dushku as headliners at Wizard World Ohio Comic Con.  They will be joined by many of the world's greatest comics creators, exhibitors and thousands of fans in a celebration of all things pop culture in an expanded format, which now includes a preview on Friday evening (5-9 p.m.) and two full weekend days (Saturday, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.).

For more on the 2012 Wizard World Ohio Comic Con, visit http://www.wizardworld.com/home-ohio.html.

Wizard World Ohio : Guest Update

Sir Patrick Stewart, John De Lancie Added To Wizard World Ohio Comic Con Celebrity Guest List, Sept. 28-30

Legendary Actor, Fellow 'Star Trek' Franchise Actor Join Stan Lee, Eliza Dushku, WWE® Superstar CM Punk®, Dean Cain As Headliners At Greater Columbus Convention Center

NEW YORK and COLUMBUS, Ohio, September 10, 2012 – Patrick Stewart, known to millions of fans as “Captain Jean-Luc Picard” on the television series “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” and “Professor Charles Xavier” in the X-Men film series, and “Star Trek” franchise standout John de Lancie (“Q”) will attend Wizard World Ohio Comic Con, Wizard World, Inc. announced today.  They will be joined by headliners Stan Lee, Eliza Dushku, WWE® Superstar CM Punk®, Dean Cain and other special guests at the event, held Sept. 28-30 at Greater Columbus Convention Center.

Stewart will appear on Saturday, Sept. 29, and Sunday, Sept. 30, when he will meet fans, sign autographs, pose for photo ops and lead an interactive Q&A panel. He has been a popular guest at Wizard World events, most recently at Philadelphia Comic Con, where he was joined by the other four “Star Trek” captains.  Next month, Stewart will also anchor the 25-year reunion of the cast of “TNG,” with all seven primary stars gathering at Wizard World Austin Comic Con (Oct. 26-28).

Wizard World also announced that William Shatner, originally on the celebrity roster, will not attend Wizard World Ohio Comic Con.

The Emmy-nominated Stewart, who has performed in more than 100 television and film roles, is one of several actors to appear in all three "X-Men" films: X-Men (2000), X2 (2003) and X-Men: The Last Stand (2006). His role as Picard, which started on “Next Generation,” placed him in four Star Trek films: Generations (1994), First Contact (1996), Insurrection (1998) and Nemesis (2002). He also served as the voice of numerous animated characters in movies like Chicken Little and Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius, as well as popular TV shows such as “Family Guy” and “American Dad.”

De Lancie is best known as a regular guest star on “Star Trek: The Next Generation” as the iconic all-powerful “Q.”  He also holds the distinction of being one of the few characters to appear in three separate shows in the franchise (“TNG”, "Deep Space 9” and “Voyager”).

VIP tickets are available now for fans who want to secure their opportunity to meet many of the stars at the event, including Stewart.  Fans can also visit http://www.wizardworld.com/ohio.html for links to VIP packages for Lee, Punk, Dushku and a group experience with Boondock Saints actors Norman Reedus, Sean Patrick Flanery and David Della Rocco.

Additionally, Neal Adams (“Batman,” “Green Lantern”), Alan Davis (“Captain America,” “Thor”), Humberto Ramos (“Amazing Spider-Man,” “Impulse”) and Paul Jenkins (“Spider-Man,” “Batman”) are among the more than 80 top comics creators scheduled for Artist Alley at Wizard World Ohio Comic Con.

Wizard World Ohio Comic Con, produced by Wizard World, Inc. (WIZD.PK), 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.

For more on the 2012 Wizard World Ohio Comic Con, visit http://www.wizardworld.com/home-ohio.html.