Michael Rooker (photo: Laurie Lee)

Question-and-answer sessions with top celebrities like Chris Hemsworth, Bruce Campbell, WWE® Superstar Sheamus®, Julie Benz and Stan Lee, meet-and-greets, adult and kids costume contests, a screening of the new CW series “The 100,” historical discussions on comics and video games, a film festival and an array of comics and pop culture themed panels comprise the robust featured programming schedule at Wizard World Sacramento Comic Con, March 7-9 at the Sacramento Convention Center. Most programming is included as part of the standard event admission.

Some of the highlights of the schedule include:

· Interactive Q&A sessions with Hemsworth (Sun., 4 p.m.), Campbell (Sat., 5:45 p.m.), Sheamus (Fri., 6:45 p.m.), Benz (Sat., 11 a.m), Lee (Sat., 3 p.m.), William Shatner (Sat., 5 p.m.), Michael Rooker (Sun., 2:30 p.m.), Billy Dee Williams (Sat., 12:30 p.m.) and other celebrities
· Informative discussions with noted comics creators Chris Claremont (Fri., 5 p.m.), Michael Golden(Sun., 11:30 a.m.), Josef Rubinstein, Joe Weems and Danny Fingeroth (Sun., 12:30 p.m.) and more
· “Hollywood Confidential” with James Marsters, on how to break into the business (Sat., noon, paid event)
· Advanced screening of the new CW series “The 100”
· Evening parties on Friday (“Wizard World Creator Pro Am,” 9 p.m.); Saturday (“Wizard World Official Masquerade Party,” 10 p.m.)
· Costume contests for adults (Saturday, 7 p.m.) and kids (Sunday, 2:30 p.m.)
· Untold Stories From The Early Days Of Video Game Development (Fri., 6 p.m.)
· Wizard World Comic Con Film Festival, featuring selected shorts and music videos (Fri., Sat.)
· 1939: The Year That Changed Everything, discussion about that iconic year for the comics world
· Meet-and-greets with Lee (Sat, 10:30 a.m.) and Jason David Frank (Sat., noon; Sun., 11 a.m.), (paid events)
· Kids Day (Sunday), with an array of kids and family activities designed just for the younger set, highlighted by the Green Ranger Power Hour with Jason David Frank (2 p.m.)

Unless noted, programming events take place in the designated General Programming Rooms at the Sacramento Convention Center.  VIP tickets or additional costs may apply to ensure access to select activities, as noted.

A full list of Wizard World Sacramento Comic Con programming is here:http://www.wizardworld.com/programming-sacramento.html (subjects, guests, times and rooms subject to change).

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Meet ‘Lex Luthor’ Michael Rosenbaum At Wizard World Sacramento Comic Con

Fans continue to celebrate the recent 75th anniversary of Superman, and the Man of Steel’s favorite foil is the suave but deadly Lex Luthor. Michael Rosenbaum, who portrayed the iconic character in “Smallville” for 10 years among a diverse set of TV and film roles, will appear at the inaugural Wizard World Sacramento Comic Con next weekend.

Rosenbaum is also well known for his work in films such as Urban Legend, Sweet November and Bringing Down the House and on the TV series “Breaking In.” He has also voiced characters in “Justice League,” “Batman Beyond” and several others.

See him at Sacramento Comic Con, Friday through Sunday, March 7-9.

Meet ‘Kung Fu Panda’ Star James Hong At Wizard World Sacramento Comic Con

You know those character actors you think you’ve seen in 400 movies and TV shows? James Hong has actually appeared in almost 400 titles, from huge hits like “Seinfeld,” Kung Fu Panda, Mulan, Blade Runner, Airplane, and on and on and on.

Hong will attend Wizard World Sacramento Comic Con, where he will meet fans, sign autographs and pose for photo ops, Friday through Sunday, March 7-9.

His career spans seven decades — be sure to visit this legend at the Sacramento Convention Center next weekend.

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Meet ‘Defiance,’ ‘No Ordinary Family’ Star Julie Benz At Wizard World Sacramento Comic Con

Next weekend’s Wizard World Sacramento Comic Con will have its share of superheroes, but even in such an accomplished group, Julie Benz stands out. Her overzealous cult following will be on high alert as the female lead of Syfy’s critically-acclaimed series “Defiance” will meet fans, pose for photo ops, sign autographs, and conduct an interactive Q&A next Saturday and Sunday, March 8-9.

Benz, best known to many for her SAG-nominated lead role in “Dexter,” also starred in fan favorites “No Ordinary Family” and “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and had a recurring role in “Desperate Housewives,” among her many credits.

Meet this star at the Sacramento Convention Center in the inaugural Wizard World event there.

Eisner Award Winning Artist Paolo Rivera To Attend Wizard World Sacramento Comic Con

Veteran Marvel Comics artist Paolo Rivera makes a rare Wizard World appearance at Sacramento Comic Con next weekend. Known for his work on such notable titles as “The Amazing Spider-Man” and “Wolverine,” Rivera will be on site at the Sacramento Convention Center on Saturday and Sunday, March 8-9.

Rivera, who started working for Marvel more than a decade ago, more recently penciled six issues of Mark Waid’s “Daredevil” run, receiving two Eisner Awards.

Rivera is also an active blogger, providing an in-depth look at his creative process at The Self-Absorbing Man.

Zenescope Entertainment Brings Exclusives, Animated Pilot To Wizard World Sacramento Comic Con

Zenescope, one of the most recognized independent comic book and graphic novel publishers in the world and known for its unique re-imaginings ofclassic tales, will have a strong presence at Wizard World Sacramento Comic Con, March 7-9.

In addition to offering an exclusive variant cover of “Grimm Fairy Tales Code Red #4” by Michael Dooney, Zenescope will be giving away hundreds of free comics at its exhibitor booth (#605), to both loyal fans and new fans. Zenescope writer and editor Pat Shand will be on hand for interviews and signings.

Zenescope’s all-age imprint, Silver Dragon Books, will also be featured at the booth, offering comics for all ages.

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Eisner Award Hall of Famer Neal Adams, writing legend Chris Claremont, Eisner winner Paolo Rivera and nominee Ethan Van Sciver are among the more than 50 leading comics creators scheduled to attend the inaugural Wizard World Sacramento Comic Con, March 7-9 at the Sacramento Convention Center.  Adams, perhaps best known for having revived the “Batman” and “X-Men” franchises and Van Sciver (“Green Lantern,” “Action Comics”) will appear all three days, while Claremont (“Uncanny X-Men,” “Spider-Man”) and Rivera (“Daredevil,” “Avengers”) are scheduled to attend on Saturday and Sunday, March 8-9.

Among the other internationally-known artists and writers to populate the first Sacramento Comic Con Artist Alley are Phil Ortiz (“The Simpsons,” “Muppet Babies”), Humberto Ramos (“Amazing Spider-Man,” “Impulse”), Greg Horn (“Walt Disney,” “Guardians of the Galaxy”), Michael Golden (“Batman,” “Hulk”) and Arthur Suydam (“Marvel Zombies,” “Army of Darkness”).

Eisner Award Hall of Famer Stan Lee will also appear in the celebrity autograph area, along with superstars Norman Reedus of “The Walking Dead,” Chris Hemsworth of Thor, “Star Trek’s” “Captain Kirk” William Shatner, WWE® Superstar Sheamus® and many others. Wizard World Sacramento Comic Con is the third of 16 events currently scheduled in the 2014 series produced by Wizard World, Inc. (OTCBB: WIZD) and will also feature a variety of activities, exhibitors and special attractions.

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. Wizard World Sacramento Comic Con show hours are Friday, March 7, 3-8 p.m.; Saturday, March 8, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., Sunday, March 9, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

A first-class lineup of topical programming takes place all three days at the event, with celebrity Q&A’s, comics-themed sessions, costume contest, movie screenings, evening parties and more. Sunday, March 9, is also Kids Day, with an array of activities and programming specially designed for the younger Wizard World fans.

Sacramento Comic Con is also the place for cosplay, with fans young and old showing off their best costumes throughout the event. Fans dressed as every imaginable character – and some never before dreamed –  will roam the convention floor, often stopping by the Show Stage, the ideal place to see and be seen.

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Chris Hemsworth Powers Into Wizard World Sacramento Comic Con

Millions of fans flocked to theaters to see him as the “God of Thunder” in blockbusters Thor, Thor: The Dark World and The Avengers. Next month, they can meet Chris Hemsworth as he headlines Wizard World Sacramento Comic Con on Sunday, March 9 only, when he will sign autographs, pose for Photo Ops and greet well-wishers.

One of Hollywood’s fastest-risers, Hemsworth was first introduced to US audiences in Star Trek in 2009. Hemsworth also starred as the Huntsman in Universal’s big revisionist fairy tale Snow White And The Huntsman opposite Charlize Theron and Kristen Stewart.

Meet this mega-star at the Sacramento Convention Center in Wizard World’s first show in the city.

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Meet The Legendary Stan Lee At Wizard World Sacramento Comic Con

Spider-Man. The Hulk. X-Men. The Fantastic Four. Iron Man. Thor.  These superheroes and many more are the product of the incomparable Stan Lee, who co-created these amazing characters and has been a leader in the comics industry for decades.

Lee, who turned 91 a few weeks ago, is currently the Chairman and Chief Creative Officer of POW! Entertainment and is keeping as busy as ever, including a big appearance last weekend at Wizard World Portland Comic Con!

On Friday evening and Saturday, March 7-8, at the inaugural Wizard World Sacramento Comic Con, he will share stories, greet fans, pose for photo ops and take part in exclusive “meet and greet” events with a limited number of fans, so don’t miss your chance to meet this icon at the Sacramento Convention Center.

Meet Wizard World Favorite Ethan Van Sciver At Wizard World Sacramento Comic Con

Perhaps best known for his prolific work on “Green Lantern,” Ethan Van Sciver returns to Wizard World at Sacramento Comic Con, March 7-9.

Deeply in tune with fans of his work, Van Sciver was recently named the new penciler for “Batman: The Dark Knight” comic.  The Eisner Award nominee has also distinguished himself on big-name books like “Action Comics,” “Superman/Batman” and “The Flash.”

He has also created an exclusive lithograph of “Cyberfrog” only for Sacramento Comic Con fans. See this fan-friendly, outspoken star artist at his first Wizard World appearance of 2014 at the Sacramento Convention Center.

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Marvel Comics and Wizard World, Inc. (OTCBB: WIZD) today revealed the latest edition of its 2014 series of exclusive variant covers of the best Marvel titles with the unveiling of Wolverine #1, drawn by prolific cover artist Greg Horn. VIP attendees at the inaugural Wizard World Sacramento Comic Con, March 7-9 at the Sacramento Convention Center, will receive a free copy of the limited-edition book at registration. The exclusive will be limited to 3,000 copies.

Horn is scheduled to be on site at the event to sign copies (autograph fees may apply). Leading professional comic grader CGC will also be on hand to accept books for grading and Signature Series.

Horn’s Wolverine #1 follows the first two entries, Miracleman #1 and Miracleman #2, both drawn by Eisner Award Hall of Famer Neal Adams for Wizard World Portland Comic Con (Jan. 24-26) and New Orleans Comic Con (Feb. 7-9), respectively.

“Greg Horn’s bombastic variant cover will hit Wizard attendees like a freight train made of pure Adamantium, but it’s just a hint of what’s in store for Marvel readers,” said David Gabriel, Marvel Comics’ SVP of Sales.  “Brace yourself for one of the most anticipated, controversial and inevitable stories in the long, hard saga of Logan’s life.”

Horn is best known for his artwork on Marvel titles Elektra, Emma Frost, and She-Hulk. He was also the regular cover artist on the acclaimed series Ms. Marvel by Brian Reed. His work in comic books has opened up opportunities on high profile projects in advertising, video games, magazine covers, editorial, boardgames, and novels.

“Greg’s work is absolutely amazing and his Wolverine pops from the cover in an extraordinary way.” says John Macaluso, Wizard World CEO.  “We are once again thrilled to bring our fans the best books with the top artists from the Marvel universe. As always, we love having Greg as a Special Guest at our show.”

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.  A first-class lineup of topical programming takes place at each event, with celebrity Q&A’s, comics-themed sessions, costume contest, movie screenings, evening parties and more. Sunday is also Kids Day, with an array of activities and programming specially designed for the younger Wizard World fans.

Wizard World Comic Con is also the place for cosplay, with fans young and old showing off their best costumes throughout the event.  Fans dressed as every imaginable character – and some never before dreamed –  will roam the convention floor, often stopping by the Show Stage, the ideal place to see and be seen.

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Meet Pop Culture Icon William Shatner At Wizard World Sacramento Comic Con

Whether you know him best as Captain Kirk, T.J. Hooker, Denny Crane or even the Priceline Negotator, William Shatner has been a dominant figure in pop culture for a half century.

Always a hugely popular Wizard World guest, Shatner will appear at the inaugural Sacramento Comic Con on Friday evening and Saturday (all day), March 7-8.  He’ll meet fans, sign autographs, pose for photo ops and conduct an always entertaining Q&A panel.

“Beam” up to Sacramento to meet this icon at the Sacramento Convention Center.

Eisner Award Hall Of Famer Neal Adams Featured Wizard World Sacramento Comic Con

Meet one of the giants of the comics industry at the inaugural Wizard World Sacramento Comic Con, March 7-9, as Eisner Award Hall of Famer Neal Adams takes his spot in Artist Alley.

Adams has had legendary ‘runs’ on “Batman,” “X-Men,” “Green Lantern-Green Arrow” and “Deadman.”  He transformed the Batman character into his present “Avenger of the Night”; the “modern Batman,” refers to Neal Adams’ Batman, seen in Batman Returns and the Dark Knight movies.

Adams godfathered a generation of new talent, brought down the comics code by introducing “relevant comics” and gave America its first black comic book superhero.

See him at Wizard World’s first-evet show at the Sacramento Convention Center.

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