Pop culture fans will find there is something for everyone at this year’s Wizard World Comic Con Des Moines.  At its first appearance in Des Moines in 2015, Wizard World featured Central Iowa native son, Superman actor Brandon Routh.  This year the convention is bringing another Superman to town, Lois and Clark star Dean Cain.  Cain will join actors Charlie Sheen, James Marsters, Marina Sirtis, and a host of other celebrities for autographs, photos, and panels to be held May 19 through May 21, 2017, at the Iowa Events Center in downtown Des Moines–the city’s third Wizard World convention.

Known most recently for his work on Two and a Half Men, Anger Management, and Spin City, Charlie Sheen has appeared in many modern film classics–everything from Ferris Bueller’s Day Off to Major League, Eight Men Out, Wall Street, and Platoon.  James Marsters is best known for his role as Spike on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.  Marina Sirtis starred as Counselor Deanna Troi, one of the most beloved characters on Star Trek: The Next Generation.  Other celebrity guests include TV and film star Barry Bostwick, Micky Dolenz from The Monkees, Charmed actress Holly Marie Combs, and Napoleon Dynamite actor Jon Heder.

In addition to aisles of dealers of comics, toys, apparel, and collectibles, fans can meet nationally known writers, artists, and other creators, including Iowa’s own Phil Hester (Green Arrow, The Irredeemable Ant-Man, The Flash) and Ant Lucia (DC Bombshells).

Some highlights of the more than 50 panels scheduled include:

• Interactive Q&A sessions with Charlie Sheen (Saturday, 12:30 p.m.), James Marsters (Saturday, 3:30 p.m.), Dean Cain (Saturday, 5 p.m.), Barry Bostwick (Saturday, 2 p.m.), Marina Sirtis (Saturday, noon), Jon Heder (Saturday, 1:30 p.m.), Holly Marie Combs (Saturday, 2:30 p.m.), Micky Dolenz (Sunday, 1 p.m.) and The Expanse star Cas Anvar (Sunday, 2 p.m.).

• Wrestler panels featuring WWE Superstars Seth Rollins (Saturday, 11 a.m.) and Alexa Bliss (Sunday, 10 a.m.)

• Creator-themed hours featuring industry superstars Phil Hester, Danny Fingeroth (Spider-Man, Iron Man), Barbara Slate (Beauty and the Beast, Archie), Victor Dandridge (The Samaritan, Origins Unknown), Anthony G. Wedgeworth (Advanced Dungeons & Dragons), Clinton Hobart (licensed Disney fine artist) and many others.

• Pop culture topically themed panels such as “Only Sheep Eat Rotten Tomatoes” with Dandridge (Friday, 5 p.m.), “Everything You Need To Know About Spider-Man And The Vulture” (Friday, 6 p.m.), “Back to the Future: Adventures in a DeLorean Time Machine” with Terry and Oliver Holler (Saturday, 4:30 p.m.), “Anime Trivia” (Sunday, 2 p.m.)

• “Name that Pokémon” (Friday, 7:45 p.m.) with cosplayer SuperKayce

• Video gaming free play all three days, featuring Street Fighter V, Tekken 7 and Super Smash Bros. Wii U and more, at the dedicated gaming area

• Kids programming all three days, including magic face painting, balloon animals, celebrity storytelling, superhero dance tournaments, ventriloquism, learn to draw, gaming tournaments (and Kids 10 and under are free every day with paid adult)

• World-famous Wizard World Comic Con Adult Costume Contest, Saturday at 7 p.m. and Kids Costume Contests on Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m.

• Cosplay with special guests Brit Bliss, SuperKayce, Princess Morgan and Knightmage, throughout the weekend

The convention will be held at the Iowa Events Center at 730 Third Street in Des Moines, beginning May 19, 2017, opening at 4 p.m. and continuing until 9 p.m., Saturday, May 20, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday, May 21, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

A full list of Wizard World Comic Con Des Moines programming is available here (subjects, guests, times and rooms subject to change).  For more on the event, visit the convention website here.

C.J. Bunce
Editor
borg.com