Wizard World Sacramento Comic Con 2015: Preview (June 19-21, 2015)

To steal a phrase from TBS’ reality series King of the Nerds: “Calling all nerds!”

However unlike in my youth, “nerd” is not a derogatory term here—far from it. Anyone that enjoys comic books and science fiction and fantasy stories, and celebrates that love by going to conventions (including dressing up as a favorite character) wears that term like badge of honor.

Not to be confused with the much bigger and more famous San Diego Comic-Con, Wizard World’s Comic Con events take place in other cities all over the country and features much more flair for popular culture in addition to love for tradition comic books. Next week, it is Sacramento‘s turn to host (June 19-21 at the Sacramento Convention Center), and the list of special guests and programming has the makings of a wonderful convention in California’s state capitol.

Special Guests and Programming

The four biggest guests scheduled to appear in Sacramento are Norman Reedus (The Walking Dead, Boondock Saints), Billie Piper (Doctor Who, Penny Dreadful), Danny Trejo (Machete, among many others including a Snickers commercial that riffs off The Brady Bunch), and Malcolm McDowell (A Clockwork Orange).

Other guests include WWE’s Eva Marie and The Bella Twins (who fulfill an unspoken agreement that there always be a pro wrestling star at Comic Con), Manu Bennett (Starz’ Spartacus, The Hobbit), former Dancing with the Stars champion Alfonso Ribeiro (The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air), Henry Winkler (Happy Days, and a few Adam Sandler movies), and Adrian Paul (Highlander).

While not to be outdone by film and television actors, popular artists attending the convention include Joel Adams (King of the Hill, Hulk Animated Series), Neal Adams (Batman, X-Men), Paola Rivera (Spider-Man, Captain America), and Arthur Suydam (Marvel Zombies, Batman).

Kevin Smith and Jason Mewes will be on hand to record an episode for their popular podcast Jay & Silent Bob Get Old, which will probably result in crude humor and uncontrollable laughter.

There will also be a Simpsons trivia competition; panels on the histories of Mystery Science Theater 3000, today’s Indy comix movement, and Saturday morning cartoons; many comic books and memorabilia from the countless dealers on hand; and cosplay—lots of it.

Personally, I’m looking most forward to the “The Walking Dead Psychology: Psych of the Living Dead” session about what zombie apocalypse survivors have to look forward to besides being eaten by the undead.

Oh, and did I mention the cosplay? I’m also looking forward to seeing the creativity of Sacramento’s most ardent comic and pop culture fans.