Fans of comics, film, television and even the WWE came out in droves for Wizard World Comic Con in New Orleans Jan. 5-7. Despite the cold weather, thousands of people packed the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center to see their favorite stars, purchase art and a variety of merchandise from every fandom imaginable.
Each year New Orleans Comic Con seems to get bigger and this year was no exception. Stephen Amell, star of the CW’s hit show Arrow, spent his weekend at the convention signing autographs, taking pictures and answering fan questions at a packed panel on Sunday.
Amell repeatedly professed his love for the city of New Orleans, explaining that he and his wife even chose to have a reception in the Crescent City after a small wedding overseas. At the convention, Amell and his fellow “Arrow” star David Ramsey announced, “We get to do another season of ‘Arrow’,” which received a standing ovation from the crowd.
Love for New Orleans and Louisiana was a big theme of this year’s convention. Former The Walking Dead star Michael Cudlitz praised the city, calling the World War II museum “the best museum in the world” while discussing his turn in Band of Brothers.
Other stars at the convention included Christopher Lloyd and Tom Wilson of Back to the Future, David Duchovny of X-Files, Michael Rooker and Sean Gunn of Guardians of the Galaxy, as well as Dave Bautista and Finn Balor from the WWE.
One moment in particular stood out to many Balor fans Sunday ashe brought a young fan dressed head to toe in Balors’ signature costume on stage to help him overcome his nervousness and answer his questions one-on-one.
While it may seem like a huge event, the common interests of everyone in attendance brings people together for those three days. This was especially true this year with the convention occurring so soon after the loss of icon Carrie Fisher, who was scheduled to attend.
“Obviously we’re very saddened by Carrie Fisher not being with us,” said Jerry Milani, spokesperson for Wizard World. “It’ll be felt by everyone here.”
There were two commemorative panels in her honor and huge posters of her for fans to write messages. Another unique tribute was the appearance of dozens of Princess Leias from the Krewe of Chewbaccus.
Wizard World Comic Con, now celebrating seven years in New Orleans, is not the only convention of its kind in Louisiana. Louisiana Comic Con will be held at the Hirsch Memorial Coliseum/State Fair of Louisiana Fairgrounds Complex in Shreveport on April 22-23.
This convention boasts a more affordable, family friendly environment but features similar guests and vendors showcasing a diverse range of fan-favorite shows, games and comics.
Another convention, MechaCon, is held in July in New Orleans. This convention is slightly different as it caters toward fans of Japanese animation and Japanese culture.
It is the longest running anime convention in the state. Starting with an audience of just 750 people in 2005, it has grown exponentially over the years, with last year bringing over 16,000 people to New Orleans for the event. So, it’s safe to say the convention circuit is alive and well in Louisiana.