Wizard World Chicago is about one month away. From August 24-28, Wizard World will once again take over the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center and thousands of fans will immerse themselves in pop culture greatness of all sorts.

Wizard World Chicago's roots go back to 1972, when it was Nostalgia '72. Wizard Entertainment bought it in 1997 and it has become one of the biggest such events in the country. This year, it should attract about 100,000 attendees, including about 20 of my fr4iends and me. Their celebrity guest lineup is one of the main attractions. This year's group includes Gene Simmons, John Cusack, Charisma Carpenter, Dean Cain, Danny Trejo, John Barrowman, Michael Rooker, Thomas Ian Nicholas, Barry Bostwick, Lou Ferrigno, Kevin Sorbo and about 30 more big names. The wrestling world will once again be well represented with Roman Reigns, Kevin Owens, Matt and Jeff Hardy, Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss. The biggest problem is trying to schedule your time right to meet everyone you want. Fortunately, the event lasts 4 days.

As always, Artist Alley will be filled with artists, authors and all sorts of creative folks. My buddies Dirk Manning, James Finn Garner and Paul Erickson will be there. Also appearing will be Genese Davis, Tom Richmond, Victor Dandridge, Ant Lucia and so many more. There literally are rows and rows filled with colorful creations, interesting books and other pop culture goodies. Another part of Wizard World is the vendor area. If you're looking for anything in the world of comics, fantasy, television, movies and similar, you are likely to find it in the vendor area. Often times,. You will get a great deal from the seller, too. I have acquired most of my Aquaman collection at the vendor tables of Wizard World.

I have outlined the basics of Wizard World, but it is so much more than just the nuts and bolts I listed. It is a place for friends to gather and have a fun-filled weekend. It is a place to see distant friends and reconnect with them. It is a place to dress in costume or to enjoy other dressed in costume. Everyone is in a good mood. I have been attending Wizard World Chicago for too many years to remember when I started. I have honestly never had a bad experience. Not only that, I have always had a great experience.

As the convention has grown, so has the attention of the Wizard World staff. Having been a part of organizing similar events, I can tell you that running any sort of event like this is extremely difficult. There are so many factors and so many details involved and so many things can go wrong. The Wizard World staff is large and visible everywhere.

I say all of these things freely, honestly and willingly. Yes, I do cover he event for a few websites, including this one, but I do so because I want to be there. Believe me, there are several conventions I have attended only once.