Wizard World Austin 2013 Follow Up

Story by Alex Freimark
Reporter The Event Magazine

This was our second time attending Wizard World in Austin and our third at Wizard World event and they seem to get bigger and better each time around. The Event Magazine was invited to cover saturday which included several of the headline guests such as Stan Lee, James Marsters, Denny Oneil, the Doctor Who special screening, Bruce Campbell and many, many others. The lines for autographs were long but moved quickly. the longest line being for William Shatner. The artists section was nice with many comic book anf graphic artists showing off samples of their works and were very approachable for autographs and conversations. A couple of issues with the show were the rest of the room was chaotic because of the layout, there were limited flow through thus causing congestion making it difficult to shop for merchandise. It was a much bigger crowd then last year, which is great. I personal only hope those in charge will redesign the room, allowing people to move and to shop.

Some of the highlights from Saturday, November 23rd were:
One-On-One With Stan Lee.
Very interesting panel as it was his birthday
Stan Lee entertained an enthusiastic audience with many personal and professional stories. His relaxed demeanor allowed the stories to flow natural and invited the audience into his life. Mr. Lee was also very funny and made the time flow so fast that it seemed to end too soon.

One-On-One with James Marsters
James Marsters was very comfortable while talking about his professional and personal life. He enjoyed ansering questions from excited yet polite fans. Mr. Marsters was not afraid to answer any questions, even ones that made the peson asking the question blush. Beside personal questions the main topic was about ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ and ‘Angel’ though my fellow reporter asked about his appearances and time working on ‘Torchwood.’ He started off as a stage actor and seemed to use this skill in this appearance.

Doctor Who: “The Day of the Doctor” Simulcast Screening-Presented by BBC America
Doctor Who first broadcast was on November 23rd, 1963.

The first episode ‘The Unearthly Child’ starredWilliam Harnell as The Doctor.

This episode was in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the show. This show had more then one actor playing a version of the Doctor. There was, of course Matt Smith, who is the current Doctor as well as David Tennant, who was the previous doctor. Guests included Jenna Coleman as the current companion, Claire, Billie Piper, and John Hurt.

This episode was broadcast on two large screens to a room of enthusiastic Whovians many dressed as there favorite Doctor and garnishing different versions of the Sonic Screwdriver, including this reporter (bowties as cool.) It is difficult to review the episode without spoilers but there were a lot of new faces as well as appearances of some old favorites, especially at the end. the audience enjoyed it very much and I heard only positive comments as I was leaving. The best part of the viewing was sharing it with others who enjoy and appreciate a great series like Doctor Who.

Bruce Campbell vs The Audience
The title was well deserving because it seemed like it was Bruce Campbell on audience and the audience on the other. He was very confrontational but in a humorous style though he crossed the line, most of the time and it wasn’t for the faint of heart or the very young. Mr. Campbell had no difficulties using as many colorfull terms as possible in picking on or insulting the audience. He did apologize once or twice and broke from this ‘pit bull’ character by laughing. Of the two reporters there one enjoyed in while the other found it a bit insulting

Austin Mayor Lee Leffingwell will officially declare Friday, Nov. 22, “William Shatner Day” at a special ceremony at 5:30 p.m at the Austin Convention Center, celebrating the Kick-off of the 2013 Wizard World Austin Comic Con. Mayor Leffingwell will also confer “Honorary Austin Citizenship” on Shatner.

You can also check out the photos on our flickr account and hope to have more for you next year when we hope to be invited back.