For Immediate Release:

August 31, 2009 -- It's no secret that Chicago has one of the most vibrant and diverse comic book communities in the country. On Saturday, September 19th from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. superheroes, villains and fans will flood the halls of Center on Halstead for Chicago’s only full-fledged Comics Convention, Windy City Comicon (WCC).

The Second Annual WCC will feature over eighty creators from the world of comics, Comic Book Vendors, Publishers and more. The focal point of the event is its Artist Alley where some of the industry's best creators from mainstream, independent and small press comics are the centerpiece of the convention.

“The success of our 2008 show was amazing. The focus of every comics convention should be on the talented people that create the comics we all love, and that's what we've done with Windy City,” commented show co-promoter Christopher Neseman. "This show was about showcasing the amazing talent that is right here in Chicago, but now it's about even more. Creators from all over the country are excited to be here, and that's a testament to the overall comics community and to the fans in and around the Chicago area."

Windy City Comicon has an amazing schedule of events planned throughout the day. WCC is proud to host its first Hero Initiative Sketch Jam at 11:00a.m. where several artists will be doing sketches that will be for sale throughout the day, but don't expect them to last long. For more information on The Hero Initiative please visit http://www.heroinitiative.org.

Following Hero will be spotlights on Richard Starkings and Skottie Young, as well as a Writing Comics panel with B. Clay Moore, Sean McKeever and Will Pfeiffer, a Web Comics panel and a conversation with 5 of the industry's top inkers.

Tickets are still available for this amazing event. You can purchase tickets from the WCC website at http://www.windycitycomicon.com or at the door for ONLY $10!

Gift Packs will be given out to the first 500 people through the door. You can guarantee your gift pack and avoid the lines by pre-registering online. For a complete list of guests, exhibitors, retailers and more, please visit http://www.windycitycomicon.com.

Don't miss out on Chicago's Finest Comic Book Convention- Windy City Comicon!

Only 28 Days Left before the 2009 Windy City Comicon. We are super excited this year to be bringing back Chicago's Finest Comic Book Convention. With over 80 comic book professionals like Skottie Young, Gene Ha, Mike Norton, Tim Seely and Jeffrey Brown including 30 new guests like Geoff Darrow, Tony Moore, David Petersen, Tony Akins, B. Clay Moore, Sean McKeever and more - this show is shaping up to be epic.

But our amazing Guest List is only part of the fun. On Friday September 18th, Challengers comics + conversation will be hosting the official Windy City Comicon Preview Party. Starting at 7:00 pm, This signing/party will be chock full of comic pros attending the 2009 WCCC in a relaxed (and lubricated) setting. Featuring: Alex Grecian, Jeremy Haun, Dennis Hopeless, Sean McKeever, Kevin Mellon, B. Clay Moore, Mike Norton, Seth Peck, the guys from Around Comics...and more to come!

On the day of the show, we have a host of panels and events located in the Show Theater. Kick of the panels with the Windy City Sketch Jam at 11:00 am. Followed by Elephantmen Creator Richard Starkings at noon. At 1:00 we have the Webcomics 101 panel, followed by Getting It Write at 2:00, featuring some of today;s hottest young writers. Then at 3:00 spend some time with Superstar artist Skottie Young, followed by our Ink (well) panel at 4:00 with some of the best inkers in the business.

And don't forget about all the deals. With over a dozen of the very best comic book, toy and game retailers from the Chicagoland area, you'll be sure to find amazing prices, rare items and fantastic novelties. Comics, graphic novels, t-shirts, statues, toys and more. Bring home something special for your comic book room.

While the show officially ends at 6:00pm, the party is just getting started. We've set up a Rocking After-Party at John Barleycorn. Blocks from the Center, the Official Windy City Comicon After Party will feature live music, guests from the show and fans hanging out having a good time. (must be 21 to enter).

Don't miss out on the best comic book experience in the city of Chicago. Get your tickets today and join us for the party of the year at the 2009 Windy City Comicon!

We are pleased to announce a very special guest for the 2009 Windy City Comicon. Chicago's very own Geof Darrow.

Geof was born October 21st, 1955 in Iowa. He was a student at Hanna Barbara after studying at the American Academy of Fine Arts in Chicago. While working at Hanna Barbara, he met Moebius; which eventually led to their collaboration on "La Cité Feu" portfolio. He is most famous for his later collaboration with Frank Miller on the comic books "Hard Boiled" and "Big Guy and Rusty the Boy Robot". Big Guy was made into an animated cartoon series and line of toys. His work on Hard Boiled helped inspire the Matrix movies, on which Geof did a ton of production design work.

See our complete list of guests -->

Sept 19th - 12:00pm: Windy City Sketch Jam

The FASTEST 45 minutes of Windy City will kick off the day's programming. Join Around Comics' own Tom Katers and Chris Neseman as they take audience requests for a series of 5 minute sketches. Some of the talented artists showcasing their quick sketch skills include Mike Norton, Chris Moreno, Tim Seeley, Ryan Stegman, and Katie Cook with more to be announced! All sketches will be sold at the Hero Initiative booth to benefit veteran comic creators in need.

So bring your quick sketch ideas and be prepared for 45 minutes of quick sketches and quick wit. All to benefit a great cause!

Find out more about The Hero Initiative at www.heroinitiative.org

For a complete list of events visit our events page.