UPDATED: WIZARDWORLD: ATLANTA A NO-GO?

[MattBrady]

The HeroesCon/WizardWorld: Atlanta controversy may be finally coming to a close.

What was initially to be a simple addition of a sixth show to WizardWorld’s annual convention schedule, the Atlanta show became the touch point of controversy for the company. As reported by Newsarama, Wizard staffers were handing out cards at San Diego Comic-Con International with the date of the Atlanta show printed on it, in, as it was described to Newsarama, an effort to drum up interest and possible exhibitors.

It was after the bulk of the industry returned from San Diego that some with the cards realized that the date scheduled for Wizard’s Atlanta show (June 30th-July 2nd) coincided with HeroesCon, which is held annually in Charlotte, NC, 250 miles away by I-85. Convention owner and organizer Shelton Drum issued a public statement saying that he had been in communication with Wizard about the dates of his show, and was dismayed that the larger company had scheduled their show the same weekend as his.

The move by Wizard (though the dates and the show itself were claimed to be “rumor and speculation" by Wizard, as, according to the company, no official announcement had been made, this despite Drum reporting that Wizard had told him that their Atlanta dates were “locked in” to the dates reported and the printed cards that had the dates of Atlanta, as well as all other Wizard shows on them) was seen as an overtly aggressive one by many creators and fans, leading to a significant backlash by both groups.

The result of the backlash was, as seen across the internet, a massive surge of support for Drum and HeroesCon, so much to the point that several European creators are now planning on making the stop in North Carolina for the show. To date, the creators who’ve confirmed with Drum that they will attend HeroesCon in 2006, as well as fans who’ve said they’ll be coming promises to make the show, the 25th annual convention – one of the best attended in memory.

Now, it’s looking like the weekend won’t be an either/or proposition for comic fans in the Southeast.

Newsarama has learned that WizardWorld has not made the deposit payment to the Cobb Galleria (where WizardWorld: Atlanta was slated to be held June 30th -July 2nd, 2006). Likewise, sources close to Wizard speaking to Newsarama report that the current thinking within the company is that it will officially cancel its planned Atlanta show for 2006, while eyeing debuting in Atlanta in 2007, ideally on a weekend with no other show in close proximity.

An official statement reflecting the change is expected from the company soon.

WizardWorld declined Newsarama's repeated requests for further information, clarification, or comment in regards to an Atlanta show since the story broke.

Update 08.01.05 - 3:55pm EST In speaking with the podcast site Comic Geek Speak, Wizard Entertainment Group Chairman Gareb Shamus confirmed that there would be no show in Atalanta in 2006. Speaking of Wizard's convention plans, Shamus said, "There will not be a show from us in Atlanta in '06." Shamus added that Wizard is looking at the location for an '07 show.

[tralfaz]

nyah nyah nyah hyah nyaaaaah

all thats left to do is boycott wizard magazine

[RAB]

Definitely the right move to make on WIZARD's part.

[Userama]

phew, now all of those creators can pull out of Heroes Con!

[New Alfonso]

Looks like justice hath prevailed.

[pmpknface]

This is going to turn out to be the best PR the Heroes Con could ever have asked for.

I may have to look into flights to NC...

[Spider-Bob]

I don’t have a problem with an Atlanta show, but instead of sniping convention goers from an existing convention why doesn’t Wizard setup an East Coast show in Atlanta the same weekend as their Los Angeles show? It could be billed as a super-con, and talent that usually can’t afford to go to a distant convention can make it to a closer location.

[Jack Burton]

Wizard pissed in god's eye and he blinked

[fedres]

Could Wizard hold off on any cancellation announcements until those European creators commit to Heroes? I'm thinking Moebius, Bisley, Gibbons, etc., but I'll settle for Buckingham, McKean, Kristiansen, Snejbjerg and such!

[c_andrew_s]

I will be really glad if wizard doesn't do the show

[Cyphon]

Good move by Wizard. There should be enough room on the schedule for conventions that don't overlap in such a close geographic area.

[HeX111]

Originally posted by New Alfonso
Looks like justice hath prevailed.

HOLY ____... I just agreed w/ New Alfonso... yet another sign of the approaching Apocalypse

On topic though... if Wizard does go ahead and cancel... we can all thank them for the publicity and support it has created for Sheldon... I'm wondering if Marvel and DC didn't put a little bit of pressure on Wizard to pull this show from the schedule so that they didn't have to be stuck in the middle... I mean... if they support Sheldon... they will get the backlash in the public forum of Wizard magazine... and if they support Wizard... they will have to deal from the backlash of the creative community and many fans... neither of which is good for either of them...

[KentL]

Originally posted by Spider-Bob
I don’t have a problem with an Atlanta show, but instead of sniping convention goers from an existing convention why doesn’t Wizard setup an East Coast show in Atlanta the same weekend as their Los Angeles show? It could be billed as a super-con, and talent that usually can’t afford to go to a distant convention can make it to a closer location.

But then there's a conflict with publishers. Marvel and DC aren't likely to split resources between two shows. Especially Marvel.

I'm surprised to hear that Cobb Galleria was the place they were looking to hold it, since it's not too terribly big. It does have good interstate access, though, being at the corner of I-75 and I-285.

KentL

[jeremydale]

That's what I'm TALKING about! Next time they try running the small guy down, try someone NOT as beloved as Sheldon. Sweet deal for all!

[BlueThunderArmy]

I wonder how this debacle will be reported in Wizard Magazine?

Oh right, it probably won't...

[Doug_Wagner]

Wizard - Think Spring! You'll get more support from the Southeastern creators and fans than you can handle!!

[Johnny Smith]

Yippee!!

This is good news!

[brokencowboy]

this is good to hear for Hero Con, I'm sticking to my boycott of Wizard however. The fact that it was at least thought of being held the same time as a more indie con burns me pretty badly.

[Mercury]

Originally posted by tralfaz
nyah nyah nyah hyah nyaaaaah

all thats left to do is boycott wizard magazine

personal opinion for Wizard aside? if people did that, it would help the industry more than you'd think!

[Cully Hamner]

If this is the case, it's probably the smartest and most honorable move that Wizard could make, at this point. As has been said by everyone close to this, a Wizard World Atlanta is a great idea as long as it's done above board and without the intent of steamrolling other sizable, individually-owned, regional shows like Heroes.

If they do go for 2007, the spring is probably the best time, since Atlanta Comicon, an April show, seems to be defunct. I've no doubt that a spring Wizard World Atlanta would be entirely welcome then by everyone.

And on another note: Contrary to what some fans and a couple of pros might have said, none of this was ever intended to be an "eff you" to Gareb Shamus, Wizard, or any of the folks employed there. It was never about boycotting Wizard or any of its other shows. It was strictly focused on Wizard Atlanta, and meeting an aggressive business move with grassroots support. In the end, the people, pros and fans alike, spoke.

If this is truly over, then let's get on with the business of creating and reading what these cons are supposed to be about: COMICS.

[jedifish]

Originally posted by tralfaz
nyah nyah nyah hyah nyaaaaah

all thats left to do is boycott wizard magazine

I was going to pick up this months Wizard for the Geoff Johns stuff, they Alex Ross stuff and the Crisis preview, but decided to boycott it after this mess. No great loss. I'm sure the Crisis preview has already been scanned in by somebody.

[algertman]

Originally posted by Mercury
personal opinion for Wizard aside? if people did that, it would help the industry more than you'd think!

yes it would

it would require people to think for themselve rather than being mindless automatons they are today.

[TheWriteJerry]

Originally posted by Jack Burton
Wizard pissed in god's eye and he blinked

What is that even supposed to mean?

Is Shelton Drum supposedly God? Or do you mean the creators are God?

And if Wizard pissed in their eyes and they blinked, wouldn't that mean that Wizard had won? But they didn't win.

What are you trying to say with this metaphor that makes no sense?

Wizard made a mistake - a big, not-nice to Shelton or fans or creators mistake. They took the heat and seem to have changed their plans.

If anything, Shelton Drum pissed in Wizard's eye and Wizard blinked...

[Solario]

Originally posted by Cully Hamner
If this is the case, it's probably the smartest and most honorable move that Wizard could make, at this point. As has been said by everyone close to this, a Wizard World Atlanta is a great idea as long as it's done above board and without the intent of steamrolling other sizable, individually-owned, regional shows like Heroes.

Personally it sounds more like they ducked out after the massive backlash, that comes with attacking the "little guy," but as long as the result is the same, it doesn't really matter.

[goofball814]

Ding Dong the Witch is DEAD!!!!!


I must admit, I haven't bought a WIzard in over a year. I do read some of their stories from the "store copy" at the shop that I work at. I like their "director commentaries" that they've had from Identity Crisis, GL:Rebirth, Astonishing X-Men, etc. But for the most part, their magazine is a rag. And the worst part is, this magazine is placed in many places where comics aren't, and they continue to personify all the negative stereotypes of the comic community.

Continue to boycott Wizard. Read Comic Buyers Guide. Written by adults, for adults....