John de Lancie, who portrayed “Q” on several iterations of the legendary “Star Trek” franchise, and Kevin Eastman, co-creator of the wildly popular “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” have been added to the roster of guests attending Wizard World New Orleans Comic Con, Nov. 30 – Dec. 2, 2012, at New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. De Lancie joins six other “Star Trek: The Next Generation” cast members in the 25th reunion of the iconic TV series.
Both are scheduled to attend all three days, will meet fans, sign autographs and pose for photo ops. De Lancie will be part of the Star Trek: TNG special programming, and Eastman will discuss 'TMNT' in an interactive Q&A session.
Additionally, Wizard World has announced that Patrick Stewart has canceled his New Orleans Comic Con appearance due to filming in Winnipeg, and that Gillian Anderson will also no longer be attending.
Along with de Lancie and Eastman, comics legend Stan Lee, “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” star Eliza Dushku, Reservoir Dogs headliner Michael Madsen and WWE® Superstar CM Punk® top the standout lineup of celebrities scheduled to attend the event. They will be joined by an All-Star collection of well-known artists and a variety of activities, exhibitors and special attractions in the final event on Wizard World's 2012 calendar.
In addition to de Lancie, members of the 'TNG' cast reuniting in New Orleans include Jonathan Frakes (Commander William T. Riker), LeVar Burton (Lt. Commander Geordi La Forge), Michael Dorn (Lieutenant Worf), Marina Sirtis (Counselor Deanna Troi), Brent Spiner (Lt. Commander Data) and Gates McFadden (Dr. Beverly Crusher).
De Lancie has been active in screen and television roles since 1977. Although he is best known for his recurring role as “Q,” de Lancie has an impressive background within the entertainment industry. Among his many acclaimed stunts are the production and acting in several audio dramas based on classic science fiction stories for the production company Alien Voices, which he founded with Leonard Nimoy.
Eastman, who also owns, edits and publishes the magazine "Heavy Metal," created what began as a self-published comic and would go on to be a huge, worldwide phenomenon in the 1980s along with Peter Laird. It wasn't long until "TMNT" was everywhere, spawning numerous TV series, a set of live-action movies and innumerable toys, games and other merchandise, even a concert tour.
Eastman adds to a standout lineup of superstar comic creators which includes Eisner Award Hall of Famer Neal Adams (“Batman,” “Green Lantern”), Eisner nominees Ethan Van Sciver (“Firestorm,” “Green Lantern”), David Mack (“Kabuki,” “Daredevil”), Jesus Saiz (“Resurrection Man,” “Birds of Prey”) and Ron Garney (“Captain America,” “Wolverine”), “Zombie King” Arthur Suydam (“Marvel Zombies,” “Army of Darkness”) and Michael Golden (“Hulk,” “Daredevil”) leading the way.
Wizard World New Orleans Comic Con, produced by Wizard World, Inc. (WIZD.PK), will bring together thousands of fans of all ages to celebrate the best in pop-fi, pop culture, movies, graphic novels, comics, toys, video gaming, television, sci-fi, gaming, original art, collectibles, contests and more. Admission is free for kids 10 and under, and Sunday, December 2, is “Kids Day,” an array of programming specially designed for children.
Event hours are Friday, Nov. 30, 4-8 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 1, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 2, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
For more on the 2012 Wizard World New Orleans Comic Con, visit http://www.wizardworld.com/home-neworleans.html