Wizard failes again, what else is new
Posted by rudyhernandezSo I don’t know how many of you out there still read Wizard Magazine. I think it’s become quite less relevant for today’s comic reader. They give you very little news that’s breaking (the same issue that faces most print news media these days), but even worse is the pushing of the values of CGC comics. Especially those that are practically brand new. And now Wizard is back in the news again with more bad news for comic lovers.
Wizard has decided to postpone the 2009 Wizard Los Angeles show in March and cancel the Wizard World Texas show that was supposed to take place in November. So out of 4 Wizard World shows this year they are now down to 3 and maybe even 2. Chicago in August is still taking place as well as Philly in June. And they are blaming the current economic climate for these changes. And I’m sure that at least some of the blame can be associate to that very reason. However that wasn’t the reason that they had a poor showing in Boston in 2005 which forced them to cancel that show in 2006 or the Atlanta show that was also supposed to take place in 2006.
Frankly, I think Wizard puts on a less than spectacular convention. At least that’s my opinion of attending Wizard World Chicago for many years now. I think at times the talent level isn’t as big as it could be for a convention that takes place in Chicago. I do appreciate that they were able to get Warren Ellis this year. But I still want to see something different. With San Diego all about Hollywood, Chicago used to be known as the convention that was all about the comics. And in recent years I’ve seen wrestling rings and guitar hero stages. Give me more talent. Give me Grant Morrison. And I don’t just mean signing. I want to see Grant Morrison or Mark Millar doing a panel. Let me here those crazy guys from across the pond talk. Cuz when they do it’s usually gold.
Maybe give away some awards. The Eisner awards are done in San Diego and the Harvey Awards are held in Baltimore. Neither of these are Wizard World events.
In a time when attendance could end up being down again, it’s time to really put on a great show for the industry. Comics have traditionally been one of the few joys during tough economic times so I think Wizard needs to pull it together and show people that conventions are something worth going to and that it’s an event that shouldn’t be missed.
