While Anaheim, Los Angeles and San Diego Vie for Future of Comic-Con, Organizers Focus on San Francisco

SAN FRANCISCO, March 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Much has been written lately about the possible move of the mega-popular Comic-Con from San Diego to neighboring Anaheim or Los Angeles when the convention's contract with the San Diego Convention Center expires in 2012. But organizers have taken time from reviewing proposals to focus on the Northern California city of San Francisco.

"Our work continues," commented David Glanzer, spokesperson for Comic-Con and sister show WonderCon. "While we are reviewing the proposals offered by Anaheim, Los Angeles, and San Diego, our focus this week is on San Francisco and our other impressive show, WonderCon, which takes place Easter weekend."

While not as large as the megawatt Comic-Con, WonderCon is still an extraordinary event and is considered to be the first huge comics convention of the year for 2010. Boasting an attendance of over 34,000 people in 2009, WonderCon has transformed from a regional Bay Area show to a major national event attracting exhibitors, presenters, and attendees from across the nation.

WonderCon continues to have an amazing list of guests. In addition to a star-studded list of comic book professionals, this year WonderCon welcomes some exceptional movie stars as well.

Events at WonderCon include an exclusive appearance by star Jake Gyllenhaal and producer Jerry Bruckheimer in support of their new feature Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time; an exclusive appearance by Nicolas Cage and Jay Baruchel discussing their new feature The Sorcerer's Apprentice; an exclusive presentation on Resident Evil: Afterlife with stars Milla Jovovich,  Ali Larter and director Paul W.S. Anderson; director Lee Unkrich offers an exclusive presentation on Toy Story 3; and an exclusive screening of Kick-Ass with a special program featuring members of the cast. Other notable programs include an exclusive evening with writer/director Kevin Smith and exclusive presentations with the casts and crews of popular TV series Chuck (Zachary Levi, Josh Gomez, Adam Baldwin), Human Target (Mark Valley, Jackie Earle Haley) and screenings of never-before-seen new episodes of V, Fringe, Human Target, plus the U.S. premiere of the first episode of the new Dr. Who.

"It's no surprise WonderCon is considered the first big show of the comics circuit," says Glanzer. "We've been producing comic conventions for over 40 years now, and we work to present the best there is to offer our attendees, and our exhibitors and program participants know we can deliver an audience."

WonderCon will be held at Moscone Center South in San Francisco on Friday through Sunday April 2-4, 2010.

Comic-Con and WonderCon are nonprofit educational organizations dedicated to creating awareness of, and appreciation for, comics and related popular art forms, primarily through the presentation of conventions and events that celebrate the historic and ongoing contribution of comics to art and culture.

For complete information on programming and how to attend WonderCon, visit www.comic-con.org/wc.

SOURCE Comic-Con International