April 15, 2010 | 5:00 pm

Anaheim hosts first Comic Con

Posted by Adam Wills

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Comic Con International’s contract with San Diego is set to expire in 2012, and Anaheim has joined cities like Los Angeles and Las Vegas hoping to lure the Hollywood-heavy con away from the San Diego Convention Center. This weekend, April 16-18, the home to the Happiest Place on Earth is giving its Anaheim Convention Center a test run with what’s being described as the first Anaheim Comic Con, organized by Wizard World, which produces the comic book news magazine Wizard.

The Anaheim con, which has already attracted more than 200 guests ranging from comic book artists and writers to actors and directors, will also include much of what you’ve come to expect: gaming tournaments, costume contests … you know the drill. Tickets run $25 (advance), $30 (at the door) for one day; $25 (advance), $50 (door) for a three-day weekend ticket.

The not-to-miss panels featuring Jewish guests (on Saturday, no less!):

10:30am - 11am
Room 204B
STAN LEE/AVI ARAD Q&A
Film LEGENDS Stan Lee and Avi Arad sit down for a combined Q&A and answer all your questions and chat with each other!

11am - 12pm
Room 204B
STAN LEE Q&A
Meet Stan Lee! He’ll answer your questions, and has 2 special announcements to make!

1pm - 2pm
Room 204B
EMPIRE STRIKES BACK 30TH ANNIVERSARY Q&A
Join Empire Director Irvin Kershner and Lando Calrissian himself, Billy Dee Williams, as they discuss filming the best of the Star Wars films.

2pm - 3pm
Room 204B
ILYA SALKIND SUPERMAN COMMENTARY
Meet the Producer of Superman 1, 2 and 3 as he talks about what it was like to make the world believe that a man could fly.

3pm - 4pm
Room 204B
WILLIAM SHATNER Q&A
Meet iconic legend William Shatner as he talks about his amazing career!

7pm - 8pm
Room 204B
THE DRAWN TOGETHER MOVIE: THE MOVIE
Come watch the movie before it even gets released!! And stick around after the screening to join creators Matt Silverstein and Dave Jeser as they discuss their new film and host a Q&A with fans.

Other Jewish guests you can expect to see: Steven Adler (Guns n’ Roses – Friday only), Ed Asner (“Up”), Steven Bauer (“Scarface”), Charles Fleischer (comedian/voice of Roger Rabbit), Stuart J. Levy (founder, Toykopop), Brent Spiner (“Star Trek: The Next Generation”) and Mindy Sterling (“Austin Powers”), among others.

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