Though Comic Cons began as comic book conventions, devoted to fans and creators of comic books, with a few events dedicated to sci-fi and fantasy movies and books, Comic Cons have transformed into all-purpose pop culture extravaganzas.



From the humongous Comic-Con International in San Diego, where studios and TV networks parade their biggest projects and crowd-favorite stars, to dozens of other events, Comic Cons have become an entertainment staple.



The Wizard World Comic Con is one of the biggest players in the game, staging events all over the country. The Wizard World show rolls into Portland on Friday, Feb. 17 and will set up pop culture shop at the Oregon Convention Center through Sunday, Feb. 19.



Throughout the weekend, the Wizard World Portland Comic Con will feature programming that includes gaming, entertainment, panels, magic and information on how to get started in cosplay (creating your own costumes.)



Guests will touch on such topics as working in comic books; an inside look at how Hillsboro's Oscar-nominated Laika creates animated film; tips on writing and drawing; mask making; and more.



In addition to comics professionals, entertainers and more, celebrity guests will also be on hand to speak, pose for photos and sign autographs (the photo ops and autographs cost extra, and aren't included in the price of admission.) Here are some of the notables who will be on hand:



Tatiana Maslany

You know her from: "Orphan Black"

Photo op, $80; autograph, $65



Alan Tudyk

You know him from: "Firefly"; "Serenity"; "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story"; "Powerless"

Photo op, $65; autograph, $50



Matthew Lewis

You know him from: "Harry Potter" movies; "Me Before You"

Photo op, $65; autograph, $50



John Barrowman

You know him from: "Arrow"; "Doctor Who"; "Torchwood"

Photo op, $65; autograph, $40



Theo Rossi

You know him from: "Sons of Anarchy"; "Luke Cage"

Photo op, $55; autograph, $45



Becky Lynch

You know her from: WWE

Photo op, $45; autograph, $25



AJ Styles

You know him from: WWE

Photo op, $55; autograph, $55



Nichelle Nichols

You know her from: Her classic role as Lt. Uhura, in the "Star Trek" TV series and movies

Photo op, $50; autograph, $50



Ryan Hurst

You know him from: "Sons of Anarchy"; "Bates Motel"

Photo op, $50; autograph, $50



Dean Cain

You know him from: ""Lois& Clark: The New Adventures of Superman"; "Supergirl"; "Smallville"

Photo op, $55; autograph, $50



Lou Ferrigno

You know him from: "The Incredible Hulk"; "Hercules"

Photo op, $55; autograph, $40



Tasya Teles

You know her from: "The 100"; the new "Prison Break"

Photo op, $45; autograph, $30



Charisma Carpenter

You know her from: "Buffy the Vampire Slayer"; "Angel"

Photo op, $55; autograph, $40



Barry Bostwick

You know him from: "The Rocky Horror Picture Show"; "Spin City"

Photo op, $45; autograph, $30



Erik Estrada

You know him from: "CHiPs"; "Sealab 2021"

Photo op, $45; autograph, $40





Larry Wilcox

You know him from: "CHiPs"

Photo op, $40; autograph, $30



Josh McDermitt

You know him from: "The Walking Dead"

Photo op, $65; autograph, $40



Jason Mewes

You know him from: "Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back"; "Clerks"

Photo op, $50



Kato Kaelin

You know him from: His role as a witness in the notorious O.J. Simpson murder trial; various TV projects



Montel Williams

You know him from: Host of "The Montel Williams Show"



Rob Minkoff

You know him from: Filmmaker, whose credits include "The Lion King," "Stuart Little," "Mr. Peabody & Sherman"



Comic Con admission is $39.95 in advance and $50 on site for Friday only; $49.95 in advance and $60 on site for Saturday only; $44.95 in advance and $55 on site for Sunday only; or $79.95 in advance and $90 on site for three-day weekend admission. Up to two children age 10 and under get in free when accompanied by a ticket-buying adult.



For ticket information and more details: http://wizardworld.com/comiccon/portland

-- Kristi Turnquist



kturnquist@oregonian.com

503-221-8227

@Kristiturnquist