“Not too far from home for most of our team, we’re excited to bring a great Imaginarium style comic convention to the great city of Atlanta,” according to a statement on the agency’s website. “We’re looking forward to that laid back ‘southern hospitality’.” If you’d like to congregate with fellow passionate comic enthusiasts, here’s everything you need to know: There will be an impressive list of celebrities. Sean Astin of “Lord of the Rings” fame, Matthew Lewis best known for playing Neville Longbottom in the “Harry Potter” films, Renee O’Connor, who played Gabrielle on the TV show “Xena: Warrior Princess,” are just some of the top tier celebrities that will be in attendance this weekend. The event will also honor the celebrities behind some of cartoon’s most beloved characters, like Rodger Bumpass, voice of Squidward on“Spongebob Squarepants” and Carlos Alazraqui, voice of “Rocko’s Modern Life.” There will be more to do than salivate over celebrities. Atlanta’s inaugural Comic Con will offer various opportunities to purchase and survey a wide spectrum of interests, including comic books, magazines, toys, games, Star Wars, Star Trek, anime, manga, cosplay, artwork, sketches and apparel. There will also be a chance to cosplay with a pro. Yaya Han, an Atlanta-based a costume designer, will be in attendance for some cosplay entertainment. It’s free for kids. Admission runs much cheaper than most weekend-long conventions, with a single-day ticket running just $30. Although, the autograph sessions will cost about $40 a pop. You'll spend money schmoozing with the stars, but not paying for your kids to attend will leave room in your wallet for them. Children can attend Atlanta Comic Con for free. You can purchase tickets now on Eventbrite. There are rules to cosplay. Convention staff and security can opt to inspect attendees’ props to ensure safety during Atlanta Comic Con. Here are the general rules for cosplay: Any real firearms. Any metal weapon with an exposed point or sharpened edge (swords, spears, arrows etc). Metal or wooden baseball bats and/or clubs. Any weapon or prop that produces a flame. Airsoft, paintball, and bb/pellet weapons. Parking, directions and more. You can take MARTA to the convention, which will be held at the Georgia World Congress Center, 285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW, Atlanta. The route is along the Blue and Green Lines, with two rail stations serving the GWCC: the Vine City stop and the GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Station. The Georgia World Congress Center has online parking reservations. For Friday and Saturday, parking is available for purchase now. For Sunday, a code is required to purchase online; that code is ACOMIC18. You can reserve your parking now here. RELATED Explore Author Book signing events in Atlanta Explore Upcoming Atlanta festivals<doc-sep>UPDATED with Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday events: Still finishing up its final season, Game of Thrones won’t be unleashing its Hall H power this year but television will still be storming Comic-Con this year. With what may be Andrew Lincoln’s last appearance, The Walking Dead will be there, as Amazon’s Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan, the SDCC debut of new Doctor Who Jodie Whittaker in Hall H plus a sneak peek at Syfy’s highly anticipated adaptation of Deadly Class by Avengers Infinity War directors the Russo Bros. The CW, CBS Add to that, Warner Bros. TV is coming out in full force with 15 shows — but that’s not to say that they are having all the fun. From network reboots (Charmed) to veteran shows (Supernatural) to reunions (Breaking Bad) to newbies (Cloak & Dagger), Comic-Con is busting at the seams with shows for the masses of discerning fanboys and fangirls setting up shop in San Diego from July 19-22 for the confab. Marvel’s presence at SDCC this year is scarce — nay — practically non-existent on the film side, but they’ll be throwing us a bone with TV as they push Netflix’s Iron Fist as well as Legion, The Gifted and their newest series Cloak & Dagger on Freeform. Other surprises may pop up, but those should keep Marvel fans satisfied. . WBTV is showing up and showing out with mainstays The Flash, Arrow, DC’s Legends of Tomorrow, Supergirl, and Supernatural. Archie and the gang will also make their annual Comic-Con visit as Riverdale makes their Hall H debut. Among the new shows making their Comic-Con debut are Manifest, Mayans M.C., and Castle Rock while reboots for Charmed and Magnum P.I. are set to take the stage. Fans of Breaking Bad will be treated to a 10-year anniversary reunion and of course, it wouldn’t be Comic-Con without Star Trek: Discovery beaming in to energize the crowd. As in past years, Deadline will also be having a big presence at SDCC. Co-Editor-in-chief Mike Fleming Jr will be leading our team of Senior Editor Dominic Patten, Amanda N’Duka, and Dino-Ray Ramos. See ya on the convention floor. We’ll update over the next few days but see our “best of” schedule below: Wednesday, July 18 Special Preview Night Screenings: Manifest, The 100, and Freedom Fighters: The Ray 6-10 PM, Ballroom 20 Thursday, July 19 Behind the Music 10th Anniversary: Crime, Death and Resurrection 10AM, Room 25ABC TV Composer panel includes Mac Quayle (Mr. Robot, American Horror Story), Siddhartha Khosla (This Is Us, Marvel’s Runaways), Jared Faber (Teen Titans Go! to the Movies, Captain Underpants), Jim Dooley (A Series of Unfortunate Events), Sherri Chung (Riverdale, Blindspot), and Kris Bowers (Dear White People). Moderated by Jon Huertas (This Is Us) and Sara Rue (A Series of Unfortunate Events). Siren 11AM, Indigo Ballroom Freeform’s mermaid drama dives into season 2 with Panelists EPs Eric Wald and Emily Whitesell, with series stars Eline Powell, Alex Roe, Fola Evans-Akingbola, Ian Verdun, and Rena Owen. Charmed 11:15 AM-12:15 PM, Ballroom 20 Panelists: Stars Melonie Diaz, Sarah Jeffery, Madeleine Mantock, and Rupert Evans along with producers Jennie Snyder Urman, Jessica O’Toole and Amy Rardin will be on hand after a sneak peek of episode 1 of the reboot. BBC Doctor Who 11:45AM, Hall H Meet the 13th Doctor, played by Jodie Whittaker, joined by co-stars, Tosin Cole, and Mandip Gill, who play Ryan and Yasmin, as well as series showrunner Chris Chibnall and EP Matt Strevens. Tell Me a Story 12:15-12:45 PM, Ballroom 20 Panelists: Join executive producer Kevin Williamson, as well as series stars Paul Wesley and James Wolk, for an exclusive sneak peek of the CBS All Access series followed by a panel discussion. Tell Me a Story is a reimagining of fairy tales such as “The Three Little Pigs,” “Little Red Riding Hood” and “Hansel and Gretel.” These stories come to life as dark and twisted psychological thrillers interweaving with each other against the backdrop of modern day New York City. Sky A Discovery of Witches 1 PM, Ballroom 20 The new Sky series from across the pond doesn’t have a distributor yet, but will likely be announced at SDCC. It’s based on Deborah Harkness’ fantasy trilogy. The cast and creatives are on hand to discuss including Teresa Palmer, Matthew Goode, Alex Kingston and Owen Teale along with Harkness. YouTube’s Origin 1 PM, Indigo Ballroom From the producers of The Crown and Strike Back. StarsTom Felton, Natalia Tena, Nora Arnezeder, Sen Mitsuji, and writer/creator/executive producer Mika Watkins and director Paul W. S. Anderson will chat about their new sci-fi series. In Origin, a group of outsiders seek a clean slate on a colonized planet but are jarred awake on their journey as an asteroid collision damages their spaceship, leaving them stranded. The abandoned passengers discover a terrifying truth and must work together for survival, quickly realizing that one of them is far from who they claim to be. Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 1:45-2:45 PM, Room 6A Panelists: The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are back with Nickelodeon’s brand-new mutation of New York’s half-shell heroes. Joining the discussion is the new voice cast: Omar Miller as Raph, Ben Schwartz as Leo, Josh Brener as Donnie, Brandon Mychal Smith as Mikey, Kat Graham as April O’Neil, and Eric Bauza as Splinter. They will be joined by co-executive producers Andy Suriano and Ant Ward, and legendary voice director Rob Paulsen. The panel will also feature never-before-seen clips from the upcoming series. Nightflyers 3 PM, Indigo Ballroom Cast and creators will chat about the new Syfy series from Game of Thrones’ author George R.R. Martin. In Conversation with Robert Kirkman 3 PM, Room 6A The Walking Dead EP and comic book creator hablas about his career. AMC Better Call Saul 3:30-4:30 PM, Hall H Panelists: Bob Odenkirk, Banks, Esposito, Rhea Seehorn, Michael Mando, Patrick Fabian, Vince Gilligan and co-creator Peter Gould. Van Helsing 4-5 PM, Indigo Ballroom Panelists: Stars of the Syfy action horror series Kelly Overton, Jonathan Scarfe, Vincent Gale, Aleks Paunovic, Rukiya Bernard, and Trezzo Mahoro will join creator/showrunner Neil LaBute and executive producers Mike Frislev and Chad Oakes to give fans an exclusive first-look at what’s in store for the upcoming third season. Magnum P.I. 4:15-5:30 PM, Room 6A Panelists: Fans will get to watch a sneak peek of episode 1 and afterwards, stars Jay Hernandez and Perdita Weeks and executive producers Peter Lenkov and Eric Guggenheim will talk about the revival and participate in a Q&A. Breaking Bad 10th Anniversary Panel 4:30-5:30 PM, Hall H Panelists: Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul, Dean Norris, Anna Gunn, Bob Odenkirk, Giancarlo Esposito, Betsy Brandt, Jonathan Banks, RJ Mitte and Breaking Bad creator Vince Gilligan will reunite for the anniversary. Z Nation 5 PM, Indigo Ballroom Panelists: D.J. Qualls, Kellita Smith, Russell Hodgkinson, Karl Schaefer, and surprise panelists discuss the 5th and possibly final season of the Syfy series. Crazy Ex-Girlfriend: The Final Curtain Call 5:45–6:30 PM, Room 6A Panelists: Show co-creators Rachel Bloom and Aline Brosh McKenna look back on some of the series’ most memorable moments and talk about what’s ahead for the CW series. The panel will be moderated by series guest star Michael McMillian and will include a special performance and never-before-seen footage. Netflix Iron Fist 6–7 PM, Ballroom 20 Panelists: Executive Producer and Marvel’s Head of Television, Jeph Loeb welcomes surprise guests from the Netflix Marvel series ahead of its Season 2 launch. Black Summer 6-7 PM, Indigo Ballroom Panelists: Attendees will get a first look at the spin-off to Syfy’s Z Nation. Cast and creators to attend are TBD. Brooklyn Nine-Nine 7 PM, Indigo Ballroom The series that NBC saved after Fox axed is coming to SDCC. They have this slot RSVPed with a TBD of who’ll be there. Mr. Mercedes 8-9 PM, Room 7AB Panelists: Creators and cast of the AT&T Audience Network’s hit series written by David E. Kelley and Dennis Lehane and directed by Jack Bender make their second Comic-Con appearance and talk about what to expect in the second season. Friday, July 20 Inside The Big Bang Theory Writers’ Room 10:15–11:15 AM, Ballroom 20 Panelists: Join The Big Bang Theory writers and producers as they return to San Diego to take you inside the biggest moments of season eleven. AMC The Walking Dead and Fear The Walking Dead 11:15 – 1:15 PM, Hall H Panelists: this sprawling panel will include Andrew Lincoln, Danai Gurira, Melissa McBride, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Norman Reedus, FearTWD’s Alycia Debnam-Carey, Colman Domingo and Lennie James plus EPs Gale Anne Hurd, Robert Kirkman and new TWD showrunner Angela Kang among others. If past years are any indication expect to learn the premiere date of the new season of TWD and see a sneak preview of what is expected to Linclon’s final year on the show. Vikings 11:30AM, Ballroom 20 Panelists: Series creator/writer Michael Hirst will be joined by stars Katheryn Winnick, Clive Standen, Alexander Ludwig, Alex Høgh Andersen, and Georgia Hirst to talk about the forthcoming season of the History’s epic drama. World Premiere of Hulu’s Castle Rock 12:45-2 PM, Ballroom 20 Panelists: After a screening of the first episode of J.J. Abrams and Stephen King’s psychological horror series, join show creators and executive producers Sam Shaw and Dustin Thomason along with stars Sissy Spacek, Bill Skarsgard, Melanie Lynskey, and Jane Levy as they discuss the most tragic and disturbing town in America. INVADER ZIM: Enter the Florpus! 1-2 PM, Room: 6A Panelists: Nickelodeon’s forthcoming new movie lands at Comic-Con with Original series creator Jhonen Vasquez, art director Jenny Goldberg, and voice talent Richard Horvitz, Rikki Simons, Wally Wingert, and Kevin McDonald. They will present behind-the-scenes art and exclusive brand-new footage. Star Trek: Discovery 1:30-2:30 PM, Hall H Panelists: Cast members scheduled to appear include Sonequa Martin-Green, Doug Jones, Shazad Latif, Mary Wiseman, Anthony Rapp, Wilson Cruz, Mary Chieffo and Anson Mount, alongside executive producers Alex Kurtzman and Heather Kadin. The panel will be moderated by series guest star Tig Notaro, who will appear as Chief Engineer Reno. Amazon Amazon Mega-panel: Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan, Good Omens, The Tick, Homecoming, Lore, The Expanse 3:30PM-5:30PM, Ballroom 20 Panelists: Carlton Cuse, Executive Producer of Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan, The Tick creator Ben Edlund; Sam Esmail, director of Homecoming; Neil Gaiman, creator-writer-showrunner of Good Omens; Lore Executive Producer Gale Anne Hurd and Naren Shankar, showrunner of The Expanse. Bob’s Burgers 4:15-5:10 PM, Indigo Ballroom Panelsts: Creator and EP Loren Bouchard, and cast H. Jon Benjamin, Dan Mintz, Eugene Mirman, John Roberts, Kristen Schaal and Larry Murphy talk next season and drop exclusive footage. Archer 5:15M, Indigo Ballroom Season 9 talk about Danger Island and some chatter about season 10 with voice cast H. Jon Benjamin, Aisha Tyler, Jessica Walter, Chris Parnell, Amber Nash, and Lucky Yates, plus executive producers Adam Reed and Matt Thompson, co-executive producer Casey Willis and art director Chad Hurd. Marvel’s Cloak & Dagger 5:45–6:45 PM, Ballroom 20 Panelists: Executive Producer and head of Marvel Television, Jeph Loeb moderates a panel with stars Olivia Holt, Aubrey Joseph, Emma Lahana, Ally Maki and executive producer/showrunner Joe Pokaski. The panel will also include a special look at exclusive, never-before-been-seen footage. The Passage 6-7 PM, Room 6A Panelists: Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Saniyaa Sidney, Henry Ian Cusick, Jamie McShane, executive producer Liz Heldens, executive producer/ director Jason Ensler and author Justin Cronin will be on hand for a Q&A after Fox’s world premiere screening of this epic thriller based on Justin Cronin’s best-selling fantasy book trilogy. The Last Sharknado: It’s About Time 7PM, Room 6BCF Stars Tara Reid, Cassie Scerbo and Ian Ziering. Preacher 7:30 PM, Hall H Season 3 chat with EPs Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, showrunner Sam Catlin, stars Dominic Cooper, Ruth Negga, and Joseph Gilgun. Saturday, July 21 Steven Universe 10-10:50 AM, Inidigo Ballroom Panelists: Estelle (Garnet), Michaela Dietz (Amethyst), Deedee Magno Hall (Pearl), Zach Callison (Steven), and the true diamond authority series creator Rebecca Sugar will share insights about the show and make announcements. Unikitty! 10-11 AM, Room 6DE Panelists: Producers Lynn Wang and Ed Skudder, animation director Anna Hollingsworth and the voice cast, Tara Strong, Grey Griffin, Eric Bauza, H. Michael Croner, and Roger Craig Smith will be there to share a brand-new episode and answer your questions. WBTV Black Lightning<doc-sep>
The United, Cindy McCloud said, fulfilled a need in the city. “I don’t think it’ll ever replace American football, but it’s giving football a run for its money,” she said. Sunday’s throngs of people felt a little like Labor Day weekend, when the city’s core attracts six-figure crowds for Dragon Con, Atlanta Black Pride and the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game. Artist Nate Michaels talks with customers at his vendor booth during the Atlanta Comic Con on Sunday, July 15, 2018, in the Georgia World Congress Center. (Photo: STEVE SCHAEFER / SPECIAL TO THE AJC) Credit: Steve Schaefer Credit: Steve Schaefer "It's an interesting mix," said Travis Hutto of Douglas. Hutto came to Atlanta from South Georgia this weekend for the inaugural Comic Con. A regular at Dragon Con, Hutto strolled with friends through Centennial Olympic Park dressed as Jason Voorhees from the "Friday the 13th" horror movie series. No one seemed to bat an eye. “You got people in jerseys and Superman outfits,” he said. “It’s a diverse crowd.” T.J. Adkisson, 13, adjusts his Deadpool costume mask near CNN Center as Atlanta United fans head to the game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday, July 15, 2018. (Photo: STEVE SCHAEFER / SPECIAL TO THE AJC) Credit: Steve Schaefer Credit: Steve Schaefer Kids splashed in the park’s fountain to ward off the heat and tourists cycled through nearby attractions, including the World of Coca-Cola and the Georgia Aquarium. People file past a large SEC sign during the inaugural SEC Summerfest in Centennial Olympic Park on Sunday, July 15, 2018. This free event was a first-of-its-kind and was being held in conjunction with the SEC's annual football media days. (Photo: STEVE SCHAEFER / SPECIAL TO THE AJC) Credit: Steve Schaefer Credit: Steve Schaefer By late afternoon, fans sporting jerseys of the Georgia Bulldogs, Florida Gators, Alabama Crimson Tide and others filled the park for SEC Summerfest. The festival was the kickoff for SEC Media Days — in Atlanta for the first time — where representatives of all 14 SEC schools will gather this week as a prelude for the highly anticipated 2018 season. The marquee event for Bennie and Vandy McDonald of Locust Grove was an appearance by Georgia head coach Kirby Smart at a live broadcast of the SEC Nation show. Bennie McDonald appeared bemused by the soccer crowd, declaring college football the event to see in town. Jassmine Calhoun holds her son Jmankis Jennings, 2, while he throws a football into a large net during the Inaugural SEC Summerfest in Centennial Olympic Park on Sunday, July 15, 2018. (Photo: STEVE SCHAEFER / SPECIAL TO THE AJC) Credit: Steve Schaefer Credit: Steve Schaefer The Bulldogs' dream season, which included an SEC title and thrilling win in the Rose Bowl over the Oklahoma Sooners, ended in heartbreaking fashion with an overtime loss to the Tide in the national championship game. Vandy McDonald said she and her husband went to Georgia’s spring football game and Summerfest to prepare for the new season. “We’re going to win it,” she said. “Georgia is going all the way.”