Wizard World Shifts Gears

[JeffSaylor]

Wizard and ToyFare cease publication. Focus on new website and convention tour...

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Word began spreading earlier today that both Wizard and ToyFare magazine had ceased publication. That speculation has been confirmed true by Wizard Public Relations, Jerry Milani, who informs us that "Wizard World, Inc. immediately will begin production on an online publication and will launch "Wizard World" beginning in February. This will allow us to reach our widest possible audience in a format that is increasingly popular and more readily accessible. Wizard Entertainment is ceasing publication of the print magazines Wizard and ToyFare".

An official press elaborates...

GAREB SHAMUS UNDERTAKES PUBLIC COMPANY WIZARD WORLD, INC. AND LAUNCHES NEW ONLINE PUBLICATION ‘WIZARD WORLD’

New York, NY (January 24, 2011) – Gareb Shamus, recently appointed President and CEO of public company Wizard World, Inc. (“Wizard World”) (OTC: GOEE.PK), today announced that the Comic Con Tour, which consists of pop culture conference events that provide high visibility marketing opportunities to pop culture brands and companies in multiple venues throughout the year, is now being produced by public company Wizard World. The Wizard World Comic Con Tour intends to cover 12 cities in 2011, including major cities such as New York City, Boston, Chicago, Philadelphia, Austin and New Orleans. The Tour will include sponsors ranging from major movie studios and TV networks to gaming and toy companies to content publishers.

In addition, Wizard World plans to launch in February 2011 an all-new digital magazine called ‘Wizard World’ that will appeal to pop-culture fans, the same audience to which Mr. Shamus has catered to, for over 20 years. Wizard World digital magazine will provide coverage of the world of comic books, toys and superheroes, and the personalities behind them.

“This is a very exciting day for Wizard World and the industries it serves,” said Shamus. “Having the Tour produced by a public company provides additional opportunities to expand and grow the Tour. The new digital magazine Wizard World will give consumers the content they want in a magazine format with which they are familiar, but distributed in a form that is always available at any time on any device. It is a natural evolution for us in this market.”

Wizard World Comic Con will begin its North American tour at New Orleans Comic Con held from January 29 to 30, 2011. The full event schedule can be found at wizardworld.com.

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[ZombieSlayer909]

Does this mean no more Twisted Toyfare Theater?!

[mephisto1138]

Wow! That's... HUGE! Print publication is such a nightmare right now... I'm an art director for two publications and there is so much breath holding in magazine publishing right now, its terrifying. Wizard is sure handling it right though, I hope this is all for the best for them and they stay around a good long while.

On a side note, have I really been reading those off and on for 20 years? Holy crap! lol

[JessHorsley]

Sad thing is the only way to now read Toyfare on the toilet is via smart phone or lap top...