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IT'S FINALLY HERE
 Wizard World Chicago is finally upon us, and with all the hype of
this major event it was something I was very much looking forward to
for a very long time. It was almost one month ago that I wrote the
first article relating to this event (titled “Getting Ready for the
Show”), and you can tell just by reading it how anxious I was for
the show to get here. Well, it’s Thursday which means it is the
first official day of Wizard World Chicago.
PREMIER NIGHT
This year was the first time Wizard Universe decided to do what they
call “Premier Night,” which meant you could have three hours to get
some cool autographs from some major people (unfortunately all were
not Star Wars related), and do a lot of shopping with the huge
variety of dealers that were present there. Wizard’s website really
didn’t go into too much detail as to what the evening would bring to
us, but Wayne (Reconsgt) and I were most certainly going to show up
to support the Sandtrooper cause.
Upon arrival we were able to immediately find a great parking spot
across the street from the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, and
it took us no time to get into the building. As soon as we walked
into the building we spotted Pat (Jedi Scholar 8) standing in a line
with his brother-in-law (Nick), who were waiting to get into the
show. We chatted with them for a little while, and then decided it
was time to go pick up our press badges that were waiting for us.
So we walked up to the booth that was supposedly handing out the
press badges, and we immediately learned that they weren’t giving
out press badges tonight. They informed us that we would be able to
pick them up tomorrow morning (Friday), but we would be able to get
a single day badge for only $10 each at another booth. So, we moved
over to this new booth, which was closed at the moment, and we were
informed we could buy the tickets at 4:00pm. We had to wait over 90
minutes to be told that they weren’t selling one day badges since it
was Premier Night, but they were happy to announce that we could buy
a 4-day pass for $60 each. This is where I just about flipped out.
Now I’m not going to go into full details about this, only because
what could have been a very ugly moment for us, was later rectified
by a very nice and helpful individual. Instead of being brushed off
like we initially were, this other person helped get us our press
badges and also got us into the show. So with his help, we finally
made it onto the Wizard World floor.
TIME TO DO SOME SHOPPING
Wayne and I really didn’t have much set in stone that we had to
accomplish tonight, so it was going to be just wandering around
checking out all the various dealer tables. Wayne brought with him a
list of some items that he was very much in need of, but I was
pretty much just searching for some good deals.
 We met up with several dealers who were selling Star Wars related
toys and collectibles, and I could be here all night long writing
about all the different items these people were selling. Out of all
the things we say there, the one item that really stuck out the most
was this 3-D poster that was sold at Celebration III. What was so
unique about this piece was that it was autographed by Dave Prowse
and Irvin Kirschner, and this item was pleading to come home with
me. The price seemed a little steep to me so I passed on picking it
up, but if it’s still there by the end of the weekend I might just
decide to get it. It looked amazing!
 I ran into Jim from
Federation Toys, and like previous years he had
tons of Star Wars items for sale on his tables. He was able to get a
really good location, right in the heart of all the dealer tables,
and even on a corner which should really help bring in some good
business. He had a lot of great deals there, but unfortunately
everything he brought were items that I already have in my
collection.
 Speaking of items that I was looking for, the one thing I was
looking hard for was a post OTC Sandtrooper figure. Not one single
dealer had this for sale, and none of them have had one for quite
some time. One guy mentioned he had sold one a few weeks ago for
only $10, and I sure wish he had it for sale tonight because it
would have been coming home with me. I did come home with quite a
few things which included the following: 12” Saga Obi-Wan Kenobi and Garindan, three different Titanium Series vehicles (TIE Fighter,
Slave I and the Millennium Falcon), and three vintage figures (Hoth
Luke Skywalker and two Death Squad Commanders). Wayne bought a bunch
of things, but his biggest steal of the evening was a vintage AT-AT
for $15 and a POTF2 AT-ST for $10. Both items are in great
condition, but the AT-AT was missing some guns and the side door
panel.
For only having three hours to patrol the area, I think Wayne and I
came out on top with some really good deals. It’s almost midnight
now, and I’m in much need of rest so this is Sandtrooper dustrho
signing off.
PHOTO GALLERY
To see the photo gallery
containing 28 photos click
here.
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