Wizard World Comic Con celebrates pop culture

The family-friendly event celebrates pop culture - from superheroes to comic book artists to TV vampires.

There will be autograph sessions, Q&As, panels, screenings, costume contests and more.

This year's attendees include David Tennant (“Doctor Who,” “Broadchurch”), Ian Somerhalder (“The Vampire Diaries”), William Shatner (“Star Trek”), John Schneider (“Smallville,” “Dukes of Hazzard”), Tyler Hoechlin (“Teen Wolf”) and Sean Astin (Lord of the Rings Trilogy).

Former "Power Ranger" Jason David Frank will be judging the adult costume contest Saturday night and hosting an all-ages martial arts class Sunday. He describes Wizard World as a place to "let your inner geek shine."

Frank will be meeting with fans, signing autographs and taking photos during paid events throughout the weekend.

This weekend will be WWE diva Eva Marie's second Wizard World event. The star of E!'s "Total Divas" said she has been meeting a lot more of female fans thanks to the reality show. Her favorite part is when she sees fans rocking hair colors similar to her famous red hue. She looks forward to interacting with those fans in Raleigh.

"Without the fans, I am nothing," she said.

Actor Sean Astin has attended 10 pop culture fan conventions last year.

"It's a way of life for a lot of different actors that have been apart of a movie that has been a part of pop culture," he said.

Astin has appeared in a list iconic films that make him perfect for a fan event like Wizard World. A star of "Lord of the Rings and "Rudy," Astin said most fans want to talk about the cult classic "Goonies."

Astin said the best part is connecting with fans and even seeing the same ones years later.

If you want to get an autograph or photo with Astin, that will cost you extra. General admission tickets do not cover autographs or photos. Those fees can run you $20 (for an autograph from WWE's Eva Marie) to $100 (for a signed pic from "Doctor Who" star David Tennant.) Photos run from $40 for a pic with Eva Marie to $85 with "The Vampire Diaries" star Ian Somerhalder.

Tennant's photo ops are sold out. The only way you are going to get a pic with him is to buy the "Tennat V.I.P." pass for $375. That gets you into Tennant's exclusive Q&A and includes your autograph and photo opts.