Wizard Conventions, a division of Wizard Entertainment, has announced that Wizard World Philadelphia, held May 21-23 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, had a paid and promotional attendance total of 25,500, up almost 16% from last year's show (see 'Wizard World East Draws 21,000').

This year's event was highlighted by the $85,000 sale of a very high quality copy of Superman's first appearance in Action Comics #1.  Pros appearing at the show included Marvel's Editor-in-Chief, Joe Quesada, Adam and Andy Kubert, and Michael (Aspen) Turner.  Actress Eliza (Tru Calling) Dushka appeared at a Q & A session and signed autographs.

This marks two years of sharply increased turnout (up over 55% in two years) since Wizard started the show.  Wizard also has had a strong start for its SoCal show (see 'Wizard World L.A. Beats Forecasts').