Comic conventions, like political conventions, are places where groups of like-minded enthusiasts gather for pageantry and the revelation of a superhero to save modern times. Commune with society's saviors with today’s Groupon: for $15, you get one adult ticket to Wizard World Chicago Comic Con at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois (a $35 value; a $25 advanced value). Choose from the following dates:

• Thursday, August 11, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. (up to a $35 value).
• Friday, August 12, from noon to 8 p.m. (up to a $35 value).
• Sunday, August 14, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (up to a $35 value).

Up to two children per ticket ages 10 and younger receive free admission when accompanied by an adult. On Sunday, family-friendly activities are available, including face painting and a kids' costume contest.

The Wizard World Chicago Comic Con herds international artists, writers, and celebrities into the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, creating a superpowered carnival atmosphere. Attendees can wander the pavilion's floor and meet their film and comic-book idols face to face, asking penetrating questions about their artistic processes, favorite projects, and availability to join a vigilante crackdown on line-cutters. The program features a multitude of guests, including a Friday appearance by Sir Patrick Stewart of Star Trek: The Next Generation renown and weekend-long events with Eisner Award-winning writer Brian Azzarello, and Vivica A. Fox of Kill Bill and Independence Day. Comic Con guests can dress up in comic- or movie-themed costumes as elaborate as Rube Goldberg's lamest excuse while they circulate the convention center to collect autographs, merchandise, and photos with fellow enthusiasts.