Sometimes it takes an event like Wizard World Comic Con to prove that "nerd" doesn't necessarily mean "dork" nowadays.

Tens of thousands of people swarmed the America's Center this weekend for St. Louis' first-ever Comic Con, a three-day event celebrating pop culture and science fiction. The event -- in which both hardcore nerds and casual fans interact with high-profile actors, artists and writers -- was so popular that Wizard World has already announced plans to return in 2014, with AMC's The Walking Dead stars Norman Reedus and Michael Rooker confirmed to appear.

"The response from St. Louis has been overwhelming," says Jerry Milani, PR manager for Wizard World. "Wizard World was immediately embraced by the fans and the city. The costume contest last night was off-the-charts unbelievable and already rivals the participation we've had in cities where we've held events for years."

Below, we share A-to-Z highlights of the Lou's new favorite convention. Because of St. Louis' high turnout, we're now assuming you know your Harry Potter spells and X-Men origins, unlike in last week's non-nerd guide to the event. Try to keep up.

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Sam Levin

Francis Slay listens to opponent Lewis Reed at a debate last night.

What is the State of the City of St. Louis? Depends on who you ask.

Lewis Reed, the President of the Board of Aldermen, paints a somewhat grim picture -- a divided city that remains unsafe and lacks real economic opportunities. But Mayor Francis Slay, who first took office twelve years ago, describes a St. Louis that has improved dramatically over the last decade and has its struggles -- but is on track for greater prosperity.

Such were the dueling narratives that played out last night at a mayoral candidate forum in which the Democratic incumbent and his primary challenger debated crime, education, economic development -- and race.

See Also:
- Lewis Reed: Francis Slay Opponent More Than Doubles Donations Over Weekend
- "Grim Reaper of Radio" Bob Romanik Top Donor To Francis Slay Opponent

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Over the weekend, our Mexican hermanos and hermanas in St. Louis celebrated the anniversary of their fatherland's fight for freedom from Spain. Daily RFT was there on Cherokee Street to take pics and a video (and shamefully large mouthfuls of food).

Photo by Nicholas Phillips

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Carnahan's wife Debra, in red, laid a big smooch on the congressman after his concession. She was all smiles as she told Daily RFT that she and her husband won't shrink from the public eye. "Missouri is foremost on our mind. We're not going anywhere."

Rep. Russ Carnahan showed up to his election results watch party last night with a concession speech written on some campaign flyers, folded up in his back pocket.

Before taking to the podium at around 10:15 p.m. to concede defeat, Carnahan sipped a pint of Guinness and went around to thank the supporters and strangers who'd come to the Dubliner pub on Washington Ave. to watch results roll in.

"This new First District, it belongs to the people. They deserved a debate," said Carnahan with a somber face. "The people have decided. They have chosen Congressman Lacy Clay. I respect that decision."

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Freddy was noticeably absent at Contamination 2011 (jerk), but the weekend saw other key players. Check out our slideshow for photos that might even haunt your dreams.

This weekend's science fiction/horror/generally strange aesthetic festival, Contamination 2011, had its unfair share of prize moments. The Sheraton Wesport Chalet was a hub of moderately famous meetings (Sean Patrick Flanery from The Boondock Saints, actor Eric Roberts) and cult B-level classics (Kung Fu Rascals, Never Too Young To Die) on constant rotation in its side theater. It also had lots (and lots) of gore and action figures. While you take a look at our photo slideshow of the weekend's eclectic schedule, Daily RFT has documented the five coolest aspects of Contamination 2011.

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Liz Garbus' documentary, Bobby Fischer Against the World, made its premiere at the Tivoli Theatre last night.

The most stunning moment of Bobby Fischer Against the World, the documentary making its premiere at the Tivoli Theatre last night, would be easy to miss if it weren't so eerie.

The charming, 29-year-old chess genius has just won the single greatest match of his life -- and maybe the game's history. During an interview after the fact, his eyes are flat, and when asked what the next chapter of his life holds, his answer is, "My goal is to play a lot more chess. I feel I haven't played enough chess."

That wild, unseeing passion characterized the dynamic life onscreen at the Tivoli last night. Around 300 people showed up for the event, which both celebrated the documentary and highlighted the success of the St. Louis chess scene -- which is gaining a reputation as the chess capital of the country.

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As furiously typed onto my laptop -- while sitting in my car -- following the St. Louis premiere of The Other Guys...

Photos: Jason Stoff

Ferrell: Wants matching necklace to wear "key to St. Louis" around his neck.

​Ferrell and Wahlberg were late to arrive to the Chesterfield Galaxy 14 Cinema last night. The crowd was massive and psyched. Security had to construct barricades to make room for all the extra people.

Apart from Ferrell and Wahlberg, the cavalcade of celebrities was thin. There was an unexpected appearance from Don King, who came out to enjoy the spotlight and talk up the Devon Alexander fight. He also shared the stage with Ozzie Smith for a moment.

[Slideshow: The Others Guy Premiere St. Louis]

Ferrell and Wahlberg finally arrived, but took their time making it to the stage. In a show of class, Ferrell walked all the way to the fans who were furthest away to shake hands and sign some autographs. He and Wahlberg spent a good 30 minutes working the crowd before taking the stage.

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It was a hot day for a PrideFest Parade, even for those stripped down to their Speedos, tighty-whiteys, or leather gimps' skirts. But the heat did not deter the colorful revelers on South Grand yesterday marching in the annual Pride Parade. RFT photographer Steve Truesdell was on hand and offers a full slideshow from PrideFest 2010 in St. Louis.

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Here's a collection of photos from Tuesday afternoon's protest outside the office of Sen. Claire McCaskill on Delmar Boulevard, by those decrying Israel's attack Monday on a group of ships that were trying to deliver humanitarian aid to the Gaza strip -- and by supporters of Israel. Israel and Eygpt have blocked delivery of supplies to Gaza for the past three years out of their concern over the potential for delivery of weapons to Hamas, which gained control over the Palestinian portion of Gaza after the Palestinian parliamentary elections in 2006. Photos by Kholood Eid.

"I am a Jew and I find it repulsive what's being done in my name, the murder of human rights activists bringing aid to people under siege," said Michael Berg of St. Louis.

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If you're one of the seven people who didn't watch the Lost finale last night -- or see any of the show, ever -- you can breathe a little easier this morning. Drive-time radio talkers won't be wheezing about it on-air any longer and publications ranging from your uncle's blog to the New York Times won't waste any more words on it. Here's a recap of our weekend coverage.

Human Chess Game in the Central West End

Photo: Nick Schnelle

Pro boxer Ryan Coyne (black team), gestures to St. Louis Blues player Cam Janssen (second from left, backwards cap) as he's about to attack him. See more photos from the human chess game here.

​ On Friday afternoon, a human chess game got underway in the Central West End at the Chess Club and Scholastic Center of Saint Louis, in conjunction with the national chess championships, being held through Tuesday. Photographer Nick Schnelle brings back these photos of the human chess game.

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