The Chicagoland Comic and Entertainment Expo (C2E2) is making its return this weekend at McCormick Place. Fans of anime, comic books, cosplay, video games, and media like movies and TV shows can explore around 840,000 square feet of merchandise tables, rare comics, collectables, celebrity panels, and more.
Since 2010, C2E2 has become a diverse and inclusive hub for artists and fans alike. Sophomore Anthony Flores shares what he enjoys most when visiting comic-cons.
“I haven’t been to C2E2 specifically, but I have been to other cons in the past. My favorite things about them are being able to see cool cosplays as well as the exclusive merch. I have a ton of convention exclusive comic covers, and I’m really happy to have them,” Flores said.
At events such as these, cosplayers and artists find a community to show off their costumes and artwork to others who have similar passions. Artist Alley is another feature at C2E2, where comic book artists, illustrators, and creators can exhibit their community to other fans, potentially selling their works.
Select celebrities will also make an appearance, giving fans the option to pay for an autograph or photo with their favorite icons. Featured celebrities include: Elizabeth Olsen, Charlie Cox, Christopher Eccleson, Stephen Amell, Emily Bett Rickards, David Ramsey, Tyler Hoechlin, Bitsie Tullock, Ioan Gruffud, Michael Chiklis, Steve Burns, Christopher Sabat, Christopher Daniel Barnes, Michael Cudlitz, Jodi Benson, and Colleen Clinkenbeard to name a few.
Alex Mack, junior at South, has attended C2E2 and other comic-con related events before. He expresses his love for Stranger Things, Minecraft Storymode, and Arcane.
“I feel like everyone there is there to enjoy it, it’s not like they’re there to pick fun at you for liking something because everyone wants to be there. Everyone is there to enjoy being around people that like the same things and just kind of connect with other people,” Mack said.
This year, the event will be hosted from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on March 27-28, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m on Sunday, March 29. It’s expected that the visitation will exceed 85,ooo people over the three days, reaching to almost 100,000.
If you’re someone planning on attending, plan ahead accordingly, and map out the booths you’d like to visit beforehand. To beat traffic and parking fees, consider taking public transportation like the Metra. Fans can find tickets available for purchase on the official C2E2 website for admission to individual days, and additional access to photo-ops and autographs from celebrities.
