0
0
The Fan Expo is Chicago’s longest running comic con, previously known as Wizard World. It yearly makes a stop in the Windy City in the month of August. This year fans didn’t have to wait deep into August as the con took place for a full four days from Thursday, August 10 through Sunday the 13th at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL.
A huge list of big names graced the event, among them were icons Susan Sarandon, Kiefer Sutherland, Mira Sorvino, among many others, legendary comic artists Frank Miller, Chris Claremont and many more. But the main attraction was the reunion of the cast of Back to the Future. In attendance were Michael J. Fox (rare appearance), Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson and Tom Wilson.
The event was packed as usual. I had a chance to visit all the days. Each one had something different to offer, with panels, guests and events. I had a chance to catch Spider-Verse star Shameik Moore’s panel and Paul Walter Hauser’s. Fun panels. Fans were super excited to see him. The one drawback of the weekend was the actors ability to speak on their projects as the actors union (SAG) are in a middle of strike currently.
Another entertaining room I discovered was the video game room. It had about a dozen Japanese arcade games in it. Some I’ve never seen before. It was cool. I played a Pokemon fighter game! Think Mortal Kombat/Street Fighter but with Pokemon characters.
It was fun walking the floor and seeing the numerous amount of clever and creative cosplay costumes. It seems like every year the attendees outdo themselves with better and more elaborate outfits.
An underrated aspect of the con is the artists and vendors. They are the heart of the event so always cool to check out the creatives and their unique work. It’s hard to be bored at an event like the Fan Expo, so much to do and you have have things scheduled hourly throughout the entire day.
Another year and another success for the Fan Expo. Chicago keeps turning out in masses and many more come into town from around the country and world. This year had a new entry arrangement, it required some extra maneuvering, but it was set-up well in one space, so once you got through the security checkpoints and check-in, you were set-free to go. I never had to deal with any lines and waiting to enter, so looks like it was a success.
FAN EXPO CHICAGO will return August 16-18, 202
For more information visit the Fan Expo website
