C2E2 Show Floor. Photo by Marielle Shaw
We had to wait an extra month to kick of Chicago's "nerd season" this year, but
C2E2 is finally upon us as of Friday, and it's been worth the extra month's wait! This year's only comic-con in the city proper is packed to the brim with comic, lit, game and screen guests, and we're super excited to dive in.
Last year during Wizard World, we gave some
tips for con first-timers, so check back on that if you wish, but for now, settle in for a day-by-day look at some of the most interesting things on the massive lineup for this year's event at McCormick Place. If you have already purchased tickets or will be purchasing online, you can set up your own agenda on the website just by entering your confirmation code and registering. Ticket prices are higher at the doors during the con, so if you see anything that excites you, we recommend
buying ahead of Friday's floor opening.
We also encourage you to look at the daily happenings at C2E2, like the
Popup Library for those looking to expand their literary range and the
Marvel Portfolio Review, where aspiring artists can submit their portfolio of drawings for review by Marvel staff, and even get a chance for feedback sessions.
cosplayers at C2E2. Photo by Marielle Shaw
FRIDAY:
Friday is Day One of the con, and it comes out of the gates strong.
11:30 – 12:30 pm –
Wil Wheaton Spotlight - Whether you're a loyal twitter follower or a fan of him on
Star Trek, Tabletop or
The Big Bang Theory, you won't want to miss this chance to get to know Wil a little bit better and perhaps get a chance to ask your own question in Q&A
11:15 – 12:15 pm –
How I Learned to Stop Worrying And Love Webcomics – this panel features Sohmer and Lar, the duo behind
Looking for Group AND
Least I Could Do, and having been a part of their online community and fans of their comics for years, I think this will be a great, warm and welcoming panel for enthusiasts and artists alike.
(If you're torn, why not attempt both? It's a bit of a jog, but you can double-dip if you want)
12:45 – 1:45 pm–
Zachary Levi Spotlight – If you, like us, have been lacking something since the last days of the BuyMore, then be happy. Zachary Levi, known to many of us as Chuck, will be here, to talk all things
Chuck, Tangled, Geek Squad and more. This might be one of our favorite things all weekend.
2:45- 3:45 pm –
You Can Make Games- As the name implies, this is a crash course on how to make games- both video and board, led by DePaul professors of game design Bobby Schweizer and Jay Margalus. If you've ever wondered, wander in.
5:45 – 6:45 - Michael Cudlitz Spotlight – WalkerStalker Con was not the end, Walking Dead fans. Attend this panel and get plenty of time for your burning questions to be answered, and dirt dug up from the set.
Cosplay at C2E2. Photo by Marielle Shaw
SATURDAY:
Saturday would be a great day to go if you can only go one day. The varied nature of panels and activities means you could hardly leave disappointed.
11:00 - 12:00 pm –
Gender Identity: Understanding Through Art : Spotlight panels with big names are fun, but sometimes the most uplifting, special moments happen at panels like this. This panel seeks to embrace diversity and discuss the changing nature of gender and gender identity through the lens of graphic novels and other fictional representations and should be food for thought.
12:30-1:30 pm - One Punch Man panel – If you've not heard of
One Punch Man, now might be the time to look it up. Absurd and utterly interesting, it's been gathering quite a bit of steam lately, and C2E2 will both host a meet and greet earlier on Saturday as well as a panel for all One Punch Fans to hit. Once.
12:15-1:15 pm –
Jim Cummings Spotlight: If the name doesn't jump right out at you, that's ok. We'll help: Pooh. As in Winnie the Pooh, of course! Also, Darkwing Duck and many other voices we all grew up with. This promises nostalgia and fun.
1:30 – 2:30 pm - Evanna Lynch Spotlight:
Harry Potter fans will have plenty to see this year, and it starts with this panel. Luna Lovegood was a favorite of ours, and we're always excited to hear more behind the scenes from this franchise.
4:00 – 5:00 pm - The Value of Mental Illness: Finding Resilience in Pain: This is a topic
Carrie Fisher championed, and it's a topic that needs to be discussed more. In this panel, mental illness is out in the open and discussed as a value. If you've ever hid from it, take a leap of faith and let the panelists help you learn why you're different but not broken, and how to shine.
5:15 – 6:15 pm - Japan Time podcast Nintendo Switchin' It Up – It's all things Nintendo on the discussion plate for this hour. Whether or not you've been able to acquire a Switch, you will be able to learn all about it and even win some Nintendo Swag.
7:00 – 9:00 pm - C2E2 Championships of Cosplay – This is what many people consider the main event of the con, and it's an amazing event. This represents the upper eschalon of cosplay competitors and is always amazing to see.
Cosplay at C2E2. Photo by Marielle Shaw
SUNDAY:
If you thought Sunday was the slack-off you were sorely mistaken. Sunday is star-studded, from Stranger Things and Daredevil to Potter and Supernatural. Wear your comfiest con clothes and hit the floor one more time for these choice events:
11:00 to 12:00 pm –
Vincent D'Onofrio Spotlight – D'Onofrio's credits are far too many to mention here, but we especially loved him on
Daredevil, and are excited to get to hear from him.
12:15 to 1:15 pm –
Millie Bobby Brown Spotlight - We saw tons of Eleven cosplay at Wizard World Chicago last August, so we know everyone will be psyched to see Millie Bobby Brown in the flesh for a panel.
1:30 – 2:30 pm -
Always Forward with Mike Colter – Netflix has put out some amazing stuff lately, and one of our favorites was
Luke Cage. The man who embodies him is center stage for this panel, and we can't wait to hear more about what's to come next season and what's already transpired.
2:45 – 3:45 pm -
Jason Isaacs Spotlight –
Potter fans will once more be in the presence of a favorite. He's more of a love to hate, but Malfoy certainly makes an impression. We're also super excited to hear more about his leading role on
Star Trek Discovery, but tend to think not a lot will be able to be said. Still, it's worth a shot.
4:00 – 5:00 pm -
Supernatural Fan Panel- Carry on, my wayward C2E2ers. There's time for sleep later. Now's the time for Sam and Dean and Crowley and everything you love about
Supernatural. If you ask us, there's hardly a better way to be played off.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This list is just a SMALL sampling of the events happening at C2E2 2017. We hope it gives you an idea of what to look forward to, but you'd be remiss not to check out the whole schedule and make some plans of your own, whether you have tickets or need them.
We'll see you on the floor, Chicago!
Look for more coverage of the con right here all week!
