C2E2: Comics, Costumes, Celebs & Lots of Entertaining Fun!

Gabrielle Bondi

13 years ago

This was my first year at the Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo (C2E2), and I wasn’t sure what to expect. I had gone to San Diego Comic Con last year, so I couldn’t predict how C2E2 would measure to it. Well, I happily found out that C2E2 is a great time in a totally different way than SDCC. For one thing, it’s way less crowded and that’s always a plus in my book. But honestly, C2E2 allows you a better chance to discover something new. At SDCC, I’m always scrambling to go to certain panels or booths. While at C2E2, I was able to go to the things I liked and ALSO have a chance to attend a panel I normally wouldn’t go to, and I ended up learning a lot. If you happen to be in the Chicago area next year for C2E2, you MUST go.

Anyway, if you been following us on Twitter or Facebook, you’ll know that I live-updated during my couple days at C2E2. Here’s pretty much a round-up of my time there, along with pictures and videos!

One of the first panels I attended was for Chad Michael Murray. I’ll admit I was clueless as to why he was there, but eventually found out that Murray had written a graphic novel called Everlast. He talks a bit about Everlast and being an actor and writer in the video below:

The next panel I went to was for Val Kilmer. Okay, I’ll admit that I looooove Batman Forever. Maybe not as much as Chris Nolan’s Batman trilogy, but as a kid, that was one of the movies that I would watch ALL THE TIME. (Now, I got the Seal song stuck in my head.) Kilmer Q&A ended up being way funnier and entertaining than I thought it would. Kilmer talked about his upcoming one man show on Mark Twain, and some possible upcoming projects. In addition, he told some great stories from his early days in acting. His impersonation of Marlon Brando was great. Watch the videos below to see some parts of the Q&A!

On Sunday, I attended the John Cusack Q&A, which was… interesting. Cusack was there to talk about his latest movie The Raven, in which he plays Edgar Allan Poe. He started out describing the massive effect Poe has had on pop culture, that was pretty fascinating and revealing. However, once the questions went to the floor, the panel sort of went downhall. Most of the questions were fans asking for hugs, pictures, kisses, favors and whatever. The rest were interesting or genuinely witty questions. However, I felt like it could gone a little less awkwardly. (Sorry I have no pictures or video from this panel. I forgot my camera’s memory card at home. But trust me, you didn’t miss much.)

Another panel I attended was TheOneRingNet’s The Hobbit. I like the LOTR movies and am looking forward to The Hobbit. But I can’t say that I had been actively following the movie and casting news around it. Thanks to this panel, I’m all up-to-date with everything on The Hobbit and even more looking forward to seeing it!

The rest of my time at C2E2 was spent on the floor. I spent a majority of time in Artists Alley, looking at the amazing artwork. One of my friends ended up buying some great prints and had them autographed by the artist. I also ventured out of Artist Alley, checked out the collectible toys, posters, comics, and the huge Marvel booth. Thanks to our partners at OurTiempo.com, we were able to give away a pair of VIP screening tickets for The Avengers! But my very favorite thing about the show floor are the costumes! I wasn’t able to get as many pictures as I would like, but I did manage to quite a few which you can see in the photo gallery at the end of the post.

I had a super fun time this weekend, and I’m all psyched up and ready for San Diego this summer! (Also, I’m looking forward to attending C2E2 again next year!)

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