C2E2 (Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo)
McCormick Place
Chicago, IL
March 18-20, 2016
Since 2010, some locals will agree that the beginning of spring is marked by the opening of C2E2 (Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo). There is a breaking in the weather and a bit more sunshine, lost time from those late night celebrations, and a chance for flurried activity focused upon creating and sporting outrageous attire publicly without abandon. Once again, C2E2 presented familiar mega properties (Marvel, Star Wars), a collection of panels with industry professionals and educators (Comics in the classroom), an expanded video and tabletop gaming area, deals on hard sought comics for those serious collectors willing to long box dive, and an opportunity to meet the creators of your favorite books face-to-face.
C2E2, McCormick Place, Chicago, IL, March 18-20, 2016
The 2016 C2E2 installment appears to have grown into a remarkably healthy and nationally respected event for those interested in comics, pop culture, graphic novels, anime, manga, video games, toys, movies, and television. Attendance numbers have not yet been released, yet one would be surprised to see any decline in numbers from last year’s respectable 71,000+ attendees.
C2E2, McCormick Place, Chicago, IL, March 18-20, 2016
The list of talent was long and full. In Artist’s Alley, one could meet such luminaries as Greg Capullo (Batman), Chris Claremont (X-men), Mike Mignola (Hellboy), Yanick Paquette (Swamp Thing) alongside those younger talents like Aaron Alexovich (Invader Zim), Amy Chu (Alpha Girl Comics), and Ben Templesmith (30 Days of Night). This opportunity is essential to the C2E2 experience. More often than not, the artists are affable and looking for a touch of banter. These dialogues breakup their scurried attempts to finish that time sensitive commissioned piece due in less than an hour. Hey, who does not need a little distraction in a large room with 30,000 people roaming aimlessly, dressed in reveling attire? A bit of advise for future attendees: “Don’t hesitate introducing yourself and let the artists know what you love (or want to see) in their books!”
C2E2, McCormick Place, Chicago, IL, March 18-20, 2016
As with each year, one could gage the upcoming trends surfacing in popular culture. Year’s past offered a robust introduction to Before Watchmen, Star Wars; The Force Awakens, and Civil War. There were many Deadpools (even a Santa version), Super Marios, Harley Quinns, and a plethora of characters whom set the foundations for those cherished personal experiences. Yet, unlike previous years, there was a bit of a fog when one wanted to identify that blockbuster must-see property for the coming season. Oddly, there was little initiative by DC Entertainment in promoting the upcoming Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice film. This letdown felt like a snub.
Jeremy Haun and Jason A. Hurley, C2E2, McCormick Place,
Chicago, IL, March 18-20, 2016
One of the highlights this year was meeting Jeremy Haun and Jason A. Hurley. These guys are doing some amazing and insightful work. They are the creators of Image Comic’s Beauty. This meditation on our obsession with outward beauty is smart, timely, and doing that something that one cannot find anywhere else in comics. Beauty is a book you should be reading if you consider yourself adept at noting quality in a time where we are berated with regurgitated formulaic stories. So, go out and buy the book! The trade paperback was recently released and includes the first 6 issues.
Here’s the link: https://imagecomics.com/comics/releases/the-beauty-vol.-1-tp
Yanick Paquette, C2E2, McCormick Place, Chicago, IL, March 18-20, 2016
In closing, C2E2 has evolved to that specific entity that reminds one of those annual holiday gatherings that one may want to find criticism in, yet regularly locates a gem of experience worthy of another look. If you are interested in comics (local or international), video gaming, or the related, you should mark your calendar now for next year. C2E2 is scheduled for April 21–23, 2017.
Additional photographs from the 2016 installment of C2E2:
C2E2, McCormick Place, Chicago, IL, March 18-20, 2016
C2E2, McCormick Place, Chicago, IL, March 18-20, 2016
Mike Mignola, C2E2, McCormick Place, Chicago, IL, March 18-20, 2016
C2E2, McCormick Place, Chicago, IL, March 18-20, 2016
C2E2, McCormick Place, Chicago, IL, March 18-20, 2016
C2E2, McCormick Place, Chicago, IL, March 18-20, 2016
C2E2, McCormick Place, Chicago, IL, March 18-20, 2016
C2E2, McCormick Place, Chicago, IL, March 18-20, 2016
Review and photographs by Chester Alamo-Costello
