Photo of “Star Wars Rebels” cast reunion at C2E2 2024 The Xavierite
Throughout the course of this year, more comic cons are happening in the Chicagoland area than ever before. Although each convention is different, there are five that definitely stand out against the others.
5. Days of the Dead Chicago
Days of the Dead Chicago is a convention that brings about guests from the modern horror genre. They have brought about guests in the past such as Samara Lee (“Annabelle: Creation”), and David Howard Thorton (“The Terrifier” franchise).
Even though the guest lists can be mainly horror, you never know who might show up. Just last Nov., famous shock rock artist Alice Cooper attended as a guest.
However, I place this convention at fifth because of its size. Being held at the Crowne Plaza Chicago Ohare Hotel & Conf Ctr, the convention doesn’t have much space to work with. Due to that, it can be quite cramped at times, especially when waiting in lines.
One plus of this convention is that it occurs twice a year, as the rest of the conventions on this list only do once. This year, Days of the Dead Chicago will take place from Mar. 28-30, and May 9-11.
4. Flashback Weekend Chicago
Being another horror convention, Flashback Weekend Chicago lives up to its name. Guests mainly range from iconic stars like Robert Englund (“A Nightmare on Elm Street”) to directors like Joe Dante (“Gremlins”).
Although it is nice to have conventions devoted to certain fanbases, people mainly criticize the lack of guest diversity.
It is held at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare Chicago, another small venue that has problems with space.
Flashback Weekend Chicago will occur from Aug. 1-3 this year.
3. Nightmare Weekend Chicago
Meanwhile, Nightmare Weekend Chicago is occurring for the first time ever this May. Nightmare Weekend is hosted by GalaxyCon, a convention that is noted to be one of the smoothest and best experiences.
With many actors, not all from horror, it gives a variety of talent that guests can choose from to see. As of right now, some of the biggest featured guests that are planned to attend include William Shatner (“Star Trek”), and Danny Trejo (“Machete”).
As well, it is being held at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center. In other words, there will be no issues regarding space. Fans will not be crowding lines.
Nightmare Weekend Chicago will be held from May 2-4.
2. C2E2
C2E2 was once the biggest comic con in the Chicago area. Being held at McCormick Place, the show spanned almost three entire floors. Over the years massive stars such as Stan Lee (Marvel), Chris Evans (“Captain America”), and even Antony Starr (“The Boys”) had been in attendance greeting fans.
However, C2E2 has received a heavy amount of complaints recently. Over the last three years, guest announcements haven’t been as big. It is more-so voice actors along with television actors irrelevant to the times that have been announced.
Additionally, although the venue is massive, there tend to be issues regarding the space for VIP lines. In my own case, I have had to go up to employees and ask where specifically the lines were. This shouldn’t be happening, and lines should be drawn on the ground.
On the bright side, there are many vendors that bring their products and exclusives to C2E2. Funko, Mondo, and Loungefly each had a booth last year, and fans went berserk trying to get reservations.
This year’s C2E2 takes place from Apr. 11-13.
1. Fan Expo Chicago
Also held at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center is Fan Expo Chicago. Over the last two years it has gone from one of the most hated conventions in the area to being one of the best.
When it comes to guests, Fan Expo Chicago has brought about numerous headliners including Mark Hamill (“Star Wars”), Ella Purnell (“Fallout”), and even Matthew Lillard (“Five Nights at Freddy’s”).
With that being said, they are extremely organized. The staff is well-trained for situations and knows exactly where VIP lines are. There is also no shortage of food options, unlike the other conventions on this list.
Fan Expo Chicago will occur from Aug. 15-17.
Overall, the Chicagoland area will thrive this year with so many events. Not only do they get people out of the house, but they’re fun for the entire family.