Looking Forward To C2E2

C2E2 is a huge three day pop culture event held at McCormick Place. C2E2 starts this Friday, April 21 and runs through Sunday, April 23. It is three days chock full of entertainment from every angle

Comic books and all things related to comics are a big part of the event, but C2E2 offers much more than just that. There are so many icons, events, items and activities involving various parts of the pop culture universe. There really is something for everyone. For me, the main draw is the lineup of celebrity guests and this year, that lineup is stellar!

The big name this year is comic book master Stan Lee. This man has created so many superheroes. He has done it all in the comic book world and at 94, he is still going strong. Lee is truly a legend.

Other big name celebrities include Wil Wheaton, Chris Jai Alex, Dave Fennoy, Elizabeth Henstridge, Ivy Doomkitty, Jason David Frank and a bunch more.

Returning to C2E2 is wrestler-turned-UFC fighter and Chicagoan CM Punk. It is a rare public appearance for the popular ex-wrestler. Also appearing is AJ Mendez Brooks (Punk’s wife). Formerly known as AJ Lee, she was a popular wrestler, too. She is promoting her new book “Crazy Is My Superpower.”

There is another wrestling contingent appearing at the Headlocked booth. “Headlocked” is a comic series created by Michael Kingston, who will be appearing with #SuperFriend (and Wisconsin wrestling promoter David Herro. Their booth will feature Jerry “The King” Lawler, Lita, Jack Swagger and “Mean” Gene Okerlund.

Continuing the wrestling angle, the popular “Lucha Underground” will be represented by Rey Mysterio, Melissa Santos, Kaya, Johnny Mundo and more. The El Rey Network project is garnering a lot of success and praise.

Chicago icon Svengoolie will be appearing. Svengoolie has delighted television audiences for years and is always a hugely popular guest wherever he goes.

There will also be hundreds of creative folks in Artist Alley. My old favorites (turned into friends), Sara Richard (artist), Dirk Manning (writer) and Victor Dandridge are staples on my C2E2 trips. My meanderings through Artist Alley will include many other familiar faces, but I also look forward to meeting many new writers, artists, authors and more. Artist Alley is a creative tour de force, as each booth seems to offer something fresh and fascinating.

In addition to all of this, there are panels, discussions, cosplay, vendors and much, much more. I sound like I could be the C2E2 PR person, but, in fact, I am merely a regular attendee. I just enjoy C2E2 so much, I have to try to get the word out even more, to get as many folks to join me for this weekend of fun.