DIAGNOSIS: GEEK, PRESCRIPTION: SOCIAL LIFE
Breaking in C2E2
BY DR. CHARMING I MAY 5, 2010
Dr. Charming is not a real doctor and is not liable if his advice does not pay off. Always remember the power lies within you and that these are simply guide lines that may help you achieve goals in your newfound social life.
"Slow zombies depict the way necrotic flesh would behave. Fast zombies... suck." Max Brooks
Just last week I had the privilege of entering the doors of the Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo (C2E2). Through word of mouth, my cohorts and I heard about this con at last year's Chicago Comicon. It was rumored to be quite large due to booking the McCormick place as a venue, however the main halls of the massive convention center were showcasing the Kitchen and Bath Industry show, and C2E2 was housed in the smaller Lakeside Center. While I love Moen faucets as much as the next guy, I was a little disappointed to see that C2E2 was tucked away in the back corner of McCormick place. Speculation surrounding the size of the event all pointed to signs of it being their first time [running a convention]. And after all, size doesn't matter... unless you're in San Diego, then size is everything.
Along with the standard venders of clothing, books, graphic novels, posters, toys, pizza, movies, etc. there were some very entertaining panels to attend including "Breaking into Comics" in which several Marvel writers and artists spoke to the awe inspired audience about how they landed every fan boy's dream job, creating and drawing comics. Interesting fact about the majority of them, they all have degrees in business or communications, so there may still be hope for me yet. Another panel hosted a Q-and-A with Dan Didio and Jim Lee, the editor in chief of D.C. and one of the most well known artists of all time.
My personal favorite, Max Brooks, the author of The Zombie Survival Guide, spoke about his current and upcoming projects. Brooks also took time to sign books and copies of his new graphic novel. Naturally I partook.
Even Chicago Bear Lance Briggs made an appearance. Unbeknownst to most of the NFL, Lance is a comics fan boy at heart. In his panel he got to fire questions to a panel of writers and artists who were equally as eager to fire questions back at him. One member of the audience asked Briggs who he thought would make a good superhero. His response, Julius Peppers. Let's keep our fingers crossed Bears fans.
All in all, C2E2 was quite entertaining for a first run. Here's to hoping they come back next year and take up at least one half of the main floor in McCormick. I fear that if I have to walk through the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show again, I may end up remodeling my bathroom. No, I'm not qualified to do that, but that never stopped me before.
Chicago Comicon will be here before you know it, hope to see you there.
- Dr. Charming
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