Sun. August 18, 2024
By Jerry Nunn
Fan Expo Chicago flew into the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois, then crushed previous records with a marvelous turnout. At least 75,000 comic book enthusiasts filled the showroom floor for three days from August 16-18, 2024.
Vendor booths full of merchandise filled the 300,000 square foot showroom floor to offer items ranging from novelty items to graphic t-shirts.
Artists signed their work and drew commissions on the spot for the right price. Some attendees paid for art to be applied directly to their skin onsite in the form of a permanent tattoo. Taking home an autograph on an appendage is raising that fan experience to a whole new level.
Celebrities that headlined the festival included Star Wars icon Mark Hamill, Academy Award winner Marisa Tomei and multiple members of The Terminator cast. Panels of creative forces ran throughout the weekend to offer a behind-the-scenes look at past projects and what the future may bring.
Costumed characters showed that anyone can be a hero for a day while wearing the right frock and photographs from cosplayers were easy to obtain when asked for ahead of time. Swordfight battles and competitive video game tournaments were all part of the fun over the weekend before things wound down on Sunday evening.
Fan Expo Chicago 2024 was one for the record books and proved to be much more than just a funny book. It's about what fan-driven culture can build together and what happens when they all show up.
For more detailed information about this massive comic book convention please visit fanexpohq.com.
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