The sun is out, summer is here, and that means one thing: it’s time for Comic Con once more.
The UK’s largest geek convention (of which this is one of several) is back for more this weekend after multiple lockdowns, and there’s a lot to look forward to.
Whether you’re a fan of anime or fancy finding out more about the latest Marvel film, here’s our lowdown on the must-see events between Friday May 27 and Sunday May 29.
What is Comic Con?
Based in the ExCel Arena, Comic Con weekend is a three-day extravaganza that’s packed with events, panels, celebrity appearances and a lot of things to do.
Not to be confused with London Film and Comic Con (that’s in July), this is more of a geeky affair (yes, this is possible). Spread out across the whole centre, it brings so many disparate fandoms under its umbrella that it’s hard to describe them all. But we’ll have a go: if you’re into anything that might be considered nerdy, it’s here.
Wrestling fans have their own delegation at this event; so do people who love gaming (as well as a few panels, to boot). Fantasy authors are here, and so are cosplayers – and Doctor Who has more or less been a permanent fixture here since the start.
Of course, comics are what this event was originally set up to celebrate, and these are here too: head to Comic Con to pick up the latest merchandise, buy comics or chat with comic book artists.
Who are the special guests at MCM Comic Con?
That depends what you’re into. MCM Comic Con has a huge roster of guests, but some of the best are:
Dan Fogler, who’s been starring in the Fantastic Beasts films as Muggle Jacob Kowalski. Though it’s not been confirmed where/ how he’ll be appearing, he’ll be around on Sunday. Other actors appearing include Robert Sheehan, who plays Klaus Hargreeves in The Umbrella Academy on Netflix, and Ross Marquand from The Walking Dead and Avengers: Infinity War, as well as Tracy-Ann Oberman (Doctor Who, Toast of London, Friday Night Dinner).
Tia Kofi, drag queen extraordinaire, will be appearing on Friday to take part in several cosplay events, including a Lip Sync Battle.
Fantasy author Samantha Shannon will be making an appearance on both Saturday and Sunday in a series of panels (including one on her breakthrough debut, Exploring the Bone Season, on Saturday), and will be doing an author signing on Saturday.
Doug Cockle, the voice of Geralt from hit video game The Witcher 3, will also be present on Friday, Saturday and Sunday (though it’s not been confirmed how).
To see all the guests, take a look at all the guests attending MCM Comic Con.
What events are on at MCM Comic Con?
One of the best things about Comic Con is the huge range of events and panels to get stuck into, and 2022 is no different.
On Friday, tune in for workshops on how to improve your cosplay (with Tia Kofi), a comic panel with the editors behind Titan Comics (who are responsible for publishing Doctor Who, Blade Runner, Life is Strange and More), an author panel on LGBTQ+ representation in fiction, and (of all things) an Encanto sing-along.
On Saturday, sit down for a panel with the team behind the award-winning game Life is Strange, discover what went into making Samantha Shannon’s bestselling book The Bone Season and find out what it takes to make it as a woman in comics with award-winning artist Joëlle Jones.
On Sunday, attend an author panel with a selection of crime authors to find out what makes a great crime fiction novel, meet British Pro Wrestling’s elite, attend a K-Pop dance performance and of course, see the event’s best cosplayers in action at the cosplay masquerade.
Take a look at all the panels at MCM Comic Con.
What else is on?
This year, Comic Con has an entire section dedicated to anime, K-Pop and pretty much all Asian pop culture, called Pop Asia. Head here to shop merch, try your hand at manga or even take part in an origami workshop.
If you’re into comic books, then head over to Artist’s Alley, where artists from around the UK and beyond get together to sell comics and chat drawing. The artists in residence this year have worked on everything from Rick and Morty to niche gaming hit Life is Strange: well worth a visit.
Gaming fans also have their own section of consoles to enjoy, including a retro section and a multi-player lounge. And if you’re really keen, there’s always the Dungeons and Dragons table, which is running events for beginners all weekend.
