The third annual C2E2 (Chicago Comic & Entertainment
Expo) continued its migration within the various buildings of the McCormick
place campus, this time settling in the complex’s north building. But this was
a non-issue to exhibitors and attendees alike, who both seemed to settle in comfortably.
Like the past two years, the first three hours of the
show’s opening day on Friday were reserved for industry professionals only. But
unlike prior years, exhibitors were mostly ready for the industry-only portion
of the con; publishers’ exhibits were up and running, retailers were doing
business, and most of Artists’ Alley had its inhabitants ready to go.
As usual, the first day had a healthy but lighter crowd,
making it easier for earlycomers to navigate the exhibit hall. There was the
usual array of exhibitors that included a heavier assortment of those selling
actual comic books, as opposed to solely action figures and other related
items. Such retailers have been a trademark of the con. Lots of trade
paperbacks were to be had at half off or less, as well.
DC’s All Access Panel was held on Friday afternoon, and
was attended by Editor-in-Chief Bob
Harras, Editorial Director Bobbie
Chase, Chief Creative Officer Geoff
Johns, J Michael Straczynski, Shane
Davis, Scott Snyder, Kevin Maguire, and David Finch. There were no major announcments made, but Johns
pointed out that DC New 52 #1 for Free Comic Book Day by Ivan Reis and Joe Prado
sets the stage for a lot of various storylines coming up at DC. Johns also
warned fans regarding his next upcoming arc in Justice League, and how
the team will be “radically different”. Harras added that as the New 52 heads
into its second year, that the focus will be on “world building”, and that the upcoming
Earth
2 and World’s Finest titles will play an important part.
Marvel hosted an Avengers vs X-Men panel on Saturday,
which featured creative officer Joe
Quesada, Editor-in-Chief Axel Alonso,
Jason Aaron, Rick Remender, and Frank Cho. Alonso emphasized that the
intent of the conflict was not to make either side a villain, but rather to
give a reason for these two teams to finally face off and create an event that
puts the X-Men back in the center of the Marvel Universe. He also warned
readers to be sure to read issue #5 specifically immediately upon purchase, or
it would likely be spoiled for them.
With a captive audience, Marvel also took the opportunity
to promote its fledging digital offerings, or the Marvel Re-evolution as they
label it. They explained what the AR code references were in various panels of Avengers
vs X-Men #1, and how readers armed with a smartphone and proper Marvel
app can scan these panels for some bonus digital content. They also discussed
their exclusive digital offerings, entitled Marvel Infinite Comics, which will
be available as both a package with existing print and digital comics or as a
standalone comic.
As alluded to earlier, Saturday was a far busier day and
it was often challenging to navigate through the packed aisles, especially at
the front of the exhibit hall which housed several props from last years’
Captain America film that were to be auctioned off during the show.
An informal poll of attendees indicate that the third
C2E2 gets a thumbs up, and all indications are that it will go down as another
successful show.
The Magazine
