Pop culture fans from all over the country flocked to London this weekend (27th-29th October) for the 32nd MCM Comic Con. London truly embraced its inner nerd, even the train announcer got in the action reminding patrons to make sure they had all their belongings including swords and pet dragons. It was honestly quite the sight witnessing so many people in cosplay on the London rail to the ExCel Centre.
One of the nicest features of Comic Con is seeing so many like-minded people coming together and enjoying being themselves. Upon arriving at the ExCel Centre you could immediately hear people discussing a huge range of pop culture topics. People complimenting each other on their cosplays giving anyone an excuse to talk about their hobbies and interests.
There was a vast array of activities to get involved with from the purchasing of memorabilia, to various celebrity panels and signings as well as cosplay shows and performances. The main halls consist of rows of comics, games, manga and figurines that line the tables of several stalls people gathering to grab the rare merchandise.
Although it is the art that is truly the highlight, comic con is a great avenue for independent artists to sell and promote their wares. There were even some more unique products such as video game themed soaps and tea. There was even the chance to get some much needed lightsaber training for those strong in the force.
MCM also holds host to celebrities from pop culture shows and this year was no different. With appearances from Anthony Mackie (Captain America: Winter Soldier, Captain America: Civil War), David Bradley (Harry Potter, Game of Thrones) and Warwick Davis (Harry Potter, Star Wars) to name a few. With many of these guest stars hosting panels giving fans the chance to their burning questions.
David Bradley showed a want to play some less unpleasant characters in the future and that he is no longer invited to weddings due to one of his more recent performances. The BBC also announced a return of their Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy series which will be coming 2018. As well as a panel with the cast of Red Dwarf sadly minus Craig Charles. There were however too many panels and events to list here, the full range of events is truly mind blowing.
As well as celebrities of the big screen, many manga and comic writers were also in attendance. This gave fans the opportunity to meet the minds behind some of their most beloved series as well as for potential budding writers and artists to gain some insight into the industry.
Pop Asia hosted a series of stage acts including live dance and vocal performances. One of the highlights was the cosplay showcase. This gave con-goers who had spent months working on their costumes to really show their stuff. Acts were given a few minutes to deliver a performance to impress the judges (two long time cosplayers). Performers were judged on their overall act and how well made their cosplay was.
There were prizes for best cosplay and best performance. The winner of best performance was a girl cosplaying as Rem from RE:Zero who executed an extremely well choreographed dance. Best costume was won by an apparent returning contestant from MCM in Germany dressed as a warrior from For Honor (Ubisoft).
Finally there was an area devoted to gaming, Nintendo once again making their presence known at these events showcasing the Switch. Nintendo seem to be a company that is truly willing to get their games to the community especially off the recent success of Super Mario Odyssey.
Other games featured included a new Dynasty Warriors and Dangan Ronpa V3. A particularly interesting attendee was Special Effect, the gaming charity who help develop technology to help children with disabilities get involved in gaming. At Comic Con this year they were showing off a controller that could be manoeuvred with your chin, it is truly fantastic because everyone deserves to have fun in their life.
MCM Comic Con was overall a fantastic event the sheer variety of things on offer can keep you entertained for the full weekend. It is an amazing experience that I can recommend to any pop culture fan. Resonate looks forward to what MCM has to offer at future events.
All photos by Resonate/James Spalton.