For many of us in the Chicagoland area (and quite a few who aren’t local), Wizard World Chicago is an annual must-attend event. Why? Because there are a few things we can count on to be great every year.
Yes, every convention has a lot of the same aspects (guests, artists, cosplayers, etc.), but not every event is consistent when it comes to the quality of these aspects. Some conventions might boast a huge artist alley one year and then have far fewer booths the next year. Or some conventions might not have the most interesting panels in their programming.
I’ve been to a few different conventions myself and I can always count on Wizard World Chicago to be the most well-rounded and make for a fun weekend with friends.
While there are many things I enjoy about going to the convention every year, these are five things that I never have to worry about and know I’ll love.
1. The artists and vendors
Because of its size, Wizard World Chicago attracts both the best of the best local vendors and artists as well as those from out of state. There’s a really great variety to art styles and offerings in artist alley, from fandom art to original wire sculptures to fascinating original paintings. And yes, there are quite a growing number of vendors selling Funkos every year, but there are also new vendors popping up with unique wares every year. For instance, this year I bought the cutest Captain America apron from a new-to-Wizard World Chicago vendor. It’s probably my favorite purchase of the weekend, partially because I’d never seen anything like it before. I just can’t help but love how much variety there is in the two main vendor halls every year (but also hate it because I end up spending too much money).
2. The cosplay
I might be a bit biased because I’m from the Chicagoland area, but, man, our cosplayers are fantastic. I saw so many amazing costumes this weekend that it was honestly impossible to keep track of them all. I couldn’t even tell you what my favorite one was because there were so many great ones. From Bert Macklin to cowpoke Batman and Wonder Woman, a Harley Quinn-inspired Wendy (from Wendy’s) to a group cosplay of Three’s Company characters, you never know who (or what) you’ll run into on the Wizard World Chicago floor. Sure, all cosplayers are super talented (much more so than I could ever pretend to be), but there’s just something about the people who come to Wizard World Chicago that sets them apart from the rest.
3. The celebrity guests
Because it’s one of Wizard World’s flagship events every year, Wizard World Chicago has been known to assemble quite the roster of celebrity guests! Last year, the casts of Back to the Future and Marvel’s Daredevil were in attendance and this year brought a few friendly Doctor Who faces and Buffy the Vampire Slayer Scoobies. Yes, there were quite a few cancellations this year (more than usual), but Wizard World really went above and beyond to try to make it up to their attendees. Given the fact that they generally have stellar guest lists on a yearly basis, I have full confidence that next year will more than make up for this year.
4. The panels
Sure, Wizard World Chicago has your usual celebrity panel, but they also boast a wide array of non-celebrity programming. My favorites are the panels dealing with comics history or psychological deep dives into characters. I especially love it when these panels are hosted by locals who have been connected to the convention and Chicago comic scene for years. Fans of NPR’s Pop Culture Happy Hour podcast (myself included) might recognize panelist Stephen Thompson’s mother (and esteemed comic book guru) Maggie Thompson as a regular yearly panelist. You really never know what the year’s programming will entail, but it’s always a sure bet that it’ll be fun and interesting.
5. The people
It’s been said that Midwesterners are some of the nicest people in the world, and who am I to argue with that (especially after being surrounded by so many of them at Wizard World Chicago)? Everywhere you look, you’ll find fans making friends with other fans in various lines, people giving each other directions as to where a particular booth is or where they found that awesome pin they’re wearing, or fandom enthusiasts complimenting complete strangers’ cosplays while walking the floor. Wizard World Chicago has a wonderfully relaxed and comfortable atmosphere that’s made possible by the wonderful people who attend it.
Needless to say, Wizard World Chicago is quite the yearly event. That’s why you should join me in going next year! (No, seriously!)