10 Ways To Geek Out At C2E2 2016
By Marielle Shaw in Arts & Entertainment on Mar 16, 2016 4:00PM
Photo credit: Marielle Shaw for Chicagoist
The political circus has moved out of town, and nerd culture is taking over McCormick Place for Chicago's very own comic-con, C2E2. It's a weekend of non-stop action: Once the doors open at 10 a.m. this Friday, it's a whirlwind of panels, celebrities, cosplay and more merchandise than you can possibly budget for.
While we can't help you resist that Tardis dress or first-edition, mint condition comic with the variant cover, we can help you find some of the best panels and events at 2016's C2E2. Here's 10 of our favorites, with something for just about everyone to look forward to.
Best Panel for The Battlestar Crowd
Battlestar Galactica's Edward James Olmos and Mary McDonnell (Saturday, March 19, 2 to 3 p.m.)
In a huge get for a relatively young con, C2E2 presents Edward James Olmos, better known as Admiral William Adama, as well as Mary McDonnell, Battlestar Galactica's President Laura Roslin, as they discuss their time on the show.
Best Place to Find An Ewok Costume
C2E2 Crown Championships of Cosplay (Saturday, March 19, 7 to 9:30 p.m.)
In our eyes, this is the headliner for the whole con. The Crown Championships of Cosplay represents the best of the best. Passionate fans spend hours recreating their favorite characters down to the smallest detail. Admire their work and root for your favorite looks.
Best Panel for Horrible People
Cards Against Humanity (Saturday, March 19. 7:45 to 8:45 p.m.)
It's a smash hit for a reason. Cards Against Humanity's irreverent sense of humor, indie sensibilities and Chicago roots won us over long ago. For C2E2, the gang hosts a Q&A that promises strange stories and sarcasm galore. You just might get a chance to ask about that drum of lube they gave to the Oregon militia.
Cosplayers at C2E2 2014. Image provided courtesy C2E2
Best Panel for Sam and Dean Lovers
Supernatural Season 11 Panel (Sunday, March 20, 12:15 to 1:15 p.m.)
Supernatural started as a simple CW horror show and became a tale of two brothers carrying on through impossible circumstances, with heaven and hell against them. Pair that with stars that really care about their fans and we're not surprised they're in Season 11 and still thriving. This panel features five speakers, including Robbie Thompson, writer of over a dozen episode.
Best Panel for '80s Lovers
John Cusack Spotlight (Friday, March 18, 2 to 3 p.m.)
Better Off Dead, Stand By Me, Sixteen Candles, Say Anything...need we say more? John Cusack is an '80s heartthrob, and this is a chance for fans to hear from the man himself about how heavy that Say Anything boombox really was.
Best Panel for The Competitive Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D Fan
J. August Richard Plays Superfight (Friday, March 18, 2 to 2:30 p.m.)
August Richards got his start in the Buffyverse as Angel's vampire hunter with heart, Gunn. Currently, he's Mike Peterson/Deathlok in the very successful Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Friday, he'll be live on stage playing Superfight, a Cards Against Humanity-style game where players pit strange characters against each other in a fight with even stranger settings and weapons. It's a fun twist on a standard Q-and-A session that will give us some fun insight into Richards' brain.
Best Panel For Exploring The Final Frontier
Star Trek 50 Year Celebration (Saturday, March 19, 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.)
Star Trek celebrates 50 years of going where no man has gone before, during which the series has acquired thousands upon thousands of fans . This panel is intended to be a walk down memory lane complete with a few giveaways for attending Trekkies.
Best Panel for Superfans
Supergirl Panel (Saturday, March 19, 12:45 to 1:45 p.m.)
For all those currently entrenched in the adventures of Clark Kent's Kryptonian kin, the Supergirl panel will be the main event. Supergirl Melissa Benoist herself will be on site with Chyler Leigh (Alex) to discuss the series and answer fan questions.
Best Panel for The Serious Film Nerd
RogerEbert.com: Summer Movie Preview (Saturday, March 19. 1:30 to 1:45 p.m.)
While we may not have the man himself with us anymore, RogerEbert.com is a labor of love that's alive and well. Managing editor Brian Tallerico hosts this panel which will take a look at everything worth seeing this summer. Take notes.
Best Panel for Pure Gaming Fun
Football Stars Play Street Fighter V (Sunday, March 20, 12:30 to 1 p.m.)
It's button-mashing instead of helmet-bashing when NFL players past and present compete on the Street Fighter battlefield. This event is sure to give birth to interesting new rivalries.
To better navigate the con, you can download the C2E2 app or check out the site for the full event list. If you'd like to join the fun, tickets are still available for purchase online or at the door.