MCM Comic Con is back again this year and what kind of site would we be if we didn’t check it out for you? Arriving at the Kings Hall on the 2nd to the 3rd of May, this year’s expo had a more professional feel. If it was finding it’s feet in Belfast last year, it’s found them now.
The first thing that hits you when you walk in is the sheer number and variety of stalls, it’s not just comic books, there’s plenty to buy if you have some koopa koins to spend. There’s trading cards, posters, American candy and replica movie props, if you’re looking for that game you used to play on the Super Nintendo when you were 12? you can find it at one of the games stalls. If manga and anime is your thing and you want a hat, t-shirt or onesie that looks like it’s been made from a dead Pikachu or Totoro, look no further than Tokyo Toys.
While there is plenty on display for those of us who want to shop, there’s still stuff to do once you’ve blown the last of your money on that giant canvas print of Spider-man and The Hulk at the urinals. The main draw is of course the special guests. This year we had Fringe’s John Noble, Adventure Time’s Hyden Walch, Arrow’s Katrina Law and Red Dwarf’s Danny John-Jules. We also had Shane Ritchie and Jessie Wallace from everyone’s favourite geek show ‘Eastenders’, i’m not familiar with the show myself but I’m told the special effects are out of this world. As far as guests are concerned this con quite literally has something for everyone.
The panels were handled very professionally and thanks to the videos and short films being shown on the big screen, you were kept entertained while you waited for each guest to arrive on stage. Showmaster Stuart (that’s not what he calls himself but it does have a nice ring to it) was on hand to give out free t-shirts, toys, DVDs and banter to the waiting crowd so it paid off getting to the panels early.
We were able to catch both Katrina Law (Arrow, Spartacus: Blood and Sand) and John Noble (Lord of the Rings, Fringe, Sleepy Hollow) at the panels. Both were happy to field questions from the audience and seemed genuinely pleased to be there (there’s nothing worse than an actor who’s clearly only in it only for the money). John Noble was a particular highlight. He chose to stand rather than sit behind the desk, this gave his Q&A a more intimate feel as he was able to walk around stage answering questions on everything from what he thinks of rap music, to how he has mastered such a range of accents (I was unaware that he’s actually Australian).
While there is plenty to do at MCM, checking out the latest Jurassic World trailer at the Universal booth or taking pictures with Bumblebee and the General Lee, the highlight is always the cosplayers. There were loads of people who obviously get a kick out of making their own costumes and showing them off to hundreds of people who’ll be able to appreciate the subtle details of their ‘Attack on Titan’ Eren Yeager costume. The cosplay element is such an integral part of the convention that they even provide somewhere to change into your costume as well as a cosplay help desk where they keep supplies for repairing your Snorlax costume. My Paul Caldwell costume was showing some wear and tear but I’m not sure the MCM staff could have helped.
The panels, stalls and video games were great but the most entertaining aspect of the convention was just walking round checking out all the Deadpools, Thors, Harley Quinns and Stormtroopers. Even all those guys and girls with the improbably large and brightly coloured hair styles that I can only assume are some sort of anime characters. I have no idea what you are or why you need to carry such a large styrofoam sword but I’m sure I’m in the minority here. A lot of time and effort went into that costume and for that I salute you. See you next year when I’m sure you’ll have even pointier hair and more belts.
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