C2E2 2025
By Kevin Hoskinson
Entertainment Editor
Photo Credits: James Coletta for C2E2/ReedPop
Right off the bat, Chicago is a city like no other. The city has a gruff exterior, but its interior is filled with warmth and acceptance. Everything about it instantly takes hold the minute you get there, and even visiting from far away, you feel like you belong. That said, it’s no surprise that C2E2 brings that same energy. The people of Chicago and those who visit the event know how to throw a nerd party, and it’s one of the best experiences of its kind in the United States.
Thousands of people fill McCormick Place in downtown Chicago every year to celebrate their favorite fandoms. Before you make it to the main show floor, you are engulfed in the world around you and get a glimpse of what’s in store. If you show up early enough, you are treated to a local school band performing some of your favorite nerdy and mainstream hits. After they are finished, a live DJ takes the stage, and the party goes on all day long. There are cosplayers, people dancing, and a fantastic vibe everywhere you look. Instantly, you know you belong here, and the journey begins.
Comic Con is a place where everybody is welcome no matter what you love. It’s a place for the so-called “losers” and “outcasts” to find community and acceptance. This year, it feels like C2E2 leaned into that by having the cast of The Breakfast Club reunite and take the city by storm. For the first time in 40 years, original stars Molly Ringwald, Emilio Estevez, Anthony Michael Hall, Judd Nelson, and Ally Sheedy reunited for a special live taping of Josh Horowitz’s Happy Sad Confused podcast. During the show, they reminisced about their time working on the film with John Hughes, gave behind-the-scenes stories, and talked about what the film means to them after all these years.
Other highlights of the show this year were the cast of Lord Of The Rings and Critical Role. On top of the Breakfast Club cast, Elijah Wood, Billy Boyd, Sean Astin, Ashely Johnson, Laura Bailey, and Matt Mercer took photos and signed autographs. Stars like John Boyega, John DiMaggio, Patton Oswalt, and Sam Heughen were also on hand to take part in panels and meet their fans. It was a massive lineup of celebrities, and you would surely find someone you loved.
As well as celebrity guests, artists, and writers from around the globe had booths around the convention. Writers Tomi Adeyemi, TJ Klune, and John Jackson Miller were big draws at Writers Block, signing their books and hanging out. One of my favorites, Lauren Moran, was at Artists Alley with a booth featuring her incredible artwork (seriously, go check out her socials; she does amazing stuff!). Writer and artist of The White Knight series Sean Murphy was also there, and he is always a pleasure to meet and chat with. One of the highlights for me was meeting Artist Blend Cota. Being a massive fan of Assassin’s Creed, I was thrilled to find out that he’s the only artist in the world approved by Ubisoft to create artwork inspired by the franchise. He was incredible, and his art is stunning.
There is so much to do at C2E2 that it almost feels impossible to experience all of it over one weekend, and that’s not a bad thing. There are so many panels to see, celebrities to meet, artists to chat with, food to eat, and cosplays to behold. It is pulsing with positive vibes and nerd energy and is worth experiencing for yourself. I can’t wait until next year, and I hope to see you there.
