MCM Comic Con – London’s celebration of all things pop culture – is just around the corner and, as usual, the three-day event is jam-packed full of events and panels, opportunities to game, cosplay, meet stars, and engage with different community groups. Basically, it’s going to be a blast.
Here’s our breakdown of the highlights of London’s major Comic Con weekend.
What is Comic Con?
Comic Con is London’s major biannual fan convention for all things pop culture. It usually focuses on video games, sci-fi and fantasy genres, and is known for being one of the best cosplay events in the UK.
When and where is it?
It’s taking place across the last bank holiday this month, May 26 to 28.
It’s located at the ExCeL Center, which is located in east London. It’s easy to access on the DLR and the Elizabeth Line – just get off at Custom House and you are there.
Who are the special guests at MCM Comic Con?
Every year a number of major anime, film and TV stars also invited to attend the weekend event – and, excitingly, many are available for photo opportunitiess and autographs. Past guests have included Tom Hiddleston, Charlie Cox and Ben Barnes.
This year’s special guests include Rachael Lillis and Veronica Taylor, from the Pokemon movie series, The Batman and Happy Valley’s Con O’Neill, Game of Thrones and Harry Potter’s David Bradley, What We Do In The Shadows’ Kayvan Novak, Doctor Who’s Kevin McNally, Rick and Morty’s Marc Ellerby and The Boogeyman director Rob Savage.
That’s just a small sample of all the actors and creators who will be attendinhthis year. Take a look at more of the guests who’ll be at MCM Comic Con. By clicking on each individual guest, you can see where and when they’ll be at the festival.
What events are on at MCM Comic Con?
Here’s our breakdown of what to expect during the jam-packed weekend.
Panels
Throughout the weekend there are numerous Q&As, special screenings, interviews and discussions, plus sneak peaks of up and coming TV shows and films. Take a look at all the panels at MCM Comic Con.
Cosplay Central stage
Cosplay is one of MCM Comic Con’s main attractions – there are few things more fun that being able to dress up as your favourite characters, while meeting people from the community who have also turned up in their own incredible costumes.
Cosplay Central is a stage completely dedicated to cosplay, so expect cosplay showcases, competitions, advice sessions and panels. Many of the events will be led by cosplay experts, there are changing rooms and there’s a cosplay hospital, in case the worst happens and there’s a mishap with your costume – the team will do their best to glue, sew or tape it back together.
Cosplay guests include River Medway from Rupaul's Drag Race UK, and make-up artist Begona (Shirak), artist Helen Alice and artist and propmaker Drack Cosplay.
Artist Alley
It’s all in the name: Artist Alley is an area that’s completely dedicated to artists. From comic books, to illustrations, to merch, anime, keyrings, stickers and digital prints, there will be dozens of artists including Rachta Lin, Chikenryice and Eleablue Illustration setting up shop in the Artist Alley booths. Find out more about the artists who will be attending this year.
The Treehouse
Although Comic Con London is a family affair, The Treehouse is a zone that has been specially created for kids. There’s face-painting, a crafting area where kids can get decorating, children-focused performances and interactive sessions, and a family lounge, where the whole gang can just take a breather.
Pop Asia
Then there’s going to be a dedicated area for all things to do with East and Southeast Asian pop culture. Expect origami and manga drawing classes, food vendors, demonstrations, martial arts presentations, traditional dances, music performances and interactive games in the performance space.
There’s also an anime and chill lounge, where people in the anime and gaming community can meet up, cosplay, network and play games.
Side Quest
Side Quest is a special gaming zone, and there really is something in it for everyone: there’s the MCM Arcade which is particularly fun for those nostalgic gamers out there, with old-school consoles and a whole range of golden oldie games. Then there’s The Gaming Library, where there’s nearly every type of console (original Xbox, Nintendo Gamecubes, Playstation 2’s and 3’, PCs) and all the major games (Zelda, Mario Party, Final Fantasy, Spyro, Jak and Daxter) to enjoy.
The Tabletop Realm
There’s a dedicated space for those who prefer a good old board game – and this year it’s the biggest it has ever been.
In The Tabletop Realm there’s there are games for everyone and every skill-level, so while there are going to be gaming tournaments for those who are feeling competitive, there will also be beginner-level game sessions running all weekend long.
Games include Invasion of the Cow Snatchers, City of Zombies, Katamino, Dungeons & Dragons, One Piece and Flesh and Blood. There is also a special card corner to play trading games such as Pokemon, Magic The Gathering Commander and One Piece.
Can I get something to eat?
Yes! There are tonnes of restaurants and food outlets to enjoy in the ExCeL building.
Can I still buy tickets?
Yes! Friday day tickets with priority cost £25.00, Saturday day tickets with priority cost £30.00 and Sunday day tickets with priority cost £27.50.
General entry Friday tickets cost £17.50 and general entry Sunday tickets cost £18.33. Kids under ten years old go free if they’re accompanied by an adult ticket holder.
Unfortunately, weekend tickets and general entry Saturday have now sold out.
