This main hallway at McCormick Place in Chicago serves as the point of entry for C2E2. It can be quite crowded if no major presentation is going on; however, that also make it one of the best locations to people watch. // image courtesy C2E2
The fifth annual Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo (C2E2) starts Friday, April 24 and runs through Sunday, April 26. I’ll be there as a member of the media for the fourth straight year.
The convention, which, in addition to comics, spans the latest and greatest in the worlds of movies, television, toys, and video games, is being held in the North Building of Chicago’s McCormick Place.
The author’s wife, Holley, dressed as the fourth incarnation of Doctor Who (portrayed on television by British actor Tom Baker). She’s joined in this image by “Doctor Hooves.” Yep. No kidding. // Astronomy: Michael E. Bakich
C2E2 is an opportunity for creative folks to express themselves in many ways to like-minded people. Some do it by making and wearing spectacular costumes. (I tend to gravitate toward the science-related ones.) Many authors and artists set up at tables to make themselves available and interact with fans throughout the three days. (At past conventions, I’ve had several great chats with professionals who are creating or illustrating astronomical concepts.) Still others give presentations about a variety of subjects. (As usual, I plan to attend any that deal with science or science education.)
With the new movie Star Wars: Episode VII — The Force Awakens set to open in December, there should be lots of chatter about spacecraft, Earth-like worlds, and alien civilizations. Of course, light sabers, blasters, and tractor beams will get their moments, too. That’s all part of the “fun” aspect, but even the creators of fantasy realms imbue them with natural laws. Examples? None of our heroes can function outside their ships without a helmet; you have to overcome gravity to blast off a planet; and even when performing the utterly unrealistic feat of faster-than-light travel, ships have to cross a “barrier” and carefully calculate where they will reappear in the galaxy.
Spectacular costumes were everywhere at the 2014 C2E2. Here’s a nearly 8-foot-tall member of the Knights Who Say Ni. // Astronomy: Michael E. Bakich
Check back next week as I wrap up my activities and discoveries.