FanExpo 2024 + more!
FanExpo 2024 + more!
Catching up with so much and heading out for the weekend to attend two events!
Hi there! So in lieu of an official write-up on a favorite film this week, we have something a little bit different. There’s a lot to dive into when it comes to conventions/events. First of all, I’m attending FAN EXPO 2024 and this is the first chapter. The second comes after I attend. It’ll be featured here and over at my new website which is now up and running: https://jimlaczkowski.com
It’s basically a home for all-things me, past and present. The bulk of my writing is still available through Substack. I just figured it’s a good idea to finally archive everything on one site. Really the bulk of everything will be available here and there. With that said, let’s get to the fun of FAN EXPO.
Thanks to both my librarian job and the kind, fine folks at Team Acacia, I am able to attend once again and see all the delightfully nerdy sights once again. I went last year and had a great time. As an introvert, it’s challenging to be around that much stimuli for extended periods of time so taking breaks is recommended. As for what to expect… lots of photos and close encounters.
FAN EXPO is the new name for the former Wizard World, which had met in pre-pandemic Chicago for years. I remember attending WW back when Mimi Rogers was there along with the late great Dean Stockwell. Of course I wanted to nerd out about some of their work and was happy to plop down a few bucks to do so. They were both wonderful. There are certainly a lot of famous faces this year though I imagine the only one I would’ve been able to interview has since just cancelled his appearance, filmmaker Mike Flanagan.
First and foremost, FAN EXPO, like its prior iteration, is a comic convention. In 2023 Chicago event played host to roughly 360 vendors and we estimated that more than half of them were purveyors of comics. But there are books, movies, posters, t-shirts (lots of those) and many talented artists showcasing their work.
There were roughly 470 artists occupying the hall space called Artists Alley, many of whom were contributors to comics or create comic-themed artwork. FAN EXPO attracted the largest number of celebrity guests and 62 of the over 100 guests were comic writers. In other words, this is definitely the con for the comic enthusiast. As most folks know, I’m all about pop culture but film and music are definitely my main passions. It’s just great to see what any creative artist is working on in any medium.
Besides Mark Hamill, next gen Star Wars mavens Hayden Christensen and Rosario Dawson will be in attendance. The immortal Captain Kirk, William Shatner will be there as well (will he be telling his fans to “get a life?”). Oscar winner Marisa Tomei will represent the recent Spider-Man films, Linda Hamilton and Edward Furlong will be there for Terminator 2, the bulk of the cast of the Scream franchise and so much more to look forward to!
Personally, I just like to wander, browse and take photos of lots of cool memorabilia. There is a chance of attending an interesting Q&A, the best one I’ve seen probably being when the cast of the Back to the Future reunited. There’s always something for us movie nerds to indulge in which is why I try to go. Celebrity sightings are inevitable even if photo ops aren’t cheap.
FAN EXPO Chicago takes place from August 16-18, 2024, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont. For tickets and information visit FAN EXPO Chicago. If you see a nerdy guy wearing a black shirt and an A24 hat, it’s probably me. In addition to that going on this weekend, over in my neck of the woods is Glenwood Arts Fest in Rogers Park. Suffice to say it’s a busy weekend to close out the summer before my mom’s birthday and once September rolls around I can finally take a breather. Thank you for subscribing and looking forward to seeing what FAN EXPO has to offer.
Lastly, if you haven’t had a chance to read about my experience at the Flashback Horror Convention last weekend, please do so here! And for the audio side, I just released another delightful conversation with actor/filmmaker Keith Gordon as we delved into some underrated films of the 2000s. Really hope you enjoy this episode as much as I did recording it.
