Fan Expo

It’s been a while, but today’s topic is Wizard World‘s Farewell Show.

Wizard World (WW) was bought out by Fan Expo and, in my opinion, they had a lot of influence with the final show, seeing how they were taking over.

Lets start with Kudos to Mike Gregorek for his quick response and quick changes to the Anime Halloween part of the show. He quickly dissociated WW with a certain anime convention organizer (who will remain nameless) with a less than a upstanding reputation among many of the convention fans. When the announcement was made that WW would be working with the nameless one, the fans quickly took to the WW official Facebook page voicing their opinions. They weren’t happy. Mike quickly responded to the fans and WW made changes canceling that portion of the show and separated themselves from said nameless person. The Maid Cafe, which was to be part of that group, did stay but was run by a separate party with no connection to the one not to be named. [Editor’s note: Not Lord Voldemort.]

The show was held fully in one hall for this last hurrah, but was laid out well. I feel the handling of the VIP fans and press was better than it had been in previous years. Security, as well, seemed more courteous and the celebrity area was organized better than past events, especially with running the con in only one hall.

The Red Carpet Free photos were new and fun. I have to say I enjoyed it and partook. Hey who doesn’t like to see themselves in kind of a celebrity status?

I loved that the section for the panels was included behind the entrance to the con floor and not having to show your pass again just to go back and forth between the two areas. It made for better traffic flow as well.

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Now, what can I say about Cosplay Corner other than it is always one of my favorite places to hang out. Wulfgar Weapons had a very strong presence there with their shop displaying lots of fun con-safe props and two photographers right on the end of that taking some awesome photos. Truly these two guys – Eddie B Photography and Dax Orr – did some really fine work. Which brings me to the guest cosplayers, an awesome group with some stellar talent. Tip of the hat to Papa Bear, Thousand Faces, Ivy Doomkitty, Knight Mage, Lady Dragon, Joanie Brosas, and Larissa Paige Cosplay for being friendly and chatting with me when I stopped by.

The con also boasted talented artists in artist alley and some really cool vendors, too many to name or this will quickly turn into a dictionary. The Ghostbusters Cosplay group, along with the ever popular 501^st Star Wars group and even the Mid-Westeros Game of Thrones group, had a table and were greeting people.

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For my money, even the atmosphere was more relaxed and I had a better time this past weekend I think than I have ever had at a Wizard World event. Though sad to see an icon of the Chicago area fade to black, it’s great to see that Fan Expo has stepped up to the plate and is taking a swing. If this final WW convention was better due to their influence, then I say I can’t wait for 2022 Fan Expo Chicago to happen.

On a scale of 1 to 5 stars, I give this final show a 4.5 star review and crossing my fingers that Fan Expo makes 2022 as good, if not better.

This has been yet another edition of Reptile’s Random Reviews.