C2E2 2018: Cosplayers Dance, Black Panther Photo Op & Interviews

CHICAGO, IL — This past weekend, casual visitors to Chicago might have understandably mistaken McCormick Place as the set of the next superhero blockbuster. Or possibly a "Star Wars" spinoff set in the Milky Way during the 21st century and not a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away.

It's that time in April when a cosplayer dressed as Arthur Dent from "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" is continually reminding others that he's not The Dude from "The Big Lebowski." It's also a time when a trio of Snow White Walkers can lumber up and down escalators, creating an intellectual property lawyer's nightmare of some unholy Disney-"Game of Thrones" mashup universe.

But that's the beauty of C2E2, the city's annual comic book and pop culture event: If someone can imagine it, then it can probably be seen somewhere on the floor of the convention hall during the three-day weekend event.

Chicago Patch attended C2E2 on Saturday, April 7, rubbing shoulders with Jokers, Sailor Moons and, best of all, kids who still find something magical in an issue of "Amazing Spider-Man" or episode of "DragonBall Z." Check out the following videos from the event. (WARNING: Some footage might include some brief colorful language captured on the McCormick Place floor.)

DANCE, DANCE REVOLUTION: Watch this cosplay dance party followed by an impromptu Black Panther photo shoot.

THE FORCE IS STRONG WITH THEM: Organizers for Joliet's "Star Wars" Day talk about the June 2 event.

VISIT COMICOPOLIS: Organizers discuss the Aug. 4 event in Lockport.

LIGHTS! CAMERAS! COSPLAY: More cosplaying and more dancing.

A cosplayer walks on stilts during C2E2 on Saturday, April 7, at McCormick Place in Chicago. (Photo by Joe Vince)