C2E2 (Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo) was the last big event I attended before the pandemic shut down events last year. Despite a postponement this year, C2E2 2021 happened a couple weeks ago.

After debuting in 2010, C2E2 grew into one of the biggest Chicago conventions, drawing more than 100,000 people, filling nearby hotels and bringing lots of business to area restaurants and other attractions. Founded in 2006, C2E2 organizer ReedPop also runs 30 other events worldwide, including Comic Con Seoul and New York Comic Con, which I attended in October.

I didn’t know what to expect as I headed to McCormick Place, but things were pretty much like always, with a little extra caution. I don’t know if the crowd hit the pre-pandemic high of 100,000, but I’m guessing it was pretty close. Everyone wore masks, and there was plenty of hand sanitizer everywhere.

Victor Dandridge

One of the best parts was the positive vibe. Fist bumps replaced hugs but did not dampen the mood of reconnecting with friends. For most of the attendees, creators and vendors, conventions are the only place we see each other. Heading into the holidays, it was especially heart-warming and poignant. With the new year approaching, this seemed like a new start.

K Lynn Smith

I had a lot of fun, but a few moments really stood out. Artist K Lynn Smith presented me with her drawing of me. Artist Ali Cantarella wore a shirt bearing her caricature of me. Creator Victor Dandridge discussed all of his projects with U Cre-8 Comics, aimed at educating and engaging youngsters. I was impressed by concept artist Enerjax (also known as Jackie), whose work I saw for the first time.

Ali Cantarella

The last day of C2E2 was unusual. Nobody wanted to leave. Usually, after three days of comic con madness, everyone is a bit anxious to get home. This year, people lingered a bit longer, making sure to see everyone one last time. As the pandemic taught us, we need to enjoy things more in the moment.

After the convention, my buddy and I ate lunch at Firehouse Grill, uniquely housed in a decommissioned firehouse from the early 1900s in Evanston. Many menu items appealed to me, but I chose fish tacos with cream of mushroom soup. The tacos were amazing, filled with tender, flaky fish which could have been served as a meal. The soup was thick and flavorful. It was the perfect meal to end the day.

— John Wroblewski, online writer