Last month, my buddy Tony and I joined thousands of pop culture fans at FAN EXPO Chicago. The three-day convention is the biggest such event of the year.

FAN EXPO is a group of fan conventions operated by FAN EXPO HQ, the largest comic con producer in the world. FAN EXPO started in Canada in 2013 and currently hosts events in 17 cities in North America, drawing more than 1 million attendees.

Held at Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Chicago’s event is one of the larger ones, attracting 100,000 attendees. With about 20 celebrities and dozens of artists and authors, along with hundreds of vendors, there is something for everyone.

On the first day I arrived early, as always. I enjoy watching the convention hall transition from serene to boisterous as the crowd builds. I also like roaming Artist Alley first, when it is the least busy, allowing more time to catch up with my artist friends without interfering with their business. Creators including Trevor Mueller, Leia Huddleston, Russell Lissau and Patrick Olsen have become our good friends over the years.

Tony and Patrick Olsen

Most of Saturday was spent meandering through the vendor area. Of course, I always spend more than planned because I see a new Aquaman shirt or other merch of my favorite characters.

We saved celebrities for the last day, when a lot of attendees are in the vendor area trying for last-minute deals. Our highlights included meeting Chicago native Jennifer Beals, Rob Schneider and a combo of Paul Reiser with Helen Hunt.

One last fun part was catching up with longtime friend and FAN EXPO Fan Engagement Specialist Victor Dandridge, Jr. “The hardest working man in comics” was heading home for a short stay before traveling to Toronto for FAN EXPO Toronto. With all this travel, he made a fascinating Talking Travel interview guest a few months ago.

In 2008 I attended the first Wizard World convention in Chicago. I attended all Chicago events through 2021. FAN EXPO bought the Wizard World conventions and has done the seemingly impossible by making them even bigger and better, as evidenced by the half-mile line to enter on Saturday.

Leaving the convention on the last day is always bittersweet. I’m tired and sore but satisfied with the fun I had. I already look forward to next year.

— John Wroblewski, online writer