Fan Fest was in Chicago for its fifth year and we were fortunate enough to cover the show via media/press passes granted to us by the conference.
Fan Fest offers up a unique spin that sets it apart from other conventions with Heroes & Villains AND Walker Stalker two-cons in one concept. If you’ve never attended Fan Fest, below is a brief outline of both shows.
Heroes & Villains
Heroes & Villains is geared towards people who love DC and Marvel comics and shows. The convention brings in top stars from shows such as Arrow, Daredevil, The Defenders and more. The show puts forth major effort to give all it can to the fans. Beginning with the panels which are not behind closed doors in a banquet room. They are on the main floor ensuring everyone who wants to attend can see and hear the talent on the stage. Additionally, there are several time slots for autograph signings and photo ops.
On Sunday, Stephen Amell came back to the autograph area after his panel and then again after his photo meet and greets to make sure to meet all of the fans. If you have been to a comic con before, you know that is not common.
There were plenty of cosplayers on hand representing their fan favorites, from Flash and Green Arrow to Scarecrow and Canary to Gotham’s Jerome.
Walker Stalker Con
Walker Stalker con encompasses more than just zombies which its name might suggest…it branches out to fandoms that include Supernatural, Riverdale and Stranger things as well. Walking through the hall, you find photo ops and autograph meet and greets exactly like its Heroes and Villains partner in crime.
While walking through the hall, you can find booths that will create quick zombie make-up, panels out in the open. On Sunday, we happened upon the very jam packed Michael Rooker panel. It was his birthday and the entire panel and attendees came together to sing Happy Birthday to Rooker and yes, we absolutely sang along.
The photo op staging of the Stranger Things set was really great to happen upon since it was completely accessible to everyone at the con.
The Bonus Round
Aside from the fandom and star power…there were many things at the con to entertain outside of the heroes and walkers. You could pitstop and get a tattoo, watch a chalk artist create before your eyes or let the kids go crazy on a giant trampoline.
The Bottom Line
If you are a fan of DC and/or Marvel television shows or movies, you won’t want to miss Heroes & Villains Fan Fest. While it is still very young in the convention game, it is doing a lot of things right. If I had one suggestion for the coming years, it would be workshops or nerd panels. Add in some more content that is by the fans for the fans and it would be nothing short of a homerun.
We hope to see you there next year!