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C2E2: Cosplay Community
- Lloyd E
- Apr 17
- 3 min read
Every April, the McCormick Place hosts Chicago's biggest convention, C2E2. The convention runs from Friday to Sunday and runs activities and events throughout the whole day. This year, the convention ran from April 11th to 13th. Basically, the comic con of the Midwest, C2E2 caters to every pop culture fandom, from movies, gaming, furries, anime, and even pro wrestling. There are events such as panels with your favorite artists and cosplayers, fandom meetups, guest celebrities, arts and crafts, dance/talent competitions, nightlife, and so much more. This year was my third time going, and I had the honor of obtaining a press pass as I wanted to share this amazing event with UIC, as I think there is something for everyone to enjoy at the convention, especially the amazing art of cosplay.
My favorite part about C2E2 is the cosplayers. It's like a second Halloween, except people are more likely to recognize your costume! People love their fandoms, and there is no greater way to show your appreciation than creating fan art or dressing up as a character from it. Every year I am blown away by the time and effort people pour into their cosplays. You can really tell how much someone appreciates their fandom through cosplay and it creates such a warm and inviting environment as everyone is there to express and share their love for their fandom.
If cosplaying is intimidating to you, C2E2 is the place to try it out. I mean it when I say everyone in that building is so kind and eager to celebrate pop culture with each other. My first time attending C2E2, I had a horrible budget Killua cosplay from HunterXHunter, yet I received so many compliments, people asked for pictures, and I met so many people in the same fandom because we were able to recognize our mutual love for the show through our cosplays. Due to the massive scale of C2E2, there is bound to be fans of whatever it is you are cosplaying, there is even people cosplaying their own original characters!
C2E2 celebrates cosplay. It is clear that they recognize it as an art form and they honor people's dedication to the craft by providing fandom meetups and photoshoots as well as a massive cosplay pageant, where cosplayers can be admired and recognized for their talent. C2E2 provides "cosplay touch-up" stations where workers are eager to help you fix up any issues you may encounter with your cosplay throughout the weekend.
Along with appreciating cosplay, C2E2 respects everyone, no matter how low-effort or detailed one's cosplay is, by providing a supportive space that does not tolerate hate or offensive speech/actions of any kind. This is enforced by security officers stationed throughout the convention center as well as the attendees themselves; the comic convention community is very accepting and accommodating as they understand their hobbies may be considered "weird" from an outside perspective.
Not once have I had an awkward or regrettable cosplay experience at this convention. I absolutely love participating, there is nothing more validating than when someone asks for a picture with your cosplay, or finding people of the same fandom. Everyone in the convention understands cosplay as an outlet for passion and a way to escape from reality. It doesn't matter if you put no money into your cosplay or $10,000, you will only be met with acceptance and appreciation for your dedication to a fandom. If cosplaying still remains intimidating to you, there is space for you to attend C2E2 as yourself to participate and enjoy fandom culture in a supportive environment.
At the end of the convention this year, I left with an overwhelming love for this community as I had such a positive experience. I met so many amazing people who gave me permission to share their cosplays, and as you can see from my photos, there is representation and community for truly any fandom you can think of at C2E2.
All pictures by me, taken on a Canon EOS 60D DSLR.
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