C2E2 Day One: First Impressions From the Convention Floor

Just Arrived and I’m Already Overwhelmed In The Best Way

I have just arrived at C2E2 Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo, and honestly… there is just too much to process. From the moment you walk in, you can feel it. It is loud, it is colorful, and it is full of excitement. There is no denying it. “Think of it as Chicago’s Comic Con. The largest pop culture convention in the Midwest, C2E2 brings celebrities, exhibitors, comic writers and illustrators, literary authors, and, of course, fans, to the Chicago downtown area. Last year’s event attracted more than 85,000 visitors from around the world,” according to Choose Chicago.

Before I really even stepped onto the convention floor, I was greeted by something unexpected but something I think is absolutely amazing. There was live music being performed by the Oak Lawn Community High School band. They were playing right near the entrance of the convention floor, and it really got me right away. It didn’t feel like your average convention. It felt like you were walking into something big, and it had that sort of cinematic feel.

Hundreds of Vendors and Endless Discoveries

When I went inside, the first thing that struck me was how huge C2E2 is. There are hundreds of vendors, and let me tell you, you could spend hours walking around just going from booth to booth, and you still wouldn’t be able to see all of them.

From the collectibles and exclusive items to the artwork and the comic books, every section of the place is something entirely different. You could have one section with vintage comic books, and the next section could be anime artwork or something to do with gaming. It’s honestly overwhelming, but in a good way.

There is a lot of activity going on with people buying, selling, and talking about what they are into. Whether you are into Marvel, anime, gaming, or something else, there is something for everyone here.

A Huge Win for One Piece Fans

One of the highlights for me personally was visiting the One Piece booth. Of course, if you’re an avid fan of the series, you’d know how huge this is right now, and they certainly didn’t disappoint.

I was able to get my hands on a One Piece promo card, and right off the bat, I can say that it’s definitely one of my favorite items I was able to pick up from the convention thus far. The line was packed, and the hype for this booth was definitely real. Everyone was trying to get something, whether it was cards, merchandise, or just photos.

This, to me, is what makes conventions such as this special – it’s no longer just something you see online; it’s in real life.

The Trading Card Scene Is Alive and Strong

Another thing that stands out right away is that trading cards have a strong presence at the convention this year. There are several companies that have representatives here for grading cards. Some of these include Professional Sports Authenticator and Certified Guaranty Company.

When you see that both PSA and CGC have representatives here, that’s huge if you’re into trading cards. There are people walking around with slabs, asking questions, submitting cards, and talking about value, rarity, and collecting in general.

It’s not like it’s in a small corner; it really seems like it’s a big part of the convention. Whether you’re a hardcore collector or just starting out collecting, this is one of the best places to be.

More Than Just a Convention

What’s really standing out up to this point is that it’s not just about buying things. It’s about the experience. There’s always something going on. Whether it’s cosplayers running around in crazy costumes, taking pictures, or running into other people who like the same things that you like.

Just walking around is an event. There’s always something to look at, something to react to, and something new to see.

Of course, this is just the beginning.

What’s Next: Panels and Voice Actors

I have only scratched the surface thus far. The vendor floor alone could take up an entire day, and that is just part of it. There is still so much more to look at.

Next up, I am going to be checking out some panels, especially those that feature voice actors and creators. That is where you really get to hear the stories behind everything and get connected with people who create these characters.

So far, C2E2 is already living up to the hype, and I am only just getting started. There is a lot more coming.

By Luis Garcia Jr

A Successful Journalist, Editor, and Media professional for over 8 years, where my focus is to inform the community and the world on current events.

Choose Chicago: Your guide to the Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo (C2E2) 2026

Featured Image Courtesy Luis Garcia Jr

Inset Image Courtesy Luis Garcia Jr