MCM London Comic Con: Features and Attractions
MCM London Comic Con is a premier celebration of popular culture, bringing together fans, creators, and industry giants. From massive exhibit halls to dedicated spaces for digital creators, the event offers a diverse range of experiences for anyone passionate about film, television, gaming, and comics.
Key Facts
- Theatre Capacity: Approximately 1,000 people.
- Comic Village Scale: Roughly 200 tables for artists and publishers.
- Cosplay Highlights: Hosts the UK qualifying event for the EuroCosplay championships in May.
- Digital Media: Dedicated VidfestUK area for vlogs and web series.
- Industry Access: Features portfolio reviews with video game companies and previews of upcoming films.
The Exhibit Hall and Guest Experiences
The heart of the convention is the exhibit hall, a vast floor space occupied by dealer stands and major exhibitors, including television stations and film studios. A central feature of this space is the theatre, which utilizes a large stage and dual projection monitors to accommodate an audience of about 1,000 attendees.
Guests from across the media landscape are frequently invited to the event. These personalities often attend to promote new productions in print, TV, or film, or to raise funds and awareness for specific charities. Fans can interact with these guests through autograph sessions—dedicated areas where high-profile figures sign memorabilia—and live question-and-answer sessions on stage.
Beyond the celebrity interactions, the event provides professional development and insider access through seminars, workshops with comic book professionals, and portfolio review sessions hosted by video game companies.
Cosplay and the Fringe Festival
Cosplay, the act of dressing up as characters from movies, games, or comics, is one of the most popular elements of the show. Attendees use cosplay to showcase their craftsmanship, express devotion to a fandom, or engage in role-play with others. Notably, the May event serves as a qualifying round for the EuroCosplay championships held every October.
To support this community, the MCM Fringe Festival was revamped in 2010. This initiative allows cosplayers to organize and broadcast their own meet-ups, picnics, dances, and video gaming tournaments via the event website, making it easier for fans of the same fandom to coordinate photoshoots.
Specialized Zones: Comic Village and VidfestUK
The Comic Village, coordinated by Gary "Wheels" Howe of the MCM Expo Group, serves as a hub for the comic industry. With approximately 200 tables, it provides a platform for both professional and amateur writers, artists, and publishers to sell their work. This area also features a signing zone where industry icons—such as Kevin Eastman, Gail Simone, Frazer Irving, and Antony Johnston—have previously met with the public.
For fans of internet culture, VidfestUK focuses on online visual media. This area is dedicated to vlogs, animations, and web series, featuring notable YouTube partners such as MrWeebl and TomSka.
The Evolution of the Eagle Awards
The Eagle Awards, established in 1977, were once the longest-running fan-voted awards in the comic industry. They were hosted at MCM London Comic Con every May from 2010 to 2012. In 2013, they were renamed the MCM Award. By 2014, the awards moved to the London Film and Comic Con under the names The Stan Lee Eagle Award and the True Believer Comic Awards, though they have not been awarded since.
| Feature | Primary Purpose | Key Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Exhibit Hall | Industry Exhibition | 1,000-seat theatre |
| Comic Village | Independent Art & Publishing | 200+ artist tables |
| Fringe Festival | Community Organizing | Fan-led photoshoots and meet-ups |
| VidfestUK | Online Media | YouTube partner guests |
| Cosplay | Fan Expression | EuroCosplay qualifiers |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the MCM Fringe Festival?
The Fringe Festival is designed to help cosplayers organize and promote their own events, such as picnics, dances, and photoshoots, allowing them to connect with other fans of the same series.
Who can be found in the Comic Village?
The Comic Village hosts a mix of professional and amateur artists, writers, and publishers, as well as high-profile comic industry guests for signing sessions.
How does the EuroCosplay championship work at the event?
The championships take place every October, and the event held in May serves as one of the qualifying rounds for UK entries.
What is VidfestUK?
VidfestUK is a specialized area of the expo dedicated to online visual media, including web series, vlogs, and animations, featuring guests from platforms like YouTube.
What happened to the Eagle Awards?
Originally fan-voted awards founded in 1977, they were held at MCM London Comic Con until 2012. They underwent several name changes and moved to the London Film and Comic Con in 2014 before ceasing to be awarded.