Thoughts About C2E2 2016

The annual Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo (C2E2) occurred last weekend at the South Building in McCormick Place. Here are my thoughts about this year’s event.

As a whole, large scale conventions in the Midwest (especially those in the Chicagoland area) have lacked presence and support from well-known publishers – Marvel, Image, and DC – for the past two decades, however C2e2 is usually always the exception but this year was a huge disappointment for anyone expecting elaborate presentations from any of those companies. I guess the big two already know with both having blockbuster movies and comic event books on the horizon that they’re gonna get our money, right?

Sure, there were some MINOR announcements from Marvel about their upcoming Civil War II story arc but hardly noteworthy and every writer and artist in attendance that are currently/reportedly/assuming still in DC’s employ were mum about everything even general questions like, ‘Hey fill-in-the-name, what can fans expect in terms of overall tone when Rebirth is launched this June?’ The unanimous answer reply was, ‘You going to have to wait for WonderCon to get an answer.’ Image Comics in earlier years at C2E2 have had a huge booth that hawked their wares; t-shirts, figures, and comics but this year, instead, fans were treated to literally what appeared to be a 16 sq ft display.

It’s obvious that Funko gives a damn about their Midwest consumers.

The overall lack of publisher prominence was certainly made up for by the presence of comic talent. My two examples shown below:

Art Baltazar of Aw Yeah! Comics

Legendary DC Comics Artist Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez

Bottom Line: Despite Reedpop continuing to put on one heck of a comic-con for the Chicagoland and the greater Midwest region which is accented by the tremendously courteous staff and volunteers at McCormick Place, this show and the fans who attend it deserve to be treated to bigger and more prominent interaction with most of their favorite comic book publishers and toy companies with exclusives announcements and merchandise because this is after all “The con Chicago needs. The con you deserve!”

C2e2 will happen again during 04/21/17 – 04/23/17  at McCormick Place in Chicago, IL

Review of The Walking Dead Season 6, Episode 10 - Next World: 3 Key Moments (Spoilers)

The second half of TWD season 6 has hit the run ground running with its two most recent episodes.
This week's installment, The Next World, while light on zombie-hordes gave fans some bittersweet satisfaction.

The story opens with a bit of a time jump from the last episode (a few months may have passed) as we learn that the town of Alexandria has been rebuilt and returned to its 'pseudo-Mayberry' peacefulness. Though I do appreciate the quality kills and mayhem this TV series continues to deliver, it was nice to see Rick (Andrew Lincoln) and the gang enjoy near normalcy during the apocalypse for a change. Of course, this can mean only one thing in the world of TWD - the next loss the Alexandrians endure will be that much greater once the sh*t hits the fan again and we know it will.

Here are some of the key moments from The Next World:
1. The introduction of  Jesus/Paul Rovia (Tom Payne). Rick and Daryl (Norman Reedus) encounter this weirdly pleasant and somewhat shady survivor while going on a supply run.

How everything unfolds between the three characters will no doubt be one of the few funny moments in this series. While I won't spoil this sequence of events, all I can say is think Tom And Jerry but happening in a post-zombie apocalyptic world.

2. Deanna's fate revealed. While Carl (Chandler Riggs) and Enid (Katelyn Nacon) were out in the woods they discover walker-Deanna (Tovah Feldshuh). Carl leads Deanna back closer to Alexandria. It turns out that Deanna's son, Spencer (Austin Nichols), is also out in those woods and Carl inadvertently leads Deanna to him.  With no other choice, Spencer gives his mother mercy by sticking a knife in the back of her head then buries her while Michonne (Danai Gurira) consoles him.

That evening Carl explains himself to Michonne and says that he intentionally drew walker-Deanna near Alexandria in hopes that she would be killed by someone who loved her. Carl then goes on to say that he would kill Michonne if she were to ever become a walker because he cares about her. Michonne responds in the only possible way by saying, "Me too."

3. Richonne.  Fans of the show have been 'shipping these two about as much as they do  Daryl and Carol and it finally happened in this episode - Rick and Michonne are the new power couple of TWD. There was a telltale sign that things might have turned romantic between them at the beginning of the episode but it was very vague and easily meant to be overlooked by the viewer. At the conclusion of the story, Rick and Michonne are sitting on the couch talking about they're day to each other like an old married couple while watching Judith on the baby monitor. Rick hands over the only item he got from the supply run, a pack of breath mints, to Michonne and their hands slowly become clasped together, followed by this ...

Thankfully the natural chemistry between Lincoln and Gurira made this a believable performance of two people who progressed from friends to lovers. In most of other series with some others actors this would have seemed forced and rushed but that chemistry and their acting made it a pay-off moment for fans.


Bottom Line: I freely admit I was about to write off this show (to be saved for a binge watch) as the last season and the first half of this season seemed to be slow-paced and drawn out. Episode 9 and Epsiode 10 of season 6 definitely lured me back in the for the ride. BRING ON NEGAN!

How about you friends? What do you think of Richonne or any of the other events from this episode or season 6 in general? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below. Perhaps you may want to converse with other TWD fans outside of your usual means of social media. .As a suggestion, try Alter Ego Geeks social and dating community. Who knows the Ricks out there may find their Michonnes and Michonnes may find their Ricks. Don't forget to enter promo code: comicsxaminer for a FREE one year membership when you click HERE.