London’s biggest comic con (MCM Comic Con) returned on Halloweekend October 28-31 at ExCel London convention center, attracting thousands of fans of Marvel, DC, comics, anime, sci-fi, and more. Located in the heart of London’s historic Royal Docks, this venue felt spacious and overwhelmingly grandeur. SEGA set up a station for Con attendees to try the new Sonic Frontiers game before it is released on November 8th of this year. The Persona video game franchise had a station to photograph fans with a Persona 5 background. Star-studded guests this year include Tom Sturridge from Netflix’s Sandman and stars from Doctor Who and Smallville. Panels featured famous actors such as Anthony Daniels, who played C3-PO in Star Wars, and Jay Lycurgo, who plays Tim Drake in DC’s Titans, as well as videogame voice actor Troy Baker, the voice of Joel Miller in the Last of Us, Booker DeWitt in Bioshock Infinite, and Delsin Rowe in infamous Second Son.

Vendors sold merchandise ranging from funko pops to homemade mugs, coasters, and clothing. The 501st UK garrison made a proud showing with Darth Vader and stormtroopers. The 501st is an international fan-based cosplay and non-profit organization that is dedicated to movie-accurate Star Wars costumes with notoriously stringent costume requirements for their members. This cosplay group gives back to the community through costume charity and volunteer work. On-site Costa coffee and food booths served Asian stir-fry noodles, barbeque meats, and fries (chips, as the British call it), catering to hungry cosplayers who wanted a quick lunch and recharge. New York Comic Con (NYCC) is one of America’s biggest comic cons, standing alongside San Diego comic con. NYCC takes place in Javits center on Eleventh Avenue between 34th and 38th Street in Hell’s Kitchen, Manhattan, New York.

Franco del Bono Lonardi cosplayed as an imperial officer from Star Wars. He studies law in the Netherlands and he was invited over to England to go to the Con. When asked about his favorite part about London comic con, Franco commented on how he “found the previews for upcoming games and shows to be quite interesting.” Upon being prompted on his thoughts on the cosplayers, Franco highlighted the effort people put into their costumes and was inspired by how cosplayers could be so dedicated to the craft.