Posted on April 02, 2026 by Morgan Siebert
Director of the Super Museum, Metropolis, IL & Special Correspondent
The energy at McCormick Place was electric this past weekend as C2E2 2026 welcomed a record-breaking crowd of over 100,000 attendees. For those of us deeply rooted in the world of DC and the preservation of our favorite heroes, the sheer scale of the event was breathtaking. Representing SupermanSuperSite.com, I had the incredible opportunity to dive into the heart of the convention to bring back "Super" highlights for fans everywhere.
The Journey to Chicago
The trip began with a six-hour drive from Metropolis, but the road to the Windy City included a fantastic detour. I stopped at the Transworld Halloween & Attractions Show in St. Louis to marvel at the massive Halloween and Christmas displays. Seeing the artistry behind these seasonal attractions was the perfect way to gear up for a weekend dedicated to creativity and fandom.
Meeting Icons and Creators
One of the absolute highlights was meeting Michael Cudlitz (who recently brought Lex Luthor to life in "Superman & Lois"). He was incredibly sweet and genuine, and during our conversation, he mentioned how much he would love to attend the Superman Celebration in Metropolis, IL in the future.
The celebrity encounters continued with the legendary Geena Davis. She was so gracious - she even complimented my hair, and I made sure to return the favor by telling her how beautiful her iconic cheekbones are in person! I also had the pleasure of meeting Wayne Knight, known to many of us as the unforgettable Newman from Seinfeld.
The "Artist Alley" was more vibrant than ever, filled with a refreshing mix of well-known legends and talented up-and-coming artists. Highlights included:
• Art Baltazar: Art shared the exciting news that he is now running his own comic shop!
• Phillip Kennedy Johnson: It was a pleasure to speak with the writer behind some of our favorite modern Action Comics stories.
• Simon Bisley: I spent some time at the booth of the legendary artist known for his iconic work on Lobo, watching him interact with his dedicated fans.
A Sea of Cosplay and the Rise of Supergirl
Cosplay is the soul of C2E2, and this year, characters were everywhere you turned. The DC Meetup was a particular standout; we captured photos of dozens of heroes and villains, but one trend was impossible to ignore: the surge of Supergirls. There were significantly more Supergirls than in previous years - a clear sign that the hype for the upcoming movie is officially taking flight.
Sights, Sounds, and Themed Refreshments
The convention offered more than just panels and collectibles:
• Themed Beverages: I noticed a growing number of themed coffee and tea brands, as well as custom comic-branded breweries popping up. From caffeine to craft beer, the industry is finding creative ways to blend fandom with daily life.
• The Tattoo Pavilion: A fascinating area where fans could watch live artists ink incredible fandom-inspired designs.
• The Lobby Atmosphere: The lobby featured live music, providing a great soundtrack for the crowds moving between halls.
• A Special Gift: A huge thank you to the team at Jewelry Brands, who gifted a Krypto dog collar for the Super Museum collection!
Final Thoughts
C2E2 2026 was a testament to the strength of the fan community. Between the high energy and the well-organized layout, it was a joy to navigate. It was also wonderful to run into several familiar faces who have previously attended our Superman Celebration in Metropolis.
I am incredibly appreciative of the Superman Super Site for giving me the opportunity to represent them. This was an unforgettable weekend, and I will gladly return in the future!
For more Superman news and updates, be sure to visit SupermanSuperSite.com.
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English (US) · 