Super Hero Fun: MCM Comic Con London
For the superhero-obsessed kiddo, it’s time for a family outing to MCM Comic Con London at the Excel Centre. Here are some tips for a successful day out.
The secret is out. In my house, we are big fans of all things “geek” culture thanks to having a movie-and-comic obsessed husband. It is true – my other half has a secret love affair with all things Marvel. Many friends discovered new hobbies such as making sourdough bread, knitting, and gardening during the pandemic. But for Kenz, he rediscovered his love for comic books and graphic novels. Reminiscing on his youthful days, Kenz has such fond childhood memories browsing at Fantasy Comics near his hometown.
His collection of Funko POP of athletes, superheroes, and movie characters grew exponentially over the past two years. In fact, the Funko POPs have taken over every square inch of wall space in the office. On his bucket list is to attend Comic Con San Diego, the grand-daddy event for comic lovers. It is unlikely we will make a trip back to California this summer. Instead, we enjoyed our maiden voyage to Comic Con London as a family a few weeks ago at the Excel Centre.
If you are taking your children to enjoy all things superheroes, here are some tips for a successful day out at MCM Comic Con London.
Family Day Out at MCM Comic Con London
The bi-annual three-day pop culture event, MCM Comic Con London, takes place in May and October at the Excel Centre. With the new opening of the Elizabeth Line in May 2022 in time for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, you can reach Custom House from Central London in no time. Alternatively, you can also take the DLR and change accordingly for the Beckton-bound train.
If you are diehard fans of all things comics and superheroes, you can get priority entry tickets for £29.50. Priority tickets allow you to visit Comic Con two hours earlier than the general admission tickets (£20-£25). Kids under 10 years ago go free! So why not take your kiddo(s) to see their favourite superhero.
Come Later and Skip the Crowds
If you are attending with young children, arrive at Comic Con after lunch around 2pm to avoid masses of Cosplay enthusiasts entering the convention centre at 11am. I recommend having a relaxed lunch in Canary Wharf before heading over to the Excel Centre. We arrived on Saturday right at opening, and it was busy with long queues forming as far back as the DLR station. But once you’re inside the Excel Centre, there is a dedicated family line where you can bypass the crowds of people.
There is also a designated family zone where children can enjoy some quiet down time. The Tree House family area has tons of bean bags, crafts, games, and face painting. It’s a little chill out area where the family can take a snack break. And indeed, bring enough snacks for the day as the queues for food and drinks can be long.
Sensory Overload with CosPlay
About 99.5% of attendees to Comic Con London participate in CosPlay. What is CosPlay? A portmanteau of ‘costume play,’ Cosplay is the practice of dressing up as a character from a film, book, or video game. Seriously, there are some impressive costumes from Marvel and DC characters to numerous Darth Varders, Japanese anime characters, and we even spotted Cruella Devil. One of our favourites was the Ghostbuster duo who made their own proton backpack. It was amazing to see such enthusiasm. Young, old; big, small; it does not matter – everyone participates in CosPlay at Comic Con London.
Be prepared for sensory overload when you see your favourite superhero. And enjoy all the fun at Comic Con London. With a bit of planning, it is a super fun day out with your favourite superhero.
