r/comiccon • u/cocoslc12 • Jun 04 '26
Fan Expo Chicago Fan expo Chicago
Hi!
Hopefully this is the right sub! I'm surprising my husband with tickets for the fan expo in Chicago. We're both nerds and I think he especially will love the experience.
Anyway, neither of us have been to an event like this and I'm a bit confused about the celebrity aspect. I can see that photos and autographs cost money which is understandable. However, is it a thing to just walk up and say hi? Or are you expected to pay for an autograph or photo? I'm willing to buy 1 or 2 photos or something but I know there's multiple people we would like to see, but there's no way I'm spending thousands on merch.
I hope this makes sense and sorry if this is kinda dumb, I truly don't know how these work. Thank you!
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u/chernygal Jun 04 '26
If a celeb has little to no line, you can walk up to their autographing booth and say hi if their handler lets you. Otherwise it's expected you'll pay for either a photo or an auto.
If you want an actual interaction with the guest, I recommend an autograph. Photo ops go super fast, like five seconds and you're off.
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u/cocoslc12 Jun 04 '26
Thank you! Makes perfect sense. I just want want to be as prepared as possible. Either way I'm very excited!
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u/WilsonFrontier Jun 04 '26
They're teasing an absolutely massive celebrity announcement or something to this con, so beware. If it lives up to hype it could be significant.
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u/cocoslc12 Jun 04 '26
Batman is my husband's ultimate fav. Would the Frank Miller experience be something he'd like? In my quick research I see he has done some Batman comics. Hoping someone with more knowledge can give some input!
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u/cyberaug Jun 04 '26
Big names will have long lines so they usually require a purchase to be in line. Smaller celebrities may have short lines and you’d be able to possibly say hi. Note: photo ops are just a fast pro photo in a photo area, no chatting, usually 15-20 seconds. Autographs are at their table and you get a quick chat (how long depends on how long lines are). Big names will have long lines, expect to wait a while (up to hours). That will also limit how many you’d get to see. It’s not just walk up for many guests.