In a recent press release from MCM, they supplied me with the following information about the London Comic Con which took place the 23rd – 25th of May: “MCM London Comic Con passed the 100,000 visitor mark for the first time, smashing the Excel-based event’s previous highest attendance record. Show organizers revealed that 101,600 attendees came through the doors of MCM London Comic Con between Friday 23 and Sunday 25 May, compared to 88,000 people last October and just over 70,000 in May 2013.” Being there in person, I certainly have no argument about the numbers. This was the 7th MCM Expo I have attended and from the moment my friend, Kris Kobus, and I arrived at the Excel Centre in East London, I knew it was going to be a big, big event. Before I go into more detail, I would like to specifically thank the good folks at MCM for granting me a press pass for the event. It was much appreciated and well-used! Here’s what we saw as we came up the ramp from the DLR station: 
After a no-so-quick change in the carpark, my buddy is ready to show off his Judge Dredd costume: 
Walking around inside and outside the Excel Centre starts to give some perspective to the event. There are all sorts of costumes and cosplays – from superheroes to giant marshmallow men, from fairy tale couples to old time movie favorites:
As the day progressed, the crowds never seemed to let up, but we were all in great spirits: 
Even princesses need a rest now and then: 
Whether it’s a pint-sized Superman, a group of Ghost Busters, the Doctor and his assistant, or a lone guard for the coffee vendor, everyone enjoyed the day:
“This has been the most successful MCM London Comic Con on record – in fact, the largest event of its kind ever held in the UK,” said show co-organiser Bryan Cooney. “The soaring attendance not only reflects a growing worldwide interest in comic cons and the ever-expanding range of attractions and activities at our show, but also the strength of the community that has built up around it over the years. Whether you’re into sci-fi, comics, videogames, movies, manga, anime, J-fashion or cosplay, the twice-yearly MCM London Comic Con has become the place to meet up with like-minded friends and make new ones.” 
“MCM London Comic Con keeps going from strength-to-strength,” show co-organiser Paul Miley added. “As well as featuring a great special guest line-up and a host of top comic book creators, games publishers, film studios, anime distributors and retailers, this latest show saw us respond to public demand by expanding our online video, eSports and Asian culture offerings. And when we return in October, the show will be even bigger and better!” The next MCM London Comic Con takes place at Excel London on 24-26 October 2014. You can find out more about MCM London Comic Con by going to one of the webspaces listed below and/or follow on Twitter. Website: www.mcmcomiccon.com/london Twitter: @MCMExpo Facebook: www.facebook.com/mcmexpo YouTube at www.youtube.com/mcmexpo
