This weekend’s edition of MCM London (October 2026) produced a noisy, crowded snapshot of the convention’s comeback — captured in a new, slightly shaky walkthrough video titled “From One Side Of The Show to the Other.” For anyone tracking how in-person fandom events are rebounding and evolving, the clip offers a close-up view of what large-scale pop culture gatherings look like right now.
The footage, uploaded a day later than planned, runs about seventeen minutes and favours atmosphere over polish: dense crowds, constant movement and the occasional technical hiccup. Midway through the recording the creator’s tablet was knocked free but survived, underlining a practical takeaway for attendees — bring protective cases and expect jostling in busy aisles.
Friendly encounters thread through the film. Longtime collaborators, independent comic makers and casual fans reconnected on the show floor, and the scenes captured how conventions still serve as social hubs where creators meet audiences face to face. There’s even a small personal moment where the videomaker’s daughter sees a different side of her father — a reminder that these events blend professional life and family time for many participants.
Practical takeaways from this weekend
- Crowd density: Peak times are unpredictable; mornings and late afternoons are busiest.
- Gear protection: Use secure straps and rugged cases for phones, tablets and cameras.
- Meeting creators: Lines and schedules still matter — plan signings and panels in advance.
- Bring cash and a meeting spot: Mobile signals can be patchy inside the venue.
- Family-friendly planning: If bringing children, agree on a rendezvous point and check panel ages.
MCM London Comic Con remains one of the UK’s flagship pop-culture festivals. Launched in 2002 as the London Movies, Comics and Media Expo by founders Paul Miley and Bryan Cooney, the event gradually expanded to a three-day format and shifted to the waterfront halls of ExCeL London. Over time it grew from a single hall to occupying much of the centre and was later incorporated into Reed Exhibitions’ roster of major fan shows alongside events such as NYCC and ECCC.
That institutional growth matters beyond nostalgia. Bigger scale brings better headline guests and more commercial activity, but also logistical pressure — security, crowd flow and exhibitor space all become more complex. For fans and creators alike, the trade-off is a wider platform with more opportunities to network, sell work or simply soak up the culture.
If you couldn’t make the show, the new walkthrough is a useful, if unvarnished, record of the atmosphere and practical realities of an October MCM at full tilt. It’s worth watching for anyone planning to attend future editions or studying how large fan conventions are operating in this moment.
Similar Posts
- London Comic Mart packed in June 2026: full video tour
- Free Comic and Toy Show at Crossroads Center in St. Cloud Oct. 3–4
- Only Murders season 6 lands 14 major cameos including Martin Freeman, Sharon Horgan, Simone Ashley
- AI graphic novels spark debate at NYCC and Frankfurt book fair
- SXSW London: year two delivers must-see sessions and trend-defining ideas
Hello, I’m Jax. I guide you through the latest comics releases and enrich your geek universe.