I’m here in McCormick Place, Chicago, in the North Building to be precise, one of many huge structures that combine auditoriums with aircraft hanger space, and its busy. C2E2 (http://www.c2e2.com/) doesn’t start for another twenty four hours, and a logistical exercise along military lines is being carried out, as exhibitors promptly get their stalls, booths, massive displays or neatly packed tiny space, all sorted.
I have come by to see friends who are giving away free science fiction books, promoting; reading, local conventions, and Chicon 7 (www.chicon7.org) this years Worldcon, also here in Chicago, they have over 5,000 to give away.
An announcement comes across the tannoy, and exhibitors are welcomed to some free beer in the lobby, an offer that many take up, and which I also share in, and then I slow down and take some time to wander around. It’s amazing to see the level of detail, two stands Graham Crackers and Challengers Comics look like they have transposed their comics shops directly into the hall, while the T-shirts stalls stretch upwards into the sky.
I stand and look at an array of Captain America Costumes, at the Profiles in History stand, the guys setting up the displays heard my accent, and were impressed I had travelled from London, and so, as an incredible gesture, I was offered to hold one of the film used shields. They had three in various states of war ware, another one in ice and some classic shaped all in this incredible auction.
The full amazing catalogue is here to download;
http://www.profilesinhistory.com/captain-america-the-first-avenger-auction/auction-catalogs
I am already impressed and it hasn’t even started….
Love the pic with the shield. I’ll never feel as envious as the one with you wearing the Colonial Marines armour though. Congrats on the Hugo noms.