Crowds at Rosemont's Fan Expo bought top dollar comics and a Swiftie, met celebrities, learned of opportunities

Yes, there is a Taylor Swift comic book. While this proved to be a popular item many of the estimated 75,000 people attending last weekend’s three-day Fan Expo Chicago at Rosemont’s Donald E. Stephens Convention Center were plunking down thousands of dollars for rare comics including $8,000 in cash for X-Men Number 1.

Thousands of people of all ages, most wearing costumes of their favorite characters — even Kolchak the Night Stalker, from around the country waited in the convention halls to pour into Fan Expo before it opened at 4 p.m. last Friday. Awaiting the crowds were more than 150 retailers, about 30 comic book dealers, more than 40 celebrity guests, voice stars, artists, panel discussions (many sold out) and esports areas.

Matt Rybarczyk and Steve Welch were staffing their busy comic book sales area which took up a whole corner. “We’ve been doing these shows for 32 years,” Welch, formerly of Illinois and now living in Florida, said. “Sales have been great today. We see a lot of comics being sold tied to recent movies including Deadpool and Wolverine, Alien, Star Wars and much more. All are buying comics at all prices including from the $10,000 range.”

As we spoke Andrew, of Hoffman Estates, asked to see the Deadpool comic Welch had in his hand and immediately bought it for $100, cash. “Deadpool is very popular now,” Welch said.

“Just a couple of weeks ago I sold two Avengers comic books separately in Detroit. Both were graded about 5.0 and they went for about $6,000 each, cash,” one comic book dealer said. “And today business is brisk here in Rosemont. It is a great show.” He sold out of his Avengers comics at the Rosemont show, telling that to one disappointed shopper who asked for Avengers number 1.

As one made their way through the throngs of people in the convention center buying jewelry, Legos, leggings, masks, toys, costumes, art and waiting in long lines for their favorite celebrity autographs, you could see a myriad of pop culture themed merchandise for sale. And, Artist Alley is always a popular destination for attendees, featuring one of a kind items created by professional and amateur artists. Here you found prints, posters, self-published comics, 3-D printed objects and other unique creative items.

One could also attend popular panels to hear the latest from celebrities on upcoming projects. One of the most popular, and it seemed with the longest autograph lines, was 93-year-old William Shatner of Star Trek fame. He never seems to age.

Esports was a large attraction at the expo as both the U.S. Army and U.S. Navy were highlighting their esports teams as well as educating youth on the myriad of scholarships they have available. Esports is organized gaming competitions among professional players and teams, including high school and college competitions. Like traditional sports, many esports will feature the same structure, such as having leagues, teams, and players.

“In addition to esports opportunities, we have many scholarships available for medical students,” Army Sergeant Matthew A. Mood said. In the Army and Navy, soldiers can sign up for positions such as working on submarines or other areas, and then tryout for a spot on their esports teams, which run about a year. Then they return to their regular job.

Making their debut at the expo was the Comics Elite booth featuring Taylor Swift comics. “Business is great. We find Taylor Swift is inspiring for girls and women. It is a ‘female force’ and good to see. We have seen a lot of business today and that is great,” Shawn Hudachko, owner, said.

When asked about the business aspect of selling Swift comics he said, “The Supreme Court ruled in 1991 that it is ok to use celebrity bios in comics. So we work with all the celebrities that we want to feature in comic books in order to license and produce them, including Taylor Swift.”

As the conversation ended a young family from Cleveland walked by the volumes of Swift comics and stopped. The young girl reached for a Swift comic book with a big smile, bought it and off they went back into the throngs of costumes, merchandise dealers and fun.