Little bit of everything at Rosemont Comic Con
If you think "Doctor Who" is a legitimate question, you don't belong in Rosemont this weekend.
You couldn't tip over a TARDIS (the show's time machine) at the Wizard World Chicago Comic Con at Rosemont's Donald E. Stephens Convention Center Saturday without hitting someone decked out in the iconic time-traveler's red bow tie, matching fez and brown tweed jacket.
"I think we all look great," said a diplomatic Brooke Bailey of Chicago. "I've seen a million of me, and I didn't think anyone looked bad."
Sprinkled in among the bounty of "Doctor Who" impersonators were comic book superheroes, movie characters and even the sporadic original costumed revelers.
But no one discriminated against those who just came as themselves, like Westchester's Josh Gort.
"I couldn't dress up," Gort said. "I've never been to a con before, but I figured I have the finances and free time to do it now so I might as well, but I see all the attention those who do dress up get and to me that would be overwhelming."
Thousands milled about the expansive convention center floor for shopping, picture-taking and hobnobbing with celebrities who were available for autographs, including the entire main cast of "Star Trek: The Next Generation."
"Wizard World is a big expense, but it's the only game in town if you're into the autograph thing," said Kim Litton, who traveled from St. Louis for the three-day event with different costumes for every day. "We are wearing our new 'Star Trek' costumes today because of the big reunion."
Even stars of shows that have been off the air for years receive the star treatment. Fans lined up scores deep to wait for autographs from the likes of "The Incredible Hulk" star Lou Ferrigno, model Cheryl Tiegs and Joel Hodgson, who created the pioneering television cult classic series "Mystery Science Theater 3000."
"I'm always amazed and humbled by the reaction from fans I get at these things," Hodgson said. "We were really in a vacuum when we were making it, and I thought it would make good TV, but we didn't know it would have a lasting impact like it has."
While most came to see, others came to be seen.
Matt Moews, a costumer from Portland, Oregon, arrived in his custom-made Batman outfit and was immediately mobbed by people taking pictures and kids wanting their picture taken with him.
"This is what I really enjoy doing," he said. "I've got kids and I'm a big kid at heart and to see them light up when you walk in is really what it's all about, for me anyways."
Moews said he had about $3,200 sunk into his Batman costume "so far."
"I have over 20 costumes, but this is definitely a crowd favorite."