MCM Comic-Con 2026
Enter the Excel
MCM Comic-Con London: Cosplay, games and a little bit of magic
The question everyone asks: “Do you need to cosplay to enjoy Comic-Con?” The short answer is no.
The longer answer is also no, but the encouragement and celebration of these communities are incredible. Watching one cosplayer get excited to have a picture with another is such a wholesome moment. You see their eyes light up, and for a second, everything is simply right in the world.
Comic-Con brings such a diverse group of people together that you’d be forgiven for thinking there’s peace on Earth.
This weekend’s celebration of all things comics and gaming was a real showcase. From Main Stage appearances by Critical Role, Grand Theft Auto and Resident Evil, to Disney’s Daredevil and a live Q&A with the voice cast and writers of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, there was a little magic for everyone.
MCM Comic-Con is easy to get lost in. ExCeL is enormous, and the event sprawls across multiple exhibition spaces. There were Free Play and Side Quest Arenas, RPGs, board games, creators, live stages, writers’ areas, Artist Alley, and an abundance of photo and autograph opportunities. And that’s just scratching the surface.
Every section was packed with shops, collectibles and memorabilia.
The team at RRUK got their hands on some games at the Nintendo Switch 2 stand, including LEGO Batman, Mario Kart World, Star Fox and Professor Layton and the New World of Steam. We also had the pleasure of trying Dragon Ball Xenoverse, alongside Gundam Rogue Orbit and more at the Bandai Namco UK stand.
There was definitely an opportunity for Insomniac to showcase Marvel’s Wolverine, especially at an event like Comic-Con. With Doctor Doom looming over the MCU, it felt like a missed opportunity not to lean further into that. The crossover of gamers and Resident Evil fans at the Main Stage panel also left me wondering whether Resident Evil Requiem could have had a bigger presence.
We also spent time with indie developers, hearing their stories and checking out some cool games coming to Steam, including Guns of Eschaton, Clown Town and Wilderdark. Keep an eye out for RRUK coverage of these titles, hopefully once the demos drop!
Cosplay, community and the crowds
One of the highlights was seeing the sheer amount of effort people put into their costumes. From an impressive Ainz Ooal Gown and Albedo from Overlord to a Hello Kitty Iron Man, there were costumes everywhere that clearly took hours upon hours of dedication. The best part, though, was seeing how much joy people got from sharing their creations with others.
The event was busy, with plenty of queues for food and popular attractions, but things generally flowed well. The biggest challenge seemed to come at the end of the day, when the crowds heading for the Tube made leaving a bit of a headache.
My one real criticism was the panels and live events. They were enjoyable, but some felt cut short just as the audience Q&A was getting going. I’d love to see longer sessions with more time for fan questions. After all, getting to interact with the people behind the games, films and shows you love is a huge part of what makes Comic-Con special.
Would I recommend MCM Comic-Con?
Absolutely. It was busy but enjoyable, with plenty to see, play and discover. Whether you’re a gamer, an anime fan, a collector, a comic-book enthusiast or simply someone who enjoys seeing people celebrate what they love, there’s something here for you.
And no, you don’t need to cosplay.
Looking ahead
MCM London returns 28–30 May 2027!
ExCeL London, UK
MCM returns for another three-day celebration of gaming, anime and pop culture. Find out more at the official MCM London website.
MCM Birmingham returns in 2027!
NEC Birmingham, UK
MCM will return to Birmingham in 2027, bringing TV and film stars, independent creators, cosplay and plenty of fan-favourite moments. Dates are still to be announced.
Keep an eye on the official MCM Birmingham website for updates.
