Funko POP stall from TheFilmCell. Image: Shenay Mbemba
By Shenay Mbemba
MCM brought their weekend of fun back to Birmingham! A time where people from communities of every corner come together and enjoy themselves. Lasting from Friday 28th until Sunday 30th of November, the halls of The National Exhibition Centre welcomed the dazzling cosplayers of individuals, friends and families, feel-good music, the decorated stalls of irresistible plushies, jewellery, artworks from talented artists. The list goes on!
The attendees in front of the live stage. Image: Shenay Mbemba.
What is MCM Comic Con?
Remember summer and Christmas fairs as a child back in primary school? It's like that! MCM Comic Con is a convention, typically targeted to fans (all ages) of films, shows, video games, anime, cartoons, books and such, gather to celebrate that! You can dress up as any character you'd like or if you'd prefer to arrive as yourself, you're more than welcome! You can even showcase your cosplay if you like, visit an array of stalls and booths selling a variety of exciting items to purchase.
Comic books for sale. Image: Shenay Mbemba.
They even host live shows and panels on their main stage throughout the day, inviting influential people like actors and artists to be interviewed in front of the crowd and talk about their craft. Speaking of actors, you can pay to get autographs and photo ops too! It's an annual gathering celebrating many forms of media and self-expression. Your passion shining through. A safe space.
Baldur's Gate 3 Cast Panel
Devora Wilde, Jennifer English, Aliona Baranova, Dave Jones, Tim Downie and Neil Newbon. The cast of Baldur’s Gate 3. Image: Shenay Mbemba.
The fans of role-playing video game, Baldur's Gate 3 were in for a treat as six of the voice actors graced the stage for a live panel and it was a pretty packet audience. The irony is, what was planned to be a 'questions and answers' sort of panel as the host informed prior to starting, turned out to be a comedic and entertaining hour and a half of quizzes and charades. The actors gave a hell of a fun show, they've got an infectious energy.
Cosplay Extravaganza
MCM inspired another year of showcases of outstanding cosplays. They hosted a Cosplay Showcase in which anyone is welcomed to walk along the runways ramp and show off their chosen character. The cosplayers garnered a lot of support from an impressed audience, characters recognisable from Legend of Zelda, Arcane, Wicked and prolifically Baldur's Gate 3.
Helldivers cosplay. Image: Shenay Mbemba.
The second cosplay showcase was named the Cosplay Masquerade & Cosplay Central Crown Championships: UK Qualifier. This was the last Main Stage event of the day. For the Cosplay Masquerade, "They give cosplayers the chance to showcase their handmade costumes in front of a packed audience. There are prizes for the best costumes but cosplayers are free to take part just for fun if they do not wish to be judged." MCM explains.
A handmade Baldur's Gate 3 cosplay. Image: Shenay Mbemba.
Cosplay Central Crown Championships: UK Qualifier transpired after which means there were more incredible creations to come.
The judges. Image: Shenay Mbemba.
After the last round of handmade cosplays, the judges concluded 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. The winner now represents the UK for Cosplay Central Crown Championships. The winner will compete, now a UK representative at the MCM London Comic Con 2026.
1st (middle), 2nd (left) and 3rd (right) place. Image: Shenay Mbemba.