This page contains a Flash digital edition of a book.
Get your geek on


THE FUTURISTIC WARRIOR ANIME CENTRAL


You’re the kind of person who doesn’t mind reading subtitles and enjoys the brightly colored packaging of foreign snack foods. Hang out with like- minded otaku at the annual convention Anime Central, at which you can mingle with Japanese animation aficionados, admire the gravity-defying hairstyles sported by cosplayers and meet voice-over talents from your favorite imported cartoons, like Ghost in the Shell and Sailor Moon. Even after the convention floor closes, the festivities continue at late-night concerts, dance parties and masquerades. Donald E. Stephens Convention Center (acen.org). May 20–22; $48–$70.


THE ZOMBIE HUNTER WALKER STALKER CON


Walker Stalker Con


A zombie outbreak could happen at any moment, but you’re prepared, thanks to all you’ve learned from watching episodes of The Walking Dead. A crowded convention center may not be the safest place to withstand a walker attack, but it’s your only chance to meet series stars like Chandler Riggs (Carl) and Michael Cudlitz (Sgt. Abraham Ford) in the flesh. Plus, you don’t want to miss out on panels with stars of Hannibal and Breaking Bad, a boatload of undead merchandise and the opportunity to get a reanimated corpse tattooed somewhere on your body. For zombie fans, this event is a no-brainer. Donald E. Stephens Convention Center (walkerstalkercon.com). May 28, 29; $45–$100, VIP $220–$1,400.


To morph into a well-rounded comics nerd, you need to diversify your talents and distribute your experience points wisely. Become the master of unlocking your abilities by honing your skills at arcades, shops, bars and the other geekiest places in Chicago.


BACK-ISSUE EXPERTISE CHICAGO COMICS


On the hunt for Rocket Raccoon’s debut in Incredible Hulk #271 or Harley Quinn’s introduction in The Batman Adventures #12? As one of the city’s most established comic- book stores, this Lakeview institution is your best bet. The front of the store is lined with new releases, toys and trade paperbacks, and the rear section is filled with back stock for your perusal. While you’re channeling the world’s greatest detective (Batman, naturally), check out the shop’s treasure trove of self-published zines and comics. 3244 N Clark St (773-528- 1983, chicagocomics.com)


THE POWER OF FLIGHT IFLY CHICAGO


Your chances of gaining the ability to fly from a radioactive experiment are slim to none, but you can easily experience the sensation of floating through the air with an indoor skydiving lesson at iFly. After heroically signing a waiver, you can slip into a flight suit and go for an assisted soar in Rosemont’s only vertical wind tunnel. While you’re not likely to be mistaken for a bird or plane, you’ll certainly feel like Superman. 5520 Park Pl, Rosemont, IL (779- 368-4359, iflyworld.com/chicago-rosemont). $69.95–$249.95.


Chicago Comics


3 t t


R d t t


N


iFly Chicago March–May 2016 TIMEOUT.COM/CHICAGO 27


PHOTOGRAPHS (FROM TOP): COURTESY FAN FEST; EMILY MADIGAN; MARTHA WILLIAMS


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76