Jaunted

Shake hands at the Comicon with artists like Jeffrey Brown, Chris Burnham, and Bill Reinhold. These gentlemen, along with many others, have been drawing and inking both famous and not so famous comics for years. Get ready to remove your most prized comic from its plastic sheath for an autograph!

For gamers, there'll be a Magic: The Gathering tournament as well as a chance to play with your favorite DC Heroclix.

Where to Stay:
Let's face it: If you're spending the weekend at a comic book festival, you may need to work on your cool factor. The Hard Rock Hotel can help--or at least try to. If money isn't a problem now that you've sold some back issues, just call up the concierge and your wish is their command.

If things are a little tight, just swing by in your coolest superhero T-shirt and grab a drink at the Base Bar. Rates start at $379 for the weekend, but the WiFi is free.

Where to Eat:
When in Chicago on real business like Comicon, there's no need for a double martini and a steak when it comes to filling up. Go to where the locals go and just get an authentic Chicago style hot dog.

Superdawg Drive-In is the place to go. Make sure you get yours "dragged through the garden," which includes mustard, relish, onions, hot peppers and a kosher dill pickle all on the poppy seed roll. It's a bit out of the way, so swing by on your way to or from the airport.

Where to Shop:
If you haven't gotten you fill at the main event, stumble only a few blocks and head into Chicago Comics. Going strong since 1986, this is the premier comic store in the Midwest: Take out the Velcro wallet and get ready to spend.

The site has all the usuals as well as plenty of rarities. Not only do they supply the city with the traditional superheroes, but they also have a strong selection of lesser-known small print comics.

Related Stories:
· Windy City Comicon [Official Site]
· Hard Rock Hotel Chicago [Official Site]
· SuperDawg [Official Site]
· Chicago Comics [Official Site]
· Comics coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: scragz]