If there’s one thing you can count on every year in Michigan, it’s that Motor City Comic Con (MC3) will show up and show out. Widely recognized as the premier comic con experience in the state, MC3 continues to raise the bar with each iteration, and this year was no exception. Packed wall-to-wall with pop culture icons, indie creators, passionate fans, and the kind of energy you can’t replicate anywhere else, MC3 2025 felt like the epicenter of geek culture for a weekend—and I was right in the middle of it.
Let’s start with the guests. Every year, MC3 stacks the lineup with impressive talent, but this year had me genuinely hyped. As a lifelong wrestling fan, I was damn near giddy about seeing Matt and Jeff Hardy. The Hardy Boyz are legends—tag team royalty who’ve flipped off ladders, broken tables, and broken barriers for decades. Getting the chance to not only see them but sit in on their panel was a surreal full-circle moment. The energy they brought, even off the ropes, was electric. They dropped gems about the grind of the business, the evolution of tag team wrestling, and offered heartfelt stories about their time with the late Bray Wyatt. You could tell they weren’t just speaking from the heart—they were speaking from experience, and it hit.
Another major highlight? The Cobra Kai duo: Xolo Maridueña and Jacob Bertrand. Their panel was nothing short of hilarious. You could feel the real-life friendship radiating off these two. They bounced jokes off each other like a live-action buddy comedy, but also shared thoughtful insights about the show, their characters, and how the fan support has helped shape their careers. It was one of those panels where you go in expecting some behind-the-scenes anecdotes and leave feeling like you just kicked it with two friends who happened to be on Netflix.
But MC3 isn’t just about celebrity panels and autographs. The heart and soul of any comic con lies with the creators—the artists, writers, and visionaries who bring these fandoms to life. This year, I had the pleasure of reconnecting with TJ Sterling, an insanely talented artist and founder of RAE Comics. I’ve known TJ for nearly a decade, and watching his growth over the years has been inspiring. His booth was buzzing all weekend, and rightfully so. He continues to create bold, imaginative work that deserves every ounce of praise it gets.
I also got to meet Marcus Williams, the brilliant mind behind the Tuskegee Heirs. If you’re unfamiliar, pause what you’re doing and look him up. The man is a powerhouse of creativity, and the series blends historical themes with futuristic storytelling in a way that’s both important and wildly entertaining. Sitting down to interview both TJ and Marcus was a highlight of my weekend. They’re more than just artists—they’re cultural architects, and MC3 gave them the platform they rightfully deserve.
Now, I gotta admit, I had a little stumble. In the chaos of trying to cover panels, interviews, and hit every corner of the con floor, I missed the cosplay contest. Yeah, I know. Rookie move. I didn’t read the program guide close enough and ended up completely missing it. That one stung, especially because the cosplay scene at MC3 is always super solid. It’s a parade of passion and craftsmanship, and missing it left me highly irritated. But hey, live and learn. I didn’t let that mishap tank my weekend.
Between the artist alley, vendor booths, photo ops, and spontaneous fandom conversations with strangers in line, the entire weekend felt like a vibrant, living tribute to nerd culture. There’s something magical about walking through a con floor and seeing a Stormtrooper and Inosuke trading Pokemon cards. It’s weird, it’s wonderful, and it’s why we keep coming back.
As I packed up Sunday afternoon, sore from walking and smiling from everything I experienced, I couldn’t help but feel grateful. MC3 isn’t just an event—it’s a celebration. A reminder that no matter your fandom, there’s a space where you belong. From wrestling fans to comic book heads, anime lovers to sci-fi junkies, we all find a little slice of home in those convention center halls.
And with the fall show already on the calendar for November 14–16th, you better believe I’m clearing the schedule. Lessons learned (read the guide next time), batteries charged, and excitement already building.
