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Popverse has made MCM London its home for the past few years, but I’ve been hitting up this particular convention for more than six years. It has become one of the biggest events for the comic book, anime, and gaming geek to attend in the UK and I haven’t missed one since the pandemic. And no trip to MCM London is complete without a couple of my favorite traditions.

What are those traditions? I’m glad you asked.

A cheeky trip to Japan Centre

For me, no trip to London is complete without hitting up the Japan Centre near Leicester Square for all my tea, sake, and other Japanese staples needs. Fun fact about me: I’m a bit of a tea snob and like to partake in some of the stranger varieties you can’t find in the supermarkets here in the UK. From standard stuff like genmaicha and sencha blends to sakura blossom tea bags and soy matcha lattes just to try something different, Japan Centre has one of the best selections of tea in London.

Can’t make it all the way to Leicester Square? They come to MCM London every year so you don’t have to.

Get my picture with the MCM logo

Just like in New York Comic Con, there is nothing quite like being in the room when it happens and there is no better way to prove you were there than with a quick picture. The MCM logo is a staple of the convention and is always popular for pictures. Just be prepared for a bit of a wait during peak times – fortunately, the British know how to properly queue – and be ready to snap a picture for someone else while you’re there. Don’t worry; someone will return the favor because we Brits are polite like that.

Trying to pick out the Cosplay of the Con

There is no surer way to see what is gripping fans at the moment than seeing what cosplayers are wearing. If you’re going to spend countless hours and an unreasonable amount of money getting a costume ready for a convention, you can be sure that there is passion behind the project, so cosplayers are a good litmus test for what is popular right now. It is still a bit early to tell what the Cosplay of the Con is going to be for MCM London this year, but Hasbin Hotel is an early frontrunner based on what we’ve seen.

Dropping my entire paycheck in Artist Alley

You want prints? Artist Alley has more prints than you could possibly buy, and I should know because I’ve tried to buy them all. There are dozens of artists here this year representing just about every fandom you can imagine. No matter what your favorite character is at the moment, there will be at least ten artists selling you the most beautiful drawing you’ve ever seen of them that you absolutely have to have on your wall right now. Whatever you’ve budgeted for art this year, double it and you might have enough.

Dinner at Marugume Udon

There are plenty of food choices at the Excel, but if you’re willing to go a bit further afield I highly recommend Marugume Udon. This noodle house is one Tube stop away at Canary Wharf and has deliciously filling and surprisingly cheap noodle options for you to try. A large bowl of pork tonkatsu for just £13.95? That is a price you won’t beat anywhere in London. For me, no trip to MCM London is complete without a trip to Marugume Udon after a hard day on the show floor.

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