The year might be coming to an end, with the chill of winter fast approaching and our minds being taken over by what to get our loved ones for the holiday season, but there is still some time left to get your geek fix before opening those presents and welcoming the new year.

MCM London Comic Con is back for another year at the ExCeL between Fri 26 and Sun 28 Oct, and it's promising to be a fantastic weekend. From Hollywood and comic stars to exclusive booths and panels, you definitely want to get a move on before you miss out on all the fun (and hurry, because weekend tickets are already sold out and individual day tickets are shifting fast). So you don't risk missing anything, here's a handy guide to what is happening over the three days of the convention.

Autograph and photo opportunities with your favourite stars

The line-up of guests at MCM this year is enviable, and includes not only actors but also comic artists.

Among the stars in attendance is Paul Bettany, one of the few actors that can say he was in two of the biggest movie franchises in the history of cinema in the same year. Avengers: Infinity War and Solo: A Star Wars Story might have had very different receptions, but you can't deny his acting skills.

Another piece of media with very mixed reviews recently has been the Netflix series Shadowhunters, an adaptation of the book series by Cassandra Clare. Love it or hate it, it's rare that so many actors from the same series are in one place at the same time so, if you're a fan, this is your chance to meet Katherine McNamara, Emeraude Toubia, Alberto Rosende, Jade Hassouné and Chai Hansen.

Other actors in attendance include Bernand Cribbins, Paul McGann, David Bradley and Colin Baker, if you're in need of a few more Doctor Who signatures for your collection, and the main cast of the original Starsky & Hutch.

In the voice acting / video-game world you will also have the chance to meet Charlet Chung (Overwatch), Craig Fairbrass (Call of Duty), Zach Callison (Steven Universe), Vic Mignogna (Full Metal Alchemist), and many more. If you're lucky (and ask nicely), you might even be able to hear your favourite line in person.

For comic book fans, the biggest name to look out for is definitely Frank Miller, known for his work in 300, Batman and Sin City. This is a rare opportunity to get your comics signed, and expect him to be one of the busiest tables at the convention, so arrive early. Other comic names include Frank Quitely (Marvel), Chris Claremont (X-Men), Brian Azzarello (Wonder Woman) and Jorge Molina (Spider-Man), among many, many others.

Exclusive content and collectibles

If you're a Spider-Man fan, then you might be counting down the days until the release of the animated feature Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. The first feature film to focus on Miles Morales, this film is, essentially, a reunion between all your favourite friendly neighbourhood spider-people. On Sunday at 3pm you have a chance to hear from directors Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey and Rodney Rothman and actor Shameik Moore (Miles Morales) at a panel on the Main Stage.

For the gore lovers there is an exclusive screening of Nicolas Cage's new film Mandy on Friday at 4pm in the MCM Cinemobile. Keep an eye on the MCM social media, otherwise you might miss a chance to get a seat. If you're more of a history buff, then don't miss the Saturday screening of the first episode of the third season of The Last Kingdom. If you're not lucky enough to get tickets, there is also a panel at lunch time with the cast.

UK-based Doctor Who fans finally get an exclusive, after the summer has been filled with content only across the pond. The BBC is bringing four world-firsts to London: see the Thirteenth Doctor's TARDIS and her Barbie up close, try out the first ever official Doctor Who Live Escape Game, and have a chance to be among the first to buy the new novels Dr Thirteenth and The Secret in Vault 13.

A fan of collectible Funko figurines, and tired of all the exclusives being released at US conventions? Well, look no further, as Funko will have a stall filled with figures to complete your collections, but also a few MCM London Exclusives. The figures to be released only at the London convention include a two-pack of Fantastic Beasts Nifflers, a metallic Black Manta and a Doctor Strange / Ghost Rider funko.

MCM London Comic Con, ExCel London, Fri 26–Sun 28 Oct.