FanExpo is Coming…
It’s only two weeks away! This year Canada’s largest geek gathering, FanExpo, is being held on the last Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday of August (giving everyone Labour Day to recover!) Like last year, FanExpo has taken over both buildings of the Metro Toronto Convention Center in downtown Toronto.
Fan Expo celebrates five different streams of geekery: Comics, Science Fiction, Horror, Anime, and Gaming. Each of these have panels, professional guests, and, of course, items to buy in the 400,000 square foot (37, 161 square meters) of dealers’ room.
While the advertising focuses on the “A List” guest stars from TV to movies, to comics including: like television’s Nathan Fillion and Stephen Amell; Doctor Who’s Matt Smith, Karen Gillan, and Arthur Darvill; Star Trek’s Patrick Stewart, and William Shatner; cast members from The Walking Dead, Twin Peaks, Lost Girl, and Murdoch Mysteries; and movie actors like Nightmare on Elm Street’s Robert Englund; as well as comics’ legendary Stan Lee amongst many others, standing in lines for expensive autographs isn’t the only thing to do. (Although my favourite part is the actors Q&A, which have their own set of lines).
If you’re into Gaming, there are tabletop, video and eSport areas. Play new titles for Xbox One including an exclusive Call of Duty demo, or test run a new tabletop game before buying it. Find out how to crowd fund, publish, and then market your game idea or watch the Intel Extreme Masters as they battle it out.
For Anime fans – get a chance to meet the people behind the voices of some of your favourite shows including Goku & Trunks from Ultimate Dragon Ball Z; Rarity and Pinkie Pie from My Little Pony; as well as many of those working with Fresh TV on shows like Total Drama Island and 6teen. There will also be screenings of several series including the new Sailor Moon Crystal.
If Cosplay is your thing, the Anime track has so many hands on workshops and panels covering items like facepaint, wigs, Wonderflex, many aspects of Lolita, and cosplaying on a budget. Meet famous Cosplayers including Yaya Han. Also check out the sci-fi track for discussion on how to make your own Dalek!
For Horror fans, Rue Morgue have arrange a number of reunions – the 25th anniversary of Twin Peaks, three actors from the original A Nightmare on Elm Street,and a look back on the Canadian horror film Black Christmas. There are panels on the artwork of horror magazines, how to collect horror soundtracks, how to crowdfund YOUR horror project, or just watch prop/FX master Paul Jones work!
Comic fans can not only meet some of their favourite artists, like Steve Epting (co-creator of Winter Soldier) David Finch (upcoming Wonder Woman)and Francis Manapul (Detective Comics) but also learn “How to break into Comics the Marvel Way”; or have your portfolio reviewed by DC; come find out what’s next for Captain Canuck now that he’s finished the webseries; or the new Archie; plus celebrate Batman’s 75th birthday with news on what’s happening in Gotham City.
And the fun doesn’t end at the convention. Friday night GEEKPR0N is hosting our COSPLAY BALL! This 19+ event is being held at the Mod Club and features performances by Miranda Tempest & IlluminAir Entertainment, burlesque acts by Leelando Calrissian, @Charlie Quinn, and The Nerdy Stripper, Miss Twiggy “Skaii Walker” Tallant.
Tickets are on sale now at Brown Paper Tickets! Limited quantity available, so get yours today!
So whatever your geekery – bring your cash, your water, your comfy shoes (those lines are LONG) and be prepared for an amazing four days of FanExpo fun!
