Fresh off his trip into space, Canadian pop culture icon William Shatner is set to headline Toronto’s Fan Expo Canada this weekend.
It’s time to dust off your cosplay outfit because Fan Expo, the largest comic book, sci-fi, anime, horror, and gaming event in Canada, returns after a two-year hiatus to Toronto’s Metropolitan Convention Centre on Oct. 22-24.
Operating under a “limited edition” format due to COVID-19 restrictions, 25,000 genre enthusiasts will have the opportunity to get their game on and rub elbows (through a plexiglass barrier) with celebs and artists from around the globe.
The star-studded lineup of celebrity guests includes Star Trek’s William Shatner and George Takei, Resident Evil’s Robbie Amell, James Marsters (Spike!) from Buffy the Vampire Slayer, comedians David Finch and Ken Lashley, and Canadian cosplayer Jillea.
Aside from buying stuff (like that missing Captain America comic book missing from your collection) and checking out the elaborately dressed cosplayers, not to mention the photo ops, autograph signings, and Q&A panel discussions, fans can unwind in the all-new anime screening room, which will be showing episodes of Sailor Moon, Naruto and Cowboy Bebop and more.
Also new to the event, Marvels Avenger S.T.A.T.I.O.N where you’ll find Avenger’s agents roaming around, trivia and giveaways, and “one of a kind” merch.
Bringing the kiddos? Young fans can join a princess singalong, compete in a lip-synch battle, build their own plushie or take part in a sorting hat ceremony on the show floor. There will also be meet-and-greets with professional costuming groups including The Ontario Ghostbusters and the Toronto Steampunk Society throughout the weekend.
Cosplay will take centre stage thanks to leatherworking and wig styling workshops, panels, and competitions and you can (safely) hobnob with professional cosplayers including Luckygrim and WendyYukki or hit the Cosplay Red Carpet and have a free photo taken by Droo Photography.
Attendees will need to follow safety protocols and show proof of vaccination. Social distancing measures are also being enforced with wider open venue spaces.
For the full lineup visit Fanexpohq.com.
