Toronto Comicon, presented by FAN EXPO Canada returns on March 15-17, 2024 with a stellar line-up of celebrity guests that are out of this world!
Superheroes, cosmic explorers, and supernatural beings will assemble for three days of unparalleled entertainment from the frontiers of sci-fi, fantasy, comic, anime, gaming and horror. Fans of all ages can enjoy a variety of attractions with over 400 exhibitors, celebrity Q & A’s, autograph and photo opportunities, Community Zone fan meet-ups, cosplay competitions and special family programming to keep those little Grogus busy.
“From beloved icons to spine-tingling villains, and heroes even the tiniest fans adore, this year’s Toronto Comicon line-up is truly exceptional,” said Andrew Moyes, Vice President of FAN EXPO HQ. “We’re proud to spotlight our local industry, showcasing the incredible creative talent right here in our city and those currently filming locally. This year’s Toronto Comicon promises an unforgettable experience for everyone this March break.”
Special guests appearing at Toronto Comicon 2024 include, Canadian Golden Globe nominee and speed force enthusiast Tom Cavanagh (The Flash, Ed), two-time Oscar® nominated actor Mary McDonnell (Battlestar Galactica), the ultimate wingman, ‘Rogue Leader’ Denis Lawson (Star Wars Trilogy), stunt woman and martial arts legend Diana Lee Inosanto (Ahsoka), actor and Jedi rebel Eman Esfandi (Ahsoka), 2024 Critic Choice Awards nominee Harvey Guilen (What We Do in the Shadows), comedian Natasia Demetriou (What We Do in the Shadows), actor/pirate captain Jeff Ward (One Piece, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D) and Wolverine himself, Canadian Cal Dodd along with several members of the original cast of the X-Men animated series.
Toronto Comicon will converge again this year in the North Building of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre on Front Street during March 15-17, 2024.
Information and pricing for the Toronto Comicon are available at fanexpohq.com/comicontoronto.
TORONTO COMICON 2022 HIGHLIGHTED GUESTS INCLUDE:
TOM CAVANAGH (The Flash, Ed)
DENIS LAWSON (Star Wars Trilogy)
MARY MCDONNELL (Battlestar Galactica, The Fall of the House of Usher)
EMAN ESFANDI (Ahsoka)
DIANA LEE INOSANTO (Ahsoka)
JEFF WARD (One Piece, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D)
HARVEY GUILLEN (What We Do in the Shadows)
NATASIA DEMETRIOU (What We Do in the Shadows)
ANSON MOUNT (Star Trek: Strange New Worlds)
CHRISTINA CHONG (Star Trek: Strange New Worlds)
ETHAN PECK (Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, Star Trek: Discovery)
CAST FROM THE X-MEN ORIGINAL ANIMATED SERIES
For a complete list of guests, info and tickets, visit: fanexpohq.com/comicontoronto
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS YEAR’S PROGRAMMING INCLUDE:
CELEBRITY PRESENTATIONS
AUTOGRAPHS & PHOTO OPS
SKETCH DUELS
COMIC CREATOR PANELS
ARTIST ALLEY
COSPLAY
FAMILY FRIENDLY PROGRAMMING
Follow @FANEXPOCanada for more guest and programming updates over the coming weeks.
FAN EXPO CANADA returned this weekend in Toronto, running from August 24-27, 2023 at Metro Toronto Convention Centre. The event, known as Canada’s largest comic, sci-fi, horror, anime, and gaming event draws fans from all around the world to celebrate their love of genre, a chance to meet their idols and also connect with others who are equally passionate about their fandoms.
The weekend saw large crowds and long queues, making those years impacted by the pandemic seem like a distant memory. While most autograph sessions, photo ops, Tattoo Alley and vendors took-up the North Building of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, the South Building saw an even larger focus on Artist Alley, an area where Artists were line-up and ready to meet their fans, giving them an opportunity to order commissioned pieces. Cosplay was out of this world and even more next-level than ever before!
Despite the SAG-AFTRA strike putting Hollywood at a standstill right now, many of the celebrity guests at the event observed guidelines that paid respect to the Union, while balancing this still with a chance to not disappoint their eager fans. Names like Zachary Levi, Ralph Macchio, William Zabka, Harvey Guillén, Anthony Michael Hall, Christie Brinkley, Neve Campbell, Skeet Ulrich, Jason Lee, Vincent D’Onofrio, Jon Bernthal, Christina Ricci and Hayden Christensen, came out to raise the event’s profile doing autograph signings, photo ops and panels. Big draws like Millie Bobby Brown, Chevy Chase, Danny Trejo and Sam Raimi also were among the names originally scheduled but had to cancel in the weeks leading to the event.
And this year there was a more female-led presence more than ever before. Is this the Barbie effect?
A Reel of highlights:
There were more activations than ever before with several streaming services setting-up fun, interactive experiences for attendees, giving them a chance at photo ops and prizes!
PRIME VIDEO CANADA
Guests at this activation received free Prime Video-branded reusable bags and chances to get photo ops celebrating the launch of GEN V (a spinoff of their top-rated series The Boys), Invincible and The Wheel of Time. Fans were even given a chance to screen the first episode of the latter’s second season this past weekend.
STACKTV
Lots of fun skill-testing activities for a shot at prizes from their Prize Booth at their STACKTV CARNIVAL! Ringing-in the launch of the upcoming new seasons of SURVIVOR, RICK AND MORTY, CHUCKY and original series ROBYN HOOD!
PARAMOUNT+ CANADA
Highlighting current theatrical release TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES: MUTANT MAYHEM, plus popular series like TWISTED METAL, YELLOWSTONE and SPONGEBOB, guests got to enjoy fun photo ops celebrating these titles. There was even an mini refrigerator inspired by TWISTED METAL being given away!
DISNEY+ CANADA
STAR WARS: AHSOKA streams now on the service and some really cool pieces from the Series were put in display, including the very adorable Loth-Cat. Guests also got to put themselves into an interactive 360 cam video.
CRUNCHYROLL
This Anime and Manga streaming giant make their first foray north, debuting at Fan Expo Canada this year! If you love Dragon Ball Super and Dragon Ball Z, this is the service for you!
CINEPLEX PICTURES
With big releases planned ahead, a displays promoting EXPEND4BLES, HUNGER GAMES: THE BALLAD OF SONGBIRDS & SNAKES and SAW X, were seen. Costume pieces from the former designed by Academy Award nominee Trish Summerville, were proudly showcased.
SQUISHMALLOWS
In addition to taking over Summer 2023 with a McFlurry and special limited edition Happy Meal toys at McDonald’s, Squishmallows have us obsessed. An activation with fun games was very popular, people playing for a chance to win one of these treasured toys.
STUDIO GHIBLI
Too much cuteness at this Cat Bus photo op, allowing guests to hop into the busy for photo ops with their loved ones.
In addition to many vendors selling hard-to-find merchandise and memorabilia, some familiar retailers set-up show also in the South Building.
UNIQLO CANADA
Uniqlo Canada currently has a T-Shirt collection inspired by popular Manga “BLEACH” and these were available for purchase.
RETROKID
We love Retrokid and their love for all things nostalgic to us. They even had some pieces on-sale at Fan Expo Canada! Did you know that Scarborough’s Emmy-winning voice chameleon Eric Bauza is a Co-Founder?
Team Mr. Will had the pleasure of sitting-in on some the key panels over the weekend and here are the highlights!
The Cast of this beloved franchise came out to speak at a panel amidst guidelines that paid respect to SAG-AFTRA strike guidelines. Appearing at the Panel were Neve Campbell, Matthew Lillard, Skeet Ulrich and Jamie Kennedy.
Before the Cast came out on-stage, certain house rules were laid-out:
-During the strike, there will be no questions about any work those on the panel have done. This goes for every panel.
-That means that for the Scream panel, the Cast cannot mention any work they did on the franchise.
-Due to this, they will answer more personal questions and talk about the industry.
-Only fan questions previously selected from social channels would be asked.
Some highlights and quotes from the Panel:
“You know we have a strike going on. It’s lovely to be at this…insurance convention.” — Jamie Kennedy
“It’s really humbling…you have these moments coming out to beautiful groups of people…we really appreciate you guys” — Matthew Lillard (on coming to Fan Expo)
“I love seeing Ghostface out there!” — Neve Campbell (to the one fan cosplaying as Ghostface)
The Cast comment on what makes them scared in real life:
“American politics” — Matthew Lillard
“Religious horror…the exorcist” — Skeet Ulrich
“The original exorcist but also being at home” — Jamie Kennedy
“Anything with kids” — Neve Campbell
On Director Wes Craven, the Cast had nothing by glowing praise about the late Director.
-“He was just so calm. He set a president. A calm beautiful inclusive demeanour…he was like ‘never be scared to ask a director for another take and don’t be scared to ask a question'” – Jamie Kennedy
-“The essence of him. He had a psychological curiosity about all his characters. He was incredibly supportive of not just the actors but everyone around him to being his vision to life” –Skeet Ulrich
-“He had a wonderful twisted sense of humour…you’d do a take this very violent take and all you’d hear after cut was him giggling in glee … he was a wonderful wonderful person and I miss him” -Neve Campbell
-Craven once told Matthew Lillard that he would win an Academy Award one day and he told his mother that on the phone while on set…”I didn’t know how I was going to feed my kids…for me that moment resonates very deeply when I feel the worst” – Matthew Lillard
Jon Bernthal (Daredevil, The Bear, King Richard) has been to the City prior for TIFF and comments what he thinks of Toronto:
“I’ve come here for the film festival a couple of times and shot something here. I wrote something here and I got a lot of really cool work. I accredit that to really cool people. Good people. Good energy.”
On method acting:
“When you think about there are just sacred seconds between action and cut. For me, being the monkey with the makeup on saying the line…You need to start warding off things that are distractions and keep your energy. I don’t need anyone to call me by a different name. I just need to kneel at the alter of the project and the story.”
On advice he would give himself when he was starting out:
“Don’t feel like you gotta bleed out for this thing. Don’t grind so hard. But the truth is the journey is our journey.”
Ricci (Sleepy Hollow, Wednesday, Yellowjackets) would field only audience questions, navigating strike guidelines with aplomb.
-“I had a difficult childhood home life. There’s a lot of abuse in my family so being an actor for me was an escape. So when people ask me how you survived the industry I’m like how the fuck do you survive life. I’m still a person who struggles and a person who’s finding their way. The best thing is to surround yourself by genuinely good people or no one at all”
On what she’s stolen from sets:
-“I’ve stolen knickknacks. Really comfy warm clothes. I occasionally get really good socks. But nothing anyone else would find impressive.”
On advice to her young self or new actors:
-“Your biggest asset is individuality. There’s no point in being good at what others are really good at. Focus on what you can do that others can’t do.”
Cosplayers at Fan Expo Canada continue to up their game every year and this year was exactly this. See some of the amazing, innovative looks!
Don’t forget to download the Fan Expo App for all updates and to best plan your next experience at Fan Expo!
(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong/Amanda Gilmore)
FAN EXPO Canada’s official schedule for 2023 is now out, complete with a mind-blowing programming lineup that celebrates all things fandom. The four-day extravaganza has events and content for fans of all ages and genres to enjoy including the Podcast Theatre, themed Pokémon and Barbie days, a 25th anniversary celebration of Frank Miller’s 300, the Masters of Cosplay Grand Prix Presented by Rustoleum, and more. With dynamic programming spaces throughout both the North and South buildings of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, it’s the place to be for fans of pop culture, fantasy, horror, sci-fi, gaming, comics, anime, and cosplay from August 24-27, 2023.
In addition to the always popular celebrity panels, autographs, and photo ops; informative panels, demos, and workshops; eye-catching cosplays, competitions, and cosplay red carpets; and the over 400,000 sq ft of shopping madness, this year’s show includes special events including An Evening with Matthew Lillard, Neve Campbell, Skeet Ulrich, and Jamie Kennedy, An Evening with Hayden Christensen, and the SuperPower 5K and 10K runs, among other experiences.
New this year is the Cosplay Craftsmanship Showcase, a display of cosplay outfits from past Masters of Cosplay Grand Prix winners showcasing the craftsmanship of cosplay outfits with insight into the cosplayers who create them. Sunday, August 27 is Barbie Bash, a day fans can spend celebrating the iconic character on the Pink Carpet, with Barbie-themed sketch duels and photo ops, Barbie and Ken cosplay contests, the Barbie Ice Cream Social where attendees will have the opportunity to meet the longtime voice of Barbie, Chris Lansdowne, and more. New anime programming include screenings, the Itasha Car Exhibit showcasing the sub-culture of anime-decorated vehicles, and the Maid Café.
Returning to this year’s convention is Tattoo Alley, where fans can watch master artists at work and get nerd-inspired ink themselves; the Horror Stage returns by popular demand with a hair-raising line up of demos, panels, competitions, shopping, classic horror film screenings, and more; fans can relax and play some video games at the Femme Gaming Free Play Lounge, then learn more about Femme Gaming at their Ladies Power Hour; the Bell Esports Challenge is back at FAN EXPO Canada, with the live in-person finals of the amateur Esports tournament series; and Bear Sailor Moon’s Lip Sync Extravaganza offers the chance to cheer for the favourite sync-er or compete in a fun-filled, winner-takes-all lip sync battle.
FAN EXPO Canada previously announced a massive guest lineup for 2023 including stars like Charlie Cox, Christina Ricci, Danny Trejo, Hayden Christensen, Jon Bernthal, Neve Campbell, Shameik Moore, Vincent D’Onofrio, Zachary Levi and many more from the worlds of TV, film, animation, and video games. Comic Creator guests include Frank Miller, Joe Quesada, Andy Kubert, Dan Slott, Donny Cates, Jason Fabok, Steve McNiven, Zeb Wells, Simone Di Meo, Jim Shooter, Ken Lashley, and many more.
Attendees can expect to be wowed by activations from Prime Video, Paramount, Disney, Crunchyroll, StackTV, PlayStation, Xbox, Squishmallows, Hasbro, eBay, Wattpad, Bandai Namco, Tamashii Nations, and more!
Programming highlights for FAN EXPO Canada include:
CELEBRITY PANELS
Beyond autograph signings and photo ops, celebrity guests will take part in CONversations where fans can learn more about their storied lives and careers.
SPECIAL EVENTS AND EXPERIENCES
FAN EXPO Canada presents a lineup of special events and experiences for attendees.
All special events require admission to FAN EXPO Canada and some events require an additional ticket purchase.
An Evening with Matthew Lillard, Neve Campbell, Skeet Ulrich & Jamie Kennedy*
An Evening with Hayden Christensen*
300 25th Anniversary Panel* and Frank Miller Meet & Greet
Maid Cafe**
After hours Anime Rave party**
Barbie Ice Cream Social with Meet & Greet opportunity with Chris Lansdowne, the longtime voice of Barbie!**
Draw n’ Jam***
Bad Movie and Colour***
Bear Sailor Moon’s Lip Sync Extravaganza***
The 404s Improv Comedy Show***
Doctor Who-themed escape rooms**
*Additional ticket purchase required for priority seating (Gold & Silver ticket packages). General admission is free first-come, first-served basis but seating is not guaranteed.
**Additional ticket purchase required.
***No additional ticket purchase required.
SUPERPOWER 5K / 10K
Grab your capes and unleash your superpowers at the SuperPower 5K and 10K. An all ages fun run on Toronto Island, where you’ll be inspired to move through the course where surprises await around the corner. An event like no other, the SP5K brings runners of all levels and their families together for a fun and welcoming race experience. Entry includes the SuperPower 5K medal, dri-fit event shirt, and an Exclusive Day Pass to FAN EXPO Canada to explore the show on opening day. Runners will unlock their inner heroes when they register and help raise funds for Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital through the pledge program.
BARBIE BASH – SUNDAY, AUGUST 27
On Sunday fans can spend a day dedicated to celebrating the iconic character, including Barbie-themed sketch duels in the Comics area and Barbie video games at Femme Gaming Lounge, plus all-day activities in the dedicated Barbie Bash space including a Barbie box photo-op where everyone can step into a life-sized Barbie box and strike their best Barbie pose, selfie stations, a Pink Carpet photo op, a makeup/hair/accessory station, dance party, speed dating, Barbie and Ken Costume Contest on the Pink Carpet, Barbie-themed crafts, and a ticketed event, the Barbie Ice Cream Social!
SCREENINGS
FAN EXPO Canada attendees can get special looks at upcoming titles including:
Prime Video’s The Wheel of Time Season 2, Episode 1
Global and Stack TV’s Robyn Hood
Ultraman Blazar Episodes 1 and 2
Apple TV+’s Invasion Episodes 1 and 2
ANIME ACTIVITIES
FAN EXPO Canada welcomes back Wasabi Anime for their sixth year guiding the Anime and Asian Pop Culture content for Canada’s largest celebration of fandom! This year’s programming is designed to engage seasoned otaku while simultaneously presenting an introduction for casual fans to learn more about anime, manga, K-pop, and everything Asian-based entertainment has to offer. Check out panels, presentations, game shows, voice actors, and an anime viewing room showcasing titles from VIZ Media, AnimEigo, and Nozomi Entertainment. This is THE year for anime in Canada, and fans won’t want to miss it!
PODCAST PROGRAMMING
FAN EXPO Canada presents four days of live podcast programming in partnership with the Sonar Network. Featuring some of the best local and national podcasters including Pilot Fighters with special guests Alexa Steele & David Reale!, One Dollar Words with Food Network Host John Catucci, The FANFIC We Just Wrote Just Now! Squirrel Talk Podcast LIVE, The Movie Podcast, The Comedy Roast of Barbie, Spooked! with special guest Mark Little, The Panel Show, D&D Live!, Vanderpump Robs with Peter Madrigal of Vanderpump Rules!, Seán Cullen and Chris Locke are Two Sailors Who Are Nuts, Let’s Bring Shawn Mendes to Fan Expo! – A Nerdy Standup Comedy Showcase, Comedy Roast Battle: Marvel Vs DC, Comedy Con – Improvised Geek Comedy, The Fandom Show, Roleplaying 101 – A Guide to TTRPGs, Correct Me If I’m Wrong, and Nerd Wars: Star Wars VS Star Trek.
COSPLAY CRAFTS AND COMPETITIONS
FAN EXPO Canada is Canada’s number #1 destination for Cosplay! With a lineup of 11 award-winning cosplay craftsman guests, four days of panels, hands-on workshops, Cosplay photo meet-ups and more; this is THE weekend for cosplayers! Attendees can show off their costumes and get their photo taken by the official red carpet photographer for free when they walk the Cosplay Red Carpet! This daily cosplay exhibition is not to be missed and is the best time to see all the amazing work at FAN EXPO Canada. The Masters of Cosplay Grand Prix Presented by Rustoleum is bigger than ever before in 2023! On Saturday, August 25 the best cosplayers from the region compete for cosplay glory in the Maple Leaf Qualifier. THEN watch as all eight Qualifier Winners from across North America take to the stage to decide who is the 2023 Master of Cosplay!
CAPTIVATING COMICS
Be sure to check out the comic theatre for four packed days of drawing and colouring demos, sneak previews, industry insights, and more. Comic pros will be on hand to share expert tips and tricks, or fans can take a seat and pick a side for the ultimate Sketch Duels showdowns. Artist Alley also returns for anyone interested in meeting rising stars who work the front lines of the industry. This staple of the show offers everything from comics and graphic novels, to limited edition prints and original artwork.
GAMING GOINGS-ON
From tabletop to D&D, to E-Gaming and more, FAN EXPO Canada is a gamer’s paradise! Attendees can become a card and tabletop gaming master at the eBay Victory Road gaming room; explore the world of professional E-Gaming with Bell; drop in and play at the tabletop gaming room with Focht’s Network, The Guild House, and Unite the Factions; see Dungeons & Dragons in action at one of the live action D&D shows; relax and play some video games at the Femme Gaming Free Play Lounge or learn more at panels with Femme Gaming; participate in the Princess Margaret x AMD Quest to Conquer Cancer Charity Stream featuring live streamers, freeplay, VR experiences, and all for a good cause; plus more to give gamers four days of nonstop content!
LITERARY LINEUP
Booklovers can meet their favourites with today’s best authors at the Wattpad booth. Plus FAN EXPO Canada has partnered with Wattpad, WCYR (The Writers’ Community of York Region), Horror Writers Association Ontario Chapter, and Dundurn Press to bring more literary programming than ever before with drop-in literary panels throughout the weekend where attendees can learn the ins and outs of plotting, world building, publishing, and more!
HORROR HAPPENINGS
Fans of the spookier side of things can indulge in their dark side with four days of horror-related panels, demos, competitions, performances, and more! Horror-lovers can peruse the Horror retailers for devilish delights, check out games and drop-in activities, phantom-tastic photo ops, the Haunted Hints Escape Room, the “Scream Supreme” contest to see whose scream is ready for the spotlight, and enjoy classic horror film screenings throughout the weekend. Screenings include Horror Through the Ages: Nosferatu (1922), The Devil Bat (1940), Little Shop of Horrors (1960), and Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978).
THE FAMILY ZONE
FAN EXPO Canada has exciting offerings and activities for fans of all ages with the dedicated Family Zone offering four full days of fun and activities the whole family can enjoy, including drop-in games and photo ops, U-Cre-8 Comics, Joe Wos Cartoon Academy, The Little Mermaid photo op, princess sing-a-longs and meet and greets; and a performance by iconic performers Sharon & Bram!
THE ULTIMATE SHOPPING EXPERIENCE
With hundreds of retailers on the convention floor, attendees are in for an unforgettable experience. Whether it’s a rare comic book, original artwork, graphic novels, memorabilia, collectibles, videos, games, toys, or t-shirts – there’s a vendor for it here.
SELECTION OF ADDITIONAL ACTIVATIONS
THE LODGE: A PARAMOUNT EXPERIENCE
Fan Expo attendees are welcomed in to the warmth of THE LODGE: A PARAMOUNT EXPERIENCE, where every room is another universe; guests can join the family at the YELLOWSTONE ranch, witness the crashed ice-cream truck as they travel through the post-apocalyptic wasteland of TWISTED METAL, fight crime in New York City with the TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES, take a seat in a STAR TREK Captain’s Chair. and have a final splash with SpongeBob, Patrick and all things Nickelodeon. Guests looking for a few moments to kick back, can relax out front of THE LODGE on the Pluto TV Muskoka chairs and enjoy some fan-favourite programming. And the experience doesn’t end there, attendees won’t want to miss the ParamountShop.com activation, with Fan Expo specific merchandise for all THE LODGE offerings and more is just a QR Code away!
PRIME VIDEO
Prime Video gives fans the ultimate experience this FAN EXPO Canada! Onsite at booth PV01, Prime Video brings to life three distinct worlds from Amazon Studios hit series The Boys, Invincible and The Wheel of Time. Guests will navigate through a tale of good versus evil as they embark on their journey, with interactions filled with unique show premiums, photo moments and more! Then on Friday, August 25 from 4-5pm in the South Building – Level 700, Room 701A, Prime Video brings The Wheel of Time to the big screen for a special sneak peek of Season 2 ahead of its return on September 1. Don’t miss it!
For the full programming schedule, visit: fanexpohq.com/fanexpocanada/schedule
For a complete list of programming, guests, info, and tickets, visit: https://fanexpohq.com/fanexpocanada/
Attending the Show from outside of Toronto?
Round-trip GO Fare makes it easy for fans to get to the show in a Flash (get it?). FAN EXPO Canada has partnered with Metrolinx to get fans to and from the event safely. The GO Add-On Ticket includes round trip GO Transit fare from any GO Station to Union Station and ensures they don’t miss a minute of the action. The GO Add-On Ticket can be added during check out when buying tickets to FAN EXPO Canada.
*Children 12 and under ride the GO for free.
For more details and to purchase a GO Add-On Ticket, please visit the link.
ABOUT FAN EXPO Canada
FAN EXPO Canada is the largest comics, sci-fi, horror, anime, and gaming event in Canada and the third-largest Pop Culture event in North America. The show has grown from a small comic book convention attracting 1,500 fans into a multi-faceted and multiple day citywide event that attracts hundreds of thousands of people from around the world. Every year, FAN EXPO Canada offers exciting family-friendly attractions, events, and world-renowned celebrities! Previous guests include Stan Lee, Patrick Stewart, Buzz Aldrin, William Shatner, Christopher Lloyd, Elijah Wood, Leonard Nimoy, Carrie Fisher, Gillian Anderson, and stars from hit television shows: The Walking Dead, Star Trek, The Vampire Diaries, Arrow, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Teen Wolf, Doctor Who, Gotham, Criminal Minds, Castle, and many, many more. The all-ages pop culture convention expects to host over 125,000 fans in 750,000 sq. ft. of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre for the four-day event.
ABOUT FAN EXPO HQ
FAN EXPO HQ is the largest comic con producer in the world. Collectively, it hosts nearly one million fans annually at FAN EXPO Canada, MEGACON Orlando, FAN EXPO Denver, Calgary Comics & Entertainment Expo, FAN EXPO Chicago, FAN EXPO Dallas, FAN EXPO Boston, FAN EXPO Philadelphia, Edmonton Comics & Entertainment Expo, FAN EXPO San Francisco, Toronto Comicon, FAN EXPO Cleveland, FAN EXPO New Orleans, FAN EXPO Portland, FAN EXPO Vancouver, and Dallas FAN FESTIVAL. The latest 2023 schedule of events is available here, along with up-to-date ticket information. Discover. Celebrate. Belong.
Crunchyroll is making anime history in Canada! The global brand delivering the ultimate anime experiences for fans is taking a trip up north for its first-ever showing at FAN EXPO Canada. From August 24 to 27, Crunchyroll will treat attendees at Canada’s biggest popular culture event of the year to thrilling premieres from the upcoming fall season, an announcement-packed panel and a massive interactive showfloor experience.
FAN EXPO Canada badge holders can get a jump on the fall anime season with Canadian premieres for The Rising of the Shield Hero Season 3, The Ancient Magus’ Bride Season 2, MF Ghost, I Shall Survive Using Potions!, and Firefighter Daigo: Rescuer in Orange. Fans can also partake in some anime and chill at the Crunchyroll Screening Room — which will feature Attack on Titan Final Season THE FINAL CHAPTERS Special 1, Toilet Bound Hanako-Kun and more!
On the show floor, Crunchyroll’s booth [South Building, CROLL01] invites fans that long for their own domain expansions to enter The JUJUTSU KAISEN Experience, where fans will find themselves immersed in iconic moments from the hit dark fantasy series. Attendees can take picture-perfect moments with all-new digital photo ops featuring some of the most beloved anime, including One Piece, My Hero Academia, and SPY x FAMILY.
No convention is complete without swag! Crunchyroll members are invited to test their skills at the Premium Member Arcade to win exciting prizes. Everyone is welcome to take a bit of FAN EXPO Canada home with free swag. Crunchyroll is offering free drawstring bags, perfect for filling with Crunchyroll branded lanyards, JUJUTSU KAISEN Character Cards, and posters for SPY x FAMILY, The Rising of the Shield Hero, and more! Fan’s can stop by the Crunchyroll Industry Panel for updates on all the anime coming to Crunchyroll and leave with a Solo Leveling postcard!
Check out the full FAN EXPO Canada line up where you can find Crunchyroll below, details to be updated on Crunchyroll News!
CRUNCHYROLL PRESENTS: THE RISING OF THE SHIELD HERO SEASON 3 CANADIAN PREMIERE
Date TBD |Time TBD
Metro Toronto Convention Centre – Location TBD
After defeating the Spirit Tortoise, Naofumi has no time for rest. An attack from the next Guardian Beast is imminent, but the three other Cardinal Heroes have gone missing. So, Naofumi and his party set out to search for the legendary trio. Join us for a continuation of the Shield Hero World Tour with an exclusive look at episodes 1 and 2 ahead of the newest season.
CRUNCHYROLL PRESENTS: MF GHOST CANADIAN PREMIERE
Date TBD |Time TBD
Metro Toronto Convention Centre – Location TBD
Street racing, internal combustion engines, and eurobeat are back in this Initial D sequel! Kanata Rivington has arrived in Japan with two goals in mind: racing and finding his father. Join us for the first episode of MF Ghost!
CRUNCHYROLL INDUSTRY PANEL
Date TBD |Time TBD
Metro Toronto Convention Centre – Location TBD
Hear about all the latest and greatest anime coming out of Crunchyroll straight from the source!
Hosts: Crunchyroll’s Lauren Moore & Tim Lyu
CRUNCHYROLL PRESENTS: THE ANCIENT MAGUS’ BRIDE SEASON 2 PART 2 CANADIAN PREMIERE
Date TBD |Time TBD
Metro Toronto Convention Centre – Location TBD
More magical adventures await Elias, Chise, and all of her new friends at the College. Just how strong will Chise’s magic grow? Join us for an exclusive early screening of The Ancient Magus’ Bride Season 2 Part 2!
CRUNCHYROLL PRESENTS: I SHALL SURVIVE USING POTIONS! CANADIAN PREMIERE
Date TBD |Time TBD
Metro Toronto Convention Centre – Location TBD
If you could restart life in another world with superpowers, what would you pick? After a supernatural accident, Kaoru begins her new life with (what she thinks is) the ultimate cheat skill: the ability to create overpowered potions! Join us for the Canadian premiere for Episode 1 of “I Shall Survive Using Potions!”
CRUNCHYROLL PRESENTS: FIREFIGHTER DAIGO: RESCUER IN ORANGE CANADIAN PREMIERE
Date TBD |Time TBD
Metro Toronto Convention Centre – Location TBD
In the face of an impending crisis that threatens all of Japan, three ambitious, determined young individuals seek to join “Orange,” an elite firefighting rescue corps, in order to make a difference. Watch these young heroes band together in an early preview of Firefighter Daigo: Rescuer in Orange!
Follow Crunchyroll on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok, as well as Crunchyroll News to find the latest and greatest about anime each day and so much more.
About Crunchyroll
Crunchyroll connects anime and manga fans across 200+ countries and territories with the content and experiences they love. In addition to free ad-supported and subscription premium content, Crunchyroll serves the anime community across events, theatrical, games, consumer products, collectibles and manga publishing.
Anime fans have access to one of the largest collections of licensed anime through Crunchyroll and translated in multiple languages for viewers worldwide. Viewers can also access simulcasts — top series available immediately after Japanese broadcast.
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Toronto Comicon, presented by FAN EXPO Canada, is back and bigger than ever! Toronto’s annual pop culture convention returns with an epic assembly of special guests that brings together heroes, villains, and vigilantes from the worlds of fantasy, sci-fi, horror, comics, and more for three days of non-stop entertainment. From Grogu to Yoda, fans of all ages can interact with stars from their favourite franchises and enjoy celebrity panels, autograph & photo opportunities, and programming for the whole family. This year, Toronto Comicon will be moving into the North Building of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre during March Break, from March 17-19, 2023.
“We have incredible guests coming this year, in our biggest Toronto Comicon lineup ever,” said Andrew Moyes, Vice President, FAN EXPO HQ. “From iconic characters to scary villains, to the heroes even the littlest fanatics look up to, there’s someone exciting here for fans of all genres and ages this March Break.”
Things are about to get diabolical, as Karl Urban, Jack Quaid, Jessie T. Usher, Laz Alonso, Tomer Capone, Karen Fukuhara, and Claudia Doumit from The Boys head to Toronto Comicon; along with actor, director, and motion capture maestro Andy Serkis; Guardians of the Galaxy’s arrow-wielding Sean Gunn; The Mandalorian’s beskar forger Emily Swallow; occult detective Matt Ryan from Constantine; Robbie Amell, Danielle Panabaker, and Carlos Valdes from The Flash; Stars Hollow’s favourite diner owner Scott Patterson of Gilmore Girls; and Task Force X’s own Mr. John Economos Steve Agee.
TORONTO COMICON 2022 GUESTS INCLUDE:
ANDY SERKIS (Andor, The Batman, Black Panther, The Lord of the Rings)
KARL URBAN (The Boys, Star Trek, The Lord of the Rings)
JACK QUAID (The Boys, Scream, Star Trek: Lower Decks)
JESSIE T. USHER (The Boys, Smile, Shaft)
LAZ ALONSO (The Boys, Avatar)
TOMER CAPONE (The Boys)
KAREN FUKUHARA (The Boys, Suicide Squad)
CLAUDIA DOUMIT (The Boys, Timeless, Call of Duty)
STEVE AGEE (Peacemaker, The Suicide Squad)
SEAN GUNN (Guardians of the Galaxy, The Suicide Squad, Gilmore Girls)
SCOTT PATTERSON (Gilmore Girls, Saw)
EMILY SWALLOW (The Mandalorian, Supernatural)
ROBBIE AMELL (The Flash)
DANIELLE PANABAKER (The Flash)
CARLOS VALDES (The Flash)
MATT RYAN (Constantine, DC’s Legends of Tomorrow, Assassin’s Creed IV)
More information including guests information, tickets, and pricing for Toronto Comicon is available at fanexpohq.com/comicontoronto.
Follow @FANEXPOCanada for more guest and programing updates over the coming weeks.
Fan Expo Canada is back and bigger than ever! The Pandemic may have held us back for a bit, this edition of Fan Expo is here to remind us all exactly what we’ve missed. Running through August 28, 2022 at Metro Toronto Convention Centre, this celebration of Fandom unites fans of all genres together under one roof by the hundreds of thousands. And for good reason. The celebrity guest list this year is unreal!
Cast members of The Lord of The Rings, Clerks, Stranger Things, The Boys, Sons of Anarchy all are slated to appear, reniting for panels, photo ops and autograph sessions in the North Building. All for the fans! Photo Ops for Stranger Things’ Joseph Quinn who plays Eddie Munson on the popular Series, sold-out rather quickly and he certainly was the hot ticket this year. You cannot miss the Hall of Horrors where you can sit and listen to panels from your favourite name in Horror, and also and Tattoo Alley where you can get tatted!
Above this, there are so many cool activations to be seen including set-ups in the South Building by the likes of Bandai Namco, Studio Ghibli, Genshin Impact, Bell Esports Challenge, Nintendo Switch, TikTok, WhatNot and more! There are photos to be taken, prizes to be won and things to take home! And don’t forget to visit Artist Alley for a chance to meet and get commissioned pieces by some of your favourites. So many cool vendors and hard-to-find items throughout!
Check out my Highlight Reel. You cannot miss this and here’s why!
Tina Chan is a special contributor for us this year and here’s some highlights from the most buzzed Panels of Fan Expo Canada 2022!
The Stranger Things star revealed at her Panel that she officially came-out as Queer when she was 20 after being asked on a date and realizing that she had the power to say “yes”, and learned to accept her sexuality. When asked about whether or not she sees herself as an extrovert, she told the audience that she actually thinks she’s anti-social.
On what won her the coveted role of Chrissy Cunningham on the Series, the daughter of Actor Casper Van Dien says, “The Duffer Brothers said I was the only one who played Chrissy sweet. Everyone else played her mean in their auditions”.
Fun Fact: Van Dien revealed that she idolizes Paul Newman. Her favourite Movie is Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.
The Harry Potter star who unfortunately had to cancel last year, was able to make it to the City for Fan Expo Canada 2022. Lewis tells fans at his Panel that getting into the role of Neville Longbottom wasn’t too tough as he truly related to him saying, “I got it cause I went through it”.
Reflecting on his childhood as an Actor, he spoke of it as being relatively normal. “When we were off set, we were in school together. We got to have a relatively normal childhood and knew we were all in same boat together. We had each other to lean on.”.
The Star Wars Actor known best for playing C-3PO has the unique distinction of having starred in all nine Star Wars films. Daniels tells fans at his Panel that during the first ever Star Wars Film, “I’d been rehearsing in the studio for six months while they made the costume. I felt special and I felt like a star the first time I put the costume on.”.
Fun Facts: C-3PO’s microphone is actually wired towards his butt. And his favourite of all Star Wars films would be Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope.
The Guardians of the Galaxy star who plays Yondu has an obsession with Wunderbars and was “wundering” if these were a Canadian thing. He also vows to try everything Canadian this weekend and at his Panel tried Canadian Smarties, Wunderbar, Aero and Kit Kat. Rooker definitely wasn’t impressed by Coffee Crisp, describing them as “Kind of hard and dry, and it doesn’t taste like coffee at all!”.
This Stranger Things star certainly is no “stranger” to Toronto having filmed The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones here. Campbell Bower who plays Vecna on the Series, professed “I love my job and I’m a fucking nerd!”. On how lucky he is to have landed this role, he says humbly “It could’ve been anyone and the writing is exactly the thing that made the Show”. He also describes the several hours a day in costume/make-up as being “very intense”. He adds, “I would find myself crying in the middle of the night saying ‘Papa please, Papa please….”.
Fun Fact: If Vecna were to order something at Starbucks, it would be, per Campbell Bower, “A venti Salted Caramel Cream Cold Brew with extra foam”!
Sharing some of our own Snaps! One of our favourite events of the year, every year!
Also, some amazing Cosplay for you to enjoy!
Fan Expo Toronto Cosplayers always show-up!
It’s not too late to get tickets still for Fan Expo Canada 2022! More here.
(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong/Tina Chan)
Great news, DC fans! Exclusively for those going to Fan Expo this weekend in Toronto, there will be a Metrolinx Booth where you can get a limited edition DC Superhero Presto Card! The limited quanity collection is a new collaboration between Metrolinx, FAN EXPO Canada, Warner Bros. Consumer Products and DC.
Additional details below:
More information here.
(Photo credit: Metrolinx)
Set to take place again this year between August 25-28, 2022 at Metro Toronto Convention Centre, FAN EXPO CANADA returns once again! Even more celebrity guests have been added to the schedule, including, a just-confirmed Charlie Hunnam!
List of those confirmed so far:
• JEFF ANDERSON (Clerks, Zack and Miri Make a Porno)
• SEAN ASTIN (The Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Goonies)
• JACOB BERTRAND (Cobra Kai, Kirby Buckets)
• BILLY BOYD (The Lord of the Rings trilogy)
• LEVAR BURTON (Star Trek: The Next Generation, Perception)
• GINA CARANO (The Mandalorian, Deadpool)
• ANTHONY DANIELS (Star Wars universe)
• ASHLEY ECKSTEIN (Star Wars: The Clone Wars)
• ROBERT ENGLUND (A Nightmare on Elm Street)
• GIANCARLO ESPOSITO (The Mandalorian, Breaking Bad, The Boys)
• TREVOR FEHRMAN (Clerks II)
• DAVID FOLEY (The Kids in the Hall)
• TYLER HOECHLIN (Superman & Lois, Teen Wolf)
• CHARLIE HUNNAM (Sons of Anarchy, The Gentlemen)
• RYAN HURST (Sons of Anarchy, The Walking Dead, The Mysterious Benedict Society)
• MARTIN KOVE (Cobra Kai, The Karate Kid)
• PEYTON LIST (Cobra Kai, Bunk’d)
• CAITY LOTZ (Legends of Tomorrow, Arrow)
• JES MACALLAN (Legends of Tomorrow, Mistresses)
• JASON MEWES (Clerks)
• DOMINIC MONAGHAN (The Lord of the Rings trilogy, Lost)
• BRIAN O’HALLORAN (Clerks)
• LANA PARRILLA (Once Upon a Time, Why Women Kill)
• EMILIO RIVERA (Sons of Anarchy, Mayans M.C., On My Block)
• MICHAEL ROOKER (Guardians of the Galaxy, The Walking Dead)
• THEO ROSSI (Sons of Anarchy, Army of the Dead)
• KATEE SACKHOFF (The Mandalorian, Another Life, Battlestar Galactica)
• WILLIAM SHATNER (Star Trek)
• KEVIN SMITH (Clerks)
• BRENT SPINER (Star Trek: The Next Generation, Penny Dreadful: City of Angels)
• BITSIE TULLOCH (Superman & Lois, Grimm)
• CARL WEATHERS (The Mandalorian, Rocky, Predator)
• MING-NA WEN (The Book of Boba Fett, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.)
• ELIJAH WOOD (The Lord of the Rings trilogy)
• WILLIAM ZABKA (Cobra Kai, The Karate Kid)
For a complete list of guests, info and tickets, visit: fanexpocanada.com
By Mr. Will Wong & George Kozera
Celebrating Sci-Fi, Horror, Anime, and Gaming, TORONTO COMICON returned once again this weekend March 18-21, 2022, after a short absence amidst the Pandemic. The event at Metro Toronto Convention Centre brought out fans with a chance to meet their favourite stars and Artists, and also a chance to connect with likeminded fans. Did you know collectively, all Fan Expo HQ events bring-in a combined 500,000 attendees annually?
More than ever this year, activations focused on family with a section devoted to kids’ activities, including a meet and greet with Disney Princesses, and a Super Mario photo op on the floor, which was a big hit!
A huge draw always is Celebrities and while the event saw some last minute cancellations from the likes of John Cusack and Jenna Coleman, some marquee names like Lou Ferrigno, Aaron Ashmore, Laure Vandervoort, Adam Baldwin, Brian Herring and the stars of the original Degrassi outfit, came out to speak at panels and meet their fanbase.
Our George Kozera had a chance to sit-in a few popular Panels at Toronto Comicon and he shares some highlights.
YMMQ Podcast Host, Trevor Campbell, interviewed award winning Comic Book Artist and Writer Dan Parent on how the first gay character (Kevin Keller) in the ARCHIE Comics empire came to exist. Influenced by two diverse worlds…the characters in the teenaged comic world of Riverdale as well as Director John Waters’ “Pink Flamingoes”…Parent’s first pitch to introduce a gay character fell on deaf ears “as it would not go over well in Middle America”. With new management in charge of publishing the Archie comics, a years later subsequent approach was positively received, mostly due to “the success of that TV show, Will & Grace”. Rather than out Jughead, perceived as asexual, the new character was a media sensation and that issue sold out completely. The only other time an issue was sold out when the character of Kevin was predominant was a storyline set when Kevin and was 23 years old married to a man. It created a furor when the militant left wing Million Moms Movement deemed it immoral, causing Parent to say: “Want loads of publicity and make lots of money? Piss off a million moms!”.
While identical twin brother Shawn can be currently seen on TV’s “The Rookie”, Aaron Ashmore (best known for playing Jimmy Olson on “Smallville”) regaled the audience with entertaining stories from his many projects, from being stuck in a small confined space after “Warehouse 13” Co-star Eddie McClintock broke wind, to not really getting along with Saul Rubinek or his backstage stories on working in “Killjoys” and “Locke and Key”. When we asked if there was anything Shawn had done that he was jealous of and vice-versa, he said how incredibly proud he was of his brother after watching in “X Men” and “as for Shawn, you’d have to ask him” he replied with a great smile. My favourite of Aaron’s recollection was the time he was at the Montreal Comiccon: “I saw these millions of people in line near my booth and was surprised all these people were here to see me. Then I heard a voice behind me say “Hello, young man” and it was for Patrick Stewart! And I was oh man, and said “I’m not Shawn because I knew you worked together” and he said “I know”. He’s (meaning Stewart) such a nice man and very laid back.”.
The camaraderie between the three stars on stage was palpably positive and loving. Pat Mastroianni explained that the original audition took three weeks of daily workshops with all the hopeful cast members. “We started with 80 people and then next week it was down to 50. It was like the first reality show”. When we asked if they all had issues finding work after the show ended, only Mastroianni confirmed that he really wasn’t typecast as “Joey Jeremiah” and was able to pursue a career in the business. Because Degrassi was on air before Social Media, “we knew we were hits from the media reports in the Toronto Star and Toronto Sun but we never really knew the impact we were making”. It was also fun to hear that Mastroianni’s mother was supportive and encouraging of his, now famous, walking naked in the school!
Fan Expo and Comicon are always a chance to buy some cool merchandise from local fandom-minded vendors!
It’s always a thrill seeing some of the amazing Cosplay and this year was no exception. See some Snaps (always remember to ask for permission!):
Don’t forget, FAN EXPO Canada is back August 25-28, 2022 and it is looking pretty epic. More details on some of what’s been announced so far. Get your tickets now here.
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong/George Kozera)
Toronto Comicon is back on again this year at Metro Toronto Convention Centre’s South Building from March 18-20, 2022.
After a two-year absence, we are thrilled to see the event back and it’s a pretty star-studded line-up! In addition to stars, there will be celebrity presentations, photo ops, signings, sketch duels and so much more!
TORONTO COMICON 2022 HIGHLIGHTED GUESTS INCLUDE:
JENNA COLEMAN (Doctor Who, Victoria)
JOHN CUSACK (Being John Malkovich, High Fidelity)
TIM ROSE (Star Wars universe)
BRIAN HERRING (Star Wars universe)
AUSTIN ST. JOHN (Mighty Morphin Power Rangers)
LOU FERRIGNO (The Incredible Hulk)
LAURA VANDERVOORT (Smallville, The Handmaid’s Tale)
For a complete list of guests, info and tickets, visit: comicontoronto.com.
For advertising opportunites please contact mrwill@mrwillwong.com