Toronto Comicon
#FIRSTLOOK: HIGHLIGHTS FROM COMICON TORONTO 2025
Right in time for March Break, Toronto’s favourite celebration of fandom was back this weekend, March 14 to 16, 2025 at Metro Toronto Convention Centre! With over 400 exhibitors front and center giving guests a chance to buy rare collectibles, this was an opportunity not to be missed. We definitely saw the Demon Slayer effect with lots of swords on-display. Also, this was a chance for fans to meet some of their favourite Artists in person and get custom commissions done!
And if that wasn’t enough there were ample opportunities to purchase autographs and photo ops with some big stars! Just want to see them up close? No problem, there were intimate panels held as well, giving fans a chance to ask their burning questions. Names in attendance included: Jared Padelecki, Karl Urban, James Marsters, Antony Starr, Nathan Mitchell, Jim Beaver, recent Canadian Screen Radius Award recipient Manny Jacinto, and many more. And we confirm with the latter in a quick chat that he indeed will be attending festivities at the end of May.
Drawing the biggest queue was Marvel Television‘s DAREDEVIL: BORN AGAIN HELL’S KITCHEN booth, which drew attention to their recent collaboration with Mary Brown’s, the Hot Honey Sandwich, while also giving away free branded T-Shirts! Despite the wait being between three to five hours in some instances, a ticketing system allowed fans to go about their day and come back closer to their time. There also was an Arthur and D.W. meet and greet at nostalgic apparel maker Retrokid‘s booth, and also a 30-foot Stay Puft Marshmallow Man photo op.
And did we mention how Toronto keeps stepping-up its Cosplay game? We’ve never seen better costumes than this year! And it was so reassuring seeing guests asking Cosplayers politely for permission to take photographs, creating a safe space for one another. This is the Toronto I know and love.
Our Team was out and about this weekend. Some highlights from the weekend, including panels, celebrities and amazing Cosplay!
Missed the fun? No to worry, FAN EXPO CANADA is just a few months away. Start planning now here.
(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong/D. Neves/R. Heaslip)
#FIRSTLOOK: TORONTO COMICON 2025 HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDING CELEBRITY GUESTS
Toronto Comicon, presented by FAN EXPO Canada returns on March 14-16, 2025 bringing an action-packed weekend of fandom family fun in the north building of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre this March break!
Whether you’re a caped crusader, or prefer to wield a lightsaber, prepare for three days of unparalleled entertainment across the realms of sci-fi, fantasy, comic, anime, gaming and horror. Fans of all ages can enjoy a variety of attractions with over 400 exhibitors with must-have collectables, celebrity Q&A sessions, autograph and photo opportunities. Learn from industry pros at the “How-To” workshops and watch them in the popular Sketch Duels. Dive into Community Zone fan meetups and showcase your best cosplay in competitions and on the cosplay red carpet. Families can enjoy special programming for their skeleton crew, including a photo opportunity with the 30-foot Stay Puft Marshmallow Man!
“Toronto Comicon is a fan-favourite destination, welcoming both die-hard enthusiasts and newcomers to the fandom scene. Whether you champion villains, superheroes or the supernatural, this multiverse of pop culture will delight everyone”, said Andrew Moyes, Vice President of FAN EXPO HQ. “With the stars from The Boys and Supernatural – plus even more celebrities guests – fans can expect exclusive experiences, endless shopping opportunities and unforgettable moments across every fandom corner”.
Special guests appearing at Toronto Comicon 2025 include, Karl Urban, Antony Starr, Jessie T. Usher, Laz Alonso, Nathan Mitchell, and Tomer Capone from The Boys, British punk vampire James Marsters (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel), the cast of Supernatural, Jared Padalecki, Mark Sheppard, Alexander Calvert, Jim Beaver, and Ruth Connell, plus everyone’s favourite Sith Lord, fighter pilot, and purgatory resident, Canadian actor Manny Jacinto (The Acolyte, Top Gun: Maverick, The Good Place) plus more celebrity announcements to come.
TORONTO COMICON 2025 HIGHLIGHTED GUESTS INCLUDE:
JARED PADALECKI (Supernatural, Gilmore Girls)
KARL URBAN (The Boys, The Lord of the Rings, Mortal Kombat II)
ANTONY STARR (The Boys, Banshee)
MANNY JACINTO (The Acolyte, The Good Place)
MARK SHEPPARD (Supernatural, Battlestar Galactica, Firefly)
ALEXANDER CALVERT (Supernatural, Arrow, Gen V)
JIM BEAVER (Supernatural, The Boys)
JAMES MARSTERS (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Smallville)
RUTH CONNELL (Supernatural)
JESSIE T. USHER (The Boys, Smile)
LAZ ALONSO (The Boys, Avatar)
NATHAN MITCHELL (The Boys, Ginny & Georgia)
TOMER CAPONE (The Boys)
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.
Information and pricing for the Toronto Comicon are available at fanexpohq.com/comicontoronto.
#SPOTTED: TORONTO COMICON 2024 HIGHLIGHTS
Toronto Comicon, presented by FAN EXPO Canada, is back at Metro Toronto Convention Centre (North Building) now through March 17, 2024!
The three-day affair brings together fans in a celebration of sci-fi, fantasy, comic, anime, gaming and horror! With panels, photo ops, autograph signings, meet-ups, Cosplay competitions and a chance to get commissioned pieces made, there truly is something for everyone! The event typically brings thousands into Toronto every March.
A star-studded roster of guests grace the event including Tom Cavanagh (The Flash), Mary McDonnell (Battlestar Galactica), Denis Lawson (Star Wars Trilogy), Diana Lee Inosanto (Ahsoka), Eman Esfandi (Ahsoka), Harvey Guillen (What We Do in the Shadows), Jeff Ward (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D), plus Star Trek: Strange New Worlds stars Ethan Peck and Anson Mount, as well as Avatar: The Last Airbender breakout stars Gordon Cormier and Ian Ousley.
Among the highlights were a special screening of Animated Disney+ Series X-MEN ’97 at cozy Xavier’s Lounge for Gifted Youngsters. The Series has stars of X-MEN: THE ANIMATED SERIES reprising their roles, including Lenore Zann. The Series arrives March 20, 2024.
The Cast of Prime Video Canada Series DAVE & JONESIE’S LOCKER also are set to make an appearance this weekend, Sunday, March 17, 2024 between 4-5 PM. There will be a screening of its first episode, followed by panel. Talent in attendance include: Veronika Slowikowska (Davey), Jaelynn Thora Brooks (Jonesie), alongside Nikko Angelo Hinayo, Erika Swayze, Sydney Topliffe, Kevin Osea, Alexa Yaphe and Parker Lauzon. Series arrives March 22, 2024.
A reel of highlights:
More here, including tickets.
(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)
#FIRSTLOOK: 2024 TORONTO COMICON GUESTS ANNOUNCED
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.
#FIRSTLOOK: GUESTS CONFIRMED FOR TORONTO COMICON 2023
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.
#FIRSTLOOK: ANDY SERKIS AMONG STARS TO APPEAR AT TORONTO COMICON 2023
Andy Serkis, one of the greatest actors of this generation, will make his very first Toronto Comicon appearance this March. The prolific performer will appear on the Saturday of the three-day convention for autograph signings, photo ops and a Q&A panel. This year, Toronto Comicon will be moving into the North Building of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre right off of Front Street during March Break weekend, March 17-19, 2023. Information and pricing for Toronto Comicon is available at fanexpohq.com/comicontoronto.
Serkis is an award-winning actor who is beloved around the world for his memorable performance capture roles including masterfully portraying dual characters Sméagol/Gollum in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films, delivering a heart-breaking performance as the title character in King Kong, giving a full range of emotions to Cesar in the Planet of the Apes franchise and sending darkness through the screen as the enigmatic Supreme Leader Snoke in the most recent Star Wars trilogy.
In human form, Serkis has been a part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe portraying Ulysses Klaue in Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015) and Black Panther (2018) as well as the Disney+ series What If…? (2021). Most recently he portrayed Alfred Pennyworth in The Batman (2022) and Kino Loy in the Rogue One: A Star Wars Story spinoff, Andor (2022). These are just a few of the hundreds of credits to Serkis’s name.
The multi-talented artist has also found success behind the camera making his directorial debut in 2017 with Breathe, followed by Netflix’s Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle (2019) and the second installment in the Venom trilogy, Venom: Let There Be Carnage (2021).
Previously announced Toronto Comicon 2023 celebrity guests include Emily Swallow (The Mandalorian), Matt Ryan (Constantine), Scott Patterson (Gilmore Girls) and Sean Gunn (Guardians of the Galaxy). Follow @FANEXPOCanada for more guest and programming updates over the coming weeks.
Toronto Comicon presented by FAN EXPO Canada™ is a pop culture convention for fans of comics, sci-fi, horror, anime, and gaming. The annual three-day convention is jam-packed with family-friendly activities and celebrities. This year’s show takes place at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre from March 17-19, 2023. fanexpohq.com/comicontoronto
#FIRSTLOOK: 2022 TORONTO COMICON
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.
“YOU MADE ME QUEER”
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!”.
Q&A WITH STAR OF “KILLJOYS” AND “LOCKE & KEY” AARON ASHMORE
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.”.
“DEGRASSI JUNIOR HIGH” REUNION Q&A
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)
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