Every year, the last weekend of August sees Fan Expo Canada take over Toronto. It truly offers something for everyone.
If you’re searching for a specific comic book like I was, just look closely and you’ll likely find it among the many vendors. Looking for a toy? You bet. A sticker? Absolutely. Artwork? Definitely.
Want an autograph or a photo with a celebrity you’d probably never meet otherwise? They’ve got that covered too. Just ask the thousands who snapped photos with Luke Skywalker over the weekend, as Mark Hamill was one of the big-name guests present. The list of celebrities was extensive, and the lines were even longer.
Maybe you’re hoping to connect with a comic artist? No problem there. Or perhaps like me, you wanted to drop off some precious comics for grading? No issue at all.
When it comes to pop culture, Fan Expo has everything you could want. You just have to tackle the crowds, long lines and trek between stops.
While taking a break outside on Sunday with a cigar in hand and resting my feet, I watched people smiling as they dressed up as characters of their choice. Many opted for Spider-Man, which makes sense given the recent release in Tom Holland’s franchise.
Spidey was just one among what felt like an endless parade of superheroes and villains-ranging from Venom to Batman, Thor to Loki. It was paradise for comic book fans.
All weekend long, I noticed cosplayers stopping each other to take selfies or snap pictures of their costumes. There were smiles, hugs, back pats, and fist bumps everywhere I looked. I heard “Ooohs” and “ahhhs,” along with countless remarks like “that costume is sick!”
On Sunday it struck me: while Fan Expo is all about celebrating pop culture-with its impressive lineup of celebrities and details catering to everyone-the real highlight is its inclusiveness.
No one is ridiculed for their costume; quite the opposite actually. People are supportive, sharing photos and encouraging one another. They can be whoever they wish to be or wear whatever they feel comfortable in (sometimes even little more than that) and act however they choose.
In today’s critical world where negativity runs rampant, Fan Expo’s atmosphere is refreshing.
People often spend their days scrolling through social media watching others get torn apart over beliefs, religion, sexual orientation, fashion choices, music preferences, political views or relationships.
Actor Corey Feldman greets fans during a meet-and-greet as part of Fan Expo in Toronto on the weekend. (Photo by Jan Murphy/The Kingston Whig-Standard/Postmedia Network) Jan Murphy
There’s always someone looking to impose their beliefs on others-quickly ready to bully or judge-and make others feel less than great.
It can really weigh on you at times.
But when you step into Fan Expo all that fades away. You see people embracing each other, supporting one another-cheering each other on! It didn’t matter if someone wore an elaborate 3D printed Iron Man suit complete with an opening mask or simply had on a wig while holding a wand.
Everyone’s choices were accepted-not criticized-and every costume celebrated self-expression rather than being scorned upon. The love shared was genuine among attendees!
Yes indeed-the grandeur of Fan Expo shined brightly once again! Long lines formed as thousands waited patiently just to be near Luke Skywalker himself!
Even more stood in line hoping for a brief moment with John Cena!
Sometimes waiting for an escalator took ten minutes or more; aisles packed so tightly made traveling even thirty feet feel like it took ages!
But honestly? Not once did I hear anyone complain about any delays!
Instead everyone focused on encouraging those around them!
Inclusivity-that’s what truly draws people into Fan Expo!
Jan Murphy is the editor-in-chief of The Kingston Whig-Standard-a passionate pop culture enthusiast and lifelong comic book aficionado.
I grew up in Kingston area where my love for journalism blossomed during high school through community newspaper co-op placements.
After finishing Loyalist College’s photojournalism program, I secured my dream job working at my hometown paper, the Whig-Standard which happens also be Canada’s oldest notable newspaper.
Over these years, I’ve worn many hats-as copy editor, sports editor, ist, multimedia journalist before becoming editor-in-chief.
Known nationally mostly as a ist covering professional wrestling-I’m also proud recipient Quickwire award!.
I’m dad two girls, happily married diehard Maple Leafs fan-and genuinely adore words!
Why journalism matters: there isn’t anything more powerful than written word-it holds society accountable.
Please send story ideas janmurphyjanmurphy
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I grew up in Kingston area where my love for journalism blossomed during high school through community newspaper co-op placements.After finishing Loyalist College’s photojournalism program, I secured my dream job working at my hometown paper, the Whig-Standard which happens also be Canada’s oldest notable newspaper.
Over these years, I’ve worn many hats-as copy editor, sports editor, ist, multimedia journalist before becoming editor-in-chief.
Known nationally mostly as a ist covering professional wrestling-I’m also proud recipient Quickwire award!.
I’m dad two girls, happily married diehard Maple Leafs fan-and genuinely adore words!
Why journalism matters: there isn’t anything more powerful than written word-it holds society accountable.
Please send story ideas janmurphyjanmurphy
Source link
