There’s lots to see and experience at Fan Expo Canada – and the 2018 edition of the yearly pop culture event is no different. In fact, with over 129,000 expected con-goers from around the world, it’s probably bigger and better than ever before!
But before you head over and immerse yourself among the glorious comic books, anime, gaming, TV & film and collecting chaos, you need to come up with a plan of attack.
Why?
Because some experiences are limited experiences – things like photo ops and exclusives and commissioned artwork and much more.
Fear not.
Here’s what you need to know, going into day one of Fan Expo Canada 2018:
Exclusives:
If you’re into toys, comics, statues of superheroes, t-shirts or vinyl figures, head into Fan Expo Canada 2018 and get your exclusives…before someone else does! These are the doo-dads that’ll sell out on the ASAP. For a quick glimpse of some of them, visit the Show Exclusives web page right here.
May I recommend the $25 “Shatnerd” event shirt, which can be found at one of the “Fan Expo Exclusives” tables on the con floor? It’s a perfect keepsake of the four-day event since William Shatner (Star Trek’s Captain Kirk – as if you needed to be reminded) is a big time celebrity this year!
But some of the more sought-after exclusives will be found at vendor booths. Hasbro is bringing some pretty exciting reveals and Funko will have Pop! vinyls of Canadian rockers, Rush! They are a must-have…expect them to sell fast, so get in on the line-up with your timed session tickets!
Photo Ops & Fan Experiences & Special Events:
Whether it’s film and TV stars, comic book legends, or cosplay dance parties, Fan Expo Canada 2018 has got something for you.
Unfortunately, there are a number of special events that are already sold out – you gotta get in weeks-to-months early for some of the hotter ticket events. That said, there’s still plenty to scratch whatever pop culture itch you have with top event being the Back To the Future Experience – a reunion highlight of this year’s show featuring Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson and Tom Wilson!
You can buy tickets to all of the various events here. In the meantime, here are some hand-picked recommendations for you to ponder:
Back To The Future Experiences – buy your tickets here.
William Shatner Photo Ops – buy your tickets here.
WWE Ultimate Package – buy your tickets here.
Art Commissions:
If you’re interested in the artwork of your favourite comic book artist – or newly found burgeoning artist – and want a commission from them, I’d suggest you get to it as early as you possibly can.
Artist’s schedules fill up fast – and they can only get through so many commission requests in the course of the day. Costs can run you anywhere from free to thousands of dollars depending upon the size of your drawing, the popularity of the artist, and weather you want a head shot, torso, full figure or multiple characters in your drawing. Prices should generally be displayed don the table in front of the artist.
You can find a list of the major comic book artists (and writers) here but don’t forget about the always popular Artist Alley, home to plenty of great illustrators – and a place where you might get a little more bang for your buck!
Importantly, here’s where you can get your floorplan.
Today’s Schedule of Cool Things:
There are plenty of col things to do on day one beside what we’ve already listed and a webpage dedicated to all of them can be found here. That said, here’s what we’re interested in experiencing on day one:
2.00 PM – Board Game Library & Main Gaming Room (Room 718A)
Open for as long as the convention doors are (and even after they close), the FREE Board Game Library is a great place to stop and make some new friends while playing some of your favourite board game like Pandemic, Mystic Vale as well as table top RPG’s. Stop in and check it out…you might even win a prize or two!
5.00 PM – Ty Templeton’s Comic Book Bootcamp (Room 716B)
If you’re interested in learning the art of how to write and illustrate comic books, you can’t get a better instructor than Ty Templeton!
6.00 PM – DC Art Academy (Room 716B)
After Ty Templeton’s Comic Book Boot Camp, stick around because class is in session with top DC creators! Lee Bermejo, Jock and Yanick Paquette will guide you through their creative process…and potentially review your artistic portfolio! This could be your big break into comics!
7.00 PM – Avengers Cosplay Meet-Up And & Flash Mob (Cosplay Photo Park, Level 600 South Building)
This is the kind of image that makes the cover of the morning paper! Can you imagine all of the various Avengers cosply peeps at this event? It’s great! It’s Avengers: Infinity War level great!
That should take care of day one, barring some surprises, leaving you with enough time to scout the convention floor for what you want to do and see the next few days.
Follow us through #FXC18 at: @JPFallavollita and @BiffBamPop and be sure to follow the convention at: @FANEXPOCANADA and #FXC18. To be completely in the loop and to get a heads up on photo ops tickets and times and to scour this year’s exclusive comics and toys and collectibles, etc., visit: www.fanexpocanada.com
Fan Expo Canada 2018 is located at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Thursday August 30 through Sunday, September 2. Convention hours are:
Thursday: 4 PM – 9 PM
Friday: 10 AM – 7 PM
Saturday: 10 AM – 7 PM
Sunday: 10 AM – 5 PM
