Fan Expo returns with ‘limited edition’ event

After COVID-19 played spoilsport last year, one of Toronto’s most eagerly awaited events returned to the city this weekend, with a few changes — as we’ve come to expect with all things during the pandemic.

Fan Expo Canada, which normally sees over 130,000 people attend each year, hosted a “limited edition” event at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC), with far fewer tickets to be had.

“It’s a bit more of an exclusive opportunity … a little bit more curated,” explained Andrew Moyes, Vice President, Fan Expo HQ. “But all those cool elements that everyone knows and loves about comic conventions are still here.”

The expo was spread across both the north and south building of the MTCC, with the north building hosting celebrity panels and autograph booths and the south housing vendors, artists, featured cosplayers and authors. Before the pandemic, the event occupied the entire convention centre. This year’s scaled back version occupied two main areas in the two buildings.

The expo floor was noticeably less crowded compared to previous years and proof of vaccination was required to enter, along with mandatory masking and social distancing highly encouraged.

Amid all the changes, one thing that remained true to form was the enthusiasm of the fans and the excitement among attendees.

“The fans are the stars of the show,” said Moyes. “This a community driven event, we love to get together and unite under fandom … there’s lots of happy people, I can tell people are smiling under those masks.”

Those attending agreed that it felt like old times and helped bring back some sense of normalcy.

“It’s just nice to see everyone in their cosplay and people enjoying themselves again,” said Tiffany, who was cosplaying as Star Guardian Ahri.

Tiffany (left) and Stephanie (right) cosplaying as Star Guardian Ahri and KDA All Out Ahri respectively. CITYNEWS/Dilshad Burman

Kate, who came dressed as the pink Power Ranger agreed.

“It’s so good to see everyone in cosplay, gathering together so we can all be geeks, finally,” she said.

Seven-year-old Spencer took a pragmatic approach to the masking and other COVID-related protocols.

“It’s kind of frustrating, but overall it’s keeping people safe,” he said, through his home made Doodle Sponge Bob costume that his dad helped put together.

Spencer (right) and sister Zoe dressed as Doodle Sponge Bob and pink Predator respectively. CITYNEWS/Dilshad Burman

As with previous years, many cosplayers put months and sometimes years into building their costumes.

“We’ve been missing it for two years because of the pandemic so this year, I went full out,” said Trista, who cosplayed as Rapunzel.

Cody invested six months into his predator costume, saying he wanted to “go big or go home” this year since last year’s event had to be cancelled.

Scroll through more cosplayers who caught our eye this year below:

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