By Ed Sum
(The Vintage Tempest)
Fan Expo Vancouver is upon us, and the fun does not have to be about meeting the big name guests. While it’s terrific we have returning favourites like Bruce Campbell and select cast from The Flash, the diversity is broad. We have representatives from fond favourites like X-Files, Battlestar Galactica, Walking Dead and the Office. I’m hoping for more representation from Stargate SG1 (one year, they got two names from Universe, but I’m holding out for the big five uniting here instead of the very pricey GateCon).
This event takes place after Valentines Day and continues on B.C. Family Day. The change in dates may seem odd to some, but the shift is done on purpose get other guests normally not available to them–and compete with the Seattle event. Are they returning to form since February was when this event first debuted? It’s hard to say, but I’ve been a regular attendee for some years now and will continue to monitor.
This event starts today! For those interested in what’s being offered, my picks of events to attend include:
Saturday
Celebrity Q&A with Brendan Fraser
From being George of the Jungle, Dudley Do-Right and Robotman (and many other characters in between), this talented actor shows that he has it all. Most fans will remember him as Rick O’Connell from The Mummy, but what else has he done that’s been inspiring or controversial? There’s Gods & Monsters. It’ll be terrific to hear him talk about his career.
Ritual: Exorcism in Film and Television
In cinema, the paranormal scene is rife with misinformation and taking liberties with what ghosts represent. The newest celebrity, Morgan Knudsen (Haunted Hospitals, Paranormal 911, A Haunting, Entityseeker), will take a peek at the real cases that inspired films like the Exorcist, The Rite and Conjuring. To be fair, he’s not the first and is by no means the last who loves this subject. Actor/stuntman/entertainer Jim O’Rear authored Hollywood Paranormal Films: Fact & Fiction
Live onstage with Todd McFarlane
This artist/creator takes to stage to talk about his career, and with no doubt, what the latest status is for his version of Spawn, the movie. What can we say about the man who drew Spider-Man his way? His career from an artist at Marvel Comics to forming a mighty Image empire is nothing to sneeze at, but to see him here is a second chance for those who could not get in the sold out appearance at Emerald City Comic Con!
Celebrity Q&A with Christina Ricci
From being Wednesday Addams in the 90s Addams Family revival to Lizzie Borden, there’s more than just those roles that’s defined the career of Ricci.
She’s not just an icon to horror fans, but is a National Spokesperson for the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN)–the nation’s largest anti-sexual assault organization.
She’s a fantastic voice over talent, and perhaps we’ll find out what her next role is!
Sunday
Celebrity Q&A with Tom Welling
For an actor who more or less disappeared after Smallville, Tom Welling is gearing up for a comeback. After his appearance in theCW’s Crisis of Infinite Earths, can we expect a return to playing Clark? Most likely not, but we do know that both he and Brendan Fraser are starring in a remake of Soldiers of Fortune for SVOD Viaplay
Creating and Marketing your Independent Comic
Although FXV is hardly considered a comic convention, various creators are here to discuss how to make your own books and market them. It’s tough to get started, and this panel is a pick.
Celebrity Q&A with Bruce Campbell
If his past appearances at this convention and others are any indication, The Man with the Chin (he did author three biographies, after all) will turn this “panel” into a certified game show, complete with declaring some happy couple married. ‘Nuff said.
Comics with Don Rosa
Don Rosa is well known for keeping the love for Duckburg alive. But there’s more to this living legend, who first drew ‘Perwillaby Papers’ for his school’s newspaper. He would later draw ‘Captain Kentucky’ (1979) and eventually called it quits and return to illustrating. This panel will see him discuss his career.
Mon
Q&A with cast of The Flash
With everyone having finished seeing Crisis of Infinite Earths by now, it’s safe to assume we all want to know what’s next for this show. It’s now carrying the torch with Arrow finishing its run on television. This panel is a must for die-hards hoping for a tease of what’s to come.
For a full schedule and times, please click here.
For our diners guide around the area, plenty of options exist, and this list includes my picks to survive Fan Expo and beyond. See you there!
Share this:
