In this write up, I have lots to say. And thus, have broken up my thoughts into sections:
Overall Impressions (The Crowding Problem)
During Fan Expo Vancouver‘s busiest day, the crowds were thicker than molasses! Saturday is traditionally the busiest, and while I have the experience of knowing how to get from one end to the other reasonably fast, other folks may not. It’s best to identify where the slow and fast lanes are. It’s like driving on the highway.
Although the convention center layout determines the best placement for the various sections–the main stage, photo booths, and panel rooms–it’s also true that not all shows can use the building at its utmost. The upcoming Calgary Fan Expo will use the BMO Centre’s newly added space, and I will pay attention to reports when it starts! In the meantime, I’ll be fondly remembering the best years when the Terminal City show used two floors of the West Convention Center Building. I feel those were the best FXV years.
I wish coat check, a feature of past events, had been brought back. On rainy days, no one has the backpack space to store or wants to wear their jacket indoors; The organisers really need to spend the money to rent a room for this offering and tell staff to only accept coats. That way, this offering to lighten the load can’t be abused.
Will Fan Expo Vancouver Change Dates?
While the early years often saw FXV shift dates around a lot, I doubt anyone noticed this year was not on a holiday weekend. Technically, there was Valentine’s and BC Family Day on the same weekend, but no explanation was ever announced. In 2026, they will return to their traditional date.
No matter what, the event will always take place two weeks before Emerald City Comic Con. I’ve heard from one representative from Tsukino Con who says some folks skip their show in favour of the big city one. There are better opportunities for fun. I can vouch for that as I saw the ferry terminal filled with youths coming home on a late Sunday night, with expectant parents there to pick them up!
Comic Con or Carnival?
Back when these shows were about comic books, the focus was awesome. But ever since San Diego Comic Con defined this century’s popular culture landscape because of the huge entertainment media presence, it’s tough to call some events a comic con at all. Not every publisher wants to market outside where their headquarters are based. Also, some writers and artists who live in Vancouver are more interested in promoting themselves at a proper Comic Arts Festival instead.
For Fan Expo Vancouver to bring that comic book vibe back with an after event party with three artists (out of the dozen who attended) got to graffiti an art board, not even I was particularly excited. Although it went off okay, when one of them admitted to me he’d rather draw than attend (he was in the billing), that’s an issue. While they do not entertain on the same level as William Shatner and Rhys Davies, it’s still worth checking out.
But for main events, the organisers stick to inviting who are popular. Both Q&As, featuring the Supernatural supporting cast and Hazbin Hotel group of voice talents discussing their on-set experiences, were packed!
I also got a good seat to check out the Avatar: The Last Airbender partial cast team up and enjoyed this Q&A the most. Aside from the excitement that Michaela Jill Murphy (Toph from the cartoon) expressed about going to meet her live-action counterpart, all this event offered for news is that season two is deep into filming and fans can expect great things when it finally debuts.
Exhibit & Merchandise Floor
It’s possible to find something cool, but when I’ve been collecting for over two decades, trying to find something new at a generalized pop culture convention is tough. While nothing surprises me these days, the fact there were five vendors selling nearly exactly the same stock of lightsabers was numbing. I wanted to get an upgrade, but am glad I waited. Next week, I will post a guide on how to shop for one, and my advice is to not always buy at conventions. It’s not just about haggling, but knowing exactly if you like what you impulse bought.
By luck, I found Studio Ghibli (mostly Totoro) merchandise. While I could’ve gone for broke, I instead risked hoping to get a particular Stitch in the mystery Cosbi Box. I had no luck, but I at least got the baby fuzzball with a huge drink mug as a picture!
I think this toy line is way cooler than Funko by miles because they resemble anime versions of various popular franchises! I’m sick and tired to seeing these dotty eyed statues. They’re neat to have, but honestly, there’s no long term safe investment value at all. As for Hottoys, the parent company who manufactures Cosbi, the variety is miles above what the Washington based company offers! They catering to those rich nerds who can afford those life-size models to place in their man (or woman) cave!
Final Thoughts
Unlike other North American Fan Expos, these events don’t all squeeze every activity zones into one arena. These events space put certain aspects of the program to another area, and the dining options remain the same. The Calgary show fully uses the space; its larger size makes navigation easier. Also, it was an independent operation before being acquired by Informa. I suspect this company had to sign a contract with the previous operators who insisted some aspects of the celebration must not change in before they took over.
In Toronto, which had always been with the brand, Fan Expo Toronto uses both the North and South Buildings. However, crowding is still a problem, and people still say they feel like they’re trapped in a sardine can. It’s a persistent problem no matter what the spectacle, and while some folks get used to it, others claim to never want to return. While being stuffed into a vast place is no different at San Deigo Comic Con, folks either have to live with it or not.
While VP Andrew Moyes said FXV will stay in the West building, in order to use the full space will mean still looking at final attendance numbers and what the profit margin is. Whatever that number is, I believe it’s time to consider either changing dates or booking space at the hotel next door. Since having it in the same building is not possible because there is another event happening (I asked building security about that this year), someone has to budge.