Rare finds are increasingly elusive at these massive corporate events. For serious treasure hunting, a dedicated comic convention remains the better bet. In the Lower Mainland, that king belongs to the Vancouver Comic & Toy Show. It is no-nonsense, focused on local artists, and hosted at the PNE grounds without leaning on media guests to drive attendance. For fans eager to meet favourite actors, however, the Fan Expo and ReedPop brands remain the go-to experiences. On a personal note, I finally completed my collection of photographs with the Smallville main cast.
My one lingering regret is not getting a photo with Michael Rosenbaum during his appearance over a decade ago. At the time, I was content to chat with him at an after-party. This year, Kristin Kreuk and Erica Durance formed what could jokingly be called the “Fab Three.” Although that doesn’t roll off the tongue well when spoken out loud, I believe the four talents present did the job quite well. Convention mainstay James Marsters (Brainiac) from the later season became the star, and he shared fond memories of filming, including stories about Tom Welling cracking up his co-stars. Had Lex been present, the reunion would have felt complete, and as for upcoming projects, which was hinted at during Tom’s last apperance here, didn’t get any updates.
Another welcome return was Jim Cummings, who entertained audiences with stories from his decades at Disney. One highlight was a panel alongside Nicole Oliver, where they delighted fans discussing My Little Pony, The Clone Wars, and Sonic. Between audience questions, Cummings promoted his podcast, Toon’d In!, which offers valuable insight for aspiring voice actors. I tune in occasionally and recommend it. If Steve Blum had also been present, a live Twisted Toonz script reading would have been unforgettable. These sessions are wildly popular and now require early registration to secure a seat.
This brings me to the logistical puzzle of the sold-out An Evening with the Hobbits. Premium ticket holders naturally received the best views. I am sure the variety show delivered for its audience, but it was not essential for my own itinerary. Often, the best convention moments are the unadvertised or complimentary ones. With Valentine’s Day weekend in play and competition from venues like Greta Bar and EXP, Fan Expo faced a crowded nightlife landscape.
The exhibit hall featured its usual sea of humanity, with the eBay Live auctions booth tucked into one corner. At times, their booming sales pitch carried clear across the floor, turning sections of the hall into a live infomercial. Lord of the Rings merchandise was predictably abundant. While the selection was not as expansive as at other conventions, Weta supplied enough product to generate steady interest without maintaining a large standalone presence like the one I saw at Emerald City Comic Con. Shoppers filled out order forms, then queued to pay for stock stored discreetly behind a curtain.
In part two, I will explore the side of the event that matters most to me: Artist Alley. Fan Expo has never positioned itself as a pure comic convention, and it openly acknowledges that. Yet this section often shines brighter than the celebrity guest area, especially for attendees hunting for original prints, commissions, and that spark of artistic discovery.