When a first-time pop culture convention-goer asks a veteran where the real heart of the event lies, most will say Artist Alley. That’s where creators sit ready to talk about production schedules and how they broke into the business. This area is where writers, illustrators, and production artists can discuss what they have coming next. These conventions do not have to revolve solely around big-name celebrities.
While the fanfare has cooled for a certain Disney film shot in this city, I did wonder whether anyone who worked on TRON: Ares might quietly be attending Fan Expo Vancouver 2026. It was released in October 2025 and performed respectably. Spotting original art tied to that production for sale would have been a genuine thrill. Although Disney Parks currently holds a monopoly on certain product lines, I did manage to snag Mirka Andolfo’s Stitch #1 variant cover. It arrived on the final day. Because of the previously mentioned shipping mix-up (see part one), the merchandise floor felt uneven. Some comics appeared late; others never arrived at all.
My favourite purchase was Arkham Horror: The Card Game, slightly below retail. Everything else, the usual Funko, Star Wars, Nintendo, Pokémon, felt like background noise. I also picked up Jim Zub’s Skullkickers collection ahead of its street date and added a fancy set of crystal dice to my goblin hoard.
Artist Alley offered the chance to reconnect with regulars like Faith Erin Hicks. We spoke about her adaptation of Universal Monsters: The Mummy, and she mentioned interest in tackling another classic monster if the opportunity arises. Production artist John Gallagher remains delightfully candid, as always. His opinions carry a lot of insight.
A major highlight was meeting Verne Andru, a pioneer in Canadian animation. We discussed the visual DNA of Nelvana’s Rock & Rule and yes, I was gushing. I shared my story of rescuing copies of the Marvel Super Special adaptation from a dollar bin years ago, books he worked on to maintain quality. While a 4K restoration of the film (and hopes for a Criterion Release is difficult due to a tragic warehouse fire that destroyed much original artwork, Andru maintains personal archives. He is preparing a crowdfunding campaign to preserve this significant piece of Canadian animation history. I left with a mini-poster and a selfie.
That thread of nostalgia continued with Robbie Rist. With fans lining up for the TMNT “Shell-A-Bration,” (along with promoting the second film’s anniversary) we reminisced about what made Kidd Video special. He noted the rarity of the original vinyl releases and while it’s possible to find, not many people are willing to shell out $200 or more. Sorry, I couldn’t resist. When I mentioned owning the Rhino CD of Josie and the Pussycats and an elusive Scooby-Doo soundtrack featuring much of the Hex Girls’ music, I suspect there was admiratioin for my love of the music back then.
We talked about how licensing hurdles complicated proper home video releases for Kidd Video and even Happy Days, especially with songs like Lionel Richie’s “All Night Long” in the mix. He also pointed me toward fan restorations on CB’s Media Archive on YouTube, which blend episodes with restored music video footage.
Between headline guests and smaller panels, there was plenty to discover for those willing to look. With photo-op prices climbing, I am now leaning toward table selfies. Most guests are patient and allow retakes if needed, something the current professional photo ops arm of the show can’t get done once the guest leaves. The transition from Epic to Leap still feels like it needs refinement. Only two staff members managed the till, which is a problem in a big show and finding a lineup a mile long. There were no signage when compared to prior years until I asked.
In previous years, guests like Anthony Daniels and Carrie Fisher were known for taking extra time with fans at the table and during photos. Efficiency sometimes clashes with those moments. Retakes are rarely encouraged, and many attendees simply accept what they receive.
A practical upgrade would be a live monitor or mirror setup so attendees can preview their pose before the shutter clicks. The lighting rig remains fixed, and minor adjustments from a helper who knows lighting can prevent unnecessary retakes. Speed should not eclipse experience.
Whether your passion is Smallville, Twilight, Hazbin Hotel, or TMNT, there was something to enjoy. The exhibitor floor has not shifted dramatically in recent years. Lord of the Rings merchandise became prominent this year since the highlight is with The Hobbits! One surprise is in finding Charlie Ross (One Man Star Wars) performing his LotR show on the floor, and getting a rousing response.
On the opposite side of the floor, there was a mini-WETA display of products for people to buy. It’s not a formal exhibit, and what’s here was different from what I recall when I attended Emerald City Comic Con. Paramount Pictures maintained a minimal presence promoting Scream 7, and free posters disappeared within hours of the first day.
As for the vendors absent due to the shipping mishap, perhaps next year will offer redemption. I was hoping to buy some products from Misty Mountain Gaming and when their missing presence was noted by other dice vendors, that’s when they let slip that goods were sent out east than west.
With advance ticket caps and limited at-the-door availability until mid-afternoon, the final hours of each day can only generate so much additional buzz. For fans of cosplay, it’s good to see that Fan Expo has their own version of a show. Although the outside lacked a lot of signage and advertising to make it a well known fixture, at least the geeks of the city knows.
When compared to Calgary’s city-wide enthusiasm, bolstered by parade culture, and Toronto remains this brand’s flagship Canadian event, the Vancouver show continues to roll along. There is magic to be found if you know where to look and do not have first-time expectations. For those who enjoy the major franchises, it is absolutely worth attending. For veterans, it depends on what you are hunting for in the basement halls this show calls home.
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