Category: Editorial

Legends vs. Licensing: A Definitive Look at Fan Expo Vancouver 2026 Artist’s Alley (Part Two)

Artist Alley remains the true heart of Fan Expo Vancouver 2026. From rare comic finds and Canadian animation history to candid creator chats and reflections on the evolving photo-op experience, part two explores where the real magic lives.

Fan Expo Vancouver 2026When 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.

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Stars vs. Snafus: The Fan Expo Vancouver 2026 Experience along with the Tigger Truth (Part One)

Fan Expo Vancouver 2026 widened its halls and boosted nostalgia with Smallville reunions, Jim Cummings panels, and packed auctions. But vendor hiccups and Artist Alley told the deeper story. #FanExpoVancouver #Smallville #VoiceActors

Fan Expo Vancouver 2026 At long last, Fan Expo Vancouver 2026 moved its ticketing area to another floor, significantly expanding the main stage footprint and widening the “red carpet” corridors. Attendees finally had breathing room to navigate the show floor. That improved flow, however, could not fully mask a last-minute vendor shake-up. In a story not widely known, it appears someone at Informa, the parent company, mishandled paperwork, resulting in inventory meant for Vancouver getting sent elsewhere in Canada. As a result, several booths I had hoped to browse and buy product from simply never materialized.

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.

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Bruce Campbell on Break in 2026 and His Underrated Classics

Bruce Campbell on break in 2026 doesn’t mean he’s gone quiet. With Ernie and Emma coming, here are five underrated films that prove his range goes far beyond Evil Dead. #BruceCampbell #ErnieAndEmma #Comedy #Moviesv

Ernie and Emma Bruce Campbell on Break and Underrated ClassicsThere’s an upcoming film from the creative mind of one of the zaniest actors alive, and it may well be a real curveball for anyone expecting something laid back. The title Ernie and Emma suggests something philosophical. It was shot in the back country of Oregon and features local talent and frequent collaborator Ted Raimi. And with Bruce Campbell on break from much of his usual touring in 2026, this project feels like an especially welcome reminder that his creative energy is still very much intact. That said, no project of his is ever entirely without humour, and the trailer suggests there will be plenty of that too, including callbacks to some of his earlier work.

This talent not only wrote it, but is also directing and starring in the film. Last week, he announced he will be touring less so he can conserve his strength for the film’s release this autumn and provide interviews for it. I wish him well as he undergoes treatment for cancer. Whether he beats it remains to be seen, but if he’s anything like Ash, he’ll find a way to send those errant cells packing.

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eBay Live and the Reinvention That Still Feels Mid-Transition

eBay Live launches its show at Fan Expo Vancouver and it brings some of that crazy infomercial-ism to the floor. The experience shows promise, but will we see stuff beyond the usual comic books and Funko glut?

eBay Live at Fan Expo VancouverAt this year’s Fan Expo Vancouver, the event partnered with eBay Canada to introduce eBay Live to the masses. The pitch is simple: deliver live-streamed auctions taking place at this event, and hope that collectors will return to this platform to buy and sell in real time. Their attempt to remind everyone that the internet’s largest yard sale is still fundamentally an auction house generally worked.

As for what’s currently available, representatives noted that as more domestic sellers come onboard, the range of items accessible within Canada will improve. Right now, that inventory pool remains limited, and geo-filtering options do not exist. Visiting localized domains like .ca helps guide algorithms toward domestic listings, but vigilance remains key. Winning a deal only to receive a second invoice from customs is the collectibles equivalent of a jump scare.

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Will Stephen Sommers Return for The Mummy 4? Why His Huge Absence May Matter More Than Reuniting The Cast

As The Mummy 4 rises from development sands, the return of Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz sparks hope. But whether Stephen Sommers returns may matter more than nostalgia, especially when tonal stewardship defines the franchise’s legacy.

The Mummy 4 PosterWith The Mummy 4 officially greenlit, there’s reason to celebrate. Rachel Weisz is confirmed to be reprising her role. And without Brendan Fraser, no continuation can take place. And for that, many fans are cheering, myself included. Also potentially on the roster is Oded Fehr. Although he is busy with Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, the hope is that he has interest in returning too. The release date of May 19, 2028!

But in what remains unclear is whether Stephen Sommers will be involved in any capacity. No further information has been made since the prior announcement. His two films were not just action spectacles, but also true pulp adventures. This director revived the spirit of the classics, and edged it towards classic Indiana Jones territory. They also had that sexiness and suave of those Doc Savage radio dramas. And in an era where Egypt was being discovered, danger can be hidden anywhere!

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31 Years Later, Dynamite Comics’ Gargoyles Shows Greg Weisman Still Has More Stories To Tell

Even 32 years later, Disney’s Gargoyles still commands a loyal fanbase as Dynamite is commited to publish more tales and here’s a preview in what is on shelves and expected.

Dynamite Comics & Disney's Gargoyles Even 32 years after the release of Disney’s Gargoyles, the fandom remains strong. After Dynamite Comics‘ Gargoyles: Demona, I’m anxious for more. This series marked a turning point by spotlighting this complex anti-hero (review link) during the long years while the others slept. It leaves me wondering what’s next. What stories does creator Greg Weisman still have planned?

When the legacy of Gargoyles is rich with supporting characters who feel primed for spinoffs, just who is next following the Demona mini-series will be fun to debate over. My money is on Puck, as his time with the Mortals over the years still has not been explored. He did give viewers a tease, but to see it come to life proper is highly desired. That’s one side story I’d like to see published by Dynamite.

But as for what’s what’s currently out and expected this year, we do have the following:

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