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?
At 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.
For those who need a capsule update, Fan Expo Vancouver 2026 has a huge lineup of repeat guests and fond favourites returning to interact with fandom.
Runs Feb 14th to 16, 2026 Vancouver Convention Centre
The guest list is shaping up to be intense in this Fan Expo Vancouver 2026 update. Rather than a scattershot mix of genres, this year leans hard into ensemble events. There’s now an added show bringing the Hobbits from The Lord of the Rings to make those last-minute choices easy, and there are almost certainly more events still to come that haven’t been announced yet. The cast of Hazbin Hotel is back!
With so many IPs represented, choosing what to prioritize is going to be tough. The big question is whether one big auditorium is enough to contain it all, and where it’ll be held. The hall in the East Building feels like the most likely candidate, since moving it off-site would feel unusual. That space was used years back when Kevin Smith was in town, and it turned into an amazing night to remember.
Whether that kind of magic happens again depends on the vibe, the crowd, and the programming. For now, here’s what’s been announced, plus who’s attached to the after-hours specials so far.
When Middle Earth Is the Spotlight
The heart of the guest list belongs to The Lord of the Rings, with multiple combinations of the Fellowship appearing. Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Billy Boyd, and Dominic Monaghan headline a Shire-centric reunion, while expanded groupings add John Rhys-Davies and David Wenham for fans wanting a broader slice of Middle-earth. For those who prefer a more focused moment, Rhys-Davies and Wenham also appear together as a duo, spotlighting the franchise’s more battle-worn heroes.
On the Small Screen With Smallville and Battlestar
Superhero television gets its due with Smallville, as Tom Welling, Erica Durance, and Kristin Kreuk reunite. For a lot of fans, this era of The CW’s superhero TV still feels personal. It helped set the table for how audiences would embrace long-form comic-book storytelling on television. There’s also an evening event with this trio built around reliving moments from the series.
Katee Sackhoff and Alessandro Juliani represent the newer Battlestar Galactica era, and their presence doubles as a reminder that genre favourites don’t vanish just because a reboot stalls out. It helps that they’re locals too, which gives this appearance a proper home-field feel.
Wizards, Wolves, and Vampires
Even though the Stanley Park Forbidden Forest attraction closed its doors, the timing here still feels like a missed opportunity. With James Phelps, Oliver Phelps, and Matthew Lewis coming to town, the overlap is right there. Planning at this scale is rarely simple, but Fan Expo has been known to connect with local partners when the fit is right.
On the darker, moodier side, Twilight is well represented. Ashley Greene, Jackson Rathbone, Kellan Lutz, and Peter Facinelli appear in various groupings, including a paired photo op for Greene and Rathbone that leans into the romantic side of the franchise. It’s a reminder that this fandom remains loyal, organized, and very aware of its favourite dynamics.
The 80s Is Alive With Fond Classics at Fan Expo Vancouver 2026
Nostalgia runs strong with The Goonies, represented by Sean Astin, Corey Feldman, and Kerri Green. It’s a compact reunion rooted in one of the most enduring adventure films of the 80s, and a fun overlap year with several franchises represented across the show floor. Fans will keep hoping for Ke Huy Quan to join them someday.
On the flip side, cult cinema arrives with The Lost Boys, as Feldman reunites with Jamison Newlander, giving fans a chance to celebrate one of the genre’s most stylish eras.
Sean Astin, Jeff Cohen, Ke Huy Quan, Kerri Green and Corey Feldman reunited for the premiere of “Love Hurts” at TCL Chinese Theatre on February 3, 2025 in Hollywood, California. (Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images)
Heroes in a Half Shell
One of the most ensemble-heavy appearances comes from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, with François Chau, Kenn Scott, Brian Tochi, Ernie Reyes Jr., Robbie Rist, and Judith Hoag appearing together. It’s a deep cut for fans who know the voices, the performances, and the physicality behind the masks, even if the suits themselves stay off the convention floor.
From furry meetups in Seattle to xenomorph lore in Longview and capes along the Vancouver waterfront, this January–April 2026 guide maps the biggest and best fan winter convention (s) taking place across the Pacific Northwest so you can plan your next nerdy escape.
After the holidays, many geeks and weebs waste no time gearing up for the winter convention season, and 2026 brings more mid-sized and major events than ever. Some haven’t appeared in past guides simply because space is limited and timing is everything, but this year’s lineup is bursting with energy. The season may not have officially kicked off yet, but there’s nothing like the warmth of community, cosplay creativity, and spirited celebrations to chase away the winter chill.
Across the Pacific Northwest, you’ll find furries, sci-fi diehards, tabletop adventurers, cryptid hunters, fantasy readers, and even the occasional xenomorph wandering the halls. While no alien invasion is expected, one cleverly named event leans right into the folklore. Presented here is a guide to everything nerdy from January through April, organised by date to help you plan, budget, and maybe even squeeze in the time to finish that costume once Santa’s safely packed away.
Jan 10–12, 2026
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Seattle Airport
18740 International Blvd, SeaTac, WA
OrcaCon is a tabletop-gaming con that puts community first, with spaces for board games, RPGs, miniatures, and more. The vibe is inclusive, with a strong emphasis on accessibility and diversity. Panels and playtesting opportunities give independent designers and hobbyists room to shine, making it a welcoming space for both casual players and dedicated strategists.
Guests Announced So Far: None formally listed yet for 2026.
Independent artists who love drawing have a new event to showcase their work at Nib + Ink Fest 2025.
It’s not too late to enjoy the online Nib + Ink Fest 2025! This virtual event offers to fans of sequential art an exposure to talents around the country, if not the world. And there’s even a marketplace to support these new up and comers in the indie / web-comic scene. This month-long event offers 145+ comics to consider and there’s ten days left.
Based on what I’ve checked out so far looks promising. It’s like going to a local comic arts festival. The only difference with this one is that there are no limits to who can exhibit, and what this event promises is more independence in the art scene. Besides offering newcomers a chance to review their portfolios with representatives online, there are also workshops to take part in. All attendees need is a microphone and webcam to fully take part.
From the Press Release:
The inaugural Nib + Ink Fest of 2025 is a collaborative effort of volunteers from several teams from the NIF Committee of the Cartoonist Cooperative, working in partnership with multiple Co-op committees and our Co-op membership to bring you this month-long, online comics event. This event wouldn’t be what it is without the unique sets of strengths and skills that each of our contributors brings to the committee and the many hours of work they put in to bring it to life.
The good news is that there’s more animated content from the Star Wars universe with Maul – Shadowlord, but the bad news is…
Coming to Disney+ in 2026
During Star Wars Celebration, which is taking place in Tokyo, Japan, Lucasfilm treated fans to a teaser of their next animated project, titled Maul – Shadow Lord. His story is most likely going to continue to explore the seedy underside of this other universe. CCO Dave Filoni, VP of Animation Athena Portillo and voice actor Sam Witwer were present as the news and teaser dropped.
As far as I can recall, after a rough alliance with Ashoka in the former series, this villain could live out his life much like how Garmadon left after the fight with the Oni in LEGO Ninjago. Not much is known about what has happened since, and I have chosen not to read the comic books and novels which followed.
The production remains secret aside from the news. From ComicBookMovie.com, what’s revealed is that the animation style will not match the previous series and that has me hesitant to endorse. Despite making this visual change, I will watch it. At least, the story is going in the right direction. This website wrote:
“After the Clone Wars, Maul plots to rebuild his criminal syndicate on a planet untouched by the Empire,” reads a brief synopsis. “In a new series set after the events of the final season of The Clone Wars, Maul rises again to lead the underworld factions.
According to Variety’s report, Portillo said fans can expect to learn “a lot,” about Maul in the series. “Unfortunately, I can’t tell you too much, but what I can say is Sam Witwer’s involvement in the show has been pristine,” she said. “I’m very excited about him being able to review the scripts and provide input in all of that as well. Dave Filoni and Sam created the character for animation, and so it’s very important to hear his thoughts as well for the character depth.”
For this winter convention season, to decide whether one can attend them all can be a strain on the finances, and we offer a quick roundup on what each show offers, a partial guest lineup and much more!
Throughout the Pacific Northwest, the winter convention season for pop culture enthusiasts is shaping up to be huge. The Fan Expo brand is certainly ramping their guest list up this year. Not only are they running two events in this region with a similar round up of guests appearing, but also it seems Creation Con no longer holds the monopoly on certain names! It’s about time, as I’m not fond of that organisation, since they are a for-profit business. They cater to fans who are willing to spend massive amounts of money for a show dedicated to just one series.
I favour the more open ones. Sometimes, if it doesn’t sell out, people can find tickets last minute. And while I can’t say what the shopping experience is like between both, I imagine the exhibit hall is only as good when these broad spectrum shows allow for anyone interested in vending to advertise their wares.
At 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.
Runs Feb 14th to 16, 2026
The heart of the guest list belongs to The Lord of the Rings, with multiple combinations of the Fellowship appearing. 
Superhero television gets its due with Smallville, as 
Even though the Stanley Park Forbidden Forest attraction closed its doors, the timing here still feels like a missed opportunity. With 
After the holidays, many geeks and weebs waste no time gearing up for the winter convention season, and 2026 brings more mid-sized and major events than ever. Some haven’t appeared in past guides simply because space is limited and timing is everything, but this year’s lineup is bursting with energy. The season may not have officially kicked off yet, but there’s nothing like the warmth of community, cosplay creativity, and spirited celebrations to chase away the winter chill.
Jan 10–12, 2026
It’s not too late to enjoy the online 
Coming to Disney+ in 2026