Cosplayer Alex Mclntyre, dressed as the character Saiki from The Disastrous Life of Saiki K, said reconnecting with a group of fellow cosplayers they don’t often get to hang out with was a highlight of the recent Toronto Comicon.
Alex Mclntyre dressed as Saiki from the Disastrous Life of Saiki K. Photo credit: Leshae Barrett
“I want to meet up with my friends because I only really get to see them at cons,” Mclntyre said. “I have convention friends who I am really excited to see.”
Toronto Comicon once again brought together a community that loves a wide variety of drawn, filmed, and animated production work.
This event is an annual spring event while its sister convention Fan Expo is held in August. What were once gatherings of so-called nerds buying and selling comic books, the Toronto shows are now cultural crossroads for collectors, gamers, artists, cosplayers and fans of sci-fi, horror and fantasy.
Cosplay is a highly anticipated activity when walking about the convention centre.
A significant part of this convention is celebrating and supporting a fandom and being surrounded by like-minded people. Bringing celebrities in for panels, vendor markets and artist signings are just a few of the activities that make up Comicon.
Andrew Moyes, Fan Expo HQ spokesperson, said this is an event meant to get people to come out and enjoy something together.
“I want people to come down and have a wonderful experience. Maybe make a new friend, find a new fandom,” Moyes said.
The crowds drawn in by Comicon 2024 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre were massive and only grew over three days. Many were fully dressed up, highlighting their favourite comic, anime, and cartoon characters.
With no limit to the array of characters wandering the halls, everyone was excited and entertained by the effort people put into their costumes.
The convention is a place where long-time friends reconnect and is also the spot for making new ones.
Jiya Tulshi, who was dressed as a firefighter from the anime Fire Force, was excited about the whole culture behind Comicon and meeting like-minded people.
“It’s okay to be yourself. It’s okay to show off,” Tulshi said. “It’s honestly so impressive seeing how everyone is creative with everything.”
With costume meetups and the artist alley being a highlight, Tulshi was overjoyed with the activities around her.
Nico dressed as Monkey D Luffy from One Piece at Comicon 2024. Photo credit: Leshae Barrett
Nico Cassar, who was dressed as Monkey D Luffy from One Piece, was deeply passionate about her experience at Comicon.
Having met one of her favourite authors from Marvel Comics’ Gwenpool has left Cassar ecstatic about her time spent at the convention.
“Definitely check out Artist Alley, and look up panels,” Cassar said.
“The first time I came, I did not know there were panels. So, download the app or go to the website, I think that is the best thing.”
Mclntyre agreed the panels at the event are a must-see anytime at a Comicon convention.
“I really like the panels, especially the ones that tell you how to make things,” they said. “They’re all really incorporative and really fun.”