Photos by Lyziane Cantin

Fan Expo Canada 2013 was a steady exercise in crowd control. Security dutifully funnelled people from one shopping opportunity to the next. Those lingering in unauthorized areas were quickly chastised. The Expo this year consumed both North and South buildings of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. The Expo has bloated up to encompass all fandom, including a Sports component, with Joe Montana answering questions in the same venue as the cast of My Little Pony.

A big draw remains in the comic contingent, with serious collectors intent on meeting their favorite artists and writers, despite massive gaming companies and even car companies vying for a slice of the lucrative pie. Fan Expo is a big moneymaker, with fans paying $50 for Saturday only unlimited access – just to get in the building.

Cosplay, a sort of perpetual Halloween, was of particular interest to tourists wandering past the MTCC. This was also an excellent opportunity to photograph scantily clad people without fear of reprisals.

Yoda, constructed entirely of Lego, stared out dispassionately at his eager fans.

An $875 Hell boy mask was up for offer, in addition to prints, original artwork and mouse pads of different Anime women with moulded breasts that you could rest your wrist upon to prevent repetitive strain injury.

Kisses!

The heady environment of the Fan Expo, with its explosion of individual expression, was enough to convince even those with blanched, pristine flesh to just say ‘fuck it all’, and get a chest tattoo.

Hypnotic, sensual stares abounded, with many in costume maintaining a Method acting-level immersion in their character throughout the event.

This uncomfortable embrace between a dead-eyed Pooh and a nubile Joker Girl gave one pause.

The inflatable Stay Puft Marshmallow Man slowly ambled around unassisted for much of the day. Time has been good to him, with people’s fear of ghosts morphing into love.

As much as I love Cosplay, it would be nice if the spirit of the Fan Expo would live on through the year, where a guy dressed as Wolverine would show up to Tuesday’s board meeting, and adults in colourful unitards could drive our streetcars.

When Batman pulled this kid to his protective embrace, an thundering AWWW! rose up from the crowd. Several died from the onslaught of cuteness.

The Bronies were out in full force, many gearing up for their own convention this November 16-17 (called CANterlot) at the Hilton Toronto Airport Hotel in Toronto. In photo: Piss Puke Blood Guts man poses with Twilight Sparkle.

In all, Fan Expo does not disappoint. But buy your advance tickets online if you can – you only have to wait in that ridiculous line up once. 

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Tiffy Thompson is a writer and illustrator for the Toronto Standard. Lyziane Cantin is a photographer from Saint-Raymond, Québec.