Sci-fi Fans invade Toronto

Star Trek’s George Takei signs autographs

Once a year, the Toronto Convention Centre opens its doors to become a safe haven to sci-fi and comic book fans.

Thousands of self-described geeks and nerds, dressed in their homemade ‘Starfleet’ uniforms, were on the hunt for that elusive issue of Uncanny X-Men or for an autograph from the actor who has made a career out of dressing-up as a 7-foot tall ‘Wookie’.

The Canadian National Comic Book, Sci-fi, Anime, and Horror Expo had it all.

Despite the fact the event’s headline guest, actor Patrick Stewart (of Star Trek: Next Generation and X-Men fame) was unable to attend due to a medical problem, over 20,000 fans still passed through the convention centre’s doors.

“It shows that we aren’t the only people out there who like these kinds of things,” said one young female fan, as she sat in a chair, a make-up artist busily applying “elf ears.”

Line-ups for autographs stretched on for hours, making crossing from one end of the room to the other an event. Elaborate costumes, spoils from the sales floor, and artists practicing their trade, all crammed into the hall. But no one seemed all that bothered by the crowds, if it meant there was a chance to get your picture taken with one of the stars from your favourite TV show.

Among the contingent of guests on hand was George Takei, one of the stars of the original Star Trek television show and its numerous movie spin-offs. A favourite with the fan community, he still spends hours on end signing autographs, and posing for pictures.

“I see these conventions as opportunities for me to say thank-you for that incredible, faithful, un-dying support that they’ve given us over these past four decades… and bless their hearts. I know that they’ll continue to come,” Takei said. He confessed he loves the fact that his fans come from all walks of life. They can range in age from five to sixty-five, and work as janitors or even as United States’ senators.

JLA/Avengers artist George Perez sketches for fans

TV actors weren’t the only attraction though.

George Perez has been drawing comic books for nearly 30 years, and the industry’s version of an A-list Hollywood idol. He said he doesn’t do as many appearances as he would like, but enjoys every minute he spends with his fans.

“In a job that is so incredibly solitary, since I work alone in the studio, it’s always nice to get the feedback. The rush of enthusiasm the fans have, you don’t really get to see that behind a drawing board,” Perez said smiling. On Saturday alone, he spent over 4 hours signing autographs, several more sketching for charity, and another hour leading a discussion about his art.

The people that produce the products, be they artists, writers, or actors, can also use these conventions as a barometer of fan opinion. Joe Quesada, Editor-in-Chief of Marvel Comics said events such as this are opportunities. “It really enables us to (sort of), connect with our readership and the fans, to sort of hear them out. To see what they dig and what they’re not digging. It’s just fun all around.”

For some fans though, the Expo was also bittersweet. Actress Julie Benz was a frequent guest star on Buffy the Vampire Slayer and its spin-off Angel playing the vampire Darla. With both shows now ended, fans are able to offer praise and longing for what was.

“Very few shows have fans that are as passionate about the show as the actors and the creators, the writers, and the producers are that are doing it. So it’s really amazing to be a part of this,” Benz said.

From the fans the greatest gift is perhaps a type of immortality, as a lifetime of conventions and expos will ensure that their work lives on after them.

Next year’s Canadian Expo has already been scheduled for August 26-28 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre

Perez photograph by Kyle Hume
Takei photograph by Brian Edwards