Fan Expo showcases why comics aren’t just for kids

August 29, 2011

With the festivities of this year’s Fan Expo Canada in Toronto wrapping up this past weekend, Lifestyler visited the Metro Toronto Convention Centre to see what the fuss is all about.

And it appeared that Halloween had arrived early this year. In the midst of the eccentricity displayed by the enthusiastic comic fans who dressed up as their favourite (or self-made) superheroes, it occurred to me that comics are no longer just a popular children’s pastime; they still hold significant relevance in today’s world, among children and adults.

Whether people are enjoying a blast from the past with the look, feel and smell of vintage comic books reminiscent of the ‘70s and ‘80s, or newfound fans who are enjoying the modern-day cinematic spin on classics such as The Green Lantern and Iron Man, there’s something for just about everyone in the comic world.

Fan Expo, also known as Comic-Con of the North, offered fans an opportunity to take photos with and receive autographs from some of their favourite superheroes and comic icons, with the expo’s special guests including Hayden Panettiere (Heroes), Kevin Sorbo (Hercules), Eliza Dushku (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), the original Freddy Kruger, Robert Englund, and of course, Canada’s own William Shatner (Star Trek), just to name a few. Expo goers were also able to purchase a variety of comic memorabilia including collectible action figures, vintage comic books, video games, apparel and other comic-related items.

Offering an escape from the reality that can often be routine and tiresome, the worlds of sci-fi, horror, anime, comics and gaming are easily accessible through video games, comic books, and now, even movies and television shows. From the books turned cult classics, Harry Potter and Sookie Stackhouse (True Blood), to movie blockbusters, Star Trek and Star Wars, to the modern-day heroes in Glee and The Big Bang Theory, TV heroes have also created a way for adults to escape into the fantasy world, and not be ashamed of it.

Comics are no longer just for the kids, but also for the kids at heart.

— Veronica Boodhan

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