Comiccon Ottawa just concluded its three-day event at the EY Centre. Despite its name, the event was an attraction even for those not super interested in comics. The convention was open for comic book and pop culture media fans from Friday to Saturday. Featuring countless vendors, special guests, and cosplays, Comiccon Ottawa was filled with excitement and people for the entire weekend.
One of the biggest selling points of the convention is its broad range of hosted vendors and pop-ups. Guests can walk around and purchase anything remotely related to pop culture. The obvious items, such as comic books and posters, are included, but there are a plethora of other unexpected items, from cookies with GameBoy designs to replica swords.
Funko Pops, and lots of em! Photo: Vasileios Tselios.
There was a dedicated section for artists, who could set up their booths and sell their artwork. These booths proved to be some of the more popular ones. Although it would be impossible to mention every unique item that was purchasable, there are a few that stood out, such as:
- Wood sculptures
- Rugs
- Candy
- Old video games
- Vinyl Records
- Salami & Pepperettes (not kidding)
- and much more
Games, games, games. Photo: Vasileios Tselios.
With various products to choose from, the exhibition hall stayed busy throughout the weekend. Simply put, the booths had something for everyone to buy, and everyone bought plenty.
Besides the opportunity to buy unique collectibles and art pieces, visitors also got to meet some of their favourite media personalities. Comiccon usually hosts an array of different guests who speak in panel events and sign autographs. This year was no different. From famous actors such as Giancarlo Esposito to wrestlers like Kurt Angle, there was representation from every corner of pop culture.
Billy Boyd, Dominic Monaghan, Elijah Wood, and Sean Astin stole the show. Known better as the four hobbits from Lord of the Rings, the four actors had a panel event on Saturday night.
This proved to be a big hit among event-goers, as staff member Donald Mclean states: “It was really busy, especially last night for the hobbits. It was lined up from one end of the hall to the other.”
Gather ’round! Photo: Vasileios Tselios.
Cosplayers were the key demographic of the event. Most people dressed up as their favourite video game, comic book or movie character to the convention; as is tradition for the event. Constant compliments were heard from cosplayer to cosplayer.
This also allowed for plenty of pictures with strangers who happened to have the same costume. Alternatively, visitors took pictures with cosplays that they thought were cool, such as the 9-foot Groot, from Guardians of the Galaxy, that was walking around. It is by far the most beautiful part of the convention. Plus, it is surreal to see a stormtrooper buy a Darth Vader figure.
A family taking a photo with Darth Vader. Photo: Vasileios Tselios.
“I think [Comiccon] was a big success,” says Donald Mclean.
Additionally, there were more attractions for people to enjoy while shopping in the exhibition hall. The most popular of these were the claw machines, filled with anime and movie plushies.
These attractions were popular with the younger demographic, who enjoyed the costumes and set designs that these booths provided. Capital Ghostbusters had a popular booth, filled with props and costumes from the hit movie series.
Speaking with Stephen Harrison, one of the members, he explained that “[We] are a cosplay group that raises money for charity. We are not a non-profit ourselves but we raise money on behalf of charities.”
What to buy, what to buy… Photo: Vasileios Tselios.
Along with the financial support for local artists, groups such as Capital Ghostbusters aid the convention in having a positive impact on the community.
Overall, the weekend proved to be a big success with such a wide range of guests that it attracted. Packed from start to finish, the convention provided entertainment and memories for all its visitors and all their hobbies.
So many people! Photo: Vasileios Tselios.
