From 2011 to 2012, Hobbystar Marketing, Inc. held a series of comic book conventions called the Toronto ComiCON. There were three events a year held in fall, spring and winter. In 2007, the spring edition was transformed into a multi-day event that became kind of a flagship convention. In 2013, the event was sold to Informa Exhibitions.
The new organizer transformed Toronto ComiCon into an annual three-day event featuring unique exhibitors, exclusive presentations and celebrity guests. Since the re-branding, the convention’s attendance rate has increased considerably, not least because of high-profile guests. Toronto ComiCon has essentially become the key competitor of another Informa event, Fan Expo Canada.
The program of Toronto ComiCon is similar to that of other fan conventions held around the world. It features panels, Q&A sessions, autograph sessions and photo-ops with celebrity guests, a retailer area, Artist Alley, workshops and seminars held by the professionals of the industry, sketching duels for artists in attendance, cosplay-related activities, special events, and more.
Each convention features numerous guests including comic book authors, artists and publishers, actors, filmmakers, film producers, cosplayers, and even organizations such as Toronto Steampunk and Doctor Who Society. Past celebrity guests include Jason Isaacs (Harry Potter), Jonathan Frakes (Star Trek), Karen Gillan (Doctor Who, Guardians of the Galaxy), Shannen Doherty (Charmed), Terry Farrell (Star Trek), Amber Benson (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), and more.
Toronto ComiCon is held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, running over three days in March.
Photo: Joanne Chu-Fook, tribute.ca
