Montreal – July 10, 2022
The 12th edition of the Montreal Comiccon drew to a close today, after a three-day spree that drew in a record attendance. Montreal Comiccon emerged once again as one of the largest gatherings of comic book, manga, anime, video game, cinema, horror, and collectible devotees in North America.
Over the three days of festivities, the 2022 Montreal Comiccon saw a whopping 62,000 attendees turn out, many of whom came in costumes, cosplaying their favorite superheroes and anime characters. A slew of Spider-men, a multitude of Deadpool’s and a collection of Dark Vader’s paraded themselves about, while whole armies of Halo and Star Wars characters made their rounds. One poor chap found himself caught in an escalator, and while thankfully unharmed, it is important to note that such things can be quite dangerous. Part of his elaborate costume became entangled as he rode it down to the main floor.
See Also: The Awkward Ballerina at Fringe Fest 2022
Once inside, a plethora of temptations awaited the wide-eyed lovers of all things comic book related. Be it a chance to have photographs taken with movie stars, autograph sessions, or the incredible amount of toys and comics, both vintage and new. Video games, magic wands, and original artwork from comic book creators and artists as far as the eyes could see. Several artists drew commissions for fans, live and on the spot, while others sold their renditions of classic films and comic lore.
Among them, locals like the wonderful Aislin, how for decades made cartoon contributions to the Montreal Gazette. Often highly political, Aislin is a national treasure and was more than happy to sign copies of his new book. A few aisles over, sat Sv Bell, known for his comic books, horror films and creating album covers for bands such as Amorphis and Kataklysm – and Justin Guenet, the creator of Ottro
“It’s my childhood, right here,” said Alexandra, as she excitedly waived her arms about. Dressed as Harley Quinn from the Batman universe, and snuggling a newly acquired assortment of comics and Funko Pops – a fun and highly collectible form of action figure. Her partner, Jonathan, an avid Star Wars fan said he was excited to be showing their young child, Oli, all the toys he had as a kid. “It’s great, you know, all these memories from my youth. All these toys and stuff. There’s a table around the corner over there that has all kids of old Star Wars and G.I Joe figures. Too cool.”
Montreal Comiccon attracted a multitude of beloved celebrities from the worlds of fantasy, sci-fi and comics, including guests of honour, Malcolm McDowell (A Clockwork Orange, Star Trek Generations) and Dave Foley (Kids in the Hall, NewsRadio, Will & Grace; Matthew Lewis and Bonnie Wright (Harry Potter film series); British vampire and supervillain, James Marsters (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Smallville); Clive Standen (Vikings, Taken, Doctor Who), Colton Haynes (Arrow, Teen wolf), Grace Van Dien & Mason Dye (Stranger Things), Katherine McNamara (Arrow, Shadowhunters), Lindsey Morgan (The 100, Walker), Wilson Cruz (Star Trek: Discovery), Rekha Sharma (Battlestar Galactica, Star Trek: Discovery), WWE Superstar Kevin Owens (WWE), Robert Patrick (Terminator 2, Peacemaker), Jim Beaver (Supernatural, Deadwood); Bruce Boxleitner (Tron, Babylon 5) and Alice Krige (Star Trek). Also present were voice actors Roger Clark (Red Dead Redemption) Charles Martinet (voice of Super Mario), Jason Cavalier (Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy), and Elias Toufexis (Deus Ex: Human Revolution, The Expanse, Blood of Zeus). From the local scene, Martin Villeneuve (director of Red Ketchup), as well as actors Catherine Brunet, Eric K. Boulianne, Lucien Ratio and director Edouard Tremblay, director of the upcoming film Farador were present. Other comic book stars in attendance included Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ co-creator, Kevin Eastman; legendary writer Peter David (The Incredible Hulk, Spider-Man 2099, Supergirl), author of nearly 50 Star Trek novels and several hit comics; and Toronto’s own Jim Zub (Avengers, Thunderbolts, Conan the Barbarian, Rick & Morty vs. D&D), and many more!
The 13th edition of the Montreal Comiccon will return from July 14th to 16th, 2023. Keep an eye on their website for more information as we get closer to those dates!
