Canada’s second largest ComiCon

By Grace Bauer

Thousands of fandom enthusiasts from near and far gathered to participate in Windsor’s second ComiCon.

ComiCons are events where fans of comics, sci-fi, gaming and anime have the opportunity to dress up in costume, buy memorabilia from vendors and get pictures with their favourite celebrities.

Between 8,000 and 10,000 people attended the Caesars Windsor ComiCon from Oct. 15 to 16. The event featured three floors with over 30 local vendors and seven celebrity guests.

Windsor holds the second largest ComiCon in Canada, with Toronto’s Fan Expo being the largest.

“Every ComiCon is unique,” said Jeremy Renaud, coordinator and head of event promotion for Windsor ComiCon. “For example, Windsor’s is the only one in a casino.”

Renaud said they could not function without the 60 volunteers who helped set up and take down, and manage crowd control and also the vendors who sell their artwork and collectibles.

He said he uses social media platforms to get the word out by posting updates and announcements about the event. In addition, he said posters and face-to-face promotion were used.

“You have to grow the popularity and create the demand,” said Renaud.

One way they promote the event is by paying celebrity guests to come for autographs and photos.

Lou Ferrigno, who is best known for portraying the title role in the CBS television series The Incredible Hulk, was one of those celebrity guests.

“The people in this city are very hospitable and friendly,” said Ferrigno, who has been attending ComiCons for more than 15 years. “They even wished me a happy birthday.”

One of the most unique aspects of this event are the costumes people show up in. Nancy McDowall-Dunford, an attendee, showed up in a Sharknado costume. It resembled a grey tornado with small sharks throughout it, depicting the 2013 comedy sci-fi film.

“I love making costumes,” said McDowall-Dunford. “Halloween is our thing. The costume took about two weeks off and on to make.”

Renaud’s goal is to grow the popularity of the Windsor event and is excited to see what it will look like for years to come.