Another year, another three days we get to spend amongst people like us — nerds, cosplayers, and just connoisseurs of pop culture. Edmonton’s Expo was never big, but it always had something to look forward to. This year is slightly different: a few days before the grand opening, there were a few notable cancellations, some of which really disappointed me. Christina Ricci, Emily Swallow, and Jonathan Frakes all canceled pretty late, which soured the mood for many attendees. But who was there — and how did it go?
See also: Review: Captain Kirk, Super Mario, and Ahsoka at the Edmonton Comics & Entertainment Expo 2022
Reviewing an event like that is not an easy task because everyone has different experiences. While we were at the Edmonton Comics & Entertainment Expo 2023, we noticed no frowns or decline in attendance. People were genuinely happy to be there — and for a good reason.
It’s fair to say that James Marsters was one of the biggest attractions. The American actor best known for his role as the British vampire Spike in the TV series Buffy the Vampire Slayer and its spin-off, Angel, obviously had his share of fans in the city. Marsters, who also appeared in other shows and movies, such as Smallville, Torchwood, P.S. I Love You, and Dragonball Evolution, sings, too. He has performed in the musical episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, called “Once More, With Feeling,” where he sang “Rest in Peace”. He was also the lead singer of the rock band Ghost of the Robot from 2003 to 2004 and has released several albums and songs, such as Civilized Man, Like a Waterfall, It’s Nothing, and Smile. He performed at the Expo as well and was very well received.
Morena Baccarin, Giancarlo Esposito, and John Rhys-Davies were the other notable guests. It’s a good list, which also includes a plethora of famous voice actors, most notably Jennifer Hale. But no Nolan North because he canceled at the last minute. David Kaye, too, which was especially painful to me, a fan of the Ratchet and Clank series.
But still, even without notable names, the Expo went on. Once again, the cosplayers were the main attraction: incredibly creative people from all around the province have impressed us even more this year. Special mention goes to the incredible Wilson Fisk cosplayer, as well as the fully animated Dalek and the Ted Lasso family. Ted came prepared with some plastic soldiers he gave away to other guests. He reminded us that sometimes, being a cosplayer is not only about the costume.
By the third day, we were tired but happy. Some disappointment still lingered, but the positives could not be ignored. It’s good to be amongst like-minded people.