Vancouver's Fan Expo back after 2-year hiatus

After a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, one of Vancouver's largest pop culture conventions is back in action this weekend.

Fan Expo Vancouver is taking place at the Vancouver Convention Centre through Monday, welcomingthousands of people over athree-day period.

The family-friendly event attracts fans ofsci-fi, horror, anime, and gaming, with most visitors embracing the cosplay experience anddressing up as their favourite TV, movie or comiccharacters.

One of those fans is Morgan Lanz. She spent over a month making her costume by hand. Lanz dressed up as Sesshmarufrom the anime series InuYasha.

Lanz says she loves cosplay because it allows her be someone elseand lets her express herself artistically.

"It helps gives a sense of comradery in a community that is very open and accepting, especially for people who feel like they don't belong anywhere else," Lanz said.

Another fan is Brian Tuck. He's been attending the event for more than a decade and says it's a place where he can express his love of pop culture.

"I'm just a nerd andthis is the place where nerds come and it's cool to see all the big names of people who I've watched growing up."

Andrew Moyes, vice-president of Fan Expo HQ,says the event provides a safe space for the cosplay community to be creative and connect with others.

"These events are driven by passion, and we really provide that platform where people can feel comfortable and safe to celebrate that passion," Moyes said.

The event also hosts workshopsand vendors,and has celebrity panels and meet-and-greets. Some of the big names in attendance this year included actor William Shatner, the cast of theTrailer Park Boys and voice actressMing-Na Wen fromMulan and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

Mike Larsson, owner of Krypton Toys in Pitt Meadows, is happy to be back at the event selling superhero toys and collectibles.

Larsson says being able to sell products at events like Fan Expo helps keep his store afloat throughout the year.

"To be backhere among the fans, among the collectors is an incredible feeling for us."