Lacey P. Morris
writer
Pop culture fans get ready, the ninth annual Edmonton Collectible Toy and Comic Show (ECTCS) is taking over the Shaw Conference Centre on Sunday, March 20.
Organizer Shane Turgeon started the expo nearly a decade ago to celebrate and share his passion for “geek” culture.
The expo features everything from vendors that will be selling collectibles and comic books of every sort to panel discussions with several acclaimed comic book artists and expert collectors.
A very special guest appearance will be made by award winning actor LeVar Burton (Star Trek: The Next Generation, Reading Rainbow). Turgeon says that Burton has, so far, been one of the most acclaimed guests that the expo has been able to bring in.
“Over the years, we’ve increased the prominence of our guests,” Turgeon says. “This year, we have LeVar Burton, who people are really, really excited about. I never grew up with Reading Rainbow but it’s amazing the amount of kids who did, and I think that so many people are really excited (to have him).”
Other guests on the roster include comic book artists Ron Wagner, Robert Bailey and Calgary’s Cary Nord. Famous wrestling duo the Dudley Boyz will also be in attendance signing autographs following the Prairie Wrestling Alliance’s 10th anniversary show at NAIT Saturday, March 19.
“(This is) really exciting because we’ve never had wrestling guests before,” says Turgeon. “We’re going to be bringing them in the day before for an exclusive autograph signing.”
This year the expo will be showcasing some fantastic exhibits including Joe Peacock’s tribute to one of the most popular and groundbreaking anime films of all time Akira, which consists of production art from the film, which he has been collecting for 20 years.
Travis Shewchuk of local special FX company, Ravenous FX, will also be showcasing the Costume Crypt — pieces from his family’s collection of over 1000 movie costumes and props, mainly from sci-fi and horror pictures, including The Outer Limits, 30 Days of Night and the Texas Chainsaw Massacre remakes.
Not only is the expo a great way for collectors and pop culture fanatics to unite and celebrate a mutual passion, but it’s also a perfect opportunity to give back.
The expo will be accepting cash and non-perishable food donations for Edmonton’s Food Bank.
“There are a lot of people who can’t afford to enjoy the luxuries of being able to collect and spend up to $1,000 on a collectible or more than that,” Turgeon explains.
“There are those of us who will (live off of) ramen noodles for a week just to be able to afford that one piece. But there are people who can’t even afford to eat and we’re pretty fortunate to be able to have those luxuries in order to be able to spend that kind of money on frivolous things.”
Turgeon adds that the expo seemed like the perfect event to raise donations for the food bank.
“Everyone is really concentrating on them around Christmas. They need food all year-round and spring time is especially slow for them,” he adds.
In addition to involvement with the food bank, Turgeon has also partnered up with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training.
“Again it’s another way to give back to the community,” Turgeon says. “It’s a group that I feel pretty strongly about.”
Erase the image of geeky comic book and Star Wars nerds being the general crowd at an event like this. The ECTCS is a family-friendly event, welcoming people of every age, race and pop-culture preference.
“When I see so many people walking around with huge smiles on their faces that’s where the success of this event comes from, because you know that everyone is there, having a great time and that you made their afternoon,” says Turgeon. “In that regard, it’s been incredibly successful.”
The expo runs 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. in Hall A of the Shaw Conference Centre. Admission is $10 at the door.
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