Captain Kirk, Frodo and RoboCop highlight Montreal Comiccon guests in July

Montreal Comiccon spokesperson Jason Rockman speaks about the 15th edition of the signature event in July.

In its 15th installment, the Montreal Comiccon is set to take local and visiting nerds from the hobbits’ Shire to RoboCop’s Detroit to more than one U.S.S. Enterprise bridge.

The festival takes place from July 4 to 6 at the Palais des Congrès.

Montreal’s own William Shatner (Captain William T. Kirk) and Brent Spiner (Lieutenant Commander Data) will make up the contingent from the Star Trek universe.

Shatner and Spiner were both at the Montreal Comiccon in 2016.

Elijah Woods (Frodo Baggins), Sean Astin (Samwise Gamgee) and Billy Boyd (Pippen Took) are on the speakers’ list along with Andy Serkis (Gollum) as the annual festival heads to Middle Earth.

For sci-fi and horror fans, Peter Weller (RoboCop) and Kane Hodder (Jason the Terrible) host talks elsewhere.

DC and Marvel artist Jim Starlin (Batman) will highlight the artist alley on both days.

Those in the Palais des Congrès area on Saturday should be prepared to bump into a version of Lord Vader, Harley Quinn or Jinx from Arcane at the annual and popular masquerade contest.

The contest will take place in the main events hall and those wanting to register can do so on the day (July 6).

On Sunday, expect more costumes and colour as the “Kira Kira START!” Idol Showcase is back for Japanese, Korean and other lip-sync and dance joy.

Over 100 comic, toy, fantasy crafts and other nerd-culture vendors will be present throughout the weekend at booths throughout the exhibition centre.

Spokesperson Jason Rockman said that recent concerns voiced by some celebrities and comic book creators about attending events in the U.S. have not been echoed for Montreal’s event.

“We’re a Canadian event inviting Americans to our event, so, if anything, we’re getting positive response from so many American guests and international guests that want to come to Canada because I think we’re kind of everybody’s darling right now,” he said.

Presale general admission tickets for all three days are $89 until June 29 ($17.20 for 6-12-year-olds), and $115 from June 30 to July 6 ($21 for children). Single-day tickets are $33.75 until June 29 ($17 for 13-21-year-olds) and $40 after ($20 for youth).

The Montreal Comiccon draws around 65,000 visitors annually to Montreal and has grown into one of the signature events of the summer since its first edition in 2009.

“I think it’s great and it really speaks to the roots of this con,” said Rockman. “They’re really rooted in comic books. The people that started this show are massive comic book fans, they still actively buy comic books. They still actively collect… It’s really run on passion, and to see this event cement itself and be here as long as it has been, still gaining steam [is great].”

Other nerd culture destinations

Those nerds who just can’t wait for July can head to Place Bell in Laval on the April 26-27 weekend for the city’s second comiccon.

The Laval Comiccon, though smaller, is promising over 100 retailers, multiple conferences and workshops at the L’Enclav de la Place Bell.

Lou Ferrigno (The Incredible Hulk) will be there both days, signing autographs.

Entrance to the Laval Comiccon starts at $10.

The increasingly popular K-Town Collectables Expo in Kahnawakeits is expanding this year and will be at the Mohawk Bingo on June 8.

“[It] feels good. We are always thinking bigger,” said organizer Will Rice. “The excitement growing gives me goosebumps.”

Entrance to that show is $5.

The Quebec City Comiccon is the Oct 11-12 weekend. No guests or events have been announced for that event to date.