Pop culture fans assemble! Ottawa Comiccon begins

From superheroes to stormtroopers, CTV’s Josh Marano was at Ottawa Comiccon, celebrating a weekend of pop culture at the EY Centre.

It’s one of the biggest weekends of the year for pop culture fans in the capital.

Large crowds are expected to pack the EY Centre this weekend for Ottawa Comiccon.

From superheroes to stormtroopers, Ottawa Comiccon is bringing out of the city’s most creative looks.

For Fox Ainscow, it’s a first-time experience at the event, travelling from the UK to be here.

“Just excited to be here, really because I’m excited to see what international Comiccon is like, and the difference to what it’s like in the UK,” Ainscow says

Ainscow has attended conventions back home and says it’s more than a chance to dress-up, it’s about making new connections.

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“We’ve all got the same common interests, and it’s been such a delight to find people that are into the nerdy stuff,” Ainscow says. “You can just geek out with them, and it’s just a fun and welcoming environment.”

Ottawa Comiccon spokesperson Jason Rockman says more than 40,000 people attended the event last year. He adds they are expecting similar numbers this year.

“It’s just awesome because you’re giving a showcase for a lot of local vendors, you’re giving a showcase for a lot of local cosplayers. The people that take the time to make their costumes, and the cosplay level in Ottawa is really, really high. It’s just a fun event,” Rockman says.

Fans are also treated to a “Freddy vs. Jason” reunion, celebrity panels and a chance to meet their heroes in what is a unique and interactive opportunity.

As well, they are given the chance to spend the night with the cast from the Trailer Park Boys.

“If you’re 19 and over and, it’s a different ticketed event, but you can have drinks with the boys, which I think, you know, if you’re a fan of watching the Trailer Park Boys and the idea of putting back a couple with them, that’s pretty cool,” Rockman says.

Comiccon runs from Sept. 5 to 7 at the EY Centre.