5 Things We Hope To Learn at Fan Expo

Can you believe Fan Expo is just over a month away? View the Vibe will be on location giving you the low-down on the newest models and latest developments in fan technology – ceiling fans, box fans, oscillating fans, even industrial cooling systems! This August, we are your source for airflow…

Actually, Fan Expo is Canada’s largest comic book, sci-fi, anime, horror, gaming, and sports convention. Between August 22nd and 25th, over 100,000 fans (human, not mechanical) are expected to descend on the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. With over 900 vendors and dozens of celebrity guests, 2013 is shaping up to be a marquee year for the biggest event in Canadian geek culture.

Without further ado, here are 5 things we hope to learn at Fan Expo…

Is Stan Lee hiring?
Hi Stan, if you’re reading this, I’d like to inquire whether you have any job openings, preferably in the role of ‘apprentice’, ‘protégé’, ‘heir-apparent’, ‘scion’, or ‘ward’ (I can even do ‘minion’). Stan “The Man” Lee is the co-creator of such iconic super-heroes as Spiderman, The Hulk, The Fantastic Four, Thor, Iron Man, and the X-Men. There isn’t one particular thing I would hope to ask him so much as I’d like to hear everything he knows about everything. There will probably be a huge lineup, but seriously, how often do you get to meet the father of the Marvel Revolution?

Will the new sports section be a hit?
2013 marks the first year that Fan Expo is including a sports section. Which is weird: Sports is like the Flash Thompson to comic books’ Peter Parker. But then again, Flash and Peter eventually became friends, and we nerds do love statistics, so I guess anything could happen. Sports celebrities include Bobby Orr, Gordie Howe, Joe Sakic, Martin Brodeur, Joe Montana, Roberto Alomar, and the Hulkster himself, Hulk Hogan. (Sorry to anyone who was expecting Bruce Banner). It will be interesting to see how the new section goes over with the traditional fan expo crowd, and whether it attracts a whole new group of fans to the event.

What’s the next big thing in zombies?
Over the past few years, pop culture has seen an explosion of zombie-related media. Max Brooks, who will be appearing at Fan Expo, was instrumental in bringing the zombie genre back from the dead (see what I did there?) with his bestselling Zombie Survival Guide, and World War Z, now a major motion picture. I’d like to hear about his new comic book series, The Extinction Parade, which asks what happens when you pit zombies against vampires in a fight for survival (a question that mankind has pondered since time immemorial). Also in the zombie vein (ew, zombie vein): Laurie Holden, Michael Rooker, and Norman Reedus from AMC’s The Walking Dead will be making appearances. I want to find out why zombies love Laurie Holden so much. Presumably it’s for her brains…

What’s happening with the Star Wars sequel?
Now this one is a longshot, but with Carrie Fisher (AKA Princess Leia) making an appearance, it might be possible to get some info on the new Star Wars movie, which will be directed by JJ Abrams. Perhaps I will ask her if she is starring in the new film, as has been rumoured. Perhaps she will say nothing, but with a wry smile, and a wink, will say everything. Or maybe she will call me a ‘scruffy looking nerf-herder’ and tell me to go back to Alderaan. Either way, as long as she autographs my ‘Slave Leia’ poster, the force will be strong with me.

What’s happening with the Star Trek sequel?
This one might be a slightly easier question, if slightly less momentous (sorry, trekkies). Zachary Quinto and Karl Urban, who play Spock and Bones in the new Star Trek reboot (also directed by JJ Abrams), will be around. What’s the status of the forthcoming sequel to Star Trek: Into Darkness? These are the guys to ask. For the older generation, George Takei and Nichelle Nichols (the original Mr. Sulu and Uhura) will be there. In the words of George Takei: “Oh Myyy!”

Bonus: Can you Hassle the Hoff?
They say ‘don’t hassle the hoff’. At this year’s Fan Expo, the David Hasselhoff will be in attendance, and I plan to hassle him. I will report back on my findings… if I survive.