culture A Fan Expo 2014 Post-Mortem

The con is becoming blandly efficient and the merchandise largely predictable—but the fans still bring the spirit.

SHOW CAPTION  ✉ Share on:  329020 Giant boxy costumes, which are everybody's favorite costumes because they take up lots of extra space and bump into everybody and everything all the time! Fan Expo Toronto 2014 - Highlights https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/FanExpo_Day2-_MGL1304-100x100.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/FanExpo_Day2-_MGL1304.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/FanExpo_Day2-_MGL1304.jpg 1024 791 https://torontoist.com/2014/09/a-fan-expo-2014-post-mortem/slide/fan-expo-toronto-2014-highlights/ fan-expo-toronto-2014-highlights 0 0 329021 "...Yes, that is very imaginative fan art you have done of Rory having sex with a clone of himself. Well done. I don't quite think that's a question, though. Do you have a question?" Fan Expo Toronto 2014 - Highlights https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/FanExpo_Day2-_MGL1371-100x100.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/FanExpo_Day2-_MGL1371.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/FanExpo_Day2-_MGL1371.jpg 1024 672 https://torontoist.com/2014/09/a-fan-expo-2014-post-mortem/slide/fan-expo-toronto-2014-highlights-2/ fan-expo-toronto-2014-highlights-2 0 0 329022 He had to keep his arms strapped to his sides all day long but it was <em>totally worth it.</em> Fan Expo Toronto 2014 - Highlights https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/FanExpo_Day2-_MGL1445-100x100.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/FanExpo_Day2-_MGL1445.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/FanExpo_Day2-_MGL1445.jpg 1024 683 https://torontoist.com/2014/09/a-fan-expo-2014-post-mortem/slide/fan-expo-toronto-2014-highlights-3/ fan-expo-toronto-2014-highlights-3 0 0 329023 Mascot for the new game <em>Maybe Making This in High Definition Was a Bad Idea</em>. Fan Expo Toronto 2014 - Highlights https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/FanExpo_Day2-_MGL1462-100x100.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/FanExpo_Day2-_MGL1462.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/FanExpo_Day2-_MGL1462.jpg 1024 683 https://torontoist.com/2014/09/a-fan-expo-2014-post-mortem/slide/fan-expo-toronto-2014-highlights-4/ fan-expo-toronto-2014-highlights-4 0 0 329025 "Maybe you could, like, time travel or something. That might make it easier." Fan Expo Toronto 2014 - Highlights https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/FanExpo_Day2-_MGL1527-100x100.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/FanExpo_Day2-_MGL1527.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/FanExpo_Day2-_MGL1527.jpg 1024 683 https://torontoist.com/2014/09/a-fan-expo-2014-post-mortem/slide/fan-expo-toronto-2014-highlights-6/ fan-expo-toronto-2014-highlights-6 0 0 329026 This was the year they ran out of chairs for people to watch other people play videogames.<br /> Fan Expo Toronto 2014 - Highlights https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/FanExpo_Day2-_MGL1533-100x100.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/FanExpo_Day2-_MGL1533.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/FanExpo_Day2-_MGL1533.jpg 1024 683 https://torontoist.com/2014/09/a-fan-expo-2014-post-mortem/slide/fan-expo-toronto-2014-highlights-7/ fan-expo-toronto-2014-highlights-7 0 0 329028 You apparently fill these NES cartridge-shaped flasks with "entertainment."<br /> Fan Expo Toronto 2014 - Highlights https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/FanExpo_Day2-_MGL1564-100x100.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/FanExpo_Day2-_MGL1564.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/FanExpo_Day2-_MGL1564.jpg 1024 683 https://torontoist.com/2014/09/a-fan-expo-2014-post-mortem/slide/fan-expo-toronto-2014-highlights-9/ fan-expo-toronto-2014-highlights-9 0 0

329029 They initially tried selling these wands as "interestingly carved sticks" but nobody wanted to buy those. Fan Expo Toronto 2014 - Highlights https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/FanExpo_Day2-_MGL1609-100x100.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/FanExpo_Day2-_MGL1609.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/FanExpo_Day2-_MGL1609.jpg 1024 683 https://torontoist.com/2014/09/a-fan-expo-2014-post-mortem/slide/fan-expo-toronto-2014-highlights-10/ fan-expo-toronto-2014-highlights-10 0 0 329030 Despite the awkward pose, we assure you: this vendor was not, in fact, imitating a cat. Fan Expo Toronto 2014 - Highlights https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/FanExpo_Day2-_MGL1612-100x100.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/FanExpo_Day2-_MGL1612.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/FanExpo_Day2-_MGL1612.jpg 1024 683 https://torontoist.com/2014/09/a-fan-expo-2014-post-mortem/slide/fan-expo-toronto-2014-highlights-11/ fan-expo-toronto-2014-highlights-11 0 0 329031 "No, we in fact are not Jake Johnson and Damon Wayans Jr., stars of <em>Let's Be Cops</em>." Fan Expo Toronto 2014 - Highlights https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/FanExpo_Day2-_MGL1622-100x100.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/FanExpo_Day2-_MGL1622.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/FanExpo_Day2-_MGL1622.jpg 1024 683 https://torontoist.com/2014/09/a-fan-expo-2014-post-mortem/slide/fan-expo-toronto-2014-highlights-12/ fan-expo-toronto-2014-highlights-12 0 0 329032 "Nerds! Have you considered joining an oppressive technocracy? You already enjoy dressing up like Stormtroopers, and this is... sort of like that!"<br /> Fan Expo Toronto 2014 - Highlights https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/FanExpo_Day2-_MGL1628-100x100.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/FanExpo_Day2-_MGL1628.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/FanExpo_Day2-_MGL1628.jpg 1024 683 https://torontoist.com/2014/09/a-fan-expo-2014-post-mortem/slide/fan-expo-toronto-2014-highlights-13/ fan-expo-toronto-2014-highlights-13 0 0 329033 Does not contain pistol, bullets, armour, helmet, or indeed anything useful in actual zombie apocalypse. Does contain trading cards and expired energy drink. Fan Expo Toronto 2014 - Highlights https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/FanExpo_Day2-_MGL1664-100x100.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/FanExpo_Day2-_MGL1664.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/FanExpo_Day2-_MGL1664.jpg 1024 683 https://torontoist.com/2014/09/a-fan-expo-2014-post-mortem/slide/fan-expo-toronto-2014-highlights-14/ fan-expo-toronto-2014-highlights-14 0 0 329034 "I cannot BELIEVE we're this late." "<em>I said I was sorry about the time the makeup took to dry!</em>" Fan Expo Toronto 2014 - Highlights https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/FanExpo_Day2-01DX3219-100x100.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/FanExpo_Day2-01DX3219.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/FanExpo_Day2-01DX3219.jpg 1024 813 https://torontoist.com/2014/09/a-fan-expo-2014-post-mortem/slide/fan-expo-toronto-2014-highlights-15/ fan-expo-toronto-2014-highlights-15 0 0 329035 Raptor Jesus, just doin' his thing after the massive brawl.<br /> Fan Expo Toronto 2014 - Highlights https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/FanExpo_Day2-01DX3296-100x100.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/FanExpo_Day2-01DX3296.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/FanExpo_Day2-01DX3296.jpg 1024 683 https://torontoist.com/2014/09/a-fan-expo-2014-post-mortem/slide/fan-expo-toronto-2014-highlights-16/ fan-expo-toronto-2014-highlights-16 0 0

329036 "We have Shredder and Darth Vader!" "Well, we have...Raptor Jesus!"<br /> Fan Expo Toronto 2014 - Highlights https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/FanExpo_Day2-01DX3384-100x100.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/FanExpo_Day2-01DX3384.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/FanExpo_Day2-01DX3384.jpg 1024 683 https://torontoist.com/2014/09/a-fan-expo-2014-post-mortem/slide/fan-expo-toronto-2014-highlights-17/ fan-expo-toronto-2014-highlights-17 0 0 329037 Faceless anonymity: the trendy choice of the thinking <em>Mass Effect</em> fangirl.<br /> Fan Expo Toronto 2014 - Highlights https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/FanExpo_Day2-01DX3472-100x100.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/FanExpo_Day2-01DX3472.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/FanExpo_Day2-01DX3472.jpg 1024 714 https://torontoist.com/2014/09/a-fan-expo-2014-post-mortem/slide/fan-expo-toronto-2014-highlights-18/ fan-expo-toronto-2014-highlights-18 0 0 329038 From the forthcoming sequel <em>Indiana Jones and the Most Inconvenient Costume Ever</em>. Fan Expo Toronto 2014 - Highlights https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/FanExpo_Day2-01DX3496-100x100.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/FanExpo_Day2-01DX3496.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/FanExpo_Day2-01DX3496.jpg 1024 728 https://torontoist.com/2014/09/a-fan-expo-2014-post-mortem/slide/fan-expo-toronto-2014-highlights-19/ fan-expo-toronto-2014-highlights-19 0 0 329039 "I don't know how many times I gotta explain this: the raccoon was computers." Fan Expo Toronto 2014 - Highlights https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/FanExpo_Day2-01DX3537-100x100.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/FanExpo_Day2-01DX3537.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/FanExpo_Day2-01DX3537.jpg 1024 683 https://torontoist.com/2014/09/a-fan-expo-2014-post-mortem/slide/fan-expo-toronto-2014-highlights-20/ fan-expo-toronto-2014-highlights-20 0 0 329040 "Look, I'm way cheaper than Matt Smith is. I was on that TV show as the Devil, I got great reviews. Hello?" Fan Expo Toronto 2014 - Highlights https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/FanExpo_Day2-01DX3578-100x100.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/FanExpo_Day2-01DX3578.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/FanExpo_Day2-01DX3578.jpg 1023 726 https://torontoist.com/2014/09/a-fan-expo-2014-post-mortem/slide/fan-expo-toronto-2014-highlights-21/ fan-expo-toronto-2014-highlights-21 0 0 329041 Because one wand dealer wasn't enough! Fan Expo Toronto 2014 - Highlights https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/FanExpo_Day2-01DX3612-100x100.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/FanExpo_Day2-01DX3612.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/FanExpo_Day2-01DX3612.jpg 1024 683 https://torontoist.com/2014/09/a-fan-expo-2014-post-mortem/slide/fan-expo-toronto-2014-highlights-22/ fan-expo-toronto-2014-highlights-22 0 0 329042 We refuse to believe that this is the ONLY R2-D2 stained-glass exhibition piece in the world. Fan Expo Toronto 2014 - Highlights https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/FanExpo_Day2-01DX3616-100x100.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/FanExpo_Day2-01DX3616.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/FanExpo_Day2-01DX3616.jpg 1024 683 https://torontoist.com/2014/09/a-fan-expo-2014-post-mortem/slide/fan-expo-toronto-2014-highlights-23/ fan-expo-toronto-2014-highlights-23 0 0

329043 We don't know who they're supposed to be (<em>Adventure Time</em> people maybe?) but they're having fun and that's the most important thing. Fan Expo Toronto 2014 - Highlights https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/FanExpo_Day2-01DX3627-100x100.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/FanExpo_Day2-01DX3627.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/FanExpo_Day2-01DX3627.jpg 1024 807 https://torontoist.com/2014/09/a-fan-expo-2014-post-mortem/slide/fan-expo-toronto-2014-highlights-24/ fan-expo-toronto-2014-highlights-24 0 0 329050 We wouldn't be us if we didn't find Rob Ford-related content everywhere we went.<br /> FanExpo_YYZ-_MGL1815 https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/FanExpo_YYZ-_MGL1815-100x100.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/FanExpo_YYZ-_MGL1815.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/FanExpo_YYZ-_MGL1815.jpg 1024 683 https://torontoist.com/2014/09/a-fan-expo-2014-post-mortem/slide/fanexpo_yyz-_mgl1815/ fanexpo_yyz-_mgl1815 0 0 329049 "Is this supposed to be Rob Ford as Buddha or Rob Ford as a bronzed pile of poop?" "Eh, whichever." - An actual conversation we had with this guy FanExpo_YYZ-_MGL1813 https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/FanExpo_YYZ-_MGL1813-100x100.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/FanExpo_YYZ-_MGL1813.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/FanExpo_YYZ-_MGL1813.jpg 1024 683 https://torontoist.com/2014/09/a-fan-expo-2014-post-mortem/slide/fanexpo_yyz-_mgl1813/ fanexpo_yyz-_mgl1813 0 0 329044 This used to be the March of the Stormtroopers but then SOMEONE had to get all politically correct about it. Fan Expo Toronto 2014 - Highlights https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/FanExpo_Day2-01DX3686-100x100.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/FanExpo_Day2-01DX3686.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/FanExpo_Day2-01DX3686.jpg 1024 683 https://torontoist.com/2014/09/a-fan-expo-2014-post-mortem/slide/fan-expo-toronto-2014-highlights-25/ fan-expo-toronto-2014-highlights-25 0 0 329045 "So, Matt, what's your favorite part of your career now that you're not Doctor Who any more?" "Never having to wear a fez again. Ever again." Fan Expo Toronto 2014 - Highlights https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/FanExpo_Day2-01DX3739-100x100.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/FanExpo_Day2-01DX3739.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/FanExpo_Day2-01DX3739.jpg 1024 683 https://torontoist.com/2014/09/a-fan-expo-2014-post-mortem/slide/fan-expo-toronto-2014-highlights-26/ fan-expo-toronto-2014-highlights-26 0 0 329046 "...and then they got offended when I Priceline dot com—sorry, I have to work it in five more times during this appearance, I'm contractually obligated—anyway, when I farted."<br /> Fan Expo Toronto 2014 - Highlights https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/FanExpo_Day2-01DX3875-100x100.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/FanExpo_Day2-01DX3875.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/FanExpo_Day2-01DX3875.jpg 1024 699 https://torontoist.com/2014/09/a-fan-expo-2014-post-mortem/slide/fan-expo-toronto-2014-highlights-27/ fan-expo-toronto-2014-highlights-27 0 0 329047 This is a booth that is literally dedicated to selling old giveaway reusable tote bags from other comic book conventions. Really. That's what they sold here. FanExpo_YYZ-_MGL1742 https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/FanExpo_YYZ-_MGL1742-100x100.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/FanExpo_YYZ-_MGL1742.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/FanExpo_YYZ-_MGL1742.jpg 1024 683 https://torontoist.com/2014/09/a-fan-expo-2014-post-mortem/slide/fanexpo_yyz-_mgl1742/ fanexpo_yyz-_mgl1742 0 0

329048 If you understand why this is amazing, you're old now. FanExpo_YYZ-_MGL1784 https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/FanExpo_YYZ-_MGL1784-100x100.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/FanExpo_YYZ-_MGL1784.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/FanExpo_YYZ-_MGL1784.jpg 1024 683 https://torontoist.com/2014/09/a-fan-expo-2014-post-mortem/slide/fanexpo_yyz-_mgl1784/ fanexpo_yyz-_mgl1784 0 0 329051 "If I had to do it all over again, would I do the <em>Lord of the Rings</em> movies and make tens of millions of dollars and be set for life? Mmmmmmmmm...gonna say yes to that one." FanExpo_YYZ-01DX4038 https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/FanExpo_YYZ-01DX4038-100x100.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/FanExpo_YYZ-01DX4038.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/FanExpo_YYZ-01DX4038.jpg 1024 683 https://torontoist.com/2014/09/a-fan-expo-2014-post-mortem/slide/fanexpo_yyz-01dx4038/ fanexpo_yyz-01dx4038 0 0 329052 This Rob Ford mask was, appropriately, sold in the horror section. FanExpo_YYZ-01DX4115 https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/FanExpo_YYZ-01DX4115-100x100.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/FanExpo_YYZ-01DX4115.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/FanExpo_YYZ-01DX4115.jpg 1024 683 https://torontoist.com/2014/09/a-fan-expo-2014-post-mortem/slide/fanexpo_yyz-01dx4115/ fanexpo_yyz-01dx4115 0 0 329053 These demon babies are things enough people wanted that somebody mass-produced them. We're just saying. FanExpo_YYZ-01DX4120 https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/FanExpo_YYZ-01DX4120-100x100.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/FanExpo_YYZ-01DX4120.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/FanExpo_YYZ-01DX4120.jpg 1024 683 https://torontoist.com/2014/09/a-fan-expo-2014-post-mortem/slide/fanexpo_yyz-01dx4120/ fanexpo_yyz-01dx4120 0 0 329054 "Remember that time we told Scott Bakula that the captains' party was at that fetish bar and that we were all going to arrive in costume?" "He was SO mad!" FanExpo_YYZ-01DX4256 https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/FanExpo_YYZ-01DX4256-100x100.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/FanExpo_YYZ-01DX4256.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/FanExpo_YYZ-01DX4256.jpg 1024 683 https://torontoist.com/2014/09/a-fan-expo-2014-post-mortem/slide/fanexpo_yyz-01dx4256/ fanexpo_yyz-01dx4256 0 0 329055 "Hello, everybody! I'm here to make your own lives feel disappointing by comparison in just about every possible respect!" FanExpo_YYZ-01DX4389 https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/FanExpo_YYZ-01DX4389-100x100.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/FanExpo_YYZ-01DX4389.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/FanExpo_YYZ-01DX4389.jpg 1024 683 https://torontoist.com/2014/09/a-fan-expo-2014-post-mortem/slide/fanexpo_yyz-01dx4389/ fanexpo_yyz-01dx4389 0 0 329024 An unending Sea of Nerds (tm). Fan Expo Toronto 2014 - Highlights https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/FanExpo_Day2-_MGL1514-100x100.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/FanExpo_Day2-_MGL1514.jpg https://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/FanExpo_Day2-_MGL1514.jpg 1024 683 https://torontoist.com/2014/09/a-fan-expo-2014-post-mortem/slide/fan-expo-toronto-2014-highlights-5/ fan-expo-toronto-2014-highlights-5 0 0



Fan Expo has come and gone for another year, and again, it was full to bursting—although this edition probably featured the best space management of any year of the convention so far, with only Saturday being truly packed. On Thursday, Friday, and Sunday, walking around was relatively straightforward and, at times, could even be done in a leisurely fashion. This year’s most popular convention cosplay was “soldier from Attack on Titan,” which hits all the necessary elements for a truly popular costume—it’s trendy, it’s fresh, it’s not too bulky or too warm, it’s relatively straightforward to make from regular clothing, and it lets cosplayers march around in large groups without looking ridiculous (as happens when you have a large group of Jokers or Eleventh Doctors all communing), putting it on par with Stormtrooper and Ghostbuster as opportunities for cosplayers to indulge their inner conformist.

Most panels went off without a hitch. There were, of course, a few cancellations (Richard Dreyfuss and Karen Gillan were the big no-shows), but that happens at every convention. The section heads I spoke with were of course frazzled, as they were running large segments of one of the biggest fan conventions in the world, but they weren’t complaining bitterly—and they’ve done that in some previous years. It seems that, on the organizational side, Fan Expo is at last running relatively smoothly.

Of course, the price of running smoothly is a certain degree of homogeneity. The retail experience appears marked by two different approaches. The path to financial success at this point seems fairly well-determined: offer a lot of the familiar, and offer it cheaply. The artisan dealers—offering the likes of steampunk-ish accessories, clothing, custom earrings, or jewellery; or showcasing their own custom woodwork or their own prints, and so forth—were largely reporting on Sunday that they weren’t sure they would break even on their table fees: “We get a lot of gawkers, a lot of window shoppers. Not a lot of sales, though. Nobody comes here to commit,” explained an independent jeweller. (A lot of them now treat the convention as more of a marketing cost, a chance to hand out business cards and get their products seen for later consideration, and every sale they make is a bonus.)

But those who dealt in low-cost original tie-ins to existing popular media (buttons, cheap sketches, T-shirts) did well—although they offered caveats. “If I have to do one more Tenth Doctor sketch, I might track down David Tennant and murder him,” said an indie comics artist. The successful artists and dealers have learned that the con-going audience mostly don’t want to find the new and unexpected: they want to find things related to what they already know. If that sounds cynical, rest assured this cynicism was on the lips of literally everybody trying to make money at the convention.

Of course, the big vendors all made tons of money—but they tend to stock the same stuff: the same T-shirts, the overstock comic trade paperbacks they couldn’t sell at regular price, and those Funko dolls that, we are fairly sure, are breeding in a slow, steady attempt to usurp humanity’s place as the planet’s dominant life form. Every year, there are fewer small dealers; they’re getting squeezed out as outfits like Stylin Online take up more and more floor space (this year expanding to three separate—and large—stalls, all selling the same shirts). It seems like a cliché to say that the con floor is getting more corporate, but that’s what’s gradually happening—and far more rapidly than at other cons, such as the San Diego Comic-Con (which literally took decades to approach the state Fan Expo’s already reached).

This is not to say that we should consider the convention’s primary purpose to be selling merch. The primary purpose of any convention is for fans to come together (at least from the perspective of the fans). And in that regard, Fan Expo appears to be a success. Every female fan, guest, and dealer I spoke to enthusiastically stated that they felt the con was a safe and welcoming space (granted, one artist commented with a little irritation on one attendee who requested a commission that was sexual in nature—but she was careful to mention that she didn’t feel harassed; she’d simply felt that the request was kind of pathetic). Representatives from Toronto Gaymers were enthusiastic about the space that the convention had given them and the positive reception they had received from con-goers.

So this is where we stand now: a convention that works, a model of increasingly bland efficiency, where the only spirit to be found is provided by its attendees and not its design. It appears to be good enough.