Carolina De La Rocque
Comic Watch had the pleasure to attend the 30th edition of the Vancouver Comic & Toy Show happening on September 26th and 27th, at the PNE Forum. The event was presented by Canadian Comics Promotion and ran from 11am until 5pm both days. Inside the Forum, there were 400 8-foot tables filled with art, comic books, action figures, and much more!
I had the pleasure of talking to John Gallagher, an entertainment illustrator that serves screen-based productions in various capacities. We mostly discussed his participation in the first 5 seasons of The Flash, a television series that was filmed locally in Vancouver, and in set design for Doctor Strange: Multiverse Of Madness. John expressed gratitude in being able to work with superhero productions, which have been one of his lifelong passions and something he recognizes as truly universal. If you follow my recommendation and attend a Vancouver Comic & Toy Show (or any show John’s in), make sure to talk to him about superheroes, his experiences, his life story and team work — you’re in for a great time!
I also had the chance to hear from the runners of Electric Lips Comics; Ian Fults and Marie Kerns are the couple that runs the publisher. Their two main stories are The Manna Chronicles and Tales of Mytherwrel; Ian and Marie write, design and draw all the comic books they published. They had some samples and the stories seem engaging apart from visually outstanding. They also allowed me to share a discount code for our Comic Watch readers; on their website (elpmerch.com), you can apply VANTOY for 10% off!
As for the event itself: right at the entrance, there were many comics that visitors could buy, including some signed versions! It had truly some of the best vibes I’ve ever seen in an event like this — everyone was clearly passionate about what they were having the chance to see. Both sections, for comic books and toys, were always full and filled with enthusiasm. It is also a perfectly family-friendly environment — the amount of families was surprising (and my heart melted a little each time I saw a kid dressed up as a superhero).
There were also banners confirming that the next Vancouver Comic & Toy Show edition will be happening Spring 2027. It is a must-go if you’re in the area and have a passion for all things fandom — from collectible cards to vintage comic books!
