
The thrumming heart of downtown Winnipeg pulsed fervently as it found itself overrun with an extraordinary gathering of resplendent superheroes, menacing villains, and characters of all imaginable kinds this weekend. The spectacle was none other than the third annual Winnipeg Comiccon taking place at the RBC Convention Centre, a grand event that attracted an astonishing congregation from near and far.
This popular convention, the brainchild of an innovative Montreal-based company, was making quite a comeback. After having its debut in Winnipeg in the Year of the Pandemic 2021, it had to endure an unfortunate cancellation the previous year due to the global health crisis. Remarkably, the first edition of the convention attracted a whopping 14,000 attendees, a figure that was doubled to an incredible 28,000 in 2022 as the event offered an unrestricted experience for the first time.
Cliff Caporale, the astute Programming Director, believes this year’s gathering has set a new benchmark. Caporale candidly admitted on Sunday afternoon, “I have a hunch we’re going to count around 30 or 35 thousand heads when we close the doors of this year’s convention.”
According to the official count, a staggering 30,000 individuals thronged the convention centre over the three-day course of the event. Caporale noted with a hint of satisfaction in his voice that the fans in Winnipeg have welcomed Comiccon wholeheartedly.
“Everyone is beaming with joy, proudly displaying their cosplay masterpieces, indulging in the collection of quirky items, and interacting with their favourite celebrities,” he remarked.
When it came to celebrity attendees, the Winnipeg Comiccon was not short of star power. Renowned Hollywood figures such as Carl Weathers, Michael Rooker, Giancarlo Esposito, and Robert Patrick graced the event, alongside famous Canadian luminaries like the Trailer Park Boys and Kim’s Convenience star Paul Sun-Hyung Lee.
Comiccon attendees reveled in the opportunity to buy autographs, capture memorable photographs, and observe their favourite stars during panel discussions. Caporale was particularly thrilled with a panel that featured four actors from the acclaimed Disney+ series, The Mandalorian.
Caporale concluded, “It serves as an escape from the mundane reality, as people come together with friends and family to share this amazing experience.”
Loyal fans can keep their calendars marked, as Winnipeg Comiccon will swing back into town in October 2024, with planning already in the works.
In anticipation of the dazzling line-up next year, Caporale extended an invite to this year’s attendees to voice their opinions. “Express what you’d like to see, the kinds of artists you’re interested in, the guests you’d like to meet, and the variety of activities you want to participate in,” he encouraged.
Keeping the momentum going, tickets for the next Winnipeg Comiccon will be up for grabs from December 2024, with exciting announcements on featured guests to follow in the summer.