Robin Hoods, Riverdale, and Nerds: Edmonton Expo 2019

If you don’t know anything about Edmonton Comic & Entertainment Expo, let me give you an overview: it’s a place where nerds can nerd out. I, a self proclaimed nerd, did exactly that.

From September 20 to 22, nerds, dorks, weebs (or whichever gender-neutral term you prefer) of various kinds experienced a truly defining moment in their lives. The event celebrated science fiction, animation, horror, comics, film, television, pop culture and other stereotypical “nerdy” things. 

This was my first Expo and I didn’t really know what to expect. There were panels featuring celebrity guests, such as George Takei and Cary Elwes. Elwes would make surprise cameos in other celebrity’s Q&As because, well, he can. There were comic book artists, writers, creators, toy vendors, and cosplayers with their own tables talking to fans. The arena’s main floor was covered with vendors and artists selling everything from old movies and video games to jewellery, plushies, and swords. Given the recent cancellations of Matthew Lewis and Christopher Eccelston, the Expo was still bustling and joyful. 

What I did not expect was getting to meet Casey Cott, who plays Kevin Keller on Riverdale, and Sean Maguire, who played Robin Hood on Once Upon a Time. Even though I knew they were guests as Expo, I assumed the line would be too long and I would be busy doing other things. Although it was a short interaction, Casey Cott was pleasant and welcoming. 

We were able to talk to Sean Maguire for a bit longer, who was friendly and lovable. Maguire also told us his favourite thing about being on Once Upon a Time was all the friendships he made. 

“I remember Josh announcing on set that [Ginnifer] was pregnant and I just joined the show and I was like this is all very sweet. A lot of them have become my closest friends, y’know Colin, Lana, Bex, Robby, Josh, Ginny. There’s literally not one member of the cast that I don’t love,” Maguire said. “It’s a bit like the people you went to school with, the group you really got along with and then you get to take trips with [them].” 

Maguire was grateful that he had the opportunity to play Robin Hood and he appreciates the fans of the show for all they do.

“There [are] so many different things that the show has given us, mainly because of the passion of the fans,” said Maguire. “Not every show has a fanbase this passionate and devoted so a lot of us are grateful to the people who gave us so much love.”

I have to admit that one of the most endearing things about Expo is the sense of community and love that everyone exhibits. Even on the LRT ride there, I saw two university students keeping a little boy preoccupied by showing him their Pokemon Go characters (which means the little boy’s dad got a short break).

Surprisingly, I didn’t buy anything and didn’t really get to check out all the booths due to all the excitement around me. Although it may be a bit overwhelming the first time you go to Expo, it’s still a fun and worthwhile experience to have and I highly recommend it.