MONTREAL COMICCON UNVEILS 2015 LINEUP
Some of the entertainment world’s most popular stars will appear at the 7th annual Montreal Comiccon, to be held at the Palais des Congrès from July 3 to 5.
“Comic conventions in Montreal used to be dingy affairs in the back of a hotel with comic- book dealers,” says CHOM disc jockey and Montreal Comiccon spokesperson Jason Rockman. “When Montreal Comiccon started it was really small, but celebrities like Lou Ferrigno ( who played the Incredible Hulk on television) loved coming here because they were treated well. It’s not a cattle call like at other shows. If you go to San Diego ( Comic- Con International), many people don’t like going there anymore because it’s just too big. Montreal has grown, but it has grown the right way.”
More than 60,000 attendees are expected at the event this year, including Montreal Mayor Denis Coderre, who told the Montreal Gazette at Thursday’s launch: “I’m a big comic- book geek! I loved Batman and Green Lantern when I was a kid. I used to buy comic books every week, have seen all the movies from Star Wars to Guardians of the Galaxy. When I attended Montreal Comiccon last year, my daughter said, ‘ You have so many pictures with people you should have your own booth!’ “
This year, over the course of three days, fans can take part in 100 different panel discussions and workshops about comics, costuming and gaming. There will be a gaming zone to discover new game demos, participate in tourneys or simply enjoy some free play. The exhibition hall will also feature a new section dedicated to indie video games.
“We all know that Montreal has an active indie game community and we’ll have about 30 booths promoting their games,” said Montreal Comiccon programming director Cliff Caporale. “We’ve had game rooms in past editions, but this year we’re introducing tournaments, and the first one will be Smash Brothers. We want Montreal Comiccon to become a home for all kinds of video games.”
Many celebrities will attend, including guests of honour Karen Gillan ( from Marvel’s 2014 hit film Guardians of the Galaxy) and British actor John Barrowman ( Doctor Who, Torchwood and CW’s Arrow). Other names include cast members from the AMC zombiehit The Walking Dead; Breaking Bad TV villain Giancarlo Esposito; and Jason Momoa, who will play DC Comics hero Aquaman in the upcoming 2016 film Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.
Montreal Comiccon’s 4th annual Montreal Horror-Fest will welcome Kane Hodder, best known as the hockey- mask- wearing Jason Voorhees in four of the Friday the 13th films, and the George- Lucassanctioned The 501st Legion group members will dress up as Star Wars characters to host children’s activities like “How to use a Lightsaber.”
Montreal Comiccon will also present a Final Fantasy: Distant Worlds concert ( featuring music from the video games) with a live orchestra led by Grammy- winning conductor Arnie Roth. Concert details will be announced next month.
And 3,000 fans are expected to cheer on about 60 costumed competitors at the Masquerade contest on July 4. “But you will also see hardcore fans dressed up in costumes all weekend long,” Caporale said. “They add to the festive atmosphere.”
Montreal Comiccon runs July 3- 5 at the Palais des congrès. Info and tickets: montrealcomiccon.com.