Slap on some spandex, grab your wallet and rush out to the Batmobile. The pop-culture extravaganza known as FAN EXPO Portland is rocketing back to Oregon, and make no mistake about it—this isn’t just a convention…It’s a collision of multiple universes.
This is your chance to meet some of the stars from the farthest reaches of film, television, streaming, art, literature, gaming, cosplay, anime, and animation. And where will this genre-bending mind meld geek olympics occur? None other than the Oregon Convention Center, Jan. 16–18.
On deck is star-studded lineup that would make even the Avengers jealous.
Features include the following fictional worlds:
‘Star Trek’
Resistance is futile for both Trekkies and Trekkers alike. The starship Enterprise will be docking above the Willamette River and beaming some legendary members of Starfleet into the autograph alleys:
Walter Koenig, Mr. Chekov himself, will be fiddling the navigation console all three day of the convention.
Jonathan Frakes, a.k.a. Commander Riker, first officer to Captain Picard will be available for photo ops over the weekend. Will his well-groomed beard make an appearance? Only Q can tell.
Gates McFadden, who played Chief Medical Officer Dr. Beverly Crusher, will bring her remarkably calm vibe to talk Roddenberry lore in Q&A panels on Friday and Sunday. Be the first to ask how she saved entire starship crews from space viruses, yet still couldn’t cure the uniforms.
Hobbits
Hold on to your wand! Four furry-footed legends are reuniting to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Peter Jackson’s “Lord of the Rings” franchise.
Sean Astin, Billy Boyd, Dominic Monaghan, and Elijah Wood will gather with fans for “An Evening with the Hobbits: In Celebration of 25 Years.“ One Ring will rule them all … One convention with ring them all in.
Ninja Turtles
Cowabunga, comrades! Heroes in a half shell are climbing out from the sewer to sign your retro memorabilia.
Tons of alumni from the original “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” will be on site.
Stars include: Ernie Reyes Jr., Brian Tochi, Kenn Scott, Francois Chau, Judith Hoag and Robbie Rist.
Brady Bunch
Here’s a story … about a lovely lady … who was bringing up three very lovely girls? This guy was brought in to save the show from cancellation. That’s right, Cousin Oliver is coming to town to chat up his fans. Actor Robbie Rist has grown up to be a Gen X renaissance man. He’s an accomplished voice actor, former “Ninja Turtle” (see above), country-punk legend, and composer of the “Sharknado” musical score.
Marvel/Netflix
Mike Colter, Marvel’s “Luke Cage,” (Power Man to the old school comic book traditionalists) is a walking metaphor for strength, survival, and punching through systemic nonsense. Sweet Christmas! Sign up for a signing for this “Hero for Hire.”
Duster
From mysterious islands to modern westerns, Josh Holloway brings his charm, grit, and rogue energy. From Lost to Yellowstone to MAX’s Duster, this guy reeks of confidence .
‘The Princess Bride’
A sword, a smile, and a thousand fans quoting lines like gospel.
Cary Elwes of The Princess Bride fame wiil ride in with wit sharper than Inigo Montoya’s blade. Bring your Robin Hood tights. He may sign them for a bit extra.
Horror
Jaws will drop from all the spooky, sultry, and spectacular costumes found at the special horror cosplay meetup.
While you’re there, bow before the Mistress of the Dark! Cassandra Peterson, better known as Elvira, will be bringing her legendary wicked one-liners to the show.
Anime and games
If you recognize voices more easily than faces, this part is for you. Your favorite animated heroes and digital criminals will be attending.
Highlight voice actors include
- The stars of My Hero Academia
- The voices of Grand Theft Auto
- The cast of Hazbin Hotel
Comic artists
Artist Alley is where the ink flows and the legends are made. An incredible array of talented comics artists and writers will be ready to talk shop, sketch, autograph their finished production pieces, and inspire the next generation of true believers.
To name a few Portland favorites:
- Michael Golden — Co-creator of “Rogue,” artist on “Micronauts,” “Daredevil,” and one of the greatest Marvel Fanfare covers ever
- Randy Emberlin — Longtime Dark Horse nice guy and inker extreme.
- Erica Schultz — Ringo-nominated writer on “Laura Kinney: Wolverine,” “Daredevil” and “Spawn: Rat City”
- Andy Mangels — Pop-culture historian and writer of “Wonder Woman ’77 Meets The Bionic Woman”
- Chris Warner — Artist of “Predator,” “Terminator,” “Moon Knight,” “Doctor Strange” and creator of “Barb Wire”
Special note about autographs
Each talent listed above has their own pricing scale for photos, signatures, and selfies. Please refer to the Fan Expo website to see a full list of who will be in attendance and what days they will be there.
Cosplay, panels and experiences
If photos and autographs aren’t your thing, fear not! The cosplay alone is worth the price of admission. Stand still for five minutes and watch Batman pass a Xenomorph while E.T. takes selfies.
Merch
Ah yes … the loot! Rare objects that will mean nothing to normal people and everything to you.
Back issues, original art, one-of-a-kind knickknacks, T-shirts… The temptations are endless. Bring your wallet and bring restraint if you have it. There are so many treasures to be owned.
Tickets and Info
Adult, Youth and Child Single-Day Tickets, Three-Day Passes, Family passes, and Ultimate and VIP Packages for FAN EXPO Portland are available
Hours:
- Friday, Jan. 16: 3-8 p.m.
- Saturday, Jan. 17: 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
- Sunday, Jan. 18: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
The full guest list, event times, panels and programming lists and other show info can be found at http://www.fanexpoportland.com.
