So there’s this event in Vancouver called the Comic & Toy Show, and if you’re into comics, action figures, or just random cool stuff, it’s pretty fun. It happens at the PNE Forum, which is a big hall that can fit a ton of vendors, and it runs for a whole weekend. This year it’s at the end of October, right before Halloween, so the timing feels kind of perfect for a nerdy weekend.
The hours are simple: 11 in the morning until 5 in the evening both days. Tickets aren’t too bad either. If you’re over 13, it’s about twenty bucks for Saturday, a bit cheaper for Sunday, and you can also get a weekend pass if you want to go both days. The best part? Kids 12 and under are totally free, which makes it easy for families to bring their kids along.
Once you’re inside, it’s kind of overwhelming at first because there are so many tables—like hundreds. People sell all sorts of stuff: old comic books, rare collectibles, trading cards, posters, and of course, toys. You’ll see Funko Pops, action figures, Lego sets, and sometimes even things you forgot existed. It honestly feels like a mix of a giant flea market and a nerdy treasure hunt.
They also bring in special guests, usually artists or people connected to comics and pop culture. Sometimes you can get them to sign stuff, and other times they’re just hanging out with their artwork. You’ll see cosplayers too, like people dressed as superheroes, anime characters, or Star Wars stormtroopers. It’s fun to walk around and take pictures because the costumes are usually pretty impressive.
The vibe of the show is pretty relaxed, though it does get busy. You’ll see collectors carefully looking through boxes of comics, kids pointing at toys they want, and students wandering around just checking everything out. It’s also easy to get carried away and spend more money than you planned. There are even door prizes during the day where you can win gift cards to use at the show, which makes it a bit more exciting.
Practical stuff: wear good shoes because you’ll walk a lot, and bring cash if you can. Some vendors take cards, but not all. There are ATMs inside just in case, and food trucks outside so you don’t have to leave if you get hungry. Also, if you’re after something specific, go early because the rare items can sell fast.
Overall, the Vancouver Comic & Toy Show is a good weekend activity whether you’re a serious collector or just curious. Families can make it a day out, and students can go with friends to see what’s new or weird. It’s not fancy, but it’s a lot of fun, and you never really know what you’ll find. Even if you don’t buy anything, just walking around and soaking up the atmosphere is worth it.
Dan Baltag
dbaltag@my.bcit.ca