19 amazing cosplay photos from Fan Expo Vancouver 2016 (PHOTOS)

A half-naked Goku chatted up Ace Venture about the recent US elections, while waiting for coffee at a bustling cafe. Life tends to get a tad surreal when Fan Expo Vancouver takes over the Vancouver Convention Centre.

The convention returned over the weekend with three days dedicated to celebrating pop culture. Attendees got to meet their on-screen heroes in-person; purchase geeky goods like Harry Potter nesting dolls; attend a insightful panels; and, of course, strategically walk around people taking photos of cosplayers.

Image: Brandon Artis Photography

As with most conventions, the action spilled out of the venue and onto the streets. Bewildered tourists gawked at dedicated cosplayers doing impromptu photo sessions in the downtown area. Outside, the moving spectacle added a wide spectrum of colours to an otherwise drab and grey Vancouver weekend.

Attendees also got to try out some of the latest Warner Brothers video games such as Lego Dimensions and Batman: Arkham VR. Nearby, there was a small gaming lounge where attendees could rest on bean bag chairs.

Image: Brandon Artis Photography

This year, the expo drew in some well-loved pop culture icons. Fans got to attend a Q&A with Back to the Future’s Christopher Llyod. VFS-dropout (and beloved filmmaker) Kevin Smith and Bruce Timm (legendary comic book artists) hosted special events for fans as well. Equally, the convention was also about the smaller moments, like Tom Felton holding a door open for a fan.

While the convention has a myriad of reasons to make fans happy, Fan Expo Vancouver continues to be about hanging out with friends and strangers alike, all during the city’s largest geek and pop culture gathering.