Whitby FanCon Unveiled: A new chapter begins!

New name, same amazing festival  

Join us at the Central Library on Saturday, October 5, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for an extraordinary event celebrating all things graphic novels, comic books, and talented artists.

Whitby FanCon promises to be a vibrant and creative gathering, building on the success of WhitCAF 2023, which shattered attendance records with well over five hundred people in attendance. Guests can expect the same exciting experiences and immersive atmosphere that made WhitCAF a fan favorite.

Fans can connect with fellow enthusiasts, celebrate their shared passions, and immerse themselves in the dynamic world of comics, graphic novels, and talented local artists.

What to Expect: 

Viking
  • Explore – our Artist Alley, where you'll find unique collectibles and creative items for purchase.  
  • Interact – with Comic Creators, talk with artists, and learn about their work.  
  • Attend – programs and panels where local comic creators share insights into their creative process.  
  • Discover – comic book stores with a variety of free and paid comics.  
  • Capture – photo ops by dressing up and taking pictures with amazing local Cosplayers using our Green Screen.  
  • Engage – in activities like watching a 3D printer create characters and participating in crafting sessions.

Stay tuned as we unveil over 20 special guests and artists, a mix of familiar faces and intriguing newcomers.


Exhibitor, Vendor, or Presenter: Be a Part of Whitby FanCon 

Ready to showcase your creations, sell your swag, or steal the spotlight with your expertise? Choose your role at Whitby FanCon and join us for an unforgettable experience!


Showcase Your Creations 
Are you an artist or creator? Exhibit your work and share your passion with fellow enthusiasts. 
Apply to Exhibit!

Sell Your Swag 
Calling all comic bookstores, publishers, and local businesses! Let fans take home a piece of the excitement.
Get Your Booth!

Steal the Spotlight 
Bring your expertise, fun ideas, or geeky passions to life by hosting a program or panel.
Be the Star!

Jedi.

Ready to join the fun? Apply now and secure your spot at Whitby FanCon.  
 

Interested in volunteering for the event? Become a General Volunteer. Check out our Volunteer page for further information about joining our team.  

For any inquiries or if you require a more accessible version of this page, email outreach@whitbylibrary.ca


2023 Shatters Attendance Records!

Wow! Pow! Does Whitby love all things cosplay, comics, and fandom fun. This year’s Whitby Comic Arts Festival shattered attendance records with well over five hundred people visiting the Central Library. Kids flocked to Star Wars Storytime while the Superhero craft room was buzzing with excited creative energy. 

A fan favourite was the Cosplay Green Screen! It was a chance to channel a fan’s inner marvel character, villain, or Pokémon. You’ve never seen so many capes! Families poured into the afternoon session called "Create Your Own Hero or Villain" where everyone shared stories about their favourite characters.  Crayons and coloured pencils were in demand as kids tried their hand at comic strips!

The Beginners Guide to Cosplay was also a massive hit with celebrity guests Shampoo Boots and Sailor Serenity stealing the show. Beginners received a crash course in this popular trend involving dressing up and acting like a favourite character from pop culture. 

Cos Play.

As for the comic scavenger hunt, an enthusiastic 10-year-old proudly showed his dad the completed tracker declaring “I nailed it!”.

A big shout-out to all our amazing vendors and partners who made this year one for the record books. We can’t wait for next year!

2023 Special Guests

J torres.

J. Torres is a Filipino Canadian comic book writer whose credits include Teen Titans Go, Batman: Knightwatch, and Adventure Comics for the DC Kids channel on YouTube. His award-winning graphic novels for younger readers include Brobots, How to Spot a Sasquatch, Lola: A Ghost Story, Planet Hockey, and Stealing Home. He’s also written comics for the Archies, Avatar: The Last Airbender, Black Panther, Degrassi, Rick & Morty, Simpsons, X-Men, and many more.


Collins.

Dan Collins has written for Archie Comics and contributed to Chapterhouse’s 2019 Free Comic Book Day Captain Canuck issue. Other notable works with Chapterhouse include the all-ages Captain Canuck comic, Canuck Adventures as well as The Canadian Sentinel, an Alt Right Nazi-punching character he created that is published in the True Patriot Presents anthology series. When he’s not writing comics, he’s talking about comics on the Hey Kids Comics Radio Show available on iTunes and Google Play.


Pfeiffer.

Elisabeth Pfeiffer is currently working on her PhD in comics studies and has her masters in English Literature/Public texts (comics studies) from Trent University, where her thesis was on Bitch Planet (2014). She will be teaching the new “Deconstructing Superheroes” course for the Faculty of Liberal Studies at Durham College beginning this fall.


Sirenity.

Known for her portrayal of magical girls, Sailor Sirenity is a local competitive cosplayer who won Best in Show (Artisan) at Niagara Falls Comic Con 2022 and competed at Fan Expo 2023.


Shampoo.

Shampoo Boots is an Artisan level cosplayer who has been recognized for her award-winning workmanship. She enjoys the challenge of turning a 2D character into a wearable garment and learning and executing new techniques with each costume build.