Star-studded Montreal Comiccon returns after two-year pandemic absence

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Jason Rockman is thrilled that A Clockwork Orange star Malcolm McDowell and Kids in the Hall member Dave Foley will be guests of honor at this year’s Montreal Comiccon, the first edition of the comic-book, sci-fi and fantasy fan convention since 2019.

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But mostly Rockman — the CHOM host and Montreal Comiccon spokesperson — is just happy that the popular event will be happening at all after being canceled for two years because of the COVID-19 pandemic. It takes place July 8-10 at the Palais des congrès.

“There are always things I get personally excited about,” Rockman said in an interview after the virtual press conference Tuesday unveiling the programming. “I’m really excited about Dave Foley coming. He’s Canadian TV royalty. He’s a trailblazer when it comes to comedy so I think having him is great. Obviously Malcolm McDowell, that goes without saying. I’ve had the chance to meet Malcolm before, in Ottawa, and he’s a wonderful guy. I have so many stories.”

But he said the most exciting thing is the event coming back after a two-year hiatus.

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The 2022 guest list also includes James Marsters (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Smallville), Matthew Lewis and Bonnie Wright from the Harry Potter film series, Jim Beaver (Supernatural, Deadwood), Laz Alonso (The Boys, Avatar), Jessie T. Usher (The Boys, Shaft), Bruce Boxleitner (Tron, Babylon 5), and Elias Toufexis (Deus Ex: Human Revolution). All will be available to meet fans, sign autographs and participate in public panel discussions.

There will also be a number of comic-book creators, including Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles co-creator Kevin Eastman; Peter David, who has written more than 40 Star Trek novels; and comic-book writer Jim Zub (Avengers, Thunderbolts).

The event usually attracts around 60,000 people. Some of course come dressed-up as their favorite characters but Rockman says that’s at best maybe five or 10 per cent of the attendees. Most are just there as fans to see up-close and personal their favorite celebrities. There will be workshops, cinematic concerts, board-game tournaments, cosplay games, and body-painting events, including several with body-painting artist Alexandra Bastien. There will also be customing fan groups participating.

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And it’s not just about comic books, sci-fi and fantasy, adds Rockman.

“It’s a celebration of pop culture. Especially over the last 25 or 30 years, pop culture has just exploded. (In the past) some of the things we were fans of weren’t at the forefront of the media the way they are now. If you were a fan of The Hobbit or reading the Lord of the Rings books or some of the great comic books, nothing existed except for fringe (coverage) … it didn’t occupy space like it does now.

“It’s kind of like the golden age of pop culture right now for us nerds. So it doesn’t surprise me that these events are becoming more and more popular. That’s why we’re seeing these events popping up in every nook and cranny all over the planet.

“I think it’s just because people feel the need to get together and celebrate these things with like-minded people. It’s kind of like going to a concert and seeing a band that you like or having a fan club. It’s like back when the Beatles were popular, there was the Beatles fan club. It was Beatlemania. I think what we’re going through now is pop-culture-mania and people love celebrating this stuff. Having that accessibility to stars, getting to be able to meet them, to get an autograph and picture, all of that comes into play. That’s what makes these events very popular.”

For more info, visit: montrealcomiccon.com