Newly expanded FanCon returns to Whitby with authors and cosplayers galore

Whitby’s fan community is in for a pre-Halloween treat this weekend with the return of the newly expanded and renamed FanCon.

The local convention will be held at the Whitby Public Library on Saturday, Oct. 5 to celebrate cosplay, manga, anime, comic books, author signings and more.

The event was previously known as the Whitby Comics Art Festival. Last year, WhitCAF brought in a record-breaking 500 visitors. The Library has decided to double down on this success by expanding and rebranding the event for 2024.

The new event features a host of well-known GTA creators and cosplayers including;

• The Amazing Spider-Mandrew and Kelsey Crowe as Spider-Gwen
• The Brampton Batman
• Chibi Bara
• Dav Pilkey’s Dogman (set to make his big screen debut in January)
• Sailor Sirenity
• Shampoo Boots

Also set to appear are some of Canada’s acclaimed authors and artists such as;

• Scott Chantler, the two-time Eisner Award-nominated creator of Squire & Knight, Bix, and Two Generals
• Stephanie Cooke, writer of ParaNorthern, Oh My Gods, My Little Pony and Archie Comics
• Josh Rosen, cartoonist and illustrator
• Joel A. Sutherland, author of the Haunted Canada series
• Ted Staunton, the author of 40 novels from Port Hope
• J. Torres, a prolific Filipino Canadian comic book writer known for Teen Titans Go, Archie, Avatar, Black Panther and X-Men, as well as several of his own novels

“This year, we’ve expanded to the second floor of the Central Library, offering even more space for programs, exhibits, and activities. Plus, thanks to our partnership with the Downtown Whitby BIA, local businesses will be joining the festivities in Celebration Square,” the Library wrote, “Enjoy unique shopping opportunities, delicious food, and special deals from your favourite local spots, all while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of FanCon.”