Fan Expo 2025 was one to remember. It took place at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre from August 21-24. The A-list celebrity lineup included Tom Welling, Dante Basco, Michael J. Fox, and Hailee Steinfeld. At Fan Expo, I celebrated my favourite fandoms by getting a photo-op with the most iconic Clark Kent and Lois Lane, AKA Tom Welling and Erica Durance of Smallville. I also got an autograph from Michaela Jill Murphy who played Toph in Avatar: The Last Airbender. Read on for my Fan Expo adventure!
My first destination was the bustling Artists Alley, filled with vendors such as comics, posters, and merchandise. I was captivated by the creative process behind all the intricate designs. Gillian Newland creates illustrations which are her interpretations of pop culture, such as Star Wars and Avatar. Newland also displayed original pieces. Her artistic process working with traditional mediums such as water colour wash, or pen and ink, ranges between 60 to 100 hours from initial sketch to final product. Feel free to check out Newland’s work on Instagram @gilliannewland or her website gilliannewland.com.
Another booth that captured my attention was handmade jewellery by the artist @wireprincess on Instagram. The passion for wire crafting was inspired by the advertisement for the Vera Wang Princess perfume. The collection started with crowns and wands, and there are also bridal accessories such as hairpins and jewelry. One of the most popular pieces are the elf ears. I loved the variety of items showcased.
A full-circle moment for me was meeting Michaela Jill Murphy who played Toph in Avatar: The Last Airbender. Toph is one of my favourite characters as I love the authentic representation of blindness in this show. Some disability portrayals in film and TV depict blind characters as weak and dependant, with the prospective of sympathy and pity from others. However, Toph is a powerful independent earth-bender who loves telling sassy blind jokes and does not take “no” for an answer. She is also a hero in her own right. As a blind woman myself, it was an honour to share with Murphy how much I enjoyed her portrayal of Toph, and how the character resonates with me. Murphy is sighted and she is a major ally to the disability community. For my autograph she signed a print with braille on it. I love how the braille is tactile and not just part of the visual design. Murphy was kind and bubbly and her positive energy was contagious. I could hear the smile in her voice the whole time we were chatting!
I also experienced actor panels for both Avatar and Smallville. A highlight from the Avatar Q&A was when Dante Basco talked about what he learned from his character Zuko’s redemption arc, mentioning how Zuko’s storyline of learning how to be “good” still resonates with him today. My favourite part of the Smallville panel was when the cast reflected on working with one of my favourite actors Jensen Ackles. Ackles was a guest star in Smallville, however, I know him from the show Supernatural. On working with Ackles, the Smallville cast praised him for always being prepared.
Fan expo was a 10/10 experience. I loved the variety of guests, and how all the staff were welcoming and helpful. The fandom communities are unique and special bringing people together for all walks of life.