8th edition of Montreal Comiccon kicks off this weekend

MONTREAL – Comiccon has become an annual tradition in Montreal and it’s back for its eighth edition at the Palais des Congrès, where thousands of fiction lovers are expected to congregate this weekend.

Comiccon has become a huge attraction, not just for science fiction lovers but for celebrities as well, said spokesperson Jason Rockman.

He said the event will be more inclusive than years past.

We have a really good representation of all aspects of pop culture. We got Darryl McDaniels from Run DMC, who is a rap legend and who is also a comic publisher,” said Rockman.

“If you’re a fan of Orange is the New Black, we’ve Kate Mulgrew who plays Red on the show. We have Ryan Hurst from Sons of Anarchy.”

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Montreal organizers also invited David Lloyd, the illustrator of V for Vendetta. Lloyd is the author who turned the mask of Guy Fawkes into an international symbol of civil disobedience.

“It’s amazing to me that something sort of sprung off the pages into real life,” he said.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "It's amazing to me that something sort of sprung off the pages into real life," he said.

“It could be used in any demonstration anywhere by people who actually feel aggrieved about something, and it helps them put a collective face to what they’re resisting.”

This year, Comiccon will be paying a special tribute to the Star Trek 50th anniversary.

WATCH BELOW: William Shatner signs Montreal Golden Book

1:07 Shatner signs Montreal’s Golden Book

Paul Forest, has been touring with Comiccon as Spock Vegas from Star Trek, has been raising funds for epilepsy research.

“The 50th anniversary is celebrated everywhere. This is my number 58 in a year and a half,” said Forest. “For me, it’s to give back. It’s for the fans.”

Fans at Comiccon will have the chance to take selfies, dress up as their favourite superhero and, most importantly, let their inner geek loose for a weekend.

“The idea is to be in a environment where people can express themselves. They dress up. They put time and money, and I think they feel at ease to be themselves.”

Comiccon is expected to attract 60,000 people this weekend.