So, you can’t go to San Diego for Comic-Con, eh. Well, here’s the next best thing! Fanboy Expo is returning to Knoxville this month with a host of fun-filled activities and opportunities for fans of pop culture. Science fiction, fantasy, horror and comic book/graphic novel fans will converge on the Knoxville Convention Center from May 30 to June 1 when Fanboy Expo takes over and brings to town some of the biggest names in fantasy television, comics and movies.
One of the key attractions to an event like this is the chance to meet a favorite actor, artist, or author, and get photos taken with them and/or autographs from them. Among those scheduled to appear at Fanboy Expo this year are “Firefly” actress Jewel Staite, “Napoleon Dynamite” stars Jon Heder and Efren Ramirez, “The Birds” actress Tippi Hedren, “Lord of the Rings” star Sean Astin, “Star Trek: The Next Generation” stars Jonathan Frakes and Marina Sirtis.
Jewel Staite is best known for her role as Kaylee Frye in the popular Joss Whedon’s series “Firefly” and the theatrical release Serenity. She has also starred as Dr. Jennifer Keller in “Stargate: Atlantis” as well as roles on “Flash Forward,” “Space Cases,” “Da Vinci’s Inquest,” “The L.A. Complex,” “Supernatural,” “The Listener” and many more.
Colin Cunningham is Pope on TNT’s “Falling Skies,” and has also appeared in “Stargate SG-1,” “Elektra,” “The Collector,” “Davinci’s Inquest,” “The X-Files,” and “Smallville.”
Star Trek” legend Leonard Nimoy will participate in a special questions-and-answers session via Skype on Saturday, May 31 at 3:00pm EDT. And while “Mr. Spock” will not be beaming in for the event in person, Nimoy will provide a number of autographs for those with the special fan package.
Events begin on Friday, May 30, at noon and run until 5 p.m. on Sunday, June 1. Prices for individual days start at $20 per day with weekend passes at $40 a person. VIP passes are $99 each and super VIP passes are $399 each, for those interested in getting even more involved. Children under ten get in free with an adult who has purchased a ticket. More at www.fanboyexpo.com
