Fan Expo Dallas (previously known as Dallas Comic Con) is a popular culture convention focusing on comic books, movies, TV, and gaming. The three-day event, which gathers about 50,000 attendees, takes place at Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas. The inaugural comic con in Dallas was held in 2002 with about 5,000 participants.
Fan Expo Dallas features photo ops, autograph signings, panels, Q&A sessions, as well as a large dealers' room. Fans can meet comic book artists, writers, publishers, and favorite celebrity actors. Past guests of the convention included Christina Ricci, Sean Astin, Eric Basaldua, Elijah Wood, Alicia Silverstone, Dante Basco, Walter Koenig, Jae Lee, Zachary Levi, Justin Briner, Rodger Bumpass, Mori Calliope, Clifford Chapin, Luci Christian, Colleen Clinkenbeard, Kevin Conroy, Christina Dark, Sam de la Rosa, John Cleese, George Takei, Levar Burton, Stephen Amell, Katherine McNamara, Ben Lewis, Caity Lotz, Brandon Routh, Catherine Tate, Annabeth Gish, Sonequa Martin-Green, Felicia Day, Leslie David Baker, Brian Baumgartner, and Oscar Nuñez.
Artist Alley is a special area where illustrators and graphic artists showcase limited edition prints, original art, and sketches. Dozens of vendors also offer memorabilia, costumes, DVDs, videos, games, toys, and books.
Cosplay is always a big part of the convention. The Masters of Cosplay Grand Prix is a highly competitive and prestigious contest, while Cosplay Red Carpet is a casual costume showcase without pre-registration or stress. The convention runs from 4 to 9 pm on Friday, from 10 am to 7 pm on Saturday, and from 10 am to 5 pm on Sunday.
