One of the biggest draws each year is the incredible lineup of celebrity guests, and 2026 is shaping up to be one of the convention’s strongest yet. Fans can look forward to appearances from stars representing The Lord of the Rings, The Boys, Lost, Young Guns, and many more beloved franchises. Gaming fans won’t be left out either, with well-known voice actors and industry personalities scheduled to appear throughout the weekend for autograph sessions, photo opportunities, and live panels.

Beyond the celebrity guests, Dallas FAN EXPO offers something for virtually every corner of geek culture. The massive show floor features comic book publishers, artists, toy and collectible vendors, tabletop gaming, video game exhibitors, anime merchandise, cosplay accessories, and exclusive convention items. Whether you’re hunting for rare collectibles, commissioning artwork from your favorite comic creators, or discovering the latest indie games, there’s plenty to explore over the three-day event.

Cosplay remains one of the convention’s biggest attractions, with thousands of attendees bringing iconic characters to life. Visitors can expect elaborate costumes, cosplay meetups, contests, and endless opportunities for photos throughout the convention center. Even if you’re not dressing up yourself, it’s one of the most entertaining aspects of the weekend and a highlight for first-time attendees.

Special events also return in 2026, including unique premium experiences for select celebrity guests. Among the featured attractions is “An Evening with the Hobbits: In Celebration of 25 Years,” bringing together Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Dominic Monaghan, and Billy Boyd for a special reunion celebrating The Lord of the Rings. Additional VIP experiences, exclusive panels, autograph sessions, and photo opportunities are available throughout the weekend.

Whether you’re attending for celebrity meet-and-greets, comic creators, gaming, anime, cosplay, or simply to celebrate your favorite fandoms with thousands of like-minded fans, Dallas FAN EXPO continues to be one of the premier conventions in the Southwest. With three days packed full of entertainment, shopping, interactive experiences, and unforgettable moments, it’s an event that belongs on every fan’s calendar.

Dallas FAN EXPO 2026 takes place September 11–13 at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in downtown Dallas. Tickets are available now, with single-day, multi-day, family, and VIP options available for attendees planning their ultimate fan weekend.

The reunion lineup includes Emilio Estevez, Kiefer Sutherland, Charlie Sheen, Lou Diamond Phillips, Dermot Mulroney, and Casey Siemaszko. Nearly four decades after the film’s release, the actors behind Billy the Kid and the Lincoln County Regulators will come together to celebrate a movie that remains a beloved piece of 1980s pop culture.

Released in 1988, Young Guns offered a fresh take on the Western genre by blending action, humor, and a youthful cast of rising Hollywood stars. The film became a box-office success and developed a lasting cult following, eventually leading to a sequel and securing its place as one of the most memorable ensemble films of its era.

According to FAN EXPO HQ Vice President Andrew Moyes, the reunion represents the kind of special fan experience the convention strives to create. He noted that Young Guns captured the rebellious spirit of a generation and helped turn its cast into cultural icons. Bringing together so many members of the original cast nearly 40 years later is expected to attract fans from across the country.

Attendees can look forward to autograph sessions, professional photo opportunities, and special appearances focused on the legacy of the film and its continued popularity among movie fans. The event is expected to appeal both to longtime viewers who grew up with the film and younger audiences discovering it for the first time.

FAN EXPO Dallas 2026 runs from Friday, September 11 through Sunday, September 13, at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center. Show hours are 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, and 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday.

Advance single-day tickets begin at $33, while three-day passes start at $99. Ultimate packages begin at $139, while VIP packages have already sold out. Additional celebrity announcements, programming details, and ticket information are expected to be released in the coming months.

For more information, visit  FAN EXPO Dallas⁠.

]]> 44167 https://www.yogomi.com/2026/06/comicpalooza-2026-recap/ Sat, 06 Jun 2026 05:34:41 +0000 https://www.yogomi.com/?p=43554 A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to attend Comicpalooza 2026 as media representing Yogomi, and it was another fantastic weekend celebrating all things pop culture.

Held at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas, Comicpalooza once again proved why it remains one of the largest and most anticipated fan conventions in the state. From the moment attendees entered the convention center, there was a sense of excitement that carried throughout the entire weekend.

One of the most impressive aspects of the event was the size of the main exhibit hall. The massive floor was packed with vendors, artists, celebrity autograph areas, vehicle displays, and fan attractions. Even after spending several hours exploring, it felt impossible to see everything in a single day. The sheer scale of the convention offered something for every type of fan.

The celebrity guest lineup was easily one of the biggest draws of the weekend. Fans had the opportunity to meet stars from some of the most beloved franchises in entertainment. Guests included Laurence Fishburne from The Matrix and John Wick, Vincent D’Onofrio and Krysten Ritter from Marvel’s Daredevil universe, Wilson Bethel from Daredevil: Born Again, Joe Pantoliano from The Sopranos and The Matrix, Edward James Olmos from Battlestar Galactica and Blade Runner, Esai Morales from Mission: Impossible, Lou Ferrigno from The Incredible Hulk, Pam Grier, Mark Dacascos, and even Steve Burns from Blue’s Clues.

Gaming fans were also treated to appearances by several iconic voices from the Halo franchise, including Steve Downes, the voice of Master Chief, Jen Taylor, the voice of Cortana, announcer Jeff Steitzer, and composer Marty O’Donnell. It was exciting to see such a diverse group of guests representing film, television, and video games all under one roof.

Another highlight was the collection of vehicles on display throughout the convention. Fans gathered around detailed replicas and custom-built cars inspired by popular movies, television series, and comics. These displays quickly became some of the most photographed attractions at the event.

The vendor hall was equally impressive. Hundreds of vendors offered everything from comics and collectibles to artwork, apparel, toys, games, and handmade merchandise. Independent artists showcased incredible talent, while collectors had plenty of opportunities to find unique and hard-to-find items.

Of course, Comicpalooza would not be complete without its incredible cosplay community. Everywhere you looked, fans were dressed as characters from movies, television shows, anime, comics, and video games. The creativity and craftsmanship on display were remarkable, helping bring the convention floor to life and creating a welcoming atmosphere for attendees of all ages.

The only thing that tried to slow the weekend down was the weather. Heavy rain moved through Houston during the convention, making travel a little more challenging for attendees. Fortunately, once inside the convention center, the fun continued uninterrupted as fans enjoyed everything Comicpalooza had to offer.

Despite the rainy conditions, Comicpalooza 2026 delivered an outstanding experience. The combination of celebrity guests, vendors, cosplay, vehicle displays, and a passionate fan community made for a memorable weekend from start to finish.

A special thank you goes out to Comicpalooza for welcoming Yogomi as media and allowing us to cover the event. We greatly appreciate the opportunity and look forward to sharing these experiences with our readers.

After another successful year, I am already looking forward to returning to Comicpalooza next year.

Since its debut in 2020, the event has grown into one of the largest indie-focused digital showcases, amassing more than 100 million total views across its broadcasts. This year’s presentation will stream live on April 25 at 2:00 AM PST / 5:00 AM EST / 18:00 JST across multiple platforms including YouTube, Twitch, X Live, Niconico, Bilibili, and TikTok.

As usual, the showcase will feature world premieres, major updates, and fresh announcements from indie developers and publishers worldwide. One of the show’s staples, the rapid-fire INDIE Waves segment, returns this year with sponsorship from Cygames, known for titles like Uma Musume Pretty Derby: Party Dash. The segment alone will highlight around 160 indie projects.

Among the titles confirmed to appear are several highly anticipated indie releases, including:

• .45 Parabellum Bloodhound – a lo-fi cyberpunk action RPG from Sukeban Games

• moorestech – an automation-simulation RPG hybrid developed by Japan’s sakastudios

• No Mortal Space – a sci-fi sandbox RPG from Stellia Games

• The Second Reality Room: Unspoken Truths – a reality-bending narrative experience from Shadow Glove and publisher FINE Co., Ltd.

• Magical Princess – inspired by the classic magical board game series and developed by Neotro Inc. with publishing from MAGI Inc.

• SHIKA‑Q from AGNI‑FLARE CO., LTD

• WELL DWELLER created by Kyle Thompson and published by Top Hat Studios Inc.

• Pain Pain Go Away! from developer Lorebard

• Yunyun Syndrome!? Rhythm Psychosis from Alliance Arts and developer WHO YOU

And that’s just a small slice of what’s planned for the showcase.

This year’s event also set a new milestone for submissions, with more than 1,100 indie projects submitted for consideration—making it one of the largest lineups ever featured in a single INDIE Live Expo presentation.

The English broadcast will once again be hosted by returning emcees J‑mon and Kaori Horiuchi.

With hundreds of indie games lined up and plenty of new reveals on the way, this year’s INDIE Live Expo looks set to deliver one of the biggest indie showcases of the year.

Leading the newly announced speakers is Christofer Sundberg, creator of Samson and CEO of Liquid Swords. Sundberg will deliver a candid talk titled “No Safe Answers: Christofer Sundberg on the Games Industry,” where he plans to discuss the realities of development, leadership, creative risks, and lessons learned from both successes and failures throughout his career.

Voice Acting Spotlight

The event will also feature a special panel focused on voice acting. David Bateson—best known as the voice and likeness of Agent 47 in the Hitman series—will join Magnus Bruun for a discussion about the craft of performance in games and other media. Bruun’s credits include roles in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla and Call of Duty, along with appearances in shows like The Last Kingdom and Black Mirror. The panel will be moderated by Thomas Bense from PixelTV.

From Indie Dreams to Long-Term Success

Another session will highlight the long creative journey behind the Planet of Lana series. Developers Adam Stjärnljus and Klas Eriksson from Wishfully will present a talk titled “Planet of Lana – 30 Years in the Making.” The pair will reflect on how the project evolved from early ideas in the 1990s into the modern indie hit and what it takes to stay committed to a vision over decades.

Experimental Design and Player-Focused Development

The lineup also includes Trine Laier from Those Eyes, who will present “Dig, Bite, Bake and Decapitate – Inverse Mechanics in Real Vampires.” Her talk will explore how flipping familiar gameplay mechanics can create fresh experiences and unexpected emotional connections with players. The session will be followed by a workshop co-hosted with Julia Mirny, art director at the studio.

Rounding out the latest speaker announcements are Amanda Gardfors Granberg, design lead at Windup Games, and the studio’s head Alexander Benitez. Their presentation will focus on building meaningful gameplay loops and creating player-first experiences driven by emotional storytelling.

A Major Gathering for the Nordic Games Industry

With the call for speakers now closed, the full program for Nordic Game Spring 2026 is continuing to take shape. The event is expected to welcome more than 3,000 attendees, including developers, publishers, investors, and students from across Europe and beyond.

Alongside its speaker sessions, the conference will also feature more than 100 indie games in its Showcase Hall, as well as masterclasses, pitching events, and networking opportunities designed to connect the Nordic games scene with the wider global industry.

More speakers and program details will be revealed in the coming weeks as the conference approaches.

Among the games featured is Case Solved: The London Files, a noir-inspired mystery that takes players into the darker corners of the city. Acting as a detective, players gather clues, analyze witness statements, and use logic-based puzzle solving to unravel a series of murders.

For those looking to venture beyond the streets of London, Witchspire offers a magical open-world adventure. Players take to the skies on broomsticks as they explore a corrupted world filled with secrets. The game supports multiplayer co-op, allowing friends to explore, craft, and build alongside a group of helpful familiars.

Speed-focused players can jump into Echobreaker, a lightning-fast precision platformer from Upstream Arcade. In the game, players pilot an armored rig through intense test courses designed to simulate high-pressure combat decisions, where quick reactions are the key to survival.

A very different kind of challenge appears in REMOTE CONTROL, a sci-fi horror experience centered around typing mechanics. Players send human proxies aboard a mysterious derelict spaceship to uncover what happened to its vanished crew—often at great risk to those sent inside.

Rounding out the lineup is OUTCLAW, a relaxed creature-collecting adventure set among the stars. Players guide the lost protagonist Comet while commanding a group of mischievous but lovable minions. Blending puzzle-solving with exploration, the game focuses on themes of found family and discovery.

Visitors attending the London Games Festival showcase will be able to try these games firsthand and see what the next wave of indie developers has been working on.

Attendees can expect hands-on access to the latest gear and experiences from industry heavyweights including Asetek SimSports, eNASCAR, Fanatec, Giants Software, iRacing, and Thrustmaster, with more partners set to be revealed in the coming months.

A Global SimRacing Hub Comes Stateside

Over the past 11 years, SimRacing Expo has grown into a global centerpiece for the SimRacing community, drawing over 24,000 visitors to its 2025 event in Dortmund. Now, the Charlotte edition promises to be the show’s most ambitious yet, featuring a multi-day stage program packed with announcements, reveals, and live activities.

Visitors can look forward to:

• Playtesting cutting-edge SimRacing hardware and software

• Experiencing professional-grade simulator rigs

• Seeing legendary race cars up close

• Meeting real-world drivers, teams, and top SimRacing creators

• Connecting with fans from across the global SimRacing scene

The Golden Ticket Experience

For fans looking to go all-in, the Golden Ticket offers a premium motorsport weekend. Limited to just 500 tickets, this package includes:

• Full weekend access to SimRacing Expo

• Entry to the NASCAR Hall of Fame on a selected day

• A pre-race Track Pass and Turn 4 seating for the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 24

Golden Tickets are priced at $299, while standard expo tickets start at $29, with discounted options available for students, seniors, and attendees with disabilities.

According to SimRacing Expo CEO Michael Wamser, this is only the beginning: more exhibitors, guests, and surprises will be announced as the event draws closer.

Tickets are available now via the official SimRacing Expo ticketing site, and you can stay up to date on announcements by following the event at simracingexpo.com.

If you’re passionate about SimRacing, motorsport, or both, this is shaping up to be a must-attend event for 2026.

The expo halls were packed to the brim! Big names like Nintendo, Capcom, Bandai Namco, and Larian were showing off their latest games, but the indie side was just as strong. The PAX Rising Showcase had a ton of creative new games to check out. There was also the PAX Arena for competitive matches, tons of tabletop and handheld freeplay areas, and the PAX Together space that celebrated queer and intersectional gamers with community-focused events.

The Omegathon was quite a show. The last round was a Mario Kart World Grand Prix with neither of the finalists ever having played before! Prof. Pine from Shoreline, WA, pulled off the win and got free admission to any PAX event of his choosing. All the Omegathon matches raised money for Child’s Play, a charity that brings games and consoles to kids in hospitals.

I really enjoy PAX; it’s my favorite convention. I love both PAX West and PAX East. I wish they’d bring back South, but for now, these two are perfect. Even the Enforcers (the PAX staff) were super helpful and friendly, making sure everyone got where they needed to go.

In summary, PAX West 2025 was pretty sweet – big reveals, indie gems, competitive showdowns, live concerts, charity work, and that one-of-a-kind gaming convention feel that I’ve yet to see another match.

Enjoy the photos and see you at PAX East 2026!

Announced today by co-show organizers ReedPop and Penny Arcade, this year’s event is shaping up to be one of the most packed and diverse yet. Joining the industry giants are Gearbox, Escape From Tarkov, Arc System Works, Wizards of the Coast, Pearl Abyss (Crimson Desert), Larian Studios, and The Behemoth—just to name a few.

Indies, Tabletop, Hardware & More

It’s not all AAA, either. Indie favorites like Ysbryd Games, Limited Run Games, and System Era will be back to showcase their upcoming titles. Tabletop and analog fans can look forward to Dice Throne, Cephalofair (Gloomhaven), and Chooseco (Choose Your Own Adventure), while the PAX Rising Showcase returns with a spotlight on the next wave of indie hits.

Need new gear? Dozens of hardware companies will be there with hands-on demos, and if shopping’s your thing, the merch and retro game vendors will keep your bag full.

The PAX Arena will once again be the hub of competitive gaming all weekend long, featuring everything from chaotic community events like Stream Stars to high-stakes matches in Almost Pro.

PAX Prime, Reborn?

“With a roster this stacked, it calls to mind an ancient name—a name of power,” said Jerry Holkins, co-founder of PAX and Penny Arcade. “PAX Prime has returned.”

While the full schedule of panels, concerts, and guests is still to come, badge info is live now:

• 4-Day Badge – $255

• Single-Day (Sat) – $70

• Single-Day (Fri/Sun) – $68.50

• Single-Day (Mon) – $66

• BYOC Badge – $50

Press and content creators still have time to apply for media credentials, with the deadline set for Thursday, July 31 at 11:59 PM PDT.

For travel details, event schedules, FAQs, and more, head over to the official PAX West site and follow PAX on all major platforms.

Yogomi attends both PAX East and PAX West and I will be at PAX West 2025! If you happen to see me or see the logo, stop me and I’ll give you a free Yogomi pin!

Capcom Brings the Heat

Capcom is making a big return to the PAX West stage with a feature panel titled “CAPCOM PRESENTS – Resident Evil, Pragmata, Onimusha, and Monster Hunter” happening on Sunday, August 31. Whether you’re hunting monsters, surviving biohazards, or still holding out hope for Pragmata, this panel promises updates and maybe even some surprises.’

Music Takes Center Stage

Gaming and music collide once again with the return of fan-favorite concerts. Here’s the lineup so far:

Friday, Aug. 29 – A double bill kicks off the weekend:

• MC Frontalot, nerdcore’s original rap icon

• Bit Brigade, performing the Mega Man X soundtrack live while speedrunning the game on stage

Sunday, Aug. 31 – The PAX West debut of:

• Dom Palombi’s Game Night! – A video game music experience that time-travels through iconic soundtracks with a jazz fusion twist

Expect more musical announcements soon, but if past PAX events are anything to go by, these shows will pack the Main Theater.

Panel Submissions Still Open

Have an idea for a panel? Submissions for fan and industry content are open until Friday, June 20 at 5:00 PM PT. Now’s your shot to get involved and be part of the show.

Badge Info

PAX West 2025 badges are on sale now:

• 4-Day Badge: $255

• Friday or Sunday: $68.50

• Saturday: $70

• Monday: $66

• BYOC Badge: $50 (Bring Your Own Computer for LAN play and BYOC-exclusive perks)

About PAX

For those new to the scene, PAX (Penny Arcade Expo) isn’t just a convention—it’s a celebration of gaming culture that brings fans and devs together in the same space. From AAA publishers and indie gems to cosplay, panels, and LAN parties, PAX West remains one of the largest and most anticipated gaming events in North America.

Expect more announcements to drop in the coming weeks as we get closer to PAX West 2025. Until then, mark your calendars, grab your badges, and get ready for a weekend full of games, community, and epic music moments.