Fans young and old come out in costume for Fan Expo Vancouver

Fan expo is underway in Vancouver this weekend, offering thousands of fans a chance to buy memorabilia and meet actors from their favourite films and series.

For some, it's an opportunity to get dressed up and have some fun.

For others, it's a chance to buy memorabilia, art and DVDsspecializing in comics, sci-fi, horror, animeand gaming from the dozens of vendors.

Fan Expo Vancouver also offers the chance to meet actors and other celebrities associated with shows and movies.

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According to the expo website, there will also bea cosplay panel, "delving into everything cosplay related from construction questions to modelling queries and anything in between."

Of the thousands of people attending Fan Expo at the Vancouver Convention Centre this weekend, more than a handful had mini-fans in tow.

For many people, theevent is about more than comics and costumes. According to one attendee, it's about finding a sense of comfort with like-minded people.