MELISSA WHITLER
Melissa@DallasVoice.com
FanExpo Dallas filled up the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center with thousands of excited fans of all ages earlier this month for a con featuring a host of celebrities, including the stars of Back to The Future, Hazbin Hotel and Avatar: The Last Airbender, actors Orlando Bloom and Priscilla Presley, as well as wrestlers John Cena and Mr. T.
The con filled three floors of the convention center, with representation from fans of all generations. Many seasoned fans were there to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Back to the Future while the children had access dedicated activities and spaces where they could to hang out, make friendship bracelets and play video games.
This year also marks 20 years since the Avatar: The Last Airbender TV series first aired. Five members of the main cast traveled to Dallas for FanExpo, including Michaela Jill Murphy, voice of earthbender Toph.
Murphy was 11 years old when she accepted the role, and, she said, it wasn’t until the show was added to the Netflix lineup that she realized how much it resonated with people. Since Avatar ended in 2008, Murphy has had other acting gigs, including live theater. She has also started a YouTube channel, and she came out as bisexual. She said that with the beginning of Pride month, she tries “to be an advocate every day. Every day is Pride day for me.”
“I feel like the most helpful thing I can do is try to normalize love anytime I’m around people who aren’t as open minded,” Murphy explained.
Dedicated fans, quality vendors
What is most impressive about these conventions is the dedication of fans. Attendees create elaborate cosplays of their favorite characters that include clothing, props and detailed make up. Guests at FanExpo Dallas were able to show off their creations on the cosplay red carpet all three days.
Part of the show floor was taken up by small creators selling almost any kind of fandom merch you can think of. Whether you’re looking for earrings, original art, crocheted items or 3D printed creations, there’s something for you. Some of these vendors are local entrepreneurs who take part in this convention every year, and others travel from quite a distance to attend.
The owner of Mad Max Minis said that FanExpo Dallas is one of most organized conventions he’s worked, and he has been attending for many years. His company specializes in creating inclusive miniatures for tabletop role-playing games like Dungeons and Dragons.
Many authors had their books for sale in the artist alley. Queer author Cody Wagner had copies of his trilogy, The Gay Teen’s Guide to Defeating a Siren.
FanExpo Dallas also featured a lot of comic creators including Phillip Kennedy Johnson, Charles Soule and Cully Hamner. Other programming included pet adoptions, a swap meet and book meet-ups.
— Photos by Melissa Whitler
Celebrity sightings
And any time you attend a con, there’s always the chance you’ll meet celebrities outside the convention walls. Comedian Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias drove to FanExpo from his new home in Texas, making a pit stop at Buc-ee’s along the way. He said he especially enjoys attending conventions in Texas because the people are so respectful and hospitable.
One consideration when attending FanExpo is that, in addition to the ticket fee, there are additional fees for celebrity photos and autographs, and many of the high-profile celebrity panels require extra fees, too.
For those interested in going next year, FanExpo Dallas will be held Sept. 11-13, 2026. Guests will be announced closer to the event, but it’s never too early to start planning.
