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THE ULTIMATE FANDOM NEWSLETTER

Next release: July 11 | 4 PM EDT

The FHQ

FAN EXPO Cleveland 2025

MEETING YOUR HEROES

Jared Padalecki, wearing a gray beanie and dark button-up shirt over a black tee, smiles warmly while chatting with two fans at his table. One fan has long red hair and a black t-shirt, while the other, partially visible, wears glasses and a leather bandolier prop across his chest. Jared’s name is displayed in bold white text on an orange banner behind him, with the FAN EXPO logo on the background wall.
David Tennant, wearing a light blue zip-up jacket with dark stripes and glasses, enthusiastically shakes hands with a fan in a black-and-white plaid hoodie. David’s short hair is styled upward and he’s grinning widely. A Starbucks coffee cup and markers sit on his table, and behind him is a red and black banner with his name and a photo of him with a serious expression. Other attendees and staff can be seen in the background at neighboring autograph tables.
Charlie Cox, wearing a blue button-up shirt and sporting short brown hair and a trimmed beard, smiles warmly as he shakes hands with a fan across the autograph table. The fan, seen from behind, wears a black baseball cap, glasses, a silver chain, and a white long-sleeve shirt featuring a black illustration of Star-Lord on the back. The table holds water bottles, pens, and Funko Pop boxes. Behind Charlie is a bold red-and-black banner with his name and an image of him as Daredevil, set against a black FAN EXPO backdrop.
Grant Gustin, wearing black-framed glasses and a black sweater, gestures with a red Sharpie while smiling and talking to a young fan in a bright yellow shirt. He holds a Flash Funko Pop figure box. Grant's dark hair is slightly tousled, and he’s seated at a white table with another staff member in a black hoodie beside him. The FAN EXPO banner behind him features his name and photo with tousled hair and a thoughtful look.
Troy Baker stands behind his autograph table wearing a multicolored striped sweater, dark-rimmed glasses, and bracelets on both wrists. He smiles at a fan in a brown plaid flannel shirt and glasses, who is standing across from him. Troy’s hair is styled up in a spiky fashion and his trimmed beard matches the rugged portrait of him on the banner above, which reads “Troy Baker” in bold white letters on orange and black. The FAN EXPO background features repeated logos.
James and Oliver Phelps, both wearing black hoodies and jeans, smile while posing with a cosplayer dressed as Loki—complete with green and black robes, golden horns, and a staff. They stand close together on the red carpet of the FAN EXPO autograph area. Another attendee in a yellow shirt holds up a phone to snap a picture. Behind them is a banner for Alexander Calvert, and several fans wait in line along the back wall.
Felicia Day, wearing a black and white floral jumpsuit with short sleeves and auburn hair styled in loose waves, smiles with her arm around a fan. The fan wears a gray zip-up hoodie and a black shirt with a ‘Gizmoplex’ graphic. They stand in front of Felicia’s table, which is marked with her name and a photo of her smiling brightly. Brandon Routh’s nearby banner is also visible in the background, along with FAN EXPO signage.
An excited fan in a black Supernatural hoodie with curly dark hair poses for a selfie with DJ Qualls wearing a black hoodie and red flannel shirt. The actor holds the phone high and grins as they both smile for the shot. The FAN EXPO show floor is bustling behind them, with other fans walking and chatting. A woman in a Supernatural shirt walks by holding her phone, while others in the background wait in lines near the Celebrity Autograph area.
Mark Sheppard, in a black t-shirt with gold lettering and colorful sleeve tattoos, laughs while speaking to a couple at his autograph table. The couple wears FAN EXPO VIP badges; the woman has platinum blonde hair and purple nails, wearing camouflage and glasses, while the man wears a black jacket. The table is filled with glossy 8x10 photos from Supernatural. Behind Mark is a banner with Jared Padalecki’s name, and other fans line up along the autograph area.

PHENOMENAL PANELS

CELEB-RATIONS

A humorous moment onstage between Mark Sheppard and Jared Padalecki. On the left, Mark Sheppard, with short hair, glasses, and colorful tattoos laughs while reclining in his chair, holding a FAN EXPO mic. He wears a black sweatshirt with white gothic lettering. On the right, Jared Padalecki gestures with one hand while holding a mic in the other, dressed in black with his signature long hair and beard. The FAN EXPO backdrop emphasizes fan unity and hero themes.
David Tennant, wearing glasses and a light blue zip-up jacket with black stripes, smiles as he looks to the side during a panel. He holds a microphone in one hand and leans forward slightly in his director’s chair. The wall behind him features FAN EXPO’s signature black-and-white branding with repeated phrases.
Charlie Cox sits onstage holding a microphone with a bright, cheerful smile. He wears a blue pinstriped button-up shirt with the sleeves rolled up and dark pants. A small tattoo is visible on his forearm. He gestures casually with one hand as he speaks. The background is filled with FAN EXPO logos and taglines.
Danielle Panabaker, with long, light brown hair sits on stage holding a FAN EXPO-branded microphone. She wears a beige sweater and a brown plaid blazer with dark jeans, seated in a director’s chair. Behind her, the black wall features bold white text repeating “FAN EXPO,” “FOR THE FANS,” and “UNITED BY FANDOM.”
Michael Rosenbaum sits behind a panel table at FAN EXPO, mid-laugh as he holds a FAN EXPO-branded microphone in his right hand. He’s wearing amber-tinted glasses, a dark button-up shirt over a graphic tee, and appears relaxed and animated while speaking. In front of him on the table are a water bottle and a can of Diet Coke. The backdrop behind him features repeated phrases like “FAN EXPO,” “UNITED BY FANDOM,” and “NOT ALL HEROES WEAR CAPES” in bold, monochrome text.
Twin actors James and Oliver Phelps sit in director’s chairs mid-conversation, laughing with microphones in hand. The man on the left wears a maroon and navy striped sweater and gray pants, leaning forward with a wide grin. The man on the right wears a navy t-shirt with a small chest graphic and jeans, smiling back. The FAN EXPO panel wall behind them is covered in repeated phrases about fandom and heroes.
Adam Savage, with light skin, glasses, a trimmed white beard, and a tan wide-brimmed hat holds a microphone and smiles while speaking to the audience. He wears a black t-shirt with white script across the front. The FAN EXPO panel backdrop behind him includes phrases like “United by Fandom” and “Not All Heroes Wear Capes.”
Giancarlo Esposito, with short gray hair sits in a director’s chair mid-sentence, smiling while holding a FAN EXPO mic. He wears black-rimmed glasses, a black jacket, black shirt, and a silver watch. His hand is raised slightly as he gestures expressively. The panel wall behind him features the FAN EXPO logo and fan slogans.
A panel of five Supernatural cast members sit onstage in director’s chairs during a group discussion. From left to right: Mark Pellegrino in a tan hat and glasses with a backpack in his lap, Alexander Calvert in a black hoodie and beanie sipping from a cup, DJ Qualls in dark glasses and black jacket speaking into a mic, Ruth Connell with long red hair wearing a pink and black top and burgundy pants, and Samantha Smith in a gray top holding a white mug. The stage is set against a bold black-and-white FAN EXPO backdrop.

VICTORIOUS VOICES

Kyle Hebert, with a white goatee and kind expression, speaks into a microphone at a FAN EXPO panel. He wears a white baseball-style jersey over an orange shirt with a FAN EXPO lanyard around his neck. He gestures slightly with his hands as he speaks, and a water bottle sits on the table beside him.
Dante Basco, Michaela Jill Murphy, and Grey DeLisle sit in director’s chairs on stage at FAN EXPO. On the left, Dante is wearing a red-and-black plaid button-down shirt and dark jeans and speaks into a microphone. In the center, Michaela has long, straight brown hair, holds a black-and-white dog on her lap, wearing a green long-sleeve shirt and dark cargo pants with olive green platform boots. On the right, Grey DeLisle is in a flowing red-and-gold fantasy-style costume, smiling at the others. The FAN EXPO step-and-repeat banner fills the background behind them.
Blake Roman, with short, tousled brown hair sits in a director’s chair, smiling brightly and holding a FAN EXPO microphone in his right hand while gesturing with his left. He wears a black graphic t-shirt with the words “Princess of Feral Cats” and a colorful cartoon design, along with light blue jeans. He’s accessorized with several colorful beaded bracelets. The FAN EXPO step-and-repeat backdrop reads “UNITED BY FANDOM” and “NOT ALL HEROES WEAR CAPES” in various styles behind him.
Aidan Scott, with short, light brown hair enthusiastically reaches out to high-five a woman seated across from him. He’s grinning wide, wearing a black Adidas shirt and a bright orange FAN EXPO lanyard. The woman, partially turned away from the camera, has long black hair and wears black sunglasses pushed up on her head along with a black outfit. They're sitting behind microphones at a panel table, mid-laugh.
George Newbern, with short, graying hair and a bright smile laughs while turning to his left. He’s seated at a panel table, wearing a royal blue, patterned button-down shirt and an orange FAN EXPO lanyard. A half-full water bottle and a FAN EXPO mic rest on the table in front of him. The background features a repeating FAN EXP
Stephanie Young and a female panelist sit at a panel table mid-laugh. On the left is Stephanie Young with long, wavy brown hair wears a gold and black varsity-style jacket over a purple top, sitting behind a microphone and water bottle. On the right, the female panelist has jet-black hair styled with bangs and sunglasses pushed up on her head leans over dramatically with a big smile, wearing a black outfit. They sit in front of a FAN EXPO branded wall.
Brittney Karbowski, with medium-length, light brown hair sits at a panel table with her hands folded in front of her. She wears a pink-and-black tweed jacket and gold hoop earrings, with subtle makeup and soft waves in her hair. A FAN EXPO microphone rests in front of her on the table, along with a water bottle just out of frame. The background reads “FOR THE FANS” and “NEXT LEVEL OF POP CULTURE.”
Mallorie Rodak, wearing a black wide-brimmed hat and round glasses smiles enthusiastically while speaking into a microphone. She wears a black faux leather jacket over a black shirt with an anime-style character on the front. Her hair is pulled back into two low buns. She sits at a panel table in front of a FAN EXPO step-and-repeat backdrop.
Leah Clark , with long, black hair styled in glamorous waves and bold makeup sits besides Chris Wehkamp in a plaid button-down shirt. Both are smiling warmly while holding FAN EXPO microphones at a panel table. Leah wears a black top and hoop earrings and leans slightly on her hand. The background is covered with bold phrases like “THE WAIT IS FINALLY OVER” and “THE NEXT LEVEL OF POP CULTURE.”

CRAFTY COSPLAY

COSPLAY RED CARPET

Two cosplayers pose back-to-back on the red carpet. One wears a light trench coat, vest, and slacks, resembling Aziraphale from Good Omens. The other, dressed in black with sunglasses and platform boots, channels Crowley from the same show.
A young cosplayer strikes a dynamic pose as Monkey D. Luffy from One Piece, crouched low with a determined look, straw hat in hand, and wearing Luffy’s signature red jacket and blue shorts.
A cosplayer dressed as Namor from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever stands confidently on the red carpet holding a tall, ornate spear and wearing a regal costume with gold accents and green shorts.
Three cosplayers in fantasy-inspired costumes pose with glowing lightsabers. Each is dressed as an original or mash-up Jedi character with detailed robes, armor, and accessories.
A child cosplayer salutes on the red carpet dressed in an Imperial officer uniform from Star Wars, complete with a black hat and white tunic with rank insignia.
A cosplayer smiles in a powerful pose as Temari from Naruto, holding her iconic giant fan and wearing the character’s lavender outfit with fishnet leggings.
A family cosplay group strikes a pose: one dressed as the Eleventh Doctor from Doctor Who with a baby TARDIS in a carrier, a child in a Dalek costume, and another adult in a detailed Weeping Angel costume.
A child cosplayer beams as Aang from Avatar: The Last Airbender, complete with a painted blue arrow on their head and stuffed animal Momo tucked under their arm.
A trio of cosplayers bring Call of Duty to life with military gear, tactical vests, and weapons. Two wear skull-face masks and pose in action-ready stances while the center figure stands stoically with arms crossed.

COSPLAY CRAFTSMANSHIP CUP

Two cosplayers dressed as Transformers-style robots pose on the convention floor—one in sleek black and silver armor, the other in yellow and black with a glowing cannon arm. Judges and other participants can be seen in the background.
A cosplayer in a humorous crossover costume—a "Hooters" uniform with a grotesque Clicker mask from The Last of Us—excitedly raises a “Judge’s Award” certificate in the air while a judge in glasses smiles behind them.
A cosplayer in a detailed Star Wars Shore Trooper costume holds a “Judge’s Award” certificate while standing next to a fellow cosplayer in a Fallout-inspired jumpsuit with a red bandana and armored chest piece.
A cosplayer dressed as Jinx from Arcane poses with a massive shark-shaped weapon and a certificate reading "Judge’s Award" next to a smiling judge in glasses and a denim jacket.
A cosplayer with pointed elf ears and white hair holds a “Judge’s Award” certificate while standing beside a judge dressed in a long, flowing purple and burgundy dress, holding a closed book.
A cosplayer in a Mandalorian-inspired costume with black and red armor holds up a peace sign and a “Most Sustainable” certificate next to a judge in a black costume with a red “X” emblem.
A cosplayer in green and silver elf-like armor with face paint holds a “Best Novice” certificate while smiling beside a judge in a long purple gown waving to the audience.
Three cosplayers stand together as a group, with the center cosplayer holding a “Best Journeyman” certificate. One is dressed in leafy green fantasy armor, one in a steampunk corset outfit, and one in a Fallout-inspired blue and red costume.
Five people stand in a row for a group photo. A heavily armored fantasy warrior in the center holds the “Best in Show” certificate. Judges stand around him, smiling proudly.

COMMUNITY, GAMING, AND MORE

CLARK KENT LOOK-ALIKE CONTEST

A man stands indoors wearing a black three-piece suit, striped tie, and bowler hat. He’s holding a trench coat and briefcase, emulating a 1950s Clark Kent look. He’s smiling softly at the camera, posed near a recycling station in a hallway outside the main event space.
A man on stage tugs open his button-down shirt to reveal a bright Superman logo underneath. He wears a black suit and holds glasses in his right hand, evoking the classic comic book transformation from Clark Kent to Superman. The FAN EXPO step-and-repeat backdrop is behind him, covered in bold text about fandom and pop culture.
A smiling man wears dress pants and a white button-down shirt, which he dramatically opens to reveal a Superman t-shirt underneath. His FAN EXPO badge and Superman-themed lanyard swing as he strikes a heroic pose against the branded backdrop.
A cosplayer fully suited as Superman — blue bodysuit with a red cape, yellow belt, and signature “S” emblem — poses with hands on hips and a confident grin. He wears a black curl wig and square glasses in homage to Clark Kent. A FAN EXPO microphone is being held up to him for an interview.
Three men pose for a candid group photo at the Clark Kent Look-Alike contest. The man on the left is in Clark Kent cosplay, smiling widely with his Superman shirt peeking out under a suit. In the center is actor Tyler Hoechlin, casually dressed in a white t-shirt. All three men stand against the FAN EXPO Cleveland backdrop.
A group of six contestants lines up for a photo. The man in the center wears a loosely buttoned shirt that reveals a Superman logo tee beneath, complete with a red tie and Clark Kent glasses. He's flanked by fans and guests, including Brandon Routh (second from the left) and George Newbern (second from the right), all smiling proudly before the look-alike contest.

FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

A young boy reaches out in delight to pet a calm, friendly dog while being supported by a woman in a white Spider-Gwen hoodie. A man in a blue sweater kneels to hold the dog steady, while another attendee crouches nearby, watching the heartwarming moment unfold.
Tyler Hoechlin, dressed casually in a white T-shirt, holds out a phone for a selfie with a smiling father and son at his booth. His co-star, Bitsie Tulloch, stands beside him in a bright pink dress, while the fans grin widely with VIP badges around their necks.
A girl in costume, possibly cosplaying a stealthy or tactical character, sits in a gaming lounge at FAN EXPO. She’s focused intently on a monitor displaying Fortnite as she grips a controller. Other costumed gamers, including one dressed as Link, play alongside her in the background.
A group of children gathers around two costumed performers dressed as fantasy adventurers—one in green leather armor wielding foam weapons, and the other in a red and black swashbuckler outfit with a wide-brimmed hat. The children eagerly engage in the playful duel, wide-eyed and smiling in excitement.
Two young kids dressed as Goku from Dragon Ball Z, complete with orange training outfits and oversized Goku hair sunglasses, strike a dramatic Kamehameha pose. Behind them, an adult in matching cosplay playfully mimics the stance, grinning proudly as the trio poses in perfect anime sync.
A little girl in a Rapunzel dress beams up at two elegant cosplayers portraying Cinderella and Princess Tiana. Cinderella curtsies gracefully, while Tiana offers a warm smile, making the magical princess moment feel straight out of a fairy tale.
Cosplayers dressed as Merida, Rapunzel, and Mirabel from Disney films lead a group of children through an interactive activity. The kids, also dressed as various animated characters, follow their lead with raised arms, fully immersed in the moment of pretend play and movement.
A smiling family of five poses together. A young child dressed as a shiny blue-and-orange dragon is perched in their father’s arms. The rest of the family beams at the camera, with one child in a Gryffindor scarf and another in a Doctor Who-inspired trench coat and bowtie.
Children dash around a ring of chairs during a fast-paced game of musical chairs. In the background, two cheerful tiger mascots clap and dance along. A staff member with a mic energizes the game, while kids laugh and scramble to claim a seat before the music stops.

GEEKY GOODIES

A smiling vendor chats with a guest browsing vinyl prints and posters. The wall behind him bursts with pop culture posters including Neon Genesis Evangelion, Terrifier 3, and Pulp Fiction. The vendor's approachable demeanor and colorful dice-graphic shirt help set a cheerful, geeky vibe.
A vendor from Konkret Comics enthusiastically explains a comic title to a young man with a backpack. The booth’s display showcases vibrant indie comic covers featuring original Black superheroes. A woman in matching Konkret attire stands proudly nearby as fans explore the merchandise.
A woman in a mint green sweatshirt browses brightly colored novelty keychains and accessories at a booth called “The Foxy Hipster.” She’s smiling while holding a small shopping basket filled with fun items, standing in front of a wall of tongue-in-cheek motel key tags and quirky enamel pins.
A vendor with bold fashion sense poses with a folding fan that reads “SLAY” and features the Scream ghostface. His display is surrounded by an eye-popping collage of oversized fans with cheeky phrases like “Notice Me Senpai” and “Dungeons & Daddies,” plus a cartoon backdrop featuring Pokémon characters like Jigglypuff and Psyduck.
Two young women browse through trading cards at a vendor booth. Both wear FAN EXPO Cleveland lanyards and are smiling and engaged as they flip through a large binder of collectible cards. Behind them, a colorful Artist Alley booth displays fantasy and anime-style artwork under a glowing “Dominic Glover” sign.
Two men examine a vendor’s display filled with anime and fantasy-themed acrylic art. One is dressed casually in a black hoodie, while the other wears a Jedi-inspired cosplay with a utility sash and a backpack. They stand next to a rack of leather goods and plush cat masks at the intersection of Aisle 500.
A woman enthusiastically points at a comic print while speaking with a man wearing a black-and-white NY varsity jacket. They’re standing in front of a table full of polybagged exclusives. The vibrant red lanyard and full shopping tote suggest she’s a seasoned convention-goer with a plan.
A man in a black hoodie studies boxed “Stranger Things” collectible figures stacked neatly on a table. With sunglasses resting on his head and a backpack slung over one shoulder, he clutches a few items, clearly weighing his purchase options as he shops the show floor.
A trio of fans gather around a lightsaber booth. One inspects a hilt closely, wearing a “Directed by Dave Filoni” shirt and a Cleveland Guardians cap. A colorful array of sabers sits on display before them, while a bustling crowd passes behind the table in the background.

RELIVE THE FUN

FAN EXPO Cleveland 2025 Full Recap

It was more than a weekend—it was a celebration of everything we love. Relive iconic panels, showstopping cosplay, and unforgettable moments from FAN EXPO Cleveland 2025.