The 2013 Toronto Comicon is coming to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre this weekend to the joy of fans across the city. A baby brother to Fan Expo, the TCC belongs to the ever-expanding Hobby Star network. Though it clocks in at about half the total time of Fan Expo, the TCC makes use of its time to provide quality guests and entertainment to the masses. It also provides a Glossary of Convention Terms that I didn't know existed--are we seriously calling convention newbies "Neos" now?

Here's what to expect at the 2013 Toronto Comicon.

THE CAST OF STAR TREK THE NEXT GENERATION

YES. ALL OF THEM. Well, okay, except for Wil Wheaton, John De Lancie, Whoopi Goldberg, or Denise Crosby, but whatever. Patrick Stewart, Jonathan Frakes, Marina Sirtis, Michael Dorn, Brent Spiner, LeVar Burton, and Gates McFadden are all coming to the March Comic Con. Tickets are going fast, so act quickly before all is lost.

Oh, yeah, and these people

We can also expect appearances from a slew of other actors, artists, and writers. In addition to the Star Trek cast's attendance, fans can also expect Michael Hogan, Sean Astin, Laura Vandervoort, Torri Higginson, and Daniel "Baby Fett" Logan, as well as voice actors like Kristin Fairlie and Mike McFarland. Comic artists Mike Del Mundo, Ty Templeton of The Comic Book Boot Camp, Leonard Kirk, Amy Chu, Anthony Del Col, famed Lucasfilm artist Robert Bailey and the legendary Mike Zeck will all be present for autographs and high-fives.

What's that? You'd like to know who else is coming? Check out the full list of expected guests.

The Gang's All Here

As with last year, several geek organizations will be in attendance, hosting booths and photo shoots for you to enjoy and partake in. Representatives of the 4000-strong 501st Legion will be going once more into the breach, but they won't be alone. Joining them will be the Doctor Who Society, the Toronto Zombie Walk, Rue Morgue Magazine, Toronto Steampunk, Ontario Ghostbusters, and the Toronto Browncoats. Cast and crew from the webseries Pretty in Geek and Clutch will also be present.

Events, Workshops, and, er, Shops

Ever wanted to make a plushie? Get your artwork reviewed by comic industry veterans? Attend a workshop on making it in the industry? Well, this would be the place to do it! Watch this space to see how the schedule at Toronto Comicon will be opening up.

Or maybe you just want to buy a little somethin'-somethin' for yourself or a friend. Well, no con would be complete with a retail space, an artist's alley, and an Indie/Small Press Pavilion, so check them out when you can! See the full list of attractions here.

The Epic Nerd Show

This one's a bit off-site but it looks promising. Hosted at Comedy Bar, this event on Saturday night will feature improv troupe The Monkey Toast, a live podcasting of sci-fi comedy group The Illusionoid, and the Nerdy Variety Hour of Drunkenness. Lord knows what last one's about but, hey, if all this piques your interest, get the tickets at the door and check it out.

The Toronto Comicon will be running from March 9th to March 10th, from 11 AM to 6 PM on Saturday, and 11 AM to 5 PM on Sunday. A ticket for both days will cost $40.00 while single-day tickets will cost $25.00 for Saturday and $20.00 for Sunday.

Photo of the 2012 Comicon by sniderscion in the blogTO Flickr pool.