It’s not everyday we see Darth Vader, Wolverine, and Ash Ketchum riding our trains, but the 2025 edition of Ottawa Comiccon did not disappoint.
Held at the EY Centre right next to the brand-new Uplands Station, this year marked the first year where O-Train Line 4 served Ottawa Comiccon.
OC Transpo’s very own Mand-O-lorian was travelling in Lines 2and 4this past weekend. The Next Stop Blog caught up with Michael, Program Manager of Rail Operations and part-time Mand-O-lorian, on the inspiration behind his cosplay and his efforts in showing customers “the way” to Ottawa Comiccon.
Meet the Mand‑O‑lorian
Michael can usually be found on Line 1 as the Program Manager of Rail Operations.
A long time ago in what seems to be a galaxy far, far away, Michael previously worked for OC Transpo supporting the construction and launch of O-Train Lines 2 and 4.
“When the Mandalorian first came out, I was working on the O-Train South Extension. I’m a huge Star Wars fan and I knew that having Uplands Station right next to Comiccon would bring my two worlds together”
“Working in transit, you often get asked which way to go, cosplaying as the Mandolorian was an opportunity I could not pass up”-Michael
On Saturday, Michael dawned his Mand-O-lorian costume and took in the sights as other cosplayers made their way to Comiccon on Line 4.
“I was going back and forth through all the stations. It was a busy day on the system with lots of people taking advantage of the new Line 4”
“I wasn’t even working, but I wanted to take part in the fun and surprise my old friends on Line 2 and Line 4. It felt like a good way to share an inside joke with the team, and hopefully draw more ridership for next year” -Michael
On Sunday, he attended Ottawa Comiccon for the first time as the Mand-O-lorian.
“While I definitely got some confused looks, especially from those waiting for Line 2, it was great to see people’s reactions when they realized what it was. I even had a few people wanting to get pictures from different angles when they noticed different logos or details.”-Michael
Creating the Mand-O-lorian
From top to bottom, Michael’s Mand-O-lorian cosplay was a blend of his previous OC Transpo uniforms with a Star Wars twist.
- Custom Mandolorian facemask was created using a 3D printer and was mounted to his O-Train Stage 1 construction helmet
- Bilingual translation of his position into Aurebesh, the most spoken language in the Star Wars galaxy and Mandoa (Mandalorian). These translations were posted on his chest and sleeve badges.
- Created custom O-Train logos in Aurebesh for his helmet, lower back of vest, and on armour plates.
- Traffic wand painted to look like dark saber.
What’s next for the Mand-O-lorian?
Looking back on Ottawa Comiccon 2025, Michael says “It was a lot of fun to not only dress up, but it was great seeing all the creative cosplayers taking to transit. Based on how this year went, I’m already looking forward to next year.”
While Michael has returned back to his role on Line 1, his Mand-O-Lorian helmet and armour remain at his desk until the next year's Comiccon.
