The talk of Comikaze: Stan Lee, "Game of Thrones," Deadpool From left, Madison Merado, 13, as Astrid, Sarah Merado, 10, as Ruffnut, Max Merado, 6, as Hiccup, all characters from "How to Train Your Dragon," and Sydney Merado, 3, as Princess Merida of "Brave." Jenna Schoenefeld / Los Angeles Times The convention is called Stan Lee's Comikaze Expo for a reason. "It wouldn't be "Legends of Comics" without this man right here, Mr. Stan Lee," announced Mike Zapcic of the AMC series "Comic Book Men" as the annual event's namesake crashed a panel discussion Saturday at the Los Angeles Convention Center. "I heard they were here," Lee told the audience, referring to the panelists on the main stage - comic book creator Rob Liefeld, artist John Romita Jr. and creator and Top Cow Chief Executive Marc Silvestri. They're the greatest, they're good friends of mine and I wanted to make sure you treat them OK. Such were the moments fans soaked up at Comikaze Expo, which brought together so many facets of the pop culture community - the talent behind comics, cosplayers posing for photos, exhibition booths with artist prints and sketches, vendors of toys and custom apparel, and screenings and panel discussions. During his session, Silvestri said comic books are experiencing "a new golden era." "I believe the talent pool is deeper today than it's ever been," he said. Indeed, the event drove home how comics are more than just one medium. Deadpool creator Liefeld was asked about the video game and the upcoming movie featuring his character. "I've seen more of the Deadpool movie than you have, and you're going to love it," Liefeld answered. It's going to change Deadpool. It really will. Cable and a bunch of Deadpools pose for photographs in the Los Angeles Convention Center. The convention has evolved to be about more than just about comic books. "Game of Thrones" cast members Alfie Allen (Theon Greyjoy), Esmé Bianco (Ros) and Gwendoline Christie (Brienne of Tarth) took the main stage on Saturday to share anecdotes about their favorite scenes as well as backstage shenanigans. "I got a fake script at the end of the second season telling me that I was going to die," Allen said of one prank. They left me for about four weeks tearing my hair out and then they decided to tell me. The discussion turned to more serious topics such as the portrayal of women in the series. I am very aware that gender inequality is still very alive in our world. However, the female characters in "Game of Thrones" are some of the strongest female characters we have seen in recent times on television," Christie said. I applaud that. I'm very passionate about the way women are portrayed, and I am very proud of the work that is continuing to be done by this television show in mainstream media. It may be small steps but I am very grateful they are being taken. Christie was also asked about her roles in the upcoming "Star Wars" and "Hunger Games" films, but she remained playfully tight-lipped.