For some people, the spectre of Oz Comic-Con conjures up images of comic book fanatics waiting patiently in line to share their devotion to an esoteric graphic novelist with that very same novelist; or dressed to the nines in an outfit worn by an obscure comic book character in one panel of an issue from late 1973; or a combination of both. But did you know that comic conventions are in fact for everybody – whether you’re an obsessive hoarder of alt-comics from the ’90s, or just a girl with a thirst for Magic Mike‘s Joe Manganiello.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3yLoag0O-g
Uh, yes, you heard me, Thirst Magnet™ Mr. Manganiello, is coming down to Melbourne in June to meet fans and chat about his work, and if that’s not reason enough to get on board with Oz Comic-Con, we don’t know if we can convince you.
Nah, we spoke too soon: there’s plenty more reasons to get involved with the event, which goes down 9 and 10 June at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. You can cop a ticket HERE.
Meeting Actual Legit Celebs
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bi5Ij9fhJzZ/?hl=en&taken-by=kjapa
If you’re harbouring some questions for Deadpool 2 cutie Julian Dennison, or Archie from Riverdale, KJ Apa, that you need answered, then an Oz Comic-Con panel sesh is the place for you. It’s essentially a forum in a packed-out hall for hot goss and discussion from actors and renowned comic artists – either geared towards the panel’s star or around a hot-button topic, like Diversity in Comics.
You can also catch your faves for a photograph or an autograph opportunity, including Jes Macallan and Aussie Keiynan Lonsdale from DC‘s Legends of Tomorrow and Love, Simon.
An Excuse To Dress Up
Cosplay is a huge part of Oz Comic-Con: whether you dress up yourself or you just want the chance to check out everyone else’s impressive efforts. The amount of time and energy that goes into dressing as noted film and TV characters is absolutely mind-boggling – and heaps impressive. You can get together with other people also going full Game of Thrones or Final Fantasy for the occasion at one of the convention’s Meetups before joining the Cosplay Parade.
Think you’re the best? Compete in the Championships of Cosplay, Australia’s most ~prestigious~ cosplay contest, where everyone shows off their flawless creations in the hopes of being sent to the C2E2 Crown Championships of Cosplay in Chicago.
Copping A ~Unique~ Souvenir
Hit up the popular Tattoo Pavilion and have artists like Kaya Harris etch their pop culture designs into your skin forever.
If you’re feeling chicken, you can also pick up something a little less permanent – some art from one of the hundreds of exhibitors showing off their wares in Artist Alley. Grab yourself an art print, some jewellery, clothing, homewares, or an original comic book or graphic novel. Hey, you could even turn four-fingered and yellow: Dean Rankine‘s setting up shop, and that guy used to draw the Simpsons Comics Series.
UnleashingYr Star Wars/Marvel/Disney/DC Fandom
You’re amongst friends here – you can totally let yourself go berserk at Oz Comic-Con: whether you’re dressing up for a Disney Cosplay Meetup or competing against the best in the Star Wars & Marvel Cosplay Competition.
If Star Wars – and particularly Solo: A Star Wars Story – is your wheelhouse you can snap a selfie with a life-sized Chewy, or climb into an X-Wing Fighter Jet.
To celebrate ten years of the Marvel cinematic universe, Oz Comic-Con is going luxe on the exhibits. They’re setting up a huge amount of props you can play with, like Captain America‘s shield, plus there’s an Australian-first Iron Man Concept Art Gallery. You can also have a go picking up Thor‘s beloved hammer, Mjölnir, which is no easy feat.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BgepzX2jJv_/?hl=en&taken-by=thorofoz
They’ll also be premiering new Marvel TV series Cloak & Dagger, starring Olivia Holt and Aubrey Joseph, and artist and illustrator Wayne Nicholls will live-draw an OG ‘n exclusive Marvel poster as part of his panel session, If that wasn’t enough Marvel content, there’s a special ticket pack for super fans that includes access to Oz Comic-Con, a boat trip (manned by S.T.A.T.I.O.N agents, of course) to the Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N exhibit, a swag bag of limited edition merch, a huge trivia comp and more. You can find tickets and more info right HERE.
Yep, Oz Comic-Con is truly an event for everyone: from those frothin’ on the new Marvel or Star Wars movie as soon as it’s even announced to those who just want the chance to get a little closer to the hunky dude from Magic Mike. For everything else you might wanna know about Oz Comic-Con, get amongst the festivities HERE, or follow Oz Comic-Con on FB for updates.
