The countdown is on until Australia’s premiere pop culture event lands in the Capital. Oz Comic-Con comes to Canberra’s Exhibition Park for the first time ever this weekend, 27-28 August. For two glorious days, locals will be able to emerge themselves in everything geektastic.
For those thinking of checking out the event but aren’t sure what to expect, Canberra Daily spoke to Event Manager Zac Fitz Roy to get the lowdown.
After taking over the events back in 2019, Fitz Roy says 2022 has marked the return of live events. Now he says Canberra is a great addition to the national line-up and an opportunity to show off how they plan to run future events.
“Oz comic runs around the country in a number of other capital cities, it’s the first time coming to Canberra, but I think it’s going to go really well. It has had a really good reception,” Roy says.
He revealed the passion shown by those invested in the communities surrounding pop culture is the reason events like Comic-Con are so special. With hundreds of people enjoying a variety of hobbies under one roof, people are invited to learn something new, share their passion or delve deeper into fictional worlds.
“I think Comic-Con is the most enjoyable event to attend and organise. It is a massively passionate community; they get to celebrate their passions,” he says.
Fitz Roy calls himself casual pop culture enthusiast; he loves mainstream PC and console games, Marvel and DC. However, the event will cater to fans of all kinds of pop culture.
A one or two-day ticket will allow you to access all the offerings of Comic-Con and they can be purchased online or at the door on the day.
Looking for a new collectible or fun game to pass some time? A whole bunch of Australia’s best independent pop culture retailers will be selling their goods over the weekend.
Once you have shopped to your heart’s content, head on over to the stage area to catch some of the talks and panels. Hear from your favourite TV stars; Chai Hansen from Night Sky and The Newsreader; Daniel Gillies from The Vampire Diaries and The Originals; and Bernard Curry from Wentworth, who are holding panels across both days.
Renowned comics and authors give you tips and tricks on how to refine the craft. The community stage is jam-packed and full of chats, workshops, and competitions.
Exhibitors offer hands-on opportunities to check out all the latest in technology and gaming. Or, if old school is more your style, check out the retro gaming station for a blast from the past.
Physical games will also be on offer, with an entire section dedicated to table-top and board games, you might just meet some new like-minded friends.
Artist alley shows masters of their craft, casual pencilers, and more. You will have the chance to enter your own scribbles and works on the walls in one of the drawing competitions.
It wouldn’t be Comic-Con if we didn’t mention cosplay. Whether you’re a seasoned cosplayer or a casual dress-up fan you will be appreciated here. Workshops teach you how to level up your costumes, meetups encourage new connections and dedicated photographers capture your looks. You will even get the chance to show off your outfit in daily parades.
Whether your interest is in TV, film, novels, comics, games, cards, collectibles, anime, or cosplay, there will be something to make you stop in your tracks at EPIC this weekend.
To find out more details or purchase tickets head to; ozcomiccon.com
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