Whilst growing concerns about mushrooms have taken precedence in the early stages of 2023 (niche reference to both The Last of Us and Chris Pratt’s Mario voice), the team at Oz Comic-Con has wasted no time in preparing two epic events set to hit Adelaide and Melbourne in June.
Announcing Emily Swallow (the Armourer in The Mandalorian and The Book of Boba Fett), Abby Trott (Nezuko Kamado in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba) and JusZ Cosplay as the first guests on a growing lineup, fans will be able to brush with fame at the Adelaide Showgrounds on June 3rd – 4th, followed by the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre on June 10th – 11th.
Featuring all of the cornerstones that make up the very foundations of Oz Comic-Con, attendees will be treated to a show floor and schedule that includes Artist Alley, Gaming Zones and various
stages for panels, workshops and community engagement.
For cosplay enthusiasts, Oz Comic-Con’s Cosplay Central continues to astound with the chance to meet local cosplay heroes for photos and a chance to take home key insights from the industry. The Australian Championships of Cosplay, one of the most prestigious cosplay contests in the region, will also make a return, highlighting the immense talent and craftsmanship from all around the country. Entrants will be given a chance to join Oz Comic-Con’s Hall of Fame, which currently includes previous champions such as Heidzdee Cosplay, TC Cosplays, and Droid Protocol.
Still in the stages of careful curation, attendees can expect a full weekend bursting with flavour including industry talks and panels, free play gaming opportunities, workshops, and lashings of retail opportunities with exclusive pop culture merchandise that can’t be found anywhere else.
Oz Comic-Con Features:
As you weave your way through the show floor of Oz Comic-Con, keep your eyes peeled for activations from film and television, exclusive merchandise, and interactive opportunities that are only possible in a convention setting.
Below are a few highlights, or a bucket list if you wish, for Oz Comic-Con.
- Main Stage
The Main Stage is where you go to catch the Q&A panels with our Film & Television and Comic & Author guests and to catch the Cozplay Competition, Australian Championship of Cosplay and Cosplay Skit Competitions!- Community & Workshop Stage
You’ll be hard-pressed to find a more passionate, engaged and thoughtful group than the fans thatconverge on Oz Comic-Con for each event. The community showcase is hosted at the Community & Workshop Stage. These Panels are a great way to tell or teach like-minded people about a topic you are passionate about. Panels can be Q&A style, a moderated affair, interactive or a story journey. Within this space, we can cater to many different topics including cosplay, drawing, crafts, photography, editing and more. - Anime, Gaming & Trivia Stage
The Anime, Gaming & Trivia Stage, where your inner (or outer) Otaku, Gamer and your Pop Culture Trivia knowledge come together in a giant (metaphorical) melting pot of fandoms. The centre of the show floor for Anime content, this stage will host Anime screenings, panels, cosplay, gaming panels and demonstrations and trivia, along with broader themed Pop Culture Trivia events.
- Community & Workshop Stage
- Comics
- Artist Alley
A space to celebrate art in pop culture, Artist Alley is a colourful, creative district filled with original and fan art. Take the opportunity to interact with the creative geniuses behind your favourite comic books, graphic novels, literature, and artistic projects – a truly unique and authentic way to get to know local talent as they make waves in the global scene. It’s in Artist Alley that you can purchase a unique commission, designed and drawn just for you or shop for prints and artistic creations such as novels, jewellery, clothing, and homewares. No matter what you like, you’ll find a creator suited to your interests, whether it be superheroes, manga, sci-fi, fantasy, horror or indie.
- Artist Alley
- Cosplay
- Cosplay Central
Cosplay Central is the meeting place and undeniably the unmissable destination for all cosplayers and cosplay fans at Oz Comic-Con. Meet local cosplay talent for tips and tricks, grab your mates for the perfect photo op in front of cosplay sets and get your photo snapped by local cosplay photographers. More information at https://ozcomiccon.com/occ-cosplay-central/ - Cosplay Parades
Oz Comic-Con hosts a variety of Cosplay offerings at the event for different skill levels.The Cosplay Parade is a great event showcasing the talent of cosplayers at Oz Comic-Con! It gives everyone the chance to get up on stage and strut their stuff without the stress of competing. - Cozplay Competition
For those not quite ready for the Championship of Cosplay but a step above the Cosplay Parade. The Cozplay Competition is the competition for mainstream competitors. This event is perfect for you to showcase your crafting, needlework or armour build talents. Entry into the Cozplay Competition is by application ahead of the show, so if this is something you’re interested in being sure to check out the applications here: https://ozcomiccon.com/occ-cosplay-competitions-parades/ - Kids Cosplay Parade
The kid’s cosplay parade is a great way for our littlest cosplayers to get into the cosplay spirit! Kids can go on stage either on their own, in a group, or, for those who are either too little or too shy, with a guardian. - Cosplay Photographers
Coming to Oz Comic-Con in cosplay? Local cosplay photographers will be present, ready to take your photo in Cosplay Central. The best part? All photo sessions are complimentary! - Cosplay Meetups
If you’re dressed for the occasion (or even if you’re not!) be sure to head on over to The District area and meet some like-minded fans in awesome cosplay! Take a group cosplay picture in front of our awesome photo wall to immortalise the occasion! If you want to vote for the cosplay group you would like to see a meet-up for you can make your voice heard here: https://ozcomiccon.com/occ-the-district/
- Cosplay Central
- Oz Comic-Con Drawing Competition
If you fancy yourself an up-and-coming artist, head over to The District to take part in our official Oz
Comic-Con Drawing Competition. There are awesome prizes to be won. Entries are open all
weekend until 3 pm Sunday. You can draw in any medium you like, pencil, markers etc. As long as it’s
drawn on an official competition entry sheet at the show you can enter! You are welcome to bring
your own drawing supplies with you to the show, but we will have drawing supplies available to use.
There are several prizes to be won. There’s even a kids category for our littlest artists! - Scribble Wall
Our epic scribble wall returns to The District for 2023. For all you colouring addicts out there, it’s
time for you to scratch that itch to leave your mark!
Gaming
- Gaming Zone and Esports Tournaments
Australian Esports League (AEL) joins forces with Oz Comic-Con bringing their free play gaming zone and esports tournaments to each show. AEL recognises the importance of building ‘grassroots’ esports, delivering a gaming experience like no other to the broader gaming community. The gaming zone will showcase the latest games and products, with an opportunity for attendees to battle it out against their mates and other attendees. https://ozcomiccon.com/occ-console-tabletop-gaming/ - Retro Gaming Lounge
From NES to N64, Sega Mega Drive to Play Station 1, Iconic Nerd will be kickin’ it old school with a mix of retro gaming consoles at Oz Comic-Con! Be sure to stop by the Retro Gaming Lounge to try your hand at an old classic and enjoy the nostalgia, or introduce it to your offspring for the very first time! - Tabletop Gaming Library
Not one for console games? No problem! We got you covered with a library of tabletop games to satisfy your needs. Ticket to Ride, Pandemic, Catan. Heard of those? Maybe you like Zombie Dice, Small World, or Red Dragon Inn? Well, this year Oz Comic-Con is giving you access to all of these games, and more! We’ll be using our tabletop resources to bring you a two-day gaming extravaganza. Get along to the Tabletop Gaming Zone featuring a library of over 40 different games you can play. https://ozcomiccon.com/occ-console-tabletop-gaming/ - Just Dance Stage
So you think you can Just Dance? Well, you’ll be able to show everyone your moves at the Just Dance stage. Open for free play all weekend. Play as a group, or individually, the party at Oz Comic-Con starts here. - Dr Pickles Tattoo Alley
Feeling Brave? Would you trust a stranger to pick your next tattoo? Would you put your arm into a mystery hole, where the end result is a tattoo? After a whirlwind, sell-out Mystery Tattoo tour at the Australian Tattoo Expo and Sexpo, Dr Pickles is now inviting Oz Comic-Con Patrons to try their unique Tattoo Mystery Hole experience! https://ozcomiccon.com/dr-pickles-tattoo/
Event Details:
- Oz Comic-Con Adelaide
June 3rd – 4th, 2023
Adelaide Showgrounds
Buy tickets: Here - Oz Comic-Con Melbourne
June 10th – 11th, 2023
Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre
Buy tickets: Here
For more information and to purchase tickets, go to https://ozcomiccon.com/
