Whatcha Oz Comic Con Melbourne

This weekend the Whatcha team recorded live from OzComic-Con 2013 and, man, were we impressed! 

Let’s start with the venue: roomy, easily accessible via public transport and well-utilised (i.e. the floor-plan was excellent!). What more could a fan-girl/boy ask for? How about generous space allocated to the Artists Alley? Check. Or, a designated level for photos and autographs? Check. Or, a cage match between Batman and Superman? Ok, so maybe the venue didn’t have everything, but it came pretty close.

What was really impressive was the ease with which fans could simply amble about. With so much space and such a well-designed floor plan we were able to see all the sights and sounds without bashing elbows with the Bronies, Trekkies, Gamers and Geeks who shared the floor. The team started pretty early on the Saturday and didn’t call it quits until Sunday afternoon. With so much to do and see, there was never a dull moment. Below are just some of the highlights from the event:

Cosplayers

Wow, people. I’m not even sure where to start. Suffice to say, this event inspired some of the best cosplaying any of us had seen – and I’m not just talking slap-dash last-minute internet purchases either (although, there was some of that)! In the character category, my personal favourites include: Aladdin and Jasmine; The Batman (circa 1989); Velma (jinkies!); and Deadpool. In the DIY category the stand-outs include: the Tardis dress (WOW!); the Weeping Angel (don’t blink!); and a slew of Finn’s and Jake’s. Special mentions go out firstly to the girl with the AMAZING sleeves. On one arm: the beautiful inked faces of the Disney Princesses; and on the other – gotta catch em’ all! – Pokemon! The second special mention goes out to the Wolverines: now available in male model and Elvis editions! I’m not sure which one I liked more… Great work by all but the best one in our books was Tonto & The Lone Ranger from the latest film.

The Artists Alley

One of the most important aspects of a comic-con and rightly so, is the artists alley. This year’s Oz Comic-Con did not fail to impress. Not only was ample room provided for the crowd to view the amazing art work and chat with the artists, but the event boasted an impressive line-up of talent. Whilst there, the Whatcha team rubbed shoulders with Paul Bedford, Paul Mason, Tristan Jones, Frank Candiloro, FEC Comics, Simon Wright and Coral Briglia just to mention a few. 

It was fantastic to see so much support for the local comic book industry and so much interest from the crowd; and of course, the team supported the crew from Artists Alley with a few cheeky pints later on Saturday evening. It’s events like these that keep the wheels of the industry turning, so thank you Oz Comic-Con!

The Guests!

Oh my, the guests. What a line-up! Those who were there know what I’m talking about: Shannen, Brian and Holly Marie from Charmed; Ron Pearlman; Cary Elwes; and of course…The Shat! The Whatcha team listened in on ol’ Bills panel on Saturday afternoon and I think it’s safe to say that the Captain still has it. From boomerang jokes to old bloopers from the Star Trek set to a new album launch, the crowd could have listened to his antics all night, but alas, all good things come to an end. 

The very best part? Shatner lining up with the fans for his own panel and then being asked by event staff for a pass as he walked in. Kirking it up like a boss. If anyone has anymore guest stories from the event, let us know! The second fantastic guest highlight was my chat with the one and only Admiral Ackbar, Tim Rose! Listen out for a Whatcha Quicky episode as Tim and I chat internet memes, that line and puppets and animatronics in genre film.

From the Whatcha team (Psy & The Dread Pirate Roberts not included), we hope you all had a super geeky weekend! Don't forget to check out the full album of the Whatcha Oz Comic Con experience HERE. That’s all, folks!