Media Release:

From Brendan Fraser all the way to Indiana Jones, there’s no denying that 2023 will be packed to the brim full of epic reprisals and comebacks… and there’s one more addition you should be marking on your calendars. ​

Returning to Perth for the first time since 2017, Oz Comic-Con is thrilled to be hosting the ultimate showcase of everything pop culture under one roof, bringing the community back together at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre (PCEC) on April 1st and 2nd. ​

Though a guest lineup and content schedule are still in the final stages of fine-tuning, attendees can expect a full weekend bursting with flavour including staple pillars such as 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. ​

Not to forget the cornerstones of the show, visitors will also be able to visit Artist Alley and Cosplay Central, try their hand at tabletop gaming and meet some of the country’s greatest comic artists and authors from some of the most esteemed franchises in the world. ​

For cosplay enthusiasts, there is an opportunity to enter one of the most prestigious cosplay contests in Australia, the Australian Championships of Cosplay, highlighting the immense talent and
craftsmanship from every stretch of the country. This will be the first instalment for the year, with qualifying winners battling it out in the final round in Sydney for the chance to be crowned the Australian Champion of Cosplay for 2023.

So Perth… we have heard you loud and clear. Rally your crew, don your capes and charge up that Power Glove for an epic and undeniably long-overdue weekend of entertainment and pop culture glory. For more information about the event, guest announcements and to purchase tickets, please visit: https://ozcomiccon.com/perth ​

Oz Comic-Con Event 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. ​

Stages:

• 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 Parades!
• Community & Workshop Stage – You’ll be hard-pressed to find a more passionate, engaged and thoughtful group than the fans that converge 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. https://ozcomiccon.com/panel-applications/

Comics:​

• Artist Alley – A space to celebrate art in pop culture, Artist Alley is a colourful, creative district filled with a curated selection of 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.

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. ​
• 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. Sign up for a Cosplay Parade in Cosplay Central.
• 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. 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!

The District

• 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/ ​
• 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. 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/console-gaming/
• 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.

• 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.