It’s 6.45pm and my best friend and I are dressed as Rey and Wednesday Addams respectively. It’s been a long day and the baristas at Starbucks are enthusiastically questioning our garb, their words curious and genuine.
“Is it worth going to Supanova?” asks a barista eagerly, who’s feigning cleaning tamp handles on the counter.
My friend hesitates, considers her response and then answers:
“Yeah, it is. If you’re into that kind of thing – sci-fi, fantasy, pop culture and all that.”
And it’s true.
Since 2008, Supanova Pop Culture Expo has been a hub for various fandoms. Its fanbase demographic is huge, ranging from Stars Wars to Lord of the Rings fans, Naruto to Adventure Time fans too. Its atmosphere – one focused on being unapologetically passionate – has facilitated a large following. A following so large that the convention feels much older than its eight years.
This year, Supanova had to step up from its Back to the Future and Star Trek mega-star list last year. It delivered. Torchwood crewmembers Burn Gorman, Gareth David-Lloyd and Naoko Mori joined Smallville favourite Alisson Mack. Teal’c from Stargate SG-1 made an appearance, and, most importantly, the most hated character in the world appeared: Joffrey Baratheon.
Ironically, from the commentary at Supanova and online (thank you, Melbourne Cosplay Community) Jack Gleeson is the antonym of his sadistic, megalomaniac Westeros character. Even shouting ‘Dad!’ when a Robert Baratheon cosplayer walked in for photos.
It’s difficult to describe what makes Supanova so great without resorting to effusiveness. It caters to a range of interests, Anime Kaika has you set for Non non biyori, Sword Art Online and other anime paraphernalia. Artist Alley allows you to support local artists and fan artists — a friend told me it was a great opportunity to meet their favourite artist instagrammers and talk fan-theories, fan art and Stucky, Captain America and Bucky, fanfiction.
The Epic Gaming district – it’s not really a district, but it should be – satisfies game-lovers needs with rows of computers and opportunities to try new PC games and connect with like-minded people. The panels give you insight into the lives of guests and the seminars can provide enlightenment on who your favourite authors will eat first in a zombie apocalypse.
For me, it was the books – Madman had their annual three for $25 manga offer, so hello One Punch Man – and the cosplay. Need to see a sailor scout Elsa? Done. Need a Deadpool to photobomb your selfie? There’s probably a hundred nearby. Need a Lolita Kylo Ren? Not quite sure about that one, but Emerald City Comicon delivered that one this year.
Cosplayers are amicable too, willing to pose for photos despite their most likely 5am starts. Their dedication to their costumes makes them just as starworthy of the super-star guests themselves. Also, due to the number of wandering Jakku orphans, this year should’ve been named Rey-nova.
Logistics wise this year, the coordination and flow of traffic improved. The new floor layout, with its wider carriageways and grid format, made movement throughout the venue easier during peak times. The only aspect that needs major improvement is a greater food van options.
Honestly, if you want to go to Supanova – go. It’s such a joyful, fun and friendly atmosphere with a diverse range of interests to explore. The venue is disability friendly too. So, why not go next time and make sure you get dressed up, because that’s half the fun.
By Avrille Bylok-Collard
