The art of cosplay (costume play) will take centre stage at Comic Gong this Saturday.
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Now in its fifth year, Wollongong council’s annual comic convention will see hundreds take advantage of free events around Wollongong CBD, the town hall, city library and art gallery – many dressed in the attire of their favourite superhero.
“Comic Gong has grown from a half-day event in Corrimal District Library into a bright and cheery celebration that ignites the love of comics and associated cultures in all members of the family,” Wollongong Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbury said.
“The cosplay competitions attract people from all ages and all areas. It’s a great way to share your enthusiasm and your knowledge.”
Intricate award-winning cosutmes by cosplay artist Sebastian J Smith will be on exhibition at Wollongong Art Gallery.
Tech expert and cosplay celebrity Rae Johnston will reprise her role as Wonderwoman and host the cosplay competition, open for comic fans of all ages.
Other exhibitions include a showcase of zine culture, Copier Jam, plus a selection of prints and sketches by illustrator and graphic designer Bill O’Donovan.
This year will see 74 stall holders pack into the town hall selling everything from rare zines to superhero figurines, graphic art to memorabilia and collectables.
Young people can learn how to create comic booka and how to develop characters from experts Louie Joyce, Matthew Lin, Marcelo Baez and Karen Beilharz.
Batman and his Batmobile will stop by to say hello as well as a new addition to the Bat-fleet, an airbrushed Holden ute inspired by the superhero.
Other activities include a gaming floor, 3D-printing demonstrations, classic pinball machines, safe archery and Song of ObiWan teaching people how to duel with light sabers.
Comic Gong highlights
Three workshops – Creating Characters with Karen Beilharz, suitable for 17+yrs; Introduction to Cartooning with Tinman Johnson, 5-12yrs; and Composing the Comic Page with Louie Joyce, 13-16yrs.
A Draw Off between Matt Lin, a Sydney-based artist and Wollongong’s own Marcelo Baez.
The popular Cosplay competitions (for those aged 0-12 years, 13-17 years, 18+ years, and Group) return as does the Cosplay parade.
Activities include:
- Early Start from the University of Wollongong – kid’s craft and activities in the Library
- Gaming in the Library – Pinballs, 3D printing, board games, VR, RPGs & more
- Face-painting
- Badge-making
- Circus Workshop
- Project Bucephalus – Lego robots
- Batman & Batmobile
- Safe Archery
- Sons of Obiwan – lightsabre fun
- 501 Legion – Stormtroopers
- Scene to believe – photo-booth
