Adelaide
November 2-3, 2024
Adelaide Showground
With so much packed into an exciting Supanova weekend, it can be daunting for veterans and new attendees alike to plan ahead. So, our team’s put together a quick cheat sheet covering everything from our stellar Supa-Star guests, cosplay, getting there, what you should bring and more.
Images by Steven Yee, Bruce Moyle & Ewan Ly
GETTING THERE
Melbourne
Melbourne Showgrounds is accessible by a number of tram stops within walking distance. The Showgrounds train station will also run for the whole weekend so you can travel directly via train. There will be some interruptions where buses will be replacing trains on the Cranbourne/Pakenham, Frankston/Stony Point, Sandringham and Hurstbridge/Mernda lines throughout the weekend so if you plan on taking any of these train lines, check out the Public Transport Victoria website or call 1800 800 007.
To park your ride, Melbourne Showgrounds has onsite parking available for $15 per day. Vehicle access to the carpark is via Gate 7 Langs Road (if you’re typing this into the GPS, use the address 7 Leonard Crescent, Flemington).
Gold Coast
Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre is very close to a few public transport options, including G:link’s Broadbeach South station, a short walk away. Translink bus stops at the front door and have connections to QR train stations. There are anticipated disruptions to services for those travelling from around Brisbane on April 14 due to Tour de Brisbane, so please check ahead for all timetables and updates by visiting Translink’s website or call 13 12 30.
For those driving, there is a number of carpark options in the area. You can park at the Convention Centre itself for $10 all day, however. this will get full very quickly so get there early. Other parking alternatives include The Star (free parking for guests using The Star’s facilities) next door, Oasis shopping centre (paid parking, across the road) and Pacific Fair shopping centre (paid parking) further down the road.
WHAT TO BRING & WEAR
Check the forecast before heading in as you never know when some unexpected rain or a rise/drop in temperature may occur.
There’ll be a lot of walking, standing and waiting, which means comfortable footwear is a must, and you should even consider wearing two pairs of socks. A key recommendation for cosplayers – bring a change of clothes in your bag or leave one in your car to change into when the day is over. More on cosplay below!
The basic items you should bring are your tickets, water (stay hydrated!), deodorant (especially in the searing heat of Brisbane) and cash to avoid ATM lines, if you’re looking to shop.
If you want to really be prepared, take it from the regulars and make sure you also have a portable phone charger, hand sanitiser and some extra food or snacks.
We also recommend bringing a protective plastic case to put all the photos, autographs and artwork that you will be collecting throughout the day. You don’t want to get home to find your treasured signed photos and artwork in a creased mess!
Are you bringing your mini pop culture enthusiasts, a.k.a. children, with you? Give them lanyards with key contact details written in permanent marker, as they’ll come in handy if you get split up at any point. In addition to this, we recommend writing your contact details on the inside of your child’s wristband, just in case.
WHERE TO START
Plan ahead, but don’t try and pack it all into the first hour because it won’t happen that way. Spread your photo ops and panels throughout the day or weekend so you’re not stressed out.
You can buy autograph and photo tokens online via Moshtix or from the Supanova Store on the day. Be sure to check out the event schedule for all the panels happening across our stages and set an alarm on your phone so you don’t miss out.
Supanova offers not only the opportunity to enjoy your fandom but the chance to explore other geek realms through activities, stalls and exhibitions. Whether you’re a collector or just treating yo’self, our Exhibitors Hall and The Alley offer up a plethora of geeky goodies from many fandoms and interests. You never know what you might find! You can also bid at Supanova’s Charity Auction for unique items while raising much-needed funds for charity!
Photo-Ops are available at the Star Wars Fan Zone, our Mad Max 40th Anniversary Exhibition (Melbourne exclusive), and more! AWF Wrestling will also be entertaining with matches each day.
Need something new to read? Join Supanova’s Book Club on Friday and maybe you’ll find your new favourite author!
Not familiar with cosplay? See what all the fuss is about at Cosplay HQ, and watch cosplayers get into character at the Saturday Cosplay Competition and our Supanova Cosplay Odyssey national competition.
Check out the Cosplay Hall of Heroes with awesome displays, meet our Cosplay Ambassadors and take photos at the Cosplay Heroes Wall. You can also show off your moves at the Fortnite Dance Challenge happening on stage during the Supanova Cosplay Competition!
Gold Coast also has the exclusive Supanova Superhero Parade on Sunday morning, where cosplayers, fan clubs and Supa-Star guests unite for a colourful parade in the streets of Broadbeach ending at the convention centre itself.
Adding to the Friday fun will be Supanova’s Supa-Star Showcase with host Quinny and team captains Bec and CK challenging our Supa-Star guests with Aussie trivia. Catch Supa-Star guest duo Nolan North and Troy Baker for the live edition of their hit Youtube show, RETRO REPLAY (separately ticketed event).
Melbourne Supanova is celebrating Mad Max’s 40th Anniversary in style, with the Mad Max 40th Anniversary Expo featuring Supa-Star guests Hugh Keays-Byrne, Steve Bisley, Paul Johnstone, Vince Gil and Dale Bensch, along with replicas of famous vehicles, Toecutter’s gang bikes and screen used props from the original film. There’ll also be limited exclusive merch to pick up too!
For the Melbournian foodies, sink your teeth into hot wings at the Hellboy Food Truck Experience!
If you have any questions, feel free to approach any of our helpful volunteers or head to the Information Booth. If stressed, please remember to take a breath and be kind to our volunteers – they will do everything they can to assist you.
SUPA-STAR SNAPSHOT
Rub shoulders with your favourite celebrities by attending panels, signings and photo ops throughout the weekend. Providing answers to your burning questions, our Supa-Star guests will be celebrating everything from their respective fandoms and more!
HOT TIP: There’s some serious talent on this year’s bill, so that may mean lining up a little while for autographs and photos. To kill the time while you wait, count how many cosplayers you can see wearing costumes related to the Supa-Star you’re in line for. For example, if you were in line for Tyler Hoechlin, count how many Superman-related cosplayers you see while in line.
This year, Supanova is bursting at the seams with talent and with so many great people to see, where do you even start?
Howl like a wolf with Tyler Posey (Teen Wolf) and Tyler Hoechlin (Teen Wolf, Supergirl) as they share some insights into the creation of Teen Wolf and their own individual projects. Returning to Supanova is Ian Somerhalder (The Vampire Diaries, V-Wars, Lost) to talk about all things vampires and more. Why not also conjure up some spells with Constantine himself, Matt Ryan (Constantine, DC’s Legends of Tomorrow, The Halcyon).
If you’re attending Supanova in Melbourne, you can look forward to Millie Bobby Brown (Stranger Things, Godzilla: King of the Monsters, Intruders) and Toby Stephens (Black Sails, Lost in Space, Vexed).
Vote for Pedro and eat some tots with Jon Heder (Napoleon Dynamite, Blades of Glory, The Benchwarmers) or take a trip to the shire with Graham McTavish (Preacher, Outlander, The Hobbit trilogy) and Stephen Hunter (The Hobbit trilogy, Blue World Order, Wolf Creek).
If gaming and animation is your thing, come along and chat with Nolan North (Uncharted, Assassins Creed, Young Justice), Troy Baker (The Last of Us I & II, Death Stranding, Batman vs. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles), Lucie Pohl (Overwatch, Red Dwarf XI, World of Warcraft) and Jonny Cruz (Overwatch, Hitman, Heroes of the Storm).
And that’s just the beginning!
You can get a taste of what to expect from some of our Supa-Star features:
INTERVIEW: Troy Baker & Nolan North On ‘RETRO REPLAY’
“When things kinda get a little messed up and a little confusing politically as they are right now, it’s just kind of a nice breath of fresh air to see a community really come in and support each other and to be a part of that.”
INTERVIEW: Matt Ryan On Constantine: “They Keep Pulling Me Back In”
“We had only just shot the pilot and I flew in, and the next minute my face was on buttons. There were big billboards everywhere, and it was just crazy. It was absolute mayhem, but a wonderful, wonderful experience.”
INTERVIEW: Tyler Hoechlin Talks Complex Werewolves & Superman Rumours
“I tried to make sure that I didn’t treat it any differently to any other characters that I’d worked on.”
The History Of ‘Mad Max’
“What started as a low budget Australian film created by a bunch of friends has become one of the world’s biggest franchises, imprinting itself on cinema history permanently.”
Why The ‘Napoleon Dynamite’ Problem Is Also Its Key
A $1 million prize and a worldwide tech hunt. It seems unlikely that an oddball comedy about ligers and llamas would ever stir such a response. But that is exactly what Napoleon Dynamite – starring Supa-Star Jon Heder – managed to do when it made its way into the streaming world.
GAMING
Supanova Comic Con & Gaming. As always, you can expect gaming to play a big role at the show, and this year we’ve leveled up.
Kicking off the gaming events this year is a special ticketed event, RETRO REPLAY Live!, starring Nolan North and Troy Baker, at 7pm each Friday. Universities from each state will battle for the Uni Cup and $19,000 prize pool live on the AEL stage for the 2019 AEL University Cup. The Table Top Gaming Zone is where you can learn about RPG’s and Miniatures or challenge your friends with humorous card games.
Gold Coast gamers should head to the Nintendo Switch Terrace to have a go at the latest Nintendo Switch games, including Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Super Mario Party, Pokemon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and more.
Melbourne gamers should check out the activities happening at the Nintendo Stand, whether you compete in or watch the 2019 Australasian Open on stage or play Nintendo Switch games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. You can enjoy pizza pie samples after an intense gaming battle or enjoy your favourite classic video games at Papa Giuseppi’s Retro Gaming Lounge. You can find stacks more on gaming in the event programme embedded below.
COSPLAY
Cosplay is one of the most colourful, whimsical and beloved aspects of attending any convention, and Supanova Comic-Con & Gaming is no exception. At each and every event, we’re treated to the eye-catching costuming efforts of our dedicated denizens paying homage to their favourite pop culture characters, and the entire experience is unquestionably made all the richer for it.
The art of DIY cosplay will be championed by two Cosplay Ambassadors who will be no strangers to those of you who keep tabs on this sort of thing – namely, veteran cosplayer extraordinaire ANDYCAMCosplay, and award-winning Melbournian cosplayer, TJ Cosplay.
Our Ambassadors will be heading the charge for the cosplay scene, alongside international cosplay Supa-Star, Kamui Cosplay. Kamui Cosplay hails from Germany, whose talents not only lie in her incredible and detailed costume designs, but also in her series of instructional books that have helped cosplayers around the world.
Remember to stop by Cosplay HQ to pose for that perfect portrait of your costume! A well-known and talented fixture of the cosplay community, Steamkittens will be taking photos all weekend in both Melbourne and Gold Coast. Steamkittens will be supported by local photographers in both cities.
We’ve all had that dreadful moment at a convention: A costume malfunction, usually at the worst time. Something needs sewing. Something needs hot glue. Something needs to be done! But where to go for help? Cosplay HQ Repair Station, that’s where! Our skilled team can assess and repair your costume, give you quality advice and get you out and ready for your photo shoots and onto the stage for the competition.
For the general punters out there, to ensure that this all remains as vibrant and vital a part of the community as possible – and as much fun as it can be for everyone – here are some handy tips for interacting with cosplayers when you encounter them on the con floor.
SUPANOVA COSPLAY COMPETITION
The Supanova Cosplay Competition presented by Lumin’s Workshop is always the highlight of a Supanova weekend for so many people, with prizes also contributed by Barnes. So, it’s time to finish off your amazing costume, put together your best performance and make that stage your own as you compete for some amazing prizes. Our cosplay judges will be looking for the best from all our entrants and rewarding those who stand above the rest.
Don’t forget to pre-register for the competition or make your way to Cosplay HQ between 10am and midday on the day of the competition to secure your place – but remember spaces are limited. For more information, visit the website.
FORTNITE DANCE CHALLENGE
If you are a fan of the game or just like to bust out the Electro Shuffle on the dance floor, this is your chance to learn some new moves and win awesome prizes from Nintendo!
SUPANOVA COSPLAY ODYSSEY
The Supanova Cosplay Odyssey is Supanova’s own advanced national cosplay competition, where you have the chance to share in $15,000 worth of prizes. The Odyssey will be held at each of the six Supanova events around the country, in search of each city’s Cosplay Hero. Aside from winning a phenomenal cash prize, each of these Cosplay Heroes will then have a chance to be named the final overall winner – our Odyssey Hero, who will be able to continue their cosplay journey all the way to the United States for Dragon Con 2019.
COSPLAY DASH!
Supanova Cosplay Dash! is an exciting new mini-event for cosplayers that will run immediately following the Supanova Cosplay Odyssey on the Sunday of each show. This event gives you the opportunity to have a moment in the spotlight without the stress of skits or questions. You’ll still get a great audience, and you can register on the day – no need to plan ahead, just get in quickly Sunday morning. This new event is perfect for beginner cosplayers or simply for those who just want to show off their costume on a stage.
THE DO’S, DON’TS, MUST-SEES & CAN’T-MISSES OF SUPANOVA
DO ask for permission before taking a cosplayer’s photo. Most cosplayers are exceptionally friendly people and will be happy to accommodate you – especially if they’re already posing for other photos. Try to get in while the going’s good, and don’t wait until after they’ve just stood frozen in place for several minutes to take your shot.
DON’T touch them. Or their props. But especially them. Well, unless they invite you to. If they invite someone else to do so and you happen to be there, you still need to get permission. This is pretty much an extension of the first one – i.e. get people’s permission before you do anything – but it’s a really important point.
DO say something nice. This seems really simple but kindness goes a long way, especially if you’ve enjoyed someone’s cosplaying efforts enough to ask them for a photo and/or a chat. Verbally let them know you appreciate the time and effort they put in to recreating their character, and for contributing to the overall magic of the day.
On the flipside, for cosplayers…
DO be aware of your personal space. As much as you don’t want others to touch you without permission, understand those full-size wings you attached to your battle suit might be touching others instead just because of how physical space works.
DON’T just stop for photos anywhere. If you get asked for a photo and say yes, that’s great! Not so great is the fact you just blocked a vital central walkway to do it. Try to stand to the side, or at least find somewhere that’s a little lighter on foot traffic, rather than needlessly clogging up the joint.
DO carry a repair kit. You’re going to need it. Yes, you double-checked and reinforced your costume already and even took it for a test spin, and everything worked perfectly… Take a repair kit.
DON’T be judgmental, especially about other cosplayers. Not everyone has the same time and money, or artistic and physical ability as others do when it comes to costuming as a hobby. Respect the effort and intention.
DO have a bathroom plan. No, really. Think about how you’re going to relieve yourself if the need arises, because that is not a problem you want to only be first considering once you’re through the door.
DO stay hydrated. Again, not something you want to think about after you’ve passed out as a dehydrated husk in a lycra onesie. Keep those fluids up. That’s why the bathroom plan is important.
If everyone keeps to these simple suggestions, it should stand to make the entire experience more pleasant. And, oh, before we forget – one last piece of advice for everyone, across the board:
DO have fun.
That is, after all, the point.
LOCAL LEGENDS
Visit the Imagineer’s Stage on the Gold Coast to learn more about Garrison7 and the upcoming trilogy of novels and movies set in the Garrison7 universe. Meet Director and creator, Scott Brewer, and co-author, Kynan Waterford (author of the System series of novels) about the solar systems, alien species, political systems, technology and, of course, conflicts that make up the Garrison7 universe and set the scene for this epic trilogy.
Special guests include iFly stunt team and industry professionals with credits in The Matrix series, Thor: Ragnarok, and most recently Aquaman. The Gena8 team also have a special announcement about Sydney Supanova 2019.
Two friends living on opposite sides of the world build a school on the small island of Koh Tao in Thailand with the hope of changing the quality of education for Thai and Burmese immigrant children.
Directed, shot and edited by Eliza Taylor and Patrick Cotter, as a production piece under the name of Taylor’s newly founded production company, We Are Wild Ones, which she is currently running alongside her friend, Stephen Jeffery.
NIGEL NEWTON’S NOCTURNAL (MELBOURNE EXCLUSIVE)
In this paranormal comedy web series, Nigel Newton (Will Burgin Stevenson) – undergrad student and aspiring TV personality – begins documenting strange events in the city of Melbourne. He enlists the help of long-suffering friend and cameraman Kenny (Mark Caile), and their sceptical classmate Alyson (Tessa Stickland). Together, they investigate supernatural mysteries such as a werewolf professor, the secret witches coven in the student union, and the ghost of a former classmate.
Brought to you by Harmless Turtle Productions, the cast and crew of Nigel Newton’s Nocturnal Nights will be appearing at Supanova Melbourne to answer all your questions.
BURNING KISS (MELBOURNE EXCLUSIVE)
A hypnotic thriller, The Burning Kiss tells the story of a disgraced former detective, his daughter, and the inferno of secrets and guilt ignited by the arrival of an unexpected stranger. Fans of the suspenseful won’t want to miss this exclusive inside look at the film with director, Robbie Studsor.
Supa-Star Brian Donovan joins us this Friday night for a very special screening of Kelly’s Hollywood. This award-winning documentary tells Brian’s personal story of bringing his wonderful sister Kelly, born with Down syndrome, out to Los Angeles to pursue her dream of becoming a Hollywood star. Described as honest and touching, this captivating film is an absolute must-see.
READ ALL ABOUT IT
Looking for an epic book to read? Are you a budding author? Have a novel you want signed? For the Melbourne and Gold Coast events, we have some seriously awesome authors for panels, signings, photo ops and more.
New to Supanova is the Publishing Precinct where you can meet publishers, printers, self-published authors and Supa-Star authors. Head to QBD booksellers to get your latest reading fix. Bookworms and writers interested in their manuscript becoming a best-seller should check it out.
V. E. Schwab (also published as Victoria Schwab) is renowned for her titles for young and adult audiences alike. She’s most known for works such as The Near Witch and series like Shades of Magic, Villains, The Archived and Monsters of Verity.
Alan Baxter is not only a writer but also a martial arts expert! The most recent title in his ever-growing library is Devouring Dark, an urban horror that’s been shortlisted for an Aurealis Award for best fantasy novel.
Lynette Noni work is often described as Harry Potter meets X-Men and Narnia. She returns to Supanova with Vardaesia, the fifth and final book in the bestselling Medoran Chronicles, as well as her 2018 novel, Whisper, the first in an entirely new series with a sequel due later this year.
Corey J White is a science fiction connoisseur that packs a punch with The Void Witch Saga. The saga recently concluded with the third novella, Static Ruin, which was just shortlisted as a finalist for the Aurealis Award’s best science fiction novella.
Marlee Jane Ward is an award-winning science fiction novelist who burst onto the scene in 2015 with her action-packed urban dystopian thriller Welcome To Orphancorp. The sequel, Psynode, follows the same unique edgy style in the intense technopunk world Ward has created.
Kiwi-born Rachael Craw is an urban fantasy YA author. She’s most well-known for producing the Spark series and most recently released The Rift, another thrilling gem that will leave you on the edge of your seat wanting more.
Jodie McAlister is the writer of the stunning Valentine series. The final book to her trilogy, Misrule, was just released last February. Let’s hope she’ll give her fans some clues about what she’s working on next when she visits Melbourne and the Gold Coast this April!
As always, Supanova’s guest authors and their amazing works will be available at the QBD pop-up bookshop! Pop in, say hello, have your books signed and ask them your burning questions like, “What’s next?!”
The Rise Of Australian Spec Fic Authors
Australian authors, particularly those of the spec fic genres, are enjoying more success than ever before. Sales, diversity, and new avenues to a long-term and full-time career have all contributed to an amazingly strong showcase of talent.
The Medoran Chronicles’ Alexandra Jennings Is The Hero Young Adult Books Need
“Story inspiration can come from anywhere, be it a newspaper story you have read, a new piece of tech that is coming out, a conversation that you have had. Inspiration can come from anywhere, but there are still strong filmic elements embedded.”
COMIC CREATORS
The convention is built on the foundations of comic creators; those who help drive our narrative via panels of vibrant imagination… so why not show some support in return and take a trip down The Alley.
BANKSIA YOUTH MASTERCLASS (TICKETED EVENT)
As proud supporters of the Banksia Project and their mission to empower emerging local creators, we’re thrilled to introduce the all-new Banksia Youth Masterclass (ticketed event)!
Want to make your own comics but don’t know where to start? Join creator and Banksia powerhouse Alisha Jade with Alex E. Clark (Melbourne) and Cameron Davis (Gold Coast) for a fantastic workshop, making your own comics and learning the ins and outs of writing, drawing and printing your own comics in Australia.
This is the perfect opportunity for younger comic book fans (aged 13 – 18) to develop their skills and learn from an established industry professional. Tickets are strictly limited, so get in quick to secure your place!
IFWG PUBLISHING PRESENTS: THE WORLD LAUNCH OF NEW SF MYSTERY TITLE
Join editor/writer Christopher Sequeira and internationally acclaimed author Nancy Holder, along with local writer Brad Mengel as they launch an amazing new anthology that includes international writers like Denny O’Neil, Will Murray and others. It’s the brand-new Sherlock Holmes short story collection that asks: What goes on in parallel universes where Holmes’s best friend and biographer is a doctor, but NOT Doctor Watson; Like Dr Jekyll! Dr Van Helsing! Dr Herbert West – ReAnimator!
SUPA-STAR SKETCH-OFF
Only at Supanova will you find incredibly talented creators like David Lafuente, Jon Sommariva and Alejandro Barrionuevo facing off against each other in a Sketch-Off competition to decide (through audience acclaim) the “best” sketch of the day! Witness a free for all (not really but there is the occasional trash talk) to see who comes out on top with the chance of winning a free raffle for one of the fabulous pieces created during the session!
SOCIALS
Above all else, remember to stay Supa, have an out-of-this-world weekend, and don’t forget to tag us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram using @supanovaexpo.
#Goldnova
#Melbnova
#Supanova
#AWFSupanova2019
Twitch.tv/supanovaexpo
Youtube: www.youtube.com/supanovaexpo
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Check out the full event guides below for everything you need to know and start planning. We’ll see you there!
Downloads:
- Supanova 2019 – Melbourne Event Programme (31mb, 64pp, PDF)
- Supanova 2019 – Gold Coast Event Programme (31mb, 64pp, PDF)
Inside you’ll find:
- An Exhibition Hall map (pages 28 & 29)
- The Event Timetable for an overview of all our panels (page 32)
- A full list of our Supa-Star guests
- Cosplay, activities and gaming, plus so much more!
Read Now – Melbourne Event Programme
Read Now – Gold Coast Event Programme
