My first Oz Comic-Con

Last weekend, I went to my first-ever Oz Comic-Con event. While I had never been a huge comic book fan, I decided to take the plunge and try to get into comics. I figured that there was no better way to start than to attend an event that was specifically for comic book enthusiasts. In this article, I will share my experience of the event, my thoughts on the misleading title, and some tips for first-timers.

The Experience

When I arrived at the event, I was surprised to find that it was not as big as I expected. The convention hall was being shared with the Brisbane Fitness & Health Expo, which was ironic. There were a number of stalls right near the entrance with genuine artists selling prints of their work, and some of them were really good. However, the surrounding area smelled strongly of body odour, so I quickly moved on.

As I walked around the convention, it became apparent to me that it was not solely focused on comic books. There were many stalls that were not comic-related, which was disappointing. While there were some cosplayers around, the quality of their costumes reflected the residents’ disposable income.

Misleading Name

I also realized that “Comic-Con” was a misleading title for the event. The event seemed more like a convention for people who did not fit into the Brisbane Fitness & Health Expo. In my opinion, it would have been more appropriate to call it “People-Who-Don’t-Like-Sports-Con 2014” or something similar.

It was clear that the event was not focused solely on comics. There were many other categories represented at the event, such as horror films, video games, and Disney statues. While I did manage to find one stall that sold comics, it was disappointing to see so few.

Tips for First Timers

If you’re planning on attending Oz Comic-Con for the first time, there are a few tips that I can offer. Firstly, be prepared for a mixed experience. While the event is advertised as a comic convention, it is clear that it is not solely focused on comics. There will be many other categories represented at the event.

Secondly, bring some cash. While there were some stalls that accepted card payments, many of them were cash only. I found this to be a hassle, as I had to walk to an ATM to withdraw cash.

Lastly, be prepared for the crowds. There were a lot of people at the event, which made it difficult to navigate. It is important to be patient and not get frustrated when it takes longer to get to where you want to go.

Disappointment

In conclusion, while I was disappointed with the misleading title of the event and the lack of comic-related stalls, I did enjoy my first Oz Comic-Con experience. If you’re planning on attending the event, make sure to bring cash, be prepared for the crowds, and have an open mind about the variety of categories that will be represented.