Supanova 2024 Melbourne at Melbourne Showgrounds – another year for this pop culture convention

On the weekend of Saturday, 6th, and Sunday, 7th April 2024, Supanova Melbourne descended upon the familiar grounds of Melbourne Showgrounds in Flemington, offering enthusiasts of all things pop culture an immersive experience like no other during the calendar year. Although Comic-Con Melbourne comes close, it doesn’t have as many stars nor the number of exhibitors, events and floor space. Spanning from 10 am to 6 pm each day, the event usually promises a whirlwind of excitement and entertainment for attendees of all ages with panels chats, competitions, catch-up with cosplayers, and heaps of shopping opportunities.

For eager fans, securing tickets in advance proved to be a prudent choice, with online pre-purchases priced at $42.50 for adults, accompanied by a $3.50 online processing fee. Conversely, those opting to purchase tickets on the day faced a slightly higher cost of $50. While the ticket prices had seen a considerable increase, the allure of Supanova’s offerings remained undiminished.

Transportation to the venue presented multiple options, including tram, train, bus, or personal vehicle. However, for those driving, on-site parking was available at a fee of $20. Despite the cost, the guided parking system alleviated the stress of finding a suitable parking spot, streamlining the arrival process for attendees. (It can be a walk from the parking to the venue, but at least we got to see the Masterchef Australia studio along the way and it’s not a bad chance to see all the attendees to and from the venue.)

A hallmark of Supanova events is the vibrant display of cosplay, with attendees embracing their favourite characters from anime, comics, video games, and television/films. The Melbourne edition was no exception, with enthusiasts showcasing their creativity and passion through intricate costumes and elaborate makeup. There was a mix of characters from One Piece, Harry Potter, Star Wars, Marvel Comics, and Power Rangers.

Central to Supanova’s allure are the celebrity guests, and this year’s lineup did not disappoint. From beloved icons like Jodie Whittaker of “Doctor Who” fame to “Star Wars” stalwart Temuera Morrison, attendees had the opportunity to mingle with their favorite stars for an additional fee, securing autographs and photos as cherished mementos. Other guests included Emily Bett Rickards (The Arrowverse), Evanna Lynch (Harry Potter), Karen Fukuhara (The Boys), and a bunch of others including folks from Power Rangers, video games, comic book artists and book authors.

One of the guests we wanted to meet Giancarlo Esposito of “Breaking Bad”, “The Boys”, “The Gentlemen”, and more was meant to attend, but due to scheduling conflicts had to pull out of the event. He posted a video of his apology which makes it alright, in a way. Hopefully he will attend at a future Supanova.

Among the highlights was the chance to meet Evanna Lynch, known for her role in the “Harry Potter” series as “Luna”. Despite the brief interaction during the photo session, Evanna’s warmth and charm left a lasting impression on attendees, adding a personal touch to the star-studded affair. The process of getting a photo was streamline and simple, but you only have the option of a physical printed copy of the photo.

The Expo Hall played host to a plethora of exhibitors, showcasing an array of collectibles ranging from figurines and trading cards to cosplay accessories and manga. While some vendors offered rare and sought-after items, others provided a diverse selection of merchandise, catering to every fan’s interests. Unfortunately there was a general lack of cheap, affordable options since most vendors were selling stuff at higher prices than retail prices like the One Piece TCG booster packs for OP06 which were going for anywhere between $12 to $15 and the starter deck for $40!

While the event boasted a variety of culinary options, including food trucks, the consensus among attendees was to bring their own refreshments. Despite the convenience, the food offerings were deemed overpriced, since we lamented the hefty price tag attached to a mini Hawaiian pizza for $19 which came with four slices, a handful of pineapples, and one giant piece of ham. (It’s best to pack your own lunch to avoid the queues as well, plus you’ll probably appreciate it more.)

For those seeking respite from the hustle and bustle, the provision of free water refill stations proved to be a welcome relief, encouraging attendees to stay hydrated throughout the day – so bring a bottle.

Supanova 2024 Melbourne delivered a weekend of unparalleled pop culture immersion for the year, offering fans an opportunity to indulge their passions and connect with like-minded enthusiasts. While the event witnessed a surge in ticket prices and associated costs, the allure of meeting beloved celebrities and exploring a treasure trove of collectibles is always a good reason to return the next time.

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