Supanova Pop Culture Expo (Supanova) is a fan convention focusing on science fiction and fantasy film and TV, comic books, anime, gaming and collectables.

In June 24, 25 and 26, the event took place in Perth Convention and Entertainment Centre in Perth, Western Australia. The event played host for stars and celebrities of various mediums, Exhibitors, Artists in The Alley, the Madman National Cosplay Competition 2016 Western Australia entrants, and awesome interactive competitions throughout the weekend which include the Supanova Cosplay Competition on Saturday and Sunday. Highlight appearances included the Original Green Power Ranger, Jason David Frank, Travis Fimmel (Vikings, Warcraft), Shannen Doherty (Charmed, Beverly Hills, 90210), Holly Marie Combs (Charmed, Pretty Little Liars), James Marsters (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Torchwood), Sean Astin (Lord of the Rings, Goonies), and many more!

Maria of Audette Jupiter, Collin of Collin Kerr Photography, Brad of Armoured Heaven, Joey of Neo Tokyo Project.

Photograph by Joeys Mom.

The Cosplay scene here has been constantly improving over the years and this year was unsurprisingly, a riot of dazzling costume designs and photography opportunities, and a jaw-dropping spectacle of creative ingenuity. Armoured Heaven, Australia’s Premiere Toy Gun Store, came over to host a stall in Perth for the first time, and was a massive success. With many of their toy guns selling out, it was clear their presence in WA was way overdue! I had the pleasure working with them over the weekend behind the stall, alongside with the beautiful Maria S of Audette Jupiter, who flew over from Melbourne to be in Perth over the weekend! On the Saturday morning when the weather cleared up, I was the main photographer for the X-men United Photo gathering on the Saturday, and it was an opportunity to interact with many of the cosplayers and con-goers that I only know through their online presence. Later in the evening I received messages from people telling me they saw me in the background on the Channel 7 News!

Myself photographing Hannie Cosplay‘s interpretation of Psylocke, from the movie X-men: Apocalypse!

Joey of Neo Tokyo Project, who hails from Singapore came to participate in the Madman Supanova Cosplay 2016, and win “Judges Award” with her cosplay of the character Boss, from Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater! In the previous weekend, she competed in the same competition hosted in Sydney, and with her ellaborately made armour as Anduin Lothar (Warcraft), Joey was awarded “Best Costume!” I had the opportunity to photograph Joey along with Brad of Jack Action, who on that weekend marked his 10th year cosplaying as various characters from Metal Gear Solid characters!

One thing I was a bit let down with was the artistic talent that flew all the way from the US were tucked away in an alienated position, facing the back wall. The only time I would have found them if I was hungry, go to a foodstall, turn around and there they are. In contrast, the Artist Alley was bussling with the independent and amateur talent, with lots of prints and charging commissions. I was personally gunning to catch Perth-based local Ashley Wood, the artist of the “Metal Gear Solid” comic books, and the PSP game “Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker”. I had learnt after he was late on his arrival on both days, and didn’t appear to make his presence known, with none of his work on display or on sale. Maybe next time!

Perth Supanova was an amazing experience with an entire weekend’s worth of fun to be had, but for now, Perth will have to wait until 2017. Want more in 2016? Supanova Brisbane will be held Friday 11th to Sunday 13th November at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre. And Adelaide will host their event from Friday 18th to Sunday 20th November at the Adelaide Showgrounds. For more information visit the Supanova Pop Culture Expo website.