Events

Published on April 11th, 2023 | by Andrew Bistak

Metro Comic Con: a fan-tastic time in Melbourne

Dust off the Vulcan ears, iron out the superhero capes and squeeze on the spandex: Melbourne will host a brand new pop culture convention this year, with entertainment expo Metro Comic Con set to hold its inaugural show over one big weekend from 8-9 July 2023.

Coming along for the ride at the latest event on the pop culture block are guests from one of the most iconic Spielberg movies of the 80s, a beloved small-screen genre show of the noughties and a buzz-worthy series streaming right now — Henry Thomas (E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial), Brendan Fehr (Roswell) and Katy O’Brian (The Mandalorian).

Henry Thomas came to prominence as a child actor when he took on the leading role of Elliott in the classic sci-fi film E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. He has worked steadily since then and, more recently, has appeared in movies like Doctor Sleep and Gerald’s Game (2017) and television projects, including The Haunting of Hill House, The Haunting of Bly Manor, Midnight Mass and Stargirl.

Fan-favourite Brendan Fehr played alien Michael Guerin in the sci-fi teen-drama series Roswell. While rising star Katy O’Brian can currently be seen in cinemas as Jentorra in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania and on Disney+ as ex-Imperial communications officer Elia Kane in The Mandalorian.

Accompanying them will be guests from across the pop culture metropolis of TV, film, comics, animation, cosplay and more, including:

  • Jason Palmer — an acclaimed illustrator who has created package art, licensed art, concept work and collectables for companies such as Paramount, Warner Bros, HBO, AMC, 20th Century Fox and Lucasfilm.

  • Mike McKone — a comic book artist and illustrator who has worked on DC Comics titles Justice League of America, Justice League United and Teen Titans; and Marvel Comics titles Punisher, Amazing Spider-Man, Avengers: Endless Wartime and Fantastic Four.

  • Andrew Constant — an Australian writer who penned the graphic novels Torn, Bro-ken Line and Fly and has written stories for DC Comics characters, including Nightwing (Future State), Etrigan (The Demon: Hell is Earth), Swamp Thing and Wonder Woman, and Frew Publications characters The Phantom and Kid Phantom.

Metro Comic Con will make more guest announcements in the coming months.

Metro Comic Con is the creation of event directors Carissa Avenhouse and Rand Ratinac from DCA Enterprises. The dynamic duo are the passionate producers behind boutique The Hub Productions pop culture events and the founders of the large-scale convention Oz Comic-Con, which was acquired in 2018 by an international events company.

With a combined experience in events of over forty years, they have hosted some of the biggest names in entertainment, including Stan Lee (Marvel Comics), Benedict Cumberbatch (Doctor Strange, The Hobbit, Sherlock), Sir Patrick Stewart (Star Trek: TNG, Picard and X-Men), Shannen Doherty (Charmed, Beverly Hills: 90210), Jensen Ackles (Supernatural, The Boys), Jared Padalecki (Supernatural, Gilmore Girls), Patricia Quinn (The Rocky Horror Picture Show), Richard Dean Anderson (Macgyver, Stargate: SG1), Matt Smith (Doctor Who, House of the Dragon, The Crown), William Shatner (Star Trek) and Jason Momoa (Aquaman, Game of Thrones).

Most importantly, they promise an event for fans by fans, with Avenhouse’s and Ratinac’s long history of convention expertise being born from their love of all things geeky cool. These two have their finger on the pulse of pop culture, which means that Metro Comic Con will be one not-to-be-missed entertainment experience.

“From those who love the latest streaming sensation to the cult-classic devotees, Metro Comic Con is the place to be. We’re going back to convention basics, with everything we do best — popular guests, big fandoms, exclusive experiences and a celebration of the Australian pop culture community — all in one big weekend,” says Avenhouse.

“Melbourne is renowned for quality events, and it’s a city that appreciates unique expressions of culture, so we’re excited to launch Metro Comic Con there,” adds Ratinac. “Focusing on one event over a singular weekend in one city means the lineup will be jam-packed, so attendees are in for a treat.”

Metro Comic Con will be the pinnacle of Australian pop culture experiences, delivering a weekend full of adventure, fun and fandom celebration in an inclusive and welcoming space. Whether you’re a fan of film, TV, animation, gaming, cosplay, collectables, publishing or comics, Metro Comic Con has something for everyone.

The event will feature Q&A sessions, informative panels, photo and autograph opportunities, and appearances by a collector’s case full of local and international stars. All this will be alongside an array of pop culture exhibitors, activities, cosplay opportunities, fan and professional artist stalls, merchandise and more.

Metro Comic Con is taking over Melbourne Showgrounds on 8-9 July 2023. More guests will be announced soon, along with information on panels, exhibitors and other activities.

Tickets for the 2023 event will go on sale in April.

Connect with Metro Comic Con on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, or visit www.metrocomiccon.com.au.

#MetroComicCon, #MetroComicCon2023


About the Author

When he's not trying to save the world, Andrew enjoys travel (although loathes turbulence), going to the movies, reading and being a dad to his two dogs (and now twins) with his wife.


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