Surviving your very first Supanova

Supanova 2019 is one epic weekend. Are you ready?

The Supanova Comic-Con and Gaming convention is hitting Australia’s shores in 2019. It’s one unfathomably big event attended by thousands, and people go all out with costumes for the weekend. The convention isn’t limited to cosplayers and gamers, there are live performances, creative master classes, celebrity panels, wrestling, app creators, YouTube stars, tournaments, competitions and shopping. Which is why it attracts people of all ages and walks of life. Previous stars include Thor’s Chris Hemsworth, Game of Thrones star Natalie Dormer, Wolf Creek star John Jarratt and Bones and Buffy star David Boreanaz.

Supanova 2019 locations and dates

Melbourne: 5-7 April 2019, Melbourne Showgrounds Gold Coast: 12-14 April 2019, Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre. Sydney: 21-23 June 2019, Sydney Showground Olympic Park Perth: 28-30 June 2019, Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre Adelaide and Brisbane's fans have more time to plan with Supanova 2019 locked in for November.

Supanova survival tips

If you are hitting up Supanova for the first time, we have some insider tips on how to get the most out of this star-studded, fandom and fantasy weekend.

If you can afford it, upgrade your ticket

It's expensive, but a Supa VIP pass gets you awesome extras like photos and autographs, priority entry and express queuing. Shopping, photos, masterclasses and autographs add up quickly so VIP ticket can be worth the outlay.

Get your costumes sorted early

Cosplayers make up a significant proportion of Supanova attendees. There’s nothing worse than having your comic costume all planned to discover it’s sold out in your size! Or perhaps you try it on, and it’s not quite right, and you need to allow time for an exchange (like with our 30-day, hassle-free returns policy).

Supanova 2019 costume ideas

• You can’t lose in a Marvel Superhero costume at events like Supanova. Our range is available in adult and children’s sizes. With Stan Lee’s passing on 12 November 2018, we expect many fans will be paying homage to this much revered comic book writer, editor, and publisher at Supanova 2019.

• Our fantastic DC Comics costume range makes for perfect cosplay adventures at Supanova.

• What are you feeling? X-Men? Wonder Woman? Justice League? Shop the entire range of superhero or villain costumes and accessories.

More Supanova-worthy costume ideas

• HBO has confirmed that Game of Thrones will return for its final season in April 2019. Sad for fans, but all the more reason to bring it for Supanova 2019!
• Sailor Moon, Street Fighter, Dragon Ball Z. We have them all right here.
• Once upon a time, you went to your first Supanova ever as a classic fairytale prince or princess.
• The Force is always strong at Supanova. Get into one of our Star Wars costumes. Choose the dark or light side, and team up with your friends to go dressed as the character you idolised most from the films.
• Planning on getting creative with a DIY costume? Check out our helmets, makeup, contact lenses and wigs to help you complete your look.

BYO food and drinks

You will spend a lot of time in queues. If you BYO food and drinks in it’s one less thing to line up for. Plus save your hard-earned dollars for toys, games, posters, autographs, photos, art etc.

Take a portable phone charger

It’s a long day! Watching your phone battery decline while lining up for hours to get a pic with your favourite cosplayer/actor/producer is nothing short of stressful.

Wear comfortable shoes

You will be walking around and standing a lot. Sensible shoes will help prevent sore feet and blisters. If your comic costume requires heels or boots, take runners or flats to change into and give your feet a break.

Take cash

Some stalls are cash only and while there are ATMs at the convention centres, hello - more queuing up. No thanks!

Have a plan

The lineups can get insane. Figure out who and what you want to see and get there early.

Bring a bag or backpack

You will be going home with a haul of goodies from the day. This will save carting around shopping bags (and spoiling your costume aesthetic).

Be patient

It’s an event attended by thousands. As we keep mentioning, there is lots of time spent lining up. Everyone is in the same boat. Make new friends in the queue, share some of your snacks and talk all things comic costumes.

Start your cosplay planning and shopping now. There is something for everyone in our diverse range of costume themes.