#84 for 2021
This is the 1st and only con I've been to in Australia to date. It will be rated amongst the North American cons we have been to that include SDCC, Amazing Con, Fan Expos, MegaCons, Rose City, Wizard and Ace but not inclusive. In that perspective this review may not be fair to the Australian Comic Cons in general. However, because comic cons have reached an international level I believe this review can provide a working ground to vast imporvements.
There isn't much that takes from a true comic con. This con seemed to be geared more towards crafters and retail merchandise vendors. There wasn't much comics at all and hardly any comic creatives. There were many fantasy writers which I thought was great. A few who were actually trying to put out a comic book but were just getting started. Cosplay was big but seemed to be a little behind other cons.
We know Australia has their talents and makes me wonder why they were not present here. The event is held in the International Convention Center right there in beautiful Sydney Harbour. The center I felt was organized well enough. The attendance was there.
Having a group of A list creative writers, artists or editors I believe would help draw other creatives to make this a viable show representing comics. That would attract people with bigger wallets willing to spend a lumpy purse. To further facilitate this and to expand on the events an art auction would be good. You could then have artists who may not be able to attend send in pieces giving guest a chance to get hard gotten original art. Portions of the proceeds could go to a charity for additional marketing benefits. A good portion would go back to the artist that could entice them to attend and fill up a good artist alley.
Those are some of my ideas. Hope it gets better down under so we can participate. read more