While our Cons might not be as massive as their American counterparts, in the world of fan conventions, Supanova is making a name for itself as a dynamic, inclusive event with a wide range of fandoms represented.
This year’s Brisbane Supanova certainly didn’t disappoint, with a star-studded line up, and a range of interviews and panel presentations to keep the crowds entertained. The big draw-card name of the year was easily Nathan Fillion, star of ‘Castle’ and sci-fi icon for his roles within the Whedonverse (especially Captain Mal Reynolds in ‘Firefly’).
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Nathan shared the stage with another Whedonverse favourite, Enver Gjokaj, who set hearts aflutter as Victor in ‘Dollhouse’ before joining Marvel’s ‘Agent Peggy Carter’ (where hearts, it must be noted, remained aflutter).
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Whovians were in for a treat with Michelle Gomez – perhaps better known as Missy – keeping the snark levels high and the Moffatt fans in some serious suspense about what comes next in the iconic British time-travel saga. The only reveal made: The Mistress will return to terrorise the Doctor!
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‘Harry Potter’ and ‘Game Of Thrones’ fans were thrilled to see Natalia Tena in Brisbane, talking about her roles, and the mischief managed behind the scenes of J.K. Rowling’s fantasy franchise. DC fans got to mingle with powerhouse performer Karen Fukuhara, who played the sword-wielding battle goddess Katana in ‘Suicide Squad’.
Perennial-crowd favourite (whether for fond ‘Play School’ memories, or a love of ‘Wolf Creek’) John Jarratt kept audiences on their toes, reminding us all just what a perfectly scary voice he can bring to any conversation. Because politics finds its way into everything, a host of American guests took a moment to apologise, commiserate, or ponder what on earth just happened on their home turf, and Trump was a clear favourite cosplay choice for anyone with enough orange paint to make it work.
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Harley Quinn was also a popular costume choice, but unsurprisingly, Holtzmann from the latest ‘Ghostbusters’ movie has kept up momentum as a crowd favourite.
It’s easy to get taken in by the glitz and stardom of Conventions, and miss the parts that really matter. And though there’s always more than can be done to make the space physically inclusive (a great suggestion from con-goers this year was an early opening for sensory sensitive people: a chance to shop for merch in a less frenetic environment to minimise overwhelm), it’s wonderful to see Supanova working to build inclusivity and diversity into its panels.
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It’s great to watch creatives from around the world honestly discussing what can be done – both as creatives and consumers – to bring more fairness into the creative industries.
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The great news is that Supanova has been confirmed for 2017, with events happening throughout the country. With a goal to being bigger and better with every event, rumours abound that next year’s guest line up will be epic.
Image © Zoe Russell
