Article by Mike Loder | Photography by Nathan Langridge
Having spent a lot of time around events like PAX and TGX, it was refreshing to attend something that reached further into comics, tabletop gaming, artists, and broader pop culture alongside games.
With around 30,000 people attending across the weekend in Melbourne, there was a strong sense of scale, but also a real warmth on the show floor.

Walking through the event in my Link cosplay, I was struck by how friendly the community felt. People regularly stopped for photos, chats, and those little moments of shared recognition that make conventions memorable.
Artists and a wide mix of booths all added to the feeling that there was always something fun to discover (Especially the artist alley which was HUGE) Oh and the food was on point! One of the nicest surprises was meeting an indie development pair working on a clever and fun Aussie Rules footy game (interview to come) and meeting a student who had sewn their own Spyro the dragon cosplay with immaculate detail!
The visual side of the event was a joy too. Star Wars displays, Helldivers cosplay, and of course Spyro all added to the colour and spectacle of the weekend. There was also plenty of cosplay props to buy alongside trading cards and gaming paraphernalia, much of which was overwhelming for my geeky gamer heart.
The Star Wars representation from the 501st Legion Knightfall Garrison was another real highlight. Their screen-accurate costumes brought plenty of spectacle to the floor, but what stood out just as much was their presence as volunteers. There inclusion was a strong reminder that cosplay and fandom can do more than entertain.
They can also bring people together in support of something meaningful like the Isabella & Marcus Foundation, which added an extra layer of purpose to an already impressive part of the event.
Beyond the incredible detail and screen-accurate armour on display, it was great to see how much heart sat behind the spectacle. They even had a version of the Star Wars Arcade game I used to play with my Father yeeears ago!
Then there was the joy of working with Let’s Roll for Dragons! This was one of the highlights of the weekend. As part of Boardgame Roulette, we somehow found ourselves playing Monopoly, Jenga, Uno, Moose Master, and Celebrity Heads all at the same time, which was every bit as chaotic as it sounds!
The team were so lovely to work with, and as someone who does not play a lot of board games, I was especially grateful for how welcoming and supportive they were ahead of the event. Being part of something so playful, fast moving, and full of personality was a great reminder of how much live hosting can add to the atmosphere of a space.
There is something genuinely rewarding about helping shape an experience that feels fun, connected, and memorable for everyone involved. I’m always grateful for opportunities to bring warmth, confidence, and energy into a live setting, and I’m keen to keep building in the MC, hosting, and live events space.
A huge shoutout to my fellow contestants along with Erin, Nelio, and the Let’s Roll for Dragons crew!
An Aussie AuDHD gamer with plenty of enthusiasm, even if the hand-eye coordination does not always keep up. A fan of RPG, fantasy, and survival horror games, plus tangents, swearing, vocal stims, and plenty of personality. Zaphyer also brings a diverse performance background shaped by music theatre and a range of artistic styles.
A creative soul with more than 10 years of experience across the creative industries, spanning events management and content creation. Passionate about delivering professional and joyful content for both viewers and brands, Kyle also brings the energy of an avid comedy performer to everything he does.
A fan favourite at expos and events, Mildpanicc is a cosplayer known for bringing game characters to life with impressive detail and plenty of personality. With a self-aware sense of humour and a clear love for the craft, their work captures the playful, passionate energy that makes cosplay such a standout part of event culture.
What stayed with me most, though, was the sense of community.
That feeling became even more apparent after the tragic car accident on Saturday which sent shivers across the community.
On Sunday, event organisers held a minute of silence for the victims, a gesture that reflected the care and respect shared across the weekend, flowers were laid at the area and the event staff responded with strong instruction and emotional depth for those in attendance.
Supanova gave me a wider kind of convention experience that i'd not had before ... one full of creativity and like ... real friendliness, which at the moment was really appreciated based on the state of the world is right now.
Even the trip home became part of the experience, with some people giving nods of recognition to my costume, while others confidently yelled “Zelda” at me.
If you were affected by the incident at Supanova and are feeling distressed, support is available. For immediate crisis support in Australia, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, or use its 24/7 text and chat services. Beyond Blue also offers 24/7 phone and online counselling on 1300 22 4636. In Victoria, the Victims of Crime Helpline can provide information and support for people affected by crime, including witnesses and families, on 1800 819 817. Young people can contact Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 at any time - These are services I recommend some of which I have used with positive result.
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Mike Loder trading as Rusty Sprocket Films.
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