POP culture enthusiasts rejoice! Armageddon Expo 2013 returns this weekend, offering fans a chance to indulge their nerdier side. Sarah Khazaal has the details.
For the past seven years, the Armageddon Expo has given fans from all corners of geek culture a chance to celebrate their fandom of choice. Whether it be in comic books, anime, sci-fi or television, Armageddon offers fans an opportunity to meet new people, see their favourite stars and enjoy geeky festivities.
From October 19-20, the jam-packed event will be making an exponential impact in their big new venue – the Melbourne Showgrounds.
As with past editions of Armageddon, there’ll be plenty of things to do and see. From amateur artist booths to professional wrestling to memorabilia stalls, Armageddon has enough to satiate all geeky needs. Run by fans, for the fans, the expo promises to be an exciting day for all.
In addition to sharing your passions with friends, Armageddon is also a great opportunity to meet and greet some of pop culture’s famous faces.
With an overwhelming amount of things to do over the two-day extravaganza, below you’ll find some of the rare opportunities that fans should take to further their Armageddon experience!
Meeting Harry Potter‘s, Evanna Lynch
Evanna Lynch, who plays fan favourite, Luna Lovegood, in the Harry Potter series of films. Photo: Andrea Francesco Berni via Flickr
Personally speaking, I feel that the true headliner of the show is Evanna Lynch, better known as Luna Lovegood in the Harry Potter series of films!
At this year’s event, fans tall and small will have the opportunity to hear Evanna speak at the Harry Potter panel where she will detail her experience shooting the beloved films – of which she is a big fan herself.
In addition to seeing her in person, fans will also have the chance to take a photo with the blonde actress who was once described as “perfect” to play the role of Luna by Harry Potter‘s outstanding author J.K. Rowling.
Many will be curious to meet the girl who beat out 15,000 others to win her title as the quirky and mysterious, Luna Lovegood.
Evanna will be joined by fellow Harry Potter co-star Robbie Jarvis, who played James Potter in the films.
Meeting Supernatural‘s Ty Olsson
In addition to Supernatural, Ty Olsson has also appeared in Battlestar Galactica, X-Men 2 and Rise of the Planet of the Apes. Photo: Karen Cooke via Flickr
We’ve seen many heroes and many villains over the years, but the most interesting characters are the ones who blur the lines between the two. Even more so are the actors who can pull off this feat.
Joining the line-up of special guest actors appearing at this year’s Armageddon is Ty Olsson, who plays the role of Benny from the long-running television series, Supernatural.
On the show, the character of Benny is a vampire who has been to purgatory and back. In the series, he rescues one half of the series protagonists, Dean Winchester, while retracing his roots and family tree.
Supernatural fans will have the chance to meet and take photos with Ty, as well as hear him speak about his experience on the set of Supernatural.
Comic Books: Where Do I Start?
Armageddon offers new comic book readers a crash course on what to read. Photo: Sam Howzit via Flickr
What Marvel books do I read? Should I be reading DC Comics as well? What about the independent comics? Who’s popular? Should I care about this story or this character?
Getting into the world of comics can be a pretty intimidating thing but thankfully, Armageddon has organised a presentation for comic book newbies to find their footing.
Presented by All Star Comics, Classic Comics, Gifts for the Geek and Kings Comics, “Comic Books: Where Do I Start” is an information style presentation that will help amateur readers find answers to some of the most intimidating questions that surround the purchasing and reading of comic books.
The experts from these comic book shops are sure to help first-time readers tap into a whole new world of stories seperate from the slew of comic book movies.
Cyanide and Happiness
Armageddon isn’t all about seeing famous faces or celebrating established writers.
You’ve likely seen the Cyanide and Happiness comic strip in one variation or another at some point. The comic strip has been seen all over the Internet and can also be viewed as an animation on YouTube.
In spite of geographical barriers, the various writers and illustrators of Cyanide and Happiness collaborated via the internet to create the world-wide hit. Instead of chatting through Skype, as they’ve become accustomed to, the team will be present at Armageddon to answer any burning questions that creative types might have about the comic strip and accompanying YouTube animations.
The brilliantly talented team of Kris Wilson, Rob DenBleyker, Matt Melvin and Dave McElfatrick, will be appearing in person to discuss how others can turn bring their creative ideas to life.
Quidditch at Armageddon
Quiddich in action! Photo: Ryan Kelett via Flickr
Who says that sporting activities can’t find their way through to conventions? In collaboration with the Victorian Quidditch Association (VQA), Armageddon will be bringing the wizarding sport of Quidditch to Melbourne!
While the idea of seeing fellow Harry Potter fans run around with a muggle stick between their legs may make you laugh, the sport that J.K. Rowling created is now played in 25 countries around the world – it even made its way into the 2012 Olympic Games (albeit as an exhibition sport)!
The VQA’s seven teams will be participating in matches against one another that the public can come and watch. During the intervals between the games, there will be an opportunity for anyone to join in and try it out. Who knows? You could be a natural just like Harry.
Armageddon Expo 2013 will take place at the Melbourne Showgrounds from October 19 – October 20. All the stars will be available on both days of the event. For more information or to find out the session times for panel talks, photo/autograph opportunities, visit the official Armageddon Expo website. Tickets to Armageddon Expo 2013, can be purchased through Ticketek.