Article written by Isabella Hill-Beaman.
Anyone who is a pop culture fanatic would have heard about the Australian version of comic con, supernova! Supernova is based over three days, twice a year and allows movie fans and book fanatics to come to one place and dress up as their favourite characters and even meet some of their idols who either write, illustrate and even act in the films and books and even comics that they live their life on.
The people who go to supernova will spend months on their costume, spending money and time making their costumes as realistic as they can. Supernova is based in Brisbane and the Gold Coast but Brisbane is always the most anticipated one every year. Thousands of people rush to the Brisbane Entertainment Centre to meet their favourite celebrities, spending money to even say hello to them. For months in advance people buy their tickets and wait to see who will be attending and hoping to get there early enough.
So far Supernova has had actors from Harry Potter, Star Wars, Howls Moving Castle, Pokémon and even Stan Lee himself. It’s the one time opportunity fans get to meet their role models, get some first looks into new movies or shows or books, even pop vinyls. It’s a way the creators and actors can be shown how much their fans appreciate what they do for the pop culture universe and how they inspire each and every person to dress up for a day and be their quirky selves. Supernova is definitely a major event not just for pop culture but also for the film industry.
One of the most amazing cosplayers I got to know let me ask a few questions about cosplaying and film characters she’s cosplayed as. Steph Alejandra also known as “pumpkin the clown” has been not just one of my close friends but also a special effects artist and cosplayer for many years. Her character pumpkin the clown is based on the joker but she’s put her twist on it as making him a clown.
Luckily she let me ask away all my questions about supernova, her inspirations and why she cosplays.
What inspires you to do cosplay?
I have always loved dressing up even when I was little. It lets me become a different character that I identify with or admire in some way.
Are there any favourite characters from films that you love to recreate?
I like to dress up as villains or anti-heroes mostly, in general I love picking characters from my childhood that I think need more love at conventions because I'm a sucker for nostalgia.
How long does it usually take to create the costume for the character you’re cosplaying as?
Depends on how much I procrastinate. Usually around 2-3 weeks with a lot of movie watching in between costume pieces.
What is your favourite thing about cosplay?
For me dressing up is just a fun experience, but I love bonding with others who recognise the character I am and who also enjoy where they are from. It's a great way to find new friends.
What cosplay have you done?
I have cosplayed as Ash Ketchum, Hannibal Lecter, the Riddler, the Grinch, Cheshire cat x storm trooper, Dr Facilier, Deadpool, Lady Death x Deadpool, the Joker, Harley Quinn, Cheshire Cat, Harvey 2-Face, the Mask, Parasect, Caterpie, Banette, Darth Maul, Billy the Puppet (Saw).. and a few others that are completely my own creation.
How long have you cosplayed for?
Probably since I was 3 or 4? I had a few costumes that I wouldn't take off except to have them washed.
Any tips and tricks for anyone wanting to cosplay?
Just go for it. Cosplay is costume-play. Whether you buy a costume, make a costume, spend $500 or slap on something random from your closet - as long as you are dressed up and having fun then you're as much a good cosplayer as any of those you see with professional photos and thousands of followers.
What was the first movie you ever cosplayed and why did you choose that character?
Apparently it was George of the Jungle (somehow always loved my male characters haha), mum said I used to strip to my underwear, beat my chest and run full force into walls. It is amazing I can still semi function at all after that.
What films will you be cosplaying in the future?
I am currently halfway through a cosplay for Howl's Moving Castle, making my own Punk Joker and if people follow me - Pumpkin will always come out to play.
Have met anyone from a film that you’ve cosplayed before? If not who would you want to meet and why?
Well it was not from any films I've cosplayed but I have met 3 at conventions. I had a photo with Orlando Bloom, he was super nice and I loved making a right royal mess of myself by kneeling in front of Mark Sheppard when I went to get my Angel Blade signed. Before that though I met Alan Tudyk while I was dressed as Cheshire-trooper. I was so star struck I forgot how to talk and didn't take off my helmet for the photo. If I had to meet any one though - Tim Burton and Johnny Depp are 10000% on my list.
It doesn’t matter how old or young you are, you’re always welcome to give cosplay ago and support your favourite film while dressing up as your favourite character and even meet your doppelganger while doing so! It’s more about having fun and doing what you love and hopefully meeting the ones who inspire you to be you and stand out from the crowd.
Supernova will be hitting back to Brisbane in November and again next year! So far this year we have had many amazing guests including John Jarret (wolf creek), John Barrowmen (Doctor Who and Arrow), Peter Capaldi (Doctor Who), Stephanie Nadolny (Dragon Ball Z), Alan Tudyk (Rouge One), Tom Welling (Smallville), Anjali Bihmani (Fall Out 4). There’s many more amazing actors and voice actors coming for the next lot of supernova.
Remember to get tickets early and you can even volunteer and spend a few days in geeky heaven. Just be creative and create a character you love and rewatch all those films. You can mix and match characters around, put your own vibe into a character and hey you can even try to master the characters voice.
The supernova website is always updated when they confirm what actors are coming, tickets for November come out in October! Make sure to keep an eye out before all the tickets are sold especially if they announce one of your favourites, you might even get a picture or autograph from one of them! They even have extra stores where people sell their fan art, comics and even movies and television shows from at supernova so they can connect to people who are just like they are! It never hurts to support the amazing film industry and new upcoming film directors from Brisbane and even ask a question or two and discover a new film to go watch.
Comments