Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) Acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Narrm, the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and to Elders of all First Nations communities that visit MCEC.

This image shows a family dressed up in costumes at Comic Con. The man is wearing a white costume with a purple wig, the woman is wearing a white costume with a deep red wig, and the child is wearing a light brown costume. They man and woman are also wearing long black gloves. The people in the background are also dressed up in costumes and are walking around the exhibition bays.
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MCEC Welcomes Back Oz Comic-Con Melbourne

MCEC welcomed Oz Comic-Con back to the venue, with the return of international guests at their first full scale Melbourne event since 2019.

Oz Comic-Con is back! Held in conjunction with Animaga, the celebration of anime, manga, games, and Japanese culture returned with a bang this 11-12 June 2022 after a two-year hiatus.

Alongside international guests, Oz Comic-Con also welcomed back the most prestigious cosplay contest in Australia: the Australian Championships of Cosplay. The fun competition highlighted immense talent and craftsmanship from all around the country. Activities at Animaga included an anime cosplay competition, Animaga Idol, the Animaga Arcade, Maid Cafe and more.

The event held at MCEC also saw the return of visitor favourites like Artists Alley, Cosplay Central, TableTop Gaming and the country’s top comic artists who draw for the biggest franchises in the world; Marvel, DC, The Simpsons and more.

Gaming at Oz Comic-Con

Alongside guest speakers, child-friendly activities, and special zones Cosplay Central and Artist Alley, Oz Comic-Con welcomed gamers of all ages to The Gaming Zone.

In an exciting collaboration, the Australian Esports League (AEL) presented a console freeplay gaming zone and esports tournament! Attendees could sign up to play games like Super Smash, Halo and Mario Kart.

AEL identified Oz Comic-Con as the perfect platform to deliver esports and gaming to a broader audience while connecting fans and players. The event inspired expansion and growth of current AEL programs, while allowing partners the chance to showcase the latest esports and gaming products like monitors, headsets and games.

With so many genres and styles, from tabletop games to the Retro Gaming Lounge and the latest high-tech video games including VR, there was something for everyone! Attendees could try a brand new game, play something they'd had their eye on for a while, or flex their skills at an old favourite. Accommodating all, the space welcomed chillout time and spectatorship, too.

Exciting Events at MCEC

Ahead of the event, Peter King, Chief Executive of Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre said:

“At MCEC we are a hub of activity and Oz Comic Con is one of the most vibrant and exciting events we partner with each year. With events like this being held in our venue, the city of Melbourne is again bustling with action, and we look forward to seeing our building come alive this weekend.”

Gary Fitz-Roy, Managing Director of Expertise Events who manage Oz Comic Con said:

“After the huge success of the Homegrown event in December we are excited to be back with international guests as well as national.”