Comic-Con is one of the most well-known conventions in the world, and on the weekend of September 13th and 14th, the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre once again transformed into a celebration of pop culture.

Although not as expansive as the American celebration, there was still a wide variety of exhibitors to explore. Rows of stalls had everything from statues and collectibles to handcrafted props and artworks.

Cosplay was, as always, front and centre, and the creativity on display was incredible, with everything from meticulously hand-crafted armour builds to fun, casual spins on iconic characters. The cosplay parades and competitions drew some of the biggest crowds of the weekend, with the community showing off not just their costumes, but their passion for the fandoms they represent.

The gaming and esports section made its return, with a mix of casual and competitive matches giving both seasoned players and newcomers a chance to test their skills, while spectators soaked in the hype.

For a more hands-on approach, the Tabletop Zone offered people a chance to meet new people over friendly board games, while Magic: The Gathering held its own booth close by, where people could purchase from a wide selection of packs or learn to play.

Of course, Comic-Con wouldn’t be Comic-Con without its guests, and fans were treated to a lineup of actors, voice actors, and creatives across film, TV, and games. Panels gave attendees the chance to dive deeper into behind-the-scenes stories, and autograph sessions were buzzing with excitement as people lined up to meet their favourites in person.

This year’s celebrity lineup included:

• Con O’Neill
• DJ Qualls
• Emilie De Ravin
• Katie Cassidy
• Renee O’Connor
• Tara Sands
• Ty Olsson

Between panels and the bustling show floor, the Community Stage and Entertainment Stage kept the energy flowing. From live performances and idol dances to Just Dance battles, there was always something happening to keep the crowd engaged.

If you needed to recharge, the food court and food trucks outside offered everything from loaded fries to sweet treats – perfect fuel to power through a long day of exploring, and a much tastier alternative to typical convention centre food.

Whether you were a die-hard fan with a cosplay you’d spent months perfecting, or a first-timer just dipping your toes into the world of conventions, there was space for everyone to enjoy themselves.

This became even more obvious when I offered entry for an elderly couple who were seated outside. After handing them a pair of wristbands, I encouraged them to enjoy themselves, and sure enough, I found them half an hour later, barely ten meters inside the hall, with huge smiles on their faces.

Wrapping up our two days at Brisbane Comic-Con, we walked away with sore feet and lighter wallets, but more importantly, with that unique sense of community you only get at events like this. Brisbane Comic-Con 2025 was a celebration of fandom in all its forms, and I can’t wait to see what next year brings.