Oz Comic Con celebrates in Sydney as nerds, cosplayers come out in full force

The villainous Joker character has made a star appearance at Oz Comic Con, but it wasn’t the version made famous by Aussie legend Heath Ledger, but instead a wild 80s take.

Cosplayers, anime fans, creatives and nerds descended upon Sydney Showground this weekend for Oz Comic Con, and one of cinema’s legendary screen villains made a star appearance: The Joker.

Multiple actors have played the antagonist to Gotham saviour Batman, including Aussie hollywood icon Heath Ledger, who took on the role in the massively popular Dark Knight film and won a posthumous Oscar for his portrayal.

But it wasn’t Ledger’s warped, grunge version that showed up in Sydney, but rather American star Jack Nicholson’s wild take from the 1989 film Batman.

John Sellers was dressed to the nines as the ostentatious and maniacal Joker, complete with a walking cane, fedora hat, long purple coat, striped pants and iconic white make-up, green hair and red lipstick.

Mr Sellers channels Jack Nicholson’s Joker from 1989 at the Oz Comic Con event at Sydney Olympic Park. Picture: NewsWire / Damian Shaw

Heath Ledger won a posthumous Oscar for his role as the The Joker in The Dark Knight. Picture: AP Photo/Warner Bros. Pictures / Stephen Vaughan

He was just one of hundreds of eager fans who crowded into one of the one of the biggest comic conventions in Australia.

Oz Comic Con annually draws in large crowds as it moves around the nation’s capital cities.

Sci-fi and fantasy lovers are able to meet and hear those who work within the industry, from actors, voice actors, professional cosplayers, artists, writers and many more.

Sydney guests were treated to celebrities Brenton Thwaites and Teagan Croft, who star in the DC Universe Series Titans, as well as Giancarlo Esposito, who played Gustavo “Gus” Fring in Breaking Bad.

All three hosted Q&A panels on the main stage on Sunday.

Andrew Crick as Star Wars’ Emperor Palpatine at the Oz Comic Con event at Sydney Olympic Park. Picture: NewsWire / Damian Shaw

Ehzra Jean came as Shalor from World of Warcraft. Picture: NewsWire / Damian Shaw

Breaking Bad actor Giancarlo Esposito signed autographs for fans. Picture: NewsWire / Damian Shaw

It’s usual for fans to dress as their favourite character to attend the event, with some making extra effort to be declared the Australian Grand Champion of cosplay on Sunday afternoon.

Those who have won the championship round in each respective state will battle it out for national glory.

While many chose human characters to replicate, with superheroes, pirate captains and alien hunters all well represented, others showed off intricate and elaborate costumes of a more supernatural nature.

One attendee chose World of Warcraft character Sha’lor top imitate, covering themselves in fur and painting their face to replicate that of the humanoid.

Another donned a dark cloak and an elaborate face covering to portray Emperor Palpatine from Star Wars.

One group of friends were all smiles as they ventured through the showgrounds. Picture: NewsWire / Damian Shaw

Luna Salter dressed as Anime star Madoka. Picture: NewsWire / Damian Shaw

While usually people visiting the showground would be prevented from arriving with a fist full of blades, Edward Scissorhands had no trouble as he made his way through the convention. Picture: NewsWire / Damian Shaw

Edward Scissorhands made an appearance, as did the 1989 iteration of Joker., and anime figure Madoka.

The convention had something for everyone, with lessons in cosplay posing, a Just Dance arcade game competition and video gaming tournaments available.

Some were seen getting tattoos on Sunday, as the convention centre was packed to the brim with costumed fans.

Jackson Auchterlonie dressed as Lucifer for Sunday’s festivities. Picture: NewsWire / Damian Shaw

Rowen Berry cut a striking figure as Lynette from Genshin impact. Picture: NewsWire / Damian Shaw

Rogue and Deadpool were seen strolling around the convention. Picture: NewsWire / Damian Shaw

Some took a more dramatic route in their cosplay than others, with Pyramid Head from Silent Hill managing to navigate her way through the crowds. Picture: NewsWire / Damian Shaw

Crowds pictured at the Oz Comic Con event at Sydney Olympic Park. Picture: NewsWire / Damian Shaw

Originally published as Oz Comic Con celebrates in Sydney as nerds, cosplayers come out in full force