Oz Comic-Con will no longer hold annual convention in Adelaide or Perth from 2018 onwards

OZ Comic-Con is ending its annual Adelaide pop culture convention after five years.

ADELAIDE will lose one of its favourite pop culture conventions next year.

Oz Comic-Con announced today that it would no longer deliver the event to Adelaide or Perth.

It had been held at the Wayville Showgrounds every April or March since 2012, drawing thousands of fans of comics, films, TV shows, games, art, pop culture and cosplay.

“Our Perth and Adelaide fans are some of our most passionate fans in Australia - you are what makes the events so fun,” the team wrote on Facebook on Wednesday afternoon.

“However, recently we have felt that the events have not reached the high standards that we aspire to, nor to the expectations that you have.”

“It is with this in mind that we have made the decision to no longer deliver Oz Comic-Con in Perth and Adelaide.”

Cosplayers in Adelaide for Oz Comic-Con last year: Tristan Willes, Calixta Cheers, Steve Scholz, Dylan Warren, Natalie Keenihan, and Symon Williamson. Picture: Matt Turner

Many of those fans did indeed react passionately on Facebook, with comments spanning the gamut from bewilderment to disgust.

It didn’t take long for a petition to be started on change.org, calling for the decision to be reversed.

It attracted several hundred signatures in the hours following the announcement.

Some people were simply sad at the loss of an event which has drawn a loyal community over the years.

Adelaide artist Rachel Loren Designs, one of dozens to share their works on the con floor, was disheartened by the news.

“The more I think about it the more bummed out I get,” Rachel said.

“I’m starting to really feel more confident in my artwork and I really look forward to the conventions.

“The costs of attending cons interstate really add up, so that’s really limited my ability to attend Oz Comic-Con at all next year.”

Melissa Joan Hart was one of the celebrity guests at Oz Comic-Con Adelaide this year. Picture: Matt Loxton

Adem of JATSTV, who travels to several conventions as a cosplay photographer every year, said he doesn’t believe standards are the real reason behind the cancellation.

“I’ve been to Perth OzCC before and it’s jam packed, especially since Perth is central for most West Side residents to travel. If it’s a financial issue, I wish they would be honest with it and make cuts but still have the convention functioning.”

Finn Jones and Daniel Portman from Game of Thrones were major guests in 2015. Picture: Roger Wyman

Hundreds of local fans also step up as volunteers to assist with running the event every year.

Nicholas Endenburg, who has volunteered since 2015, lamented the loss of a great opportunity for young people.

“We give our time and energy into helping make these events fun and exciting for everyone,” he said.

“Many young people use the volunteer experience as a way of gaining workplace skills in areas like customer service, retail and leadership.

“Two cities have now lost a valuable space in which we can learn and develop workplace skills, as well as a fun and enjoyable event where we can make new friends.”

Oz Comic-Con has announced the end of its Adelaide and Perth conventions.

Oz Comic-Con’s Championships of Cosplay, which has sent several Adelaide competitors interstate in recent years, will still continue in some capacity.

“The Championships of Cosplay will continue with a presence in Adelaide and Perth as part of the national event and the official Australian leg of the ‘Quest for the Crown’ global competition. We will have more news on this in January 2018,” Oz Comic-Con said.