The organiser of a free Comic Book Fair being held in Geelong this weekend says he’s surprised at the number of enthusiasts and collectors he’s uncovered in his own home town.
Evin Bryant has spent months working on the community event, which will feature comics, trading cards and a wide range of pop culture collectibles.
Evin said he decided to stage a local fair after many years of being an avid comic book collector.
“There are few retail options here for comics but I believe (there’s) a real appetite for people here to immerse themselves in comic-related collectibles … in a like-minded community,” he told Geelong Broadcasters.
“I’ve been a customer of plenty of fairs and cons in the past, volunteered at cons and fairs big and small, and I’m keen to launch into this exciting new event here in Geelong.
“This fair is an open, free event to the public to allow all of the interested Geelong community an opportunity to explore their itch or feed their passions, Evin said.”
Geelong Comicbook Fair mastermind, Evin Bryant
Nine local retailers will be among the exhibitors including Gifts for the Geek, Popcultcha and Throw The Dice. All will be selling and exhibiting comics and comic-adjacent products.
A further 14 sellers from outside the Geelong region will also have displays, including stock that is not easily available for enthusiasts in Geelong.
Five independent artists from Geelong and other regions will also showcase their talents.
Evin said he had not expected the level of interest he had discovered while organising Sunday’s event.
“Geelong does have a strong pop culture presence,” he said, “particularly with the Pop Culture store itself.
“It’s a global brand and we’re very lucky to have it here in our own backyard.
“I’ve found a lot more local interest than I initially thought we had here, there really is a budding community here in Geelong.”
He said visitors could expect to see collectibles in a range of price ranges, from rare items through to some very affordable bargains.
“There’ll be a lot more than just toys and trading cards and comics, (there’ll also be) manga and Lego, Funko Pops, all of those different things that pop culture enthusiasts will enjoy.
“We’ll also have tables where children will be able to colour and draw, and even create their own comic book.”
The Geelong Comic Book Fair will take place at Geelong West Town Hall on Sunday, between 10am and 4pm. Admission is free.
