Marking 10 years of Comic Gong
Turning 10 is a big deal. Especially when you’re talking about Wollongong’s much-loved comic and pop culture festival, Comic Gong.
To mark the anniversary, Wollongong City Council is stepping back in time and taking a look at the years past which have seen thousands of families, cosplayers and children come together to share a love of pop culture.
Wollongong City Council Manager Library and Community Services Jenny Thompson said that Comic Gong was at its heart, about community.
“Comic Gong has come a long way from its humble roots of a few activities, trade tables and artists at the Corrimal Library and Community Centre,” Ms Thompson said.
“Over the years Comic Gong has become a household name for Wollongong residents who have fallen in love with the annual event. Every year I hear how much families and children, as well as the young-at-heart, adore Comic Gong and look forward to attending every year.
“This year’s Comic Gong is going to be a bit different, as we’ve had to re-imagine the program while the ongoing works at the Illawarra Performing Arts Centre are wrapped up. This year’s program will hopefully scratch the Comic Gong itch until 2024, when the Comic Gong Festival makes a triumphant return."
See here, for more details about this year's events.
Step back in time: 10 years of Comic Gong
Comic Gong 2013
Comic Gong 2013 was where all the magic began! The very first festival was held at the Corrimal Library.
The first Comic Gong included a small number of artist and trade stalls, comic workshops and the very first cosplay competitions.
Comic Gong 2014
In 2014, Comic Gong packed its bags and moved to the Wollongong CBD. Artist Alley and trade stalls moved to the Wollongong Town Hall.
The Wollongong Library became the place to visit for family friendly activities such as face painting, badge making and workshops.
Comic Gong 2015
Exciting activities and shows in the Arts Precinct brings crowds. Rock'n'Roll Wrestling was especially popular.
Multi-award winning journalist, actor and professional Wonder Woman Rae Johnston hosted the Comic Gong 2015 Cosplay Competitions. [Featured far right].
Comic Gong 2016
Artist Matt Lin demonstrating his awesome drawing abilities at the Comic Gong Draw Off!
The Comic Gong Draw Off with Marcelo Baez and Matt Lin has become one of the must-see events at Comic Gong. Read more about Marcelo Baez's Comic Gong story here.
Comic Gong 2017
Every year, attendees tell us that one of their favourite things to do is check out all the cool cosplays.
Comic Gong is the place to be. Even Astro Boy decided to drop in for a quick visit!
Comic Gong 2018
Everyone knows that a selfie with Batman and the Batmobile is a must.
Lego robots by Project Bucephalus is a smash hit at Wollongong Library.
Comic Gong 2019
Medieval sword fighting by the Society for Creative Anachronism. Tensions were high as the two knights battled it our for glory.
There's something very retro about playing a pinball or arcade game. For many young Comic Gong fans, this was their first time giving these popular games a go.
Comic Gong 2020 - cancelled due to COVID!
This was a sad year for Comic Gong fans as Wollongong City Council decided to pause the annual event to ensure community safety.
Comic Gong 2021
2021 was 'Comic Gong - The Pandemic Arc', a scaled-down version of the well-loved event. The Pop Culture Trivia Night at the Town Hall was a major success.
Another popular workshop was the stunts skills workshop at the Wollongong Youth Centre.
Comic Gong 2022
Returning bigger and better than ever, Comic Gong 2022 featured all the events people know and love as well as a new Superhero stunt show by Action Reaction.
The Cosplay Parade was well attended and one of the best ways for cosplayers to show off their outfits.
What's next? - Comic Gong 2023
With works at the Illawarra Performing Arts Centre throwing a curve ball, Comic Gong has pivotted to a smaller program of events to deliver a fun and unique experience for the community.
Upcoming events include: the Family Cosplay Day at Corrimal Library and the Cosplay Ball (over 18s only) at the Wollongong Town Hall.
For more information about Comic Gong 2023, visit the Wollongong City Libraries website or follow the Wollongong City Libraries Facebook page.
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