METRONEWS
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by New Zealand Broadcasting School students

Winter blast no deterrent for Armageddon fans

Culture

Dan O'Connor
Jokerbust
Limited edition Joker bust from multi academy award winning effects legend Rick Baker at the Pop Stop stall  Dan O'Connor

A cold rainy weekend in Christchurch didn't stop 15,000 fans turning up for Armageddon.

Held annually over three days, Armageddon is a celebration of comics, film, anime and cosplay. Celebrity guests at this year's event included Katherine McNamara (Shadowhunters, Arrow); Luke Baines (Shadowhunters) and Graham McTavish (Outlander, Preacher, The Hobbit).

Event organisers Beyond Reality Medias comms manager Courtney Collins said it was another fantastic year.

"15,000 people through the door and a weekend jam packed with pop culture fun," Collins said.

Armageddon had a lot on offer this year with various merchant stalls, contests, panel talks and signing and photo opportunities with the guests.

A walkthrough of Armageddon 2019, Christchurch

Collins said her favourite part of the event was the “insane” detail and effort that went into everyone’s cosplay.

Beyond Reality Media made changes to their weapon and prop policy this year following the mosque attacks. Those changes will be reviewed at the end of the year.

"We just want to have an event that is safe and enjoyable for everyone attending,” Collins had said about the policy changes.

verboomteeshirts
Tee shirtstall
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Popstop

Cosplayer Duncan McIntyre attended despite the weather and said it was an “epic” event.

“[It] was filled with fun, chilled folks and lots of amazing cosplay,” said McIntyre.

“It was really fun and had a good vibe”

A popular attraction was Armageddon: Unplugged, a VR racing simulator.

Fans got a chance to have a go on this VR racing simulator at Armageddon in Christchurch, 2019