Tara Djoric

Geektivities in Sydney Part II: The Comic Book Geek

Sydney Harbour Bridge and Skyline by Dave Manwell
Sydney Harbour Bridge and Skyline by Dave Manwell

Guest Post by Tara Djoric

Comic book stores are the major deal, right? I mean, if you were in Stuttgart, the absolute first thing you would do is to find the square that Loki invaded (actually, the scene was shot in Ohio, but story>location). But since you’re in Sydney, and the nearest nerd mecca is Hobbiton, New Zealand, way across the Tasman Sea, you will simply have to deal with comic book stores. Bummer, yeah? Not really. As a major city, Sydney has quite a fe w. Let’s explore the city, shall we?

King’s Comics is by far the largest store, and the best stocked, with mainstream and independent publishers equally represented. It doesn’t lack in toys and other merchandise, but it’s not so great with back issues and trades.

Kings Comics by Newtown Grafitti
Kings Comics by Newtown Grafitti

 

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Geektivities in Sydney Part I: The Subtle Geek

Sydney, Australia
Sydney, Australia

The Land Down Under might be far off, but that doesn’t keep it from keeping up with the times, which are as geek-friendly as they have ever been. Whether science is your mistress, design is your inner demon, or pop culture is your god, Sydney has much to offer apart from the regular sightseeing. So here are a couple of choice locations, categorized by interest, and may the odds get you there favorably soon!

Guest Post by Tara Djoric 

THE MANGA FAN

Chinese Garden of Friendship by Matt Chan
Chinese Garden of Friendship by Matt Chan

The Chinese Garden of Friendship is not your average botanical garden. This venue is the unlikely spot of tranquility, located near Darling Harbour. The entry fee is $6, but once in, and armed with a fresh haul of manga, one could spend the whole day here, chilling by koi ponds and discovering secret passageways. The Teahouse within will keep you satiated with tea and dim sum, so why would you ever leave?

THE DESIGNER/POP CULTURE KNOW-IT-ALL

One of Sydney’s biggest attractions is The Powerhouse Museum, a huge contemporary museum in the city sweetheart – Darling Harbour. The Powerhouse caters to visitors of all ages and interests, in a non-cheesy way. Techies get their computer science exhibitions, star-gazers get amazing astronomy exhibitions (to go along with their visit to the 19th Sydney Observatory), designers can choose between photography, history of advertising, costumes, media, design… whatever their passion. But the Powerhouse runs on its blockbuster exhibits – these temporary showcases focus on pop culture, and have in the past carried entire sets from fandom franchises such as The Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, Star Wars. They have also displayed truly beautiful exhibits about Princess Diana, Faberge, and pop culture royalty – real and honorary. You know what else the Powerhouse has that is cool? Interactive workshops. They are usually meant for kids, but as an adult, I feel like I have the right to attend a metalworking workshop in an actual museum.

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