Ben Stenbeck (45), who shifted to Dunedin from Auckland six years ago, was a special guest at the third annual Edge of the World Expo, at the Edgar Centre, Dunedin, over the weekend.
People dressed as science fiction figures, including a Stormtrooper from Star Wars, mingled with sellers of comic books and collectables and exponents of cosplay.
Cosplay is dressing up as a character from a film, book or video game.
A professional comic book artist for the past 15 years, Mr Stenbeck has long been an admirer of US comics artist Mike Mignola, the latter best known for creating Hellboy for Dark Horse Comics, as part of a shared universe of titles including B.P.R.D, ("Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defence") and other spin-offs.
After making his Hellboy Universe debut in 2008 with "B.P.R.D: The Ectoplasmic Man", he has worked extensively with Mr Mignola on the "Baltimore" comics.
Mr Stenbeck also drew live comic book art during the Expo. Comic books he had contributed to were available.
He joked that although such art had its own challenges, getting to draw dragons regularly was fairly congenial.
"I’m getting to draw another dragon today — it’s a pretty good problem," he said with a smile.
"It’s a nice lifestyle.
"I’m my own boss creatively."
About 2800 people had attended the two-day Expo, Impressive Events director Rory Foley said — up about 30% on last year — and 55 stalls were operating, up from 42 last year.
He expected that the amount raised for Camp Quality South, a charity devoted to giving children with cancer a fun, week-long holiday, would also be up this year.
Among other stars this year were Otago Museum science presentation co-ordinator Amadeo Enriquez Ballestero, with his explosive science demonstrations.
The Covid-19 pandemic had posed challenges but people who could not travel overseas were clearly keen to enjoy themselves at home.
Participation, and the quality of the costumes on show this year were both well up, Mr Foley said.
"I’ve definitely noticed a huge difference in numbers this year."
