Star-studded lineup for 2015 expo

Superheroes, zombies, sci-fi monsters and real-life anime characters are gearing up to make their annual appearances, alongside real fantasy, fiction and comic stars on the first leg of the Armageddon Expo events for 2015.

Hamilton will welcome the return of the hugely popular pulp culture event at Claudelands Arena on March 14 and 15.

"This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Armageddon Expo in New Zealand and we're pleased to say that 2015 will be the biggest and best year yet - we have more guests heading to Hamilton than ever before," said Armageddon Expo event director Bill Geradts.

Geradts says that the international guests really enjoy coming to New Zealand, as they find fans here are enthusiastic and welcoming.

"Some of our guests have been to North Island events in the past and couldn't wait to come back to see the rest of the country as soon as they could fit it into their schedule, while many will be visiting our shores for the first time. It's a great mix!"

The line-up of international guests from the small and big screens heading to New Zealand includes Orlando Jones, currently on our screens as Captain Frank Irving in Sleepy Hollow, Alaina Huffman of Supernatural and Stargate fame and DJ Qualls of Z Nation. Kevin McNally and Martin Klebba from Pirates of the Caribbean film franchise are headed this way alongside Simon Fisher-Becker of Dr Who fame, and Armin Shimerman and Kitty Swink of StarTrek: Deep Space 9.

Kiwi-born Manu Bennett known for his roles in hit TV shows Arrow and Spartacus as well as The Hobbit, Graham McTavish from Outlander and Linda Park of StarTrek: Enterprise will also be making their way to Claudelands to meet fans.

All guests attending will take part in panels, signings and photos, so fans can hear their stories, get photos and autographs and meet them in person.

And in addition to the big names, events such as Cosplay contests, Fear Factor challenge, gaming demonstrations, exhibitors and the nation's biggest display of costumed cult-fans will keep the adrenalin flowing throughout the weekend.

To see a full list of stars and events happening at the expos go to www.armageddonexpo.com/nz. Tickets on-sale now from iticket.co.nz.

In partnership with www.KIWIreviews.co.nz, Hamilton News has five double passes to the Hamilton Expo up for grabs. To be in the draw, simply email your name, postal address and phone number to danielle.nicholson@nzme.co.nz by 3pm, Friday, February 27.

Double your chances! There are more passes to be won on the KIWIreviews website too. Visit www.KIWIreviews.co.nz/comps/ for details and entry.