Overload (convention)

Overload, also known as Overload NZ (formerly Doujin Overload), is an annual two-day anime convention focusing on doujin, Japanese pop culture, exhibitors and artists held in Auckland, New Zealand. It is the first of its kind to run in New Zealand, and is considered the country's biggest anime and manga-focused convention. Overload is regularly hosted at The Cloud, and acquired additional use of Shed 10 on Queen's Wharf starting in 2024.

Origins
Overload (the Doujin Overload) was set up based on conversations in the Auckland doujin community about helping local artists showcase and sell their work, specifically inspired by the Comiket in Japan.

Programming
Overload previously ran as a single-day event every year apart from 2011 when it took place over two days. In 2023, the convention became an annual two-day event. Aside from the sale of artists' work, it includes a comic competition (since 2012), an art exhibition (since 2012) and cosplay competition (since 2010).

History
Overload has become more diverse in recent years following the dropping of "Doujin" from the convention's name, with a focus on wider comic work from 2011 on. Additional events have included the 2011 Game Development panel, and the 2012 art exhibition at Unitec Snow White Gallery of Japanese anime artist Fuzichoco. The event is notable for early support of cos-players from 2008 on. In 2011, former World Cosplay Champion Yuri Inaba was an invited participant of Overload.

In 2022, Overload held an exhibition featuring production art from the Evangelion series, supported by Groundworks Co., Ltd. and Bandai Namco Asia. In 2023, the convention hosted an art exhibition showcasing the anime works of Studio Trigger, such as key background and concept art from Kill la Kill, Little Witch Academia and Cyberpunk Edgerunners, supported and approved by Studio Trigger.