Kanesh PillaiGone were the days when comic conventions featured only comic books in their events. In current times, the term comic con means something new entirely. These conventions now include movies, games, toys and not just mere images with speech balloons. It is so geared towards the pop culture that anyone could walk into a comic or geek convention and find something they can immediately associate with. Pssst… don’t be surprised if you see international celebrities attending them too.
As much as it’s ironic to walk into a comic convention with just two comic book shops, it has definitely been a more entertaining experience for most people now. Without further ado, here are seven fun comic conventions in Asia to check out next. Mark your calendars!
1. Comiket (Japan)
Image credit: Steve Nagata
With an estimated of over half a million attendees every event, Comiket has grown to be the largest fan convention in the world since 1975 (beating San Diego Comic Con too)! The focus of the event is dojinshi – independently created and published manga. Therefore, given the thousands of amateur and professional manga artists in Japan, there will be an incredibly wide range of genres and styles on display for you to pick from.
2. Comic Con (India)
Image credit: comicconindia
Four comic conventions under the same brand will be happening in India across the states of Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Delhi and Mumbai in upcoming weeks. You can expect these conventions to tweak its content slightly to suit people from different states, making each convention unique. Although there are no Indian superstars attending as of yet, famous Marvel comic book artist, Martin Morazzo will be there to satisfy the geeks present.
Hyderabad Comic Con: 13-14 October 2018, Hitex Exhibition Centre
Bengaluru Comic Con: 17-18 November 2018, KTPO Convention Centre, Whitefield
Dehli Comic Con: 7-9 December 2018, NSIC Ground Okhla, Delhi
Mumbai Comic Con: 22-23 December 2018, Bombay Exhibition Centre
Image credit: Deccan Chronicle
Besides literally being in the suits and shoes of popular Marvel and DC superheroes, some fans prefer to go traditional and deck-up as Hindu mythological characters.
3. Comic Fiesta 2018 (Malaysia)
Image credits: Gerryko Malaysia
Comic Fiesta 2018 is a convention that will be taking place in the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre on 22-23 December 2018. Comic Fiesta is Malaysia’s leading annual convention that focuses on animation, comics and gaming (ACG). This event is greatly respected by the ACG industry in Malaysia as it showcases a huge number of local arts and talents.
4. Jakarta Comic Con (Indonesia)
Image credit: Hioe Alex
Happening soon on 27-28 October 2018, Jakarta Comic Con brings out the pop culture craze in their fans by featuring guest panels, cosplay competitions, sneak peaks and many more! Joining the guest panel this year are Kristian Nairn who played Hodor in Game of Thrones and Adrian Pasdar who plays Graviton from Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
5. ComicCon Asia (The Philippines)
Image credit: robertrequintina
Held on March 24-25 earlier this year in SMX Convention Center, ComicCon Asia was created to showcase Filipino and Asian talent alongside international artists. This event also featured multiple guests and meet-and-greet sessions, including Manny Pacquiao who was the ambassador.
With the legendary Stan Lee and Hayley Atwell (Agent Carter) backing out at the last hour, ComicCon Asia will be willing to make a comeback next year to seek redemption from their fans after the disappointing news.
6. Singapore Toy, Game & Comic Convention (STGCC)
Image credit: Daryl Chan
Completing their eleventh anniversary earlier this year, STGCC was held on 8-9 September 2018 and had over 50,000 fans visiting from all around the world every year at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore. One of STGCC’s main attractions is their life-sized figures of film characters.
Adi Granov, one of the biggest comic book artists in the world who also conceptualised the art for Iron Man in 2008, was the star guest for their latest convention.
7. Bangkok Comic Con
Image credit: hiveminer
Unlike most Asian conventions that focus on anime, Bangkok Comic Con places animation at the centre of their event. Illustrators such as Hidetaka Tenjin (works include BANDAI and HASEGAWA) are invited as guests, making it convenient for aspiring Thai filmmakers and animators to network and exchange ideas.
Bangkok Comic Con was held on 27-29 April 2018 at the Royal Paragon Hall Siam Paragon, Thailand where actress Kelly Hu, who appeared in X-Men 2, The Scorpion King and popular TV series, Arrow attended as the special guest.
It’s time to start thinking of which superhero you’re going to suit-up as for your next convention!
