Cosplay Rules Hong Kong's Anime and Comics Show
Artists and Toy Creators Get to Meet With Fans at Ani-Com
Aug 3, 2009
As fans of manga, comic books, anime, or video games know, the only thing better than collecting them is gathering in large groups with other fans. Hong Kong’s Ani-Com and Games fair now claims a larger attendance than the San Diego Comic Con, an international event that takes place in July.
Otaku Come Out in Droves
Ani-Com, which is held at the end of July or early in August, manages to bring otaku—the Japanese word for fanboys/fangirls—away from their manga and computers in droves. Each year, over half a million people turn up over the five days of the fair. In 2009, its 11th year, 113,000 people attended on opening day, a turnout that was 6.6 percent higher than the year before. The fair was held from July 31 to August 4 at the spacious Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center.
Attendees are motivated by the opportunity to get a first look at the latest graphic novels, movies, and toys, and rub against the actors and artists behind it all. It is also a chance for the top anime and manga artists from Hong Kong and the region to showcase their work.
InuYasha in the Flesh
When Ani-Com was new, attendees complained of the lack of cosplay. In the last couple of years, cosplay has amped up, and at Ani-Com 2009, it dominated the fair. For the uninitiated, cosplay means costume roleplay, a type of performance art that has grown in popularity around the world. Anyone can participate. It’s a chance for any fan to become a star for the day.
Cosplayers dressed up in homemade or store-bought costumes to look like characters from InuYasha, Vampire Knights, Naruto, Death Note, and much more. Surrounded by photographers, they struck poses in the cosplay area, but were seen throughout the fair, shopping and gawking like everyone else.
Collectibles Fly Off the Shelves
Over 400 booths displayed sought-after products, from the latest software and games to cosplay costumes, Voltron models and a Michael Jackson figure not available in the U.S.
“We were sold out of some collectibles by the middle of the day,” said Hau Tung-ching of toy dealer, TeensChannel, reflecting the fact that no one there was pinching pennies.
At these conventions, the entertainment and toy industry takes the opportunity to announce upcoming films and other products. Bandai, Microsoft, and Nintendo were a few of the major exhibitors.
It was also a chance for Hong Kong fans to meet their Japanese heroes and heroines in person. For instance, Otaku personaltiy Shokotan Nakagawa gave a concert.
Compared to other conventions, the ticket price is a bargain at HK$ 25 (US$ 3.20). To avoid long ticket queues, the fair organizers make the tickets available at various convenience stores around the city, including 7-Eleven and Circle K.
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