The inaugural Comic-Con Asia, which will happen on March 24 and 25 at the SMX Convention Center, was launched last week with a promise to put premium on local artistic potential.
Dubbed as the grandest reunion of superhero fans, it also aims to promote exceptional talents by Filipino artists.
According to Pauline Sofia Laping, the convention producer, the regional event will not only focus on the exhibitors from all over Asia. It will also serve as a venue for local creators where they can take part in creative discourse designed specifically for them to give them the exposure and the guidance they need.
“What makes Comoc-Con Asia different, aside from a regional convention participated by attendees and exhibitors from all over Asia, is the way we put premium on the Filipino talents. More than an avenue for bringing home world class entertainment, it serves as a platform for growing our creators’ industry and taking it to brand new heights,” Laping shared.
The convention producer further said that local creators will have an exclusive peek into the exciting world of creative production as the event is set to host informative talks, workshops, and panel discussion led by a lineup of globally-recognized creative industry professionals including Walt Disney’s Visual Development artist Armand Serrano, award-winning toy designer Jesse Yu a.k.a. J*RYU, LEGO’s Ian Sta. Maria, and International Journal of Comic Art publisher and creator Dr. John Lent, and other lecturers from Singapore, Indonesia and Vietnam.
“This event will also allow comiccon-goers to interact with fandom favorites, experience the best of cosplay, get immersed in the creative trade and experience the clash of the Comic-Con creative through competition made to empower and showcase talents of the local creative landscape,” Laping said.
Organizers were also pleased to announce that Stan Lee, the legendary comic book writer known for creating the X-Men, Spider-Man and many more iconic superheroes, will come to Manila for the first time.
The 95-year-old Marvel Comics great is headlining the event, which will also see appearances from NBA star Ray Allen and Walter Jones, the original Black Ranger from the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers.
Completing the guest lineup are music artist Yael Yuzon, cosplayers Hoku Props, Vampy Bit Me, Nana Kuronoma, Anna Redei, and cosplay photographer Jay Tablante.
In addition to being a grand showcase of Asian and international talents, the event will also be a learning platform for avid followers of the industry, and aspiring artists and creators.
Comic-Con Asia will also hold special segments like One-Shot, where individuals can pitch ideas to major industry players for a chance to get projects and job offers, and Auction Hero, where you can bid on special collectibles. There will also be contests, cosplay competitions, and trading activities.
Backed by the combined expertise of PSL Entertainment and Nam Entertainment Group, the first Comic-Con Asia will hold an auction to generate funds for the kin of Marawi soldiers who fought for the liberation of Marawi City.
Tickets (P800 for one-day passes and P1,300 for two-day passes) will be available starting tomorrow.