Asia Pop Comic Convention
32°42′22.60″N 117°09′42.63″W / 32.7062778°N 117.1618417°W
AsiaPOP Comic Convention | |
---|---|
Status | Active |
Genre | Multi Genre |
Venue | Metro Manila (Various) |
Location(s) | Manila |
Country | Philippines |
Inaugurated | September 17, 2015 |
Organized by | Universal Events & Entertainment |
Website | asiapopcomicon |
AsiaPOP Comic Convention, also known as AsiaPOP Comicon, or simply APCC, is an annual comic book fan convention held in Metro Manila, Philippines. APCC features international brands in the fields of comics, toys, animation, film, television and music within the pop culture phenomena. The convention has since included a larger range of pop culture and entertainment elements across virtually all genres, such as video games, books and sports.[1] APCC is the largest pop culture convention in the Philippines[2] and South East Asia, and one of the largest in Asia.[3]
Organization
Comic books in the Philippines, locally known as komiks have been widespread and popular throughout the country.[4] The first indigenous cartoons may be traced to José Rizal's illustration of the fable, "The Tortoise and the Monkey" (1885), but it was in the 1920s, Liwayway magazine began running comic strips under the direction of Romualdo Ramos and Tony Velasquez, such as the still-running Mga Kabalbalan ni Kenkoy (The Misadventures of Kenkoy). Valasquez is considered the father of Filipino comics.[4] With various local talents gaining recognition abroad, comic books remain popular and widespread as Filipinos enjoy a wide range of selection of comic books from the local industry to mainstream western comics and Japanese manga.[5]
APCC is organized by Universal Events & Entertainment, a subsidiary of the Al Ahli Holding Group.[6] The inaugural Asia Pop Comic Convention was held from September 17 to 20 at the World Trade Center Metro Manila in Pasay with various big names cosplayers, artists and other entertainers both local and international were featured.[7] Universal Events & Entertainment introduced APCC in the United Arab Emirates (known as Pop Con Dubai) [8] and will introduce one in South Korea both acting as sister conventions to the Manila convention.
Events
Like most comic-book conventions,APCC features a large floor-space for exhibitors. These include media companies such as movie studios and TV networks, as well as comic-book dealers and collectibles merchants. Also included are autograph areas like the Walk of Fame where invited guest can sign autographs and sell or do free sketches.There are areas for sales of merchandises from clothing, toys, gadgets and other souvenirs. Creative Circle (used to be known as Artists' Alley) is for budding or independent artist and talents to sell their works to the public and also serve as a platform to showcase their talents to potential companies. APCC also offers panels, seminars and workshops with comic book professionals. Meet and greet panels are also available for different celebrity guests.[9]
Since its inauguration, Cosplay Authority Global Challenge, or CAGE conducts cosplay competitions.[10] There are also musical performances conducted by various artists. Different stage shows are also conducted ranging from local workshops, conferences, concerts and even wrestling shows. There are previews of upcoming feature films, and portfolio review sessions with top comic book and video game companies. In 2016, Marvel introduced Hall M.[9] In the same year, eSports have been introduced to the event.[11]
History
2015
The inaugural Asia Pop Comic Convention was held from September 17 to 20 at the World Trade Center Metro Manila in Pasay with various big names cosplayers, artists and other entertainers both local and international were featured. Paul Bettany, who portrays the Vision in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, showcased a Civil War Panel to promote the next installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.[12] Nathalie Emmanuel who plays Missandei of Game of Thrones also made an appearance.[13] Colton Haynes, who plays Roy Harper in the series Arrow, also appeared. Jeremy Shada, the voice actor of Finn the Human in the popular hit Adventure Time was also present with a performance with his band Make Out Monday.[14][15] The convention also hosted the inaugural Cosplay Authority Global Challenge (CAGE).
Also present were local comic book artists such as Steven Segovia, Mark Torres, Mico Suayan, and Carlo Pagulayan whose work span several renowned comic book companies, such as Dark Horse, Marvel, and DC. Renowned cosplayers such as Riddle (Riki LeCotey), Alodia Gosiengfiao, and Vampy Bit Me (Linda Le) were part of the festivities. Other attendees were Pop culture industry icons such as YouTube personalities Octopimp and Commander Holly (Holly Conrad), props and costume designer Bill Doran, and several others.[16][17] Over 29,000 attendees were reported.[14]
2016
The 2016 convention was held from August 26 through 28 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay.[18] English actor Nicholas Hoult who is known for portraying a young Beast in the X-Men and Nux in the critically acclaimed film Mad Max: Fury Road appeared as one of the celebrity guests.[19] Actress Millie Bobby Brown, who is known for her roles as Eleven in Stranger Things and young Alice in Once Upon a Time, also attended the convention.[20][21]
Actresses Holland Roden and Hayley Atwell initially confirmed their attendance in the convention, but later dropped out due to scheduling conflicts.[22] Both of them were replaced by Australian actress Claire Holt, best known for her role in The Vampire Diaries and The Originals.[23] English actor Joe Dempsie, known for his roles of Chris Miles on the teen comedy-drama series Skins and Gendry on Game of Thrones, attended the convention.[24]
Marvel Comics writer C. B. Cebulski hosted Hall M, which showcased never before seen footage for the upcoming Luke Cage television series and the next installment in the MCU Doctor Strange.[25][26][21][27] The Philippine Wrestling Revolution held full shows.[28] The Philippine eSports Organization (PeSO) hosted eSports competitions as part of APCC. The second edition of CAGE returned.[29]
APCC Manila 2016 was also attended by various guests personalities and global cosplayers such as: J-Rock singer Hiroshi Kitadani from the anime music supergroup JAM Project, comic book illustrators Mike Zeck, Ken Lashley, Billy Tan, and Jason Palmer, as well as global cosplayers, Ani Mia, Lindze Merritt, Riki LeCotey, and Yugana Senshi Uon. They are joined by artist Simone Legno of tokidoki and representing Filipino artistry were cosplayers Alodia Gosiengfiao and Myrtle Sarrosa; beauty vlogger Say Tioco and artist extraordinaire Whilce Portacio, also known as the creator of Bishop of Uncanny X-Men.[30] Over 40,000 people attended the event.[31]
2017
The 2017 convention took place on August 25 to 27 at SMX Convention Center, Pasay City.[32] Marvel once again hosted Hall M which featured never before scenes from upcoming video games, television series[33] and movies such as Thor: Ragnarok and Ant-Man and the Wasp.[34] Netflix brought some of its Stranger Things' casts namely Joe Keery and Noah Schnapp, who play Steve Harrington and Will Byers, and season two newcomers Dacre Montgomery, who plays Billy and Sadie Sink who plays Max.[35][36] Ray Fisher who plays Cyborg in the DC Extended Universe and Tyler Hoechlin who is known for his roles as Derek Hale in Teen Wolf and Superman in Supergirl were the major celebrity guests.[37][38][39] [40] Japanese idol Serena Kozuki, also known as “Live Monster” was one of the guest entertainers.[41] Voice actor Gaku Space known for his role as Genji of the critically acclaimed Overwatch video game was also present.[42] The Cosplay Authority Global Challenge returned for the a third edition with notable cosplayers namely Alodia Gosiengfiao, Myrtle Sarrosa, Pion Kim, Jinbehindinfinity, Canvas Cosplay, and Haiden Hazard serving as judges.[43]
Various comic and graphic artists such as Carl Potts, veteran penciler/inker Rodney Ramos,[44] Whilce Portacio and Shoji Kawamori, the renowned creator of the Macross anime franchise also graced the event with their presence.[45][46][47] The Philippine Wrestling Revolution conducted house shows for the second time.[48] Toy designers like Tokidoki co-founder Simone Legno; Jason Freeny, whom is known for his anatomical toy sculptures; and Quiccs, an illustrator, toy designer, and graffiti artist known for his love for Japanese robot culture where in attendance. APCC reported over 60,000 attendees.
Locations and dates
No. | Dates | Location | Attendance | Major Official Comic-Con Celebrity Guests | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Sept 17-20, 2015 | World Trade Center Metro Manila, Pasay City, Manila | 29,000 | Paul Bettany, Colton Haynes, Nathalie Emmanuel | Inaugural. Jason Momoa initially confirmed his attendance but later dropped out due to scheduling conflicts. |
2 | Aug 26-28, 2016 | SMX Convention Center, Pasay City, Manila | 40,000 | Nicholas Hoult, Millie Bobby Brown, Claire Holt, Joe Dempsie | Holland Roden and Hayley Atwell initially confirmed their attendance, but later dropped out due to scheduling conflicts. |
3 | Aug 25-27, 2017 | SMX Convention Center, Pasay City, Manila | 60,000 | Ray Fisher, Tyler Hoechlin | Stranger Things cast Joe Keery, Noah Schnapp, Sadie Sink, and Dacre Montgomery were the celebrity guests from the Netflix Panel |
References
- ^ Desiderio, Louella (November 27, 2014). "Asia Pop Comic Con 2015 set in Manila". The Philippine Star. Retrieved August 17, 2016.
- ^ http://insights.looloo.com/metro-manila-conventions-for-every-kind-of-geek/
- ^ https://www.clickthecity.com/events/details.php?id=32753
- ^ a b "Filipino Artist Tony Velasquez – Founding Father of Philippine Komiks (Comics)," AllPhilippines.com.
- ^ "Filipino Komiks and History". www.comicscube.com.
- ^ 2017, AsiaPop Comicon Manila. "AsiaPop Comicon Manila 2017". asiapopcomicon.com.
{{cite web}}
:|last=
has numeric name (help) - ^ News, ABS-CBN. "Why organizers chose PH to host AsiaPOP Comicon".
{{cite web}}
:|last=
has generic name (help) - ^ Editor, David Tusing, Deputy tabloid! (25 October 2016). "PopCon Dubai: Your ultimate guide to all the action".
{{cite web}}
:|last=
has generic name (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ a b "Ten ways to catch all the awesomeness at the AsiaPOP Comicon Manila 2016 - InqPOP!". 25 August 2016.
- ^ "AsiaPOP Comicon Manila 2016: The CAGE Experience". 4 September 2016.
- ^ "5 Things You Can't Miss In Asia Pop Comic Con 2016 - Scout Magazine". 26 August 2016.
- ^ https://asiapopcomicon.com/manila/guests/celebrity-guests/
- ^ "15 reasons to go to the Asia Pop Comic Con Manila this weekend - The Manila Times Online". www.manilatimes.net.
- ^ a b contributor, Rick Olivares,. "AsiaPop Comicon to return in 2016".
{{cite web}}
:|last=
has generic name (help)CS1 maint: extra punctuation (link) CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ "30 facts about awesome 'Avengers' star Paul Bettany".
- ^ https://thelasallian.com/2015/09/26/the-bright-lights-of-asia-pop-comic-con/
- ^ https://www.spot.ph/newsfeatures/the-latest-news-features/63669/10-things-that-happened-at-the-asia-pop-comic-con-press-conference
- ^ "ANNOUNCEMENT: Asia Pop Comicon Manila 2016 happens this August!". 19 January 2016.
- ^ Ta-as, Apple (14 August 2016). "Nicholas Hoult to grace AsiaPOP Comicon in Manila".
- ^ "Hollywood Child Star Millie Bobby Brown to Bring 'Stranger Things' Phenomenon to AsiaPOP Comicon Manila 2016 - InqPOP!". 10 August 2016.
- ^ a b Lamorena, Vinz. "Your Super guide to the 2016 Asia Pop Comicon Manila".
- ^ "Holland Roden coming to APCC Manila 2016". Rappler. August 9, 2016. Retrieved August 17, 2016.
- ^ "'Vampire Diaries' star coming to PH". ABS-CBN News. August 17, 2016. Retrieved August 18, 2016.
- ^ http://www.wheninmanila.com/joe-dempsie-talks-game-of-thrones-asiapop-comic-con-2016/
- ^ 2017, AsiaPop Comicon Manila. "AsiaPop Comicon Manila 2017". www.asiapopcomicon.com.
{{cite web}}
:|last=
has numeric name (help) - ^ "LOOK: Marvel's C.B. Cebulski Raves about the Philippines on Twitter - When In Manila". www.wheninmanila.com.
- ^ "PHOTOS: Day 3 of AsiaPOP Comicon Manila 2016".
- ^ "AsiaPOP ComiCon Manila: A weekend of absolute geekdom".
- ^ "PeSO to bring the eSports Festival to Asia Pop Comic Con - Esports by Inquirer". 30 July 2016.
- ^ "A tale of two cons: APCC (Part 1) - The Manila Times Online". www.manilatimes.net.
- ^ News, Shiela Reyes, ABS-CBN. "What to expect from this year's AsiaPop Comicon".
{{cite web}}
:|last=
has generic name (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ "Asia Pop Comicon 2017 is Happening on August 25-27".
- ^ "Netflix's 'The Punisher' To Possibly Feature Another Marvel Hero". 27 August 2017.
- ^ "Descrizione delle nuove scene di The Punisher, Thor: Ragnarok, Ant-Man and the Wasp e Inhumans". 28 August 2017.
- ^ News, ABS-CBN. "'Stranger Things' cast coming to PH for AsiaPop Comicon 2017".
{{cite web}}
:|last=
has generic name (help) - ^ "LOOK: 'Stranger Things' cast members attend AsiaPOP Comicon Manila".
- ^ "WATCH: Scenes from AsiaPOP Comicon Manila 2017".
- ^ News, ABS-CBN. "'Justice League' star Ray Fisher headlines AsiaPop Comicon 2017".
{{cite web}}
:|last=
has generic name (help) - ^ "Ray Fisher announced as celeb guest at AsiaPOP Comicon Manila 2017".
{{cite web}}
: no-break space character in|title=
at position 39 (help) - ^ "Justice League's Cyborg, Supergirl's Superman to head APCC 2017".
- ^ rayan (1 August 2017). "Solo Japanese idol Serena Kozuki coming to AsiaPOP Comicon Manila".
- ^ "FROM AUGUST 25-27: AsiaPop ComiCon Manila 2017 promises a 'bigger and better' pop culture experience".
- ^ "8 geeky things to do at the AsiaPOP Comicon this weekend, Aug. 25 to 27". 25 August 2017.
- ^ "AsiaPOP Comicon Manila 2017 Brings in Tyler Hoechlin and Rodney Ramos". 11 August 2017.
- ^ Melegrito, J. M. (5 August 2017). "AsiaPOP Comicon Manila 2017 to host Macross creator Shoji Kawamori".
- ^ "BREAKING: Macross Creator Shoji Kawamori Is Coming To AsiaPOP Comicon Manila 2017".
- ^ Olivares, Rick. "Gundam, Optimus Prime creator among AsiaPop's top draws".
- ^ "Philippine Wrestling Revolution:". Our Awesome Planet.