Asia Pop Comic Convention

Coordinates: 32°42′22.60″N 117°09′42.63″W / 32.7062778°N 117.1618417°W / 32.7062778; -117.1618417

Asia Pop Comic Convention, also known as Asia Pop Comic Con, Comic Con Manila 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 and music within the pop culture phenomena.^[1]

Organization

Comic books in the Philippines, locally known as komiks have been widespread and popular throughout the country.^[2] 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.^[2] 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.^[3]

APCC is organized by Universal Events & Entertainment, a subsidiary of the Al Ahli Holding Group.^[4] 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.^[5] Universal Events & Entertainment introduced APCC in the United Arab Emirates (known as Pop Con Dubai) ^[6] 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.^[7]

Since its inauguration, Cosplay Authority Global Challenge, or CAGE conducts cosplay competitions.^[8] 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.^[7] In the same year, eSports have been introduced to the event.^[9]

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.^[10] Nathalie Emmanuel who plays Missandei of Game of Thrones also made an appearance.^[11] 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.^[12][13] The convention also hosted the inaugural Cosplay Authority Global Challenge (CAGE). Over 29,000 attendees were reported.^[12]

2016

The 2016 convention was held from August 26 through 28 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay.^[14] 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.^[15] 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.^[16][17]

Actresses Holland Roden and Hayley Atwell initially confirmed their attendance in the convention, but later dropped out due to scheduling conflicts.^[18] Both of them were replaced by Australian actress Claire Holt, best known for her role in The Vampire Diaries and The Originals.^[19] 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.^[20]

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.^{[21][22][17][23]} The Philippine Wrestling Revolution held full shows.^[24] The Philippine eSports Organization (PeSO) hosted eSports competitions as part of APCC. The second edition of CAGE returned.^[25]

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.^[26] According to the APCC website, a reported 35,000 were in attendance.

2017

APCC announced that the 2017 edition will take place on August 25 to 27 at SMX Convention Center, Pasay City.^[27] The Cosplay Authority Global Challenge will return for the a third edition. Event organizers Al Ahli Holding Group’s confirmed Marvel and Netflix's participation in the event.^[28] The Philippine Wrestling Revolution will once again conduct house shows.^[29]

Ray Fisher who plays Cyborg in the DC Extended Universe has been announced as one of the celebrity guests.^[30][31] Tyler Hoechlin who is known for his roles as Derek Hale in Teen Wolf and Superman in Supergirl is set to appear.^[32] Japanese idol Serena Kozuki, also known as “Live Monster” onstage is set to perform as one the guest entertainers.^[33] Graphic artists Carl Potts is set to attend while book veteran Whilce Portacio will be returning.

Locations and dates

References

External links

• Official website
• AsiaPOP Comicon 2016 Artists Panel Interview