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Saturday, Apr 08, 2017
Amid the unicorns and caped crusaders, be ready to roar if you want to be heard. The sixth edition of Comic Con, which runs until Saturday at Zabeel Halls four, five and six at Dubai World Trade Centre, is full of feisty cosplayers, artists and souvenirs — and a ridiculous amount of giggles. For some it is easy — school girls show up dressed as, yes, school girls (anime and manga stereotypes, we blame you), but others have gone all out.
On day two, I almost pet the Inu Yasha walking around (he is a dog-based character with the cutest ears); four teenage mutant ninja turtles saunter around; and there is a large dinosaur giving people tummy bumps (I don’t get this one either).
Suddenly, at about 2pm, there is a loud noise and a mob has gathered. It begins with a ninja-like exercise with a group dressed as Ichigo and other Bleach characters — yup, Grimjaw is at ComicCon — who decide to put up a quick choreographed fight.
Navigating my way through this maze is difficult and requires all the skills of winning in a bully-filled sandbox. Be prepared and have a plan, dear readers, or you will be lost.
The labyrinth-like artists’ alleyway is full of original works and stunning stores, but it’s just as full of fans and other rabid shopaholics.
There’s a host of souvenirs to be had for sure, from original sketches to your favourite superhero done in pencil, international artists’ colourings, and even a comic book with a British-born, Middle East-based superhero. There are also Japanese swords — although one such kiosk said they’d sold all their katanas — and shuriken, Ninja weapons, on display. You may ask for a discount, but beware, your sparkling eyes may give your interest away. Some goods come from far, far away, and are only available for a limited period of time. But there are also local jewels to be discovered such as otaku.me, which showcases its figurines and paints for those obsessed with that perfect Gundam display.
At night, before the halls close their doors, there’s a cosplay competition, and everyone gathers for the opening act. Dancers dressed in French maid costumes take the stage for a show reminiscent of Japan’s maid cafes. As a Laura Craft-look-alike poses for pictures, some get spray paint tattoos, and others stop for food and drink as people in complicated costumes parade.By Karishma H. Nandkeolyar Copy Editor Gulf News 2017. All rights reserved.
Amid the unicorns and caped crusaders, be ready to roar if you want to be heard. The sixth edition of Comic Con, which runs until Saturday at Zabeel Halls four, five and six at Dubai World Trade Centre, is full of feisty cosplayers, artists and souvenirs — and a ridiculous amount of giggles. For some it is easy — school girls show up dressed as, yes, school girls (anime and manga stereotypes, we blame you), but others have gone all out.
On day two, I almost pet the Inu Yasha walking around (he is a dog-based character with the cutest ears); four teenage mutant ninja turtles saunter around; and there is a large dinosaur giving people tummy bumps (I don’t get this one either).
Suddenly, at about 2pm, there is a loud noise and a mob has gathered. It begins with a ninja-like exercise with a group dressed as Ichigo and other Bleach characters — yup, Grimjaw is at ComicCon — who decide to put up a quick choreographed fight.
Navigating my way through this maze is difficult and requires all the skills of winning in a bully-filled sandbox. Be prepared and have a plan, dear readers, or you will be lost.
The labyrinth-like artists’ alleyway is full of original works and stunning stores, but it’s just as full of fans and other rabid shopaholics.
There’s a host of souvenirs to be had for sure, from original sketches to your favourite superhero done in pencil, international artists’ colourings, and even a comic book with a British-born, Middle East-based superhero. There are also Japanese swords — although one such kiosk said they’d sold all their katanas — and shuriken, Ninja weapons, on display. You may ask for a discount, but beware, your sparkling eyes may give your interest away. Some goods come from far, far away, and are only available for a limited period of time. But there are also local jewels to be discovered such as otaku.me, which showcases its figurines and paints for those obsessed with that perfect Gundam display.
At night, before the halls close their doors, there’s a cosplay competition, and everyone gathers for the opening act. Dancers dressed in French maid costumes take the stage for a show reminiscent of Japan’s maid cafes. As a Laura Craft-look-alike poses for pictures, some get spray paint tattoos, and others stop for food and drink as people in complicated costumes parade.By Karishma H. Nandkeolyar Copy Editor Gulf News 2017. All rights reserved.
