Brace up comics and toy lovers as APCC Manila heats up with more guests
Written by Contributor
Take pleasure in a multitude of stars as more artists are expected to take Manila by storm at the upcoming AsiaPOP Comicon Manila 2015 (APCC Manila).
Slated on September 17 to 20 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City, APCC assembles legions of talented men and women to further ignite the love for pop culture.
Among the pool of creative talent coming to APCC are American comic book artist and writer David Mack, creator of the New York Times best-selling KABUKI graphic novels and writer/artist of Daredevil from Marvel Comics; and David Yardin, another Marvel comic genius who provided promotional artwork for Guardians of the Galaxy and Avengers: Age of Ultron.
Not to be outdone are several Filipino artists, such as Carlo Pagulayan, Leinil Yu, Mark Torres, MicoSuayan and Stephen Segovia, who will carry the torch for the local contingent.
Hank Kanalz
Budding artists and local talents also have a chance to get discovered through talent scouts from international brands DC and Marvel. Representing DC Entertainment is its Senior Vice President, Hank Kanalz. Also on the hunt for the best artistic talent is C.B. Cebulski, the Vice President of International Development & Brand Management of Marvel.
"We are all for providing opportunities for local talent to go international and with the talent scouts from the international studios coming down to APCC Manila, this will open the doors for budding comic artists to be discovered." said Rita Magnus, General Manager, Universal Events and Entertainment.
Apart from the line-up of comic guests, APCC visitors can also look forward to interactive and exciting panel sessions, workshops, screenings and performances by Make Out Monday.
Adding to the excitement is the participation of Academy Award-winning character effects studio, Amalgamated Dynamics, Inc (ADI), a leader in special characters, prosthetic make-ups and animatronic puppets, who has garnered numerous nominations for Starship Troopers and Alien 3. Get ready to be transported to the world of creatures and monsters from well-known motion pictures such as Alien Vs. Predator, X-Men: First Class and Zookeeper, as ADI is set to transform the convention with its exhibit and demonstration of character effects and animatronics, represented by its founders Alec Gillis and Tom Woodruff, Jr.
As the creative masterminds of visual effects, Gillis and Woodruff will share in a panel discussion their expertise in designing, producing and performing special effects and character for award- winning films, television shows and commercials.
Gillis and Woodruff co-wrote, "AVP: The Creature Effects of ADI," and "Alien Vs. Predator: Requiem: Inside the Monster Shop" – books which document the entire creative process behind the making of the creatures featured in the hit Alien/Predator films.
Toys and Pop Art Paradise
In contemporary pop culture, urban vinyl toys have become a growing trend in the world of action figures and designers from different countries have shown interest and passion for this one-of-a-kind designer art. At APCC, designer J'Ryu hope to share his expertise on crafting vinyl toys as he explains why such art form is a favourite among illustrators, graffiti artists, musicians, and DJs worldwide. Simone Legno, co-founder and creative director of Tokidoki, will also join the line-up to share his artistic diary.
There are more surprises for the toy and comic lovers as APCC revealed its first official roster of exhibitors for the much-anticipated event. Bankee Trading Inc, Comicave Studios, Filbar's, Garena, Hero TV (a partner of The CAGE), LEGO, National Bookstore, Perry In Disguise, Swatch, Synergy88 and TeeTurtle will offer new and exciting items and merchandise to serve as the perfect memorabilia from the best comic con experience.
Artist Alley participants include Carlo Jose San Juan, comic artist for Callous Comics; Miguel Angelo Mercado, illustrator for Merkymerx; freelance comic artists Aaron Felizmenio and Vincent Trinidad and many more.
The CAGE – Cosplay Authority Global Challenge
Cosplayers will take the spotlight as APCC Manila, together with event partner Cosplay Authority Global Challenge (The CAGE), holds the world's biggest and first–of-its-kind cosplay competition, with official partner Filipino cable television network, HERO TV, further elevating the experience for the cosplay fanatics. The CAGE is accepting entries from cosplayers around the world to battle on an international level and be the next global Cosplay star.
Joining the esteemed panel of judges will be model-artist-actress-internet celebrity Allison Harvard, who is most famous for her stints with America's Next Top Model and America's Next Top Model: All- Stars.
The grand champion of the Open category will receive a record-breaking payout of USD$10,000 cash along with the opportunity to compete in the next edition of The CAGE at APCC Abu Dhabi.
With this competition, APCC Manila expects to attract the best cosplay talents, not only in the region, but around the world. The CAGE will also have a Kids category to provide the younger audience with a chance to unleash their creativity and imagination.
For interested participants, visit www.cosplayauthority.com/application and like www.facebook.com/cosplayauthority and follow on Twitter @CageCosplay to find out more about the competition.
APCC Manila tickets will be going for PhP500 (one-day pass), PhP800 (two-day pass), and PhP 1,000 (three-day pass) and will give the ticketholder access to stage activities, performances and the main show floor. In addition, there will be exclusive VIP and Experience convention passes that will offer special entitlements to its holders, such as exclusive APCC items, priority VIP seating, and photo opportunities with celebrities, among others.
For more info on ticket prices, passes, and event updates on APCC Manila 2015, please visit www.asiapopcomicon.com/manila, like APCC Manila on Facebook (www.facebook.com/apccmanila), and follow on Twitter @AsiaPOPComicon.