Asia’s biggest pop culture universe is all set and ready to explode with its constellation of stars and artists joining forces to complete the ultimate pop culture experience that is AsiaPOP Comicon Manila 2015 (APCC Manila) slated on September 17 to 20, 2015 at the World Trade Center in Manila.
APCC Manila reveals its lineup of celebrity guests with Hollywood star Jason Momoa the famous Khal Drogo from the critically-acclaimed and Emmy-nominated first season of the HBO series “Game of Thrones” as one of its headliners. Fans will be able to catch Momoa in the much anticipated DC Comics films, “Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice” and “Justice League”, where he will reprise the iconic role of Aquaman.
Adding to the entertainment lineup of celebrities is Jeremy Shada the teen heartthrob and talent behind the voice of Finn on Cartoon Network’s “Adventure Time” who will treat the “Shadanators” with a sample of his talents as an actor, voiceover genius, and musician. Shada will invade APCC Manila with his band “Makeout Monday” as co-lead singer and bassist.
For the artists and the comic book enthusiasts, get ready to welcome Whilce Portacio, Filipino veteran comic book artist, who will share his 30 years of creative journey in the comic book world. Portacio is the wunderkind behind numerous iconic Marvel characters including the X-Men named Bishop (who recently headlined the movie “X-Men: Days of Future Past”) as well as the characters Malcolm and Randall. He also worked on Spawn, Artifacts, Hulk, Journey Into Mystery, Uncanny X-Men, and has graced various Marvel covers.
Adding to 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, Mico Suayan and Stephen Segovia, who will carry the torch for the local contingent. 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, Another Awesome Event by Proud Partner of The Cage Universal Events & Entertainment a subsidiary of Al Ahli Holding Group.
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.
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.
The platform is also set for Vinyl lovers and toy collectors with mixed media artist Amanda Spayd and sculptor/ painter Chris Ryniak leading the artistic revolution at APCC Manila with their expertise in creating pop masterpieces using almost all objects, living and non-living, as both medium and inspiration.
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.
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.
Judging the cosplayers is a specially handpicked panel of judges that include international prop and costume maker Bill Doran, cosplay superstar Alodia Gosiengfiao, Philippines’ own cosplay photographer extraordinaire Jay Tablante, traveling artist and global cosplay phenomenon “VampyBit Me”, and actress/model Allison Harvard of America’s Next Top Model Cycle 12 and America’s Next Top Model: All Stars.
Participants will also experience an all-star entertainment treat with actress/model/host LeeAnna Vamp, or the “Ghoul Of Your Dreams,” joining the roster of cosplay stars who will definitely spice up the event. Vamp is the host of “I Love Nerd Girls” and “Fiends Forever.”
Then there’s more for the cosplay aficionados with the special appearances of internationally-acclaimed cosplayers Monika Lee and Riki ‘Riddle’ Lecotey. The two are well-loved “characters” in the costume and anime-loving world, both of whom starred in SyFy channel, Heroes of Cosplay.
The CAGE aims to promote the spirit and craftsmanship of cosplay through costume and prop-making workshops as well as provide a platform for cosplay enthusiasts and fans to compete on an international level. 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.
For interested participants, visit www.cosplayauthority.com/application.
For more info and event updates on APCC Manila 2015, please visit asiapopcomicon.com.