Animangaki 2019 maybe over but it doesn't mean you have to wait until next year for your dosage of the adorable mascot, Kei-chan! In commemoration of AniManGaki 2019, Milkcananime drew a pack of "Miwa Haruka & Kei-Chan" stickers that is available for download. Miwa, a farmgirl who loves animals was so excited to meet him. It seems they get along pretty well!
Everyone who is into anime, pop culture, comics, games and movies would know that San Diego Comic Con is the creme de la creme of fan events. At that massive event, you can get massive fan meet and greet with the biggest celebrities, major announcements and exclusive swag. Sadly it's still all the way in San Diego and way outside of my budget of RM50. #pokailiao
Fortunately Malaysia is not without a couple of entertainment and anime events with the longest and most well-known being Comic Fiesta. Animangaki is quickly catching up with growing popularity and would most likely outgrown its annual venue of Sunway Pyramid Convention Center in the next couple of years. And this year, another new organiser has joined the fold with the inaugural Asia Comic Con Malaysia.
Comic Fiesta 2014 has come and gone as it always had in the past many years. The past two days on the last weekend of December, of 2014 came to a close with its usual flourish of cosplayers, bands, anime designers, artists and of course, the fans.
Whether you are a first timer or a long time attendee of Comic Fiesta, each year is a whole new experience all together. For many all anime, manga and game fans around Malaysia, Comic Fiesta is the ultimate convention of the year. Comic Fiesta was even moved from previous smaller venues (Sunway Pyramid and Times Square) to the huge Kuala Lumpur Convention Center to accommodate the ever-growing crowd and has even become an event for outstationers and tourists to visit.
Last year saw an astonishing 39,8555 visitors for the two days event. That means a packed and crowded hall that looks something like this.
Now before you freak out and wet yourself, there are ways for you to make it an enjoyable experience whether you are a reasoned attendee or a newbie. Here are some tips to help you survive Comic Fiesta.
'Buy first, think later' seemed to be the popular motto of the day since
it was after all, the second and final day of Comic Fiesta.
Everything was selling like hot cakes and even the Pikachu
hoodie jacket was sold out by the end of Day 1 and the Shingeki No Kyojin jackets only had limited sizes remaining at the start of Day 2. I saw plenty of stuff that I wanted at the Creative market
booths, ranging from doujins to trinkets to handmade jewelry, some of
which were going at discounted rates. Abiding by the motto (just like
last year) I ended up spending, um, RM600 within two days. I will show
you my CF hurl at the end of this post.
Oh, my. Has it been a year already since the previous Comic Fiesta?
Doesn't time fly when you have something to look forward to each year. Comic Fiesta (CF) has become a permanent mark in my calender for the past six years and the one event I blocked out my entire December for. Seriously, I only start making plans once the dates for CF have been announced.
Over the weekend before Christmas, 21-22 Dec 2013, close to 40,000 (39,855 to be precise) otakus, anime and manga fans and curious visitors (about to be severely overwhelmed by culture shock) from all over the country descended upon Kuala Lumpur Convention Center in a crazed frenzy driven by a one-year-long wait for the biggest ACG (Anime, Comic, Games) convention in Malaysia.
I have always wanted to try cosplay but never really found the inspiration and time and let's face it, the effort to actually sit down and plan it. The closest I have come to cosplaying anything was this...
And...this...
And these were at Comic Fiesta last year. As you can see, my props were more or less handmade and minimal. Yeah...those weren't exactly my best attempt at cosplaying.....
So anyway, to gain inspiration and materials for my second cosplay attempt at Comic Fiesta this year, I decided to check out CF's recent mini event, Cosmart at Parkamaya, Fahrenheit 88. Basically a cosplay event for cosplayers, veteran and new, Cosmart was the perfect place to stock up on all your cosplaying needs and also meet fellow cosplayers. (At this point, I lost count of how many times I typed cosplay...). The elusive CF tickets and Epic Loot bag were also available for sale for the die-hard fans.
So in June, I got to attend C2AGE 2013 by HELP University College, thanks to Tourism Selangor. The event was held at HELP's College of Arts and Technology campus on 8 and 9 June. I must admit if I had double-checked the location, I would have ended up at the Damansara Heights campus instead. I didn't know that HELP had another campus on the other side of the Kuala Lumpur.
We are here!
Anyway, Senri and I headed out in the late morning to the venue and quickly found it crowded. There was a line already building outside for tickets and there were even more people inside the multi-storey building. Armed with our wristbands sponsored by Tourism Selangor, we quickly found ourselves surrounded by excited otakus and cosplayers.
Comic Fiesta 2012 was not only an event by fans for fans. It also awarded the most diehard and hardcore cosplayers for their efforts and the most skilled gamers for their talents and dedication to their respective games. Prizes were given out by Mr. CF president himself, Arisa as Coffy and the respective sponsors of each categories.
*Writer's note: My sincerest apologies as some of the winner pictures are unavailable or cannot be properly identified. The same goes if the labellings are wrong. Just let me know or send me the right picture and I'll correct them in a jiffy!
To tell you the truth, I had no idea who bless4 was before Comic Fiesta 2012 (*insert gasps from otakus*)
bless4
I can explain!
Yet to be watched....
I have not watched Genesis of Aquarion or any other mecha anime since Gundam Seed/Destiny, Gundam 00 and Macross. In terms of Japanese artists and bands, I was more familiar with works of TM Revolution (Rurouni Kenshin, Gundam Seed/Destiny OST) and UVERworld (Bleach, Blood +, Gundam 00). I still have them blasting from my playlist now and then.
My mom was once quite puzzled by my liking for Jpop music.
My mom: Why do you even like this song? You don't understand what they're saying.
Me: It's like speaking in tongues (Christians will know). You don't understand the words but you can feel its meaning in the music. It speaks to you. (yes, i really said that with a straight face)
My mom: .......
Anyway!
After starting work, my interest in anime dropped. Then I also caught the recent Oppa Gangnam style Kpop fever because we kept doing Kpop dance routines in my dance classes so my Jpop fan-girl kinda took the back seat for a while.
But when I heard that bless4 will be appearing at Comic Fiesta 2012, I was intrigued especially by the excited reactions of CF-ers. Who was this band anyway?, I wondered.
From left: Aiki, Kanasa, Akino and Akashi
An all-sibling group consisting of Akashi, Kanasa, Akino and Aiki, bless4 initially started out as part of the martial arts performing group called the Flying Dragons from Arizona. As a result of their upbringing in the United States, they are fluent in both English and Japanese. With performing experience under their belt, they ventured into singing together. Akino made her solo debut with 'Genesis of Aquarion' and 'Go Tight' for the anime, Genesis of Aquarion. It was a major plus point in my book that she collaborated with Yoko Kanno on several songs because I am a huge fan of Yoko Kanno! Wolf's Rain and Vision of Escaflowne anyone?
I had a listen to 'Genesis of Aquarion' and became quite addicted to it. It made me download the anime. I was unable to make it for their concert during CF though but from what I heard and saw on Youtube, it was a stellar performance by bless4 despite a few technical problems.
Alfred and Shaun in the corner.
During their meet and greet session on CF Day 2, I was definitely sold on how nice and down to earth they were in person. The emcees, Shaun and Alfred had given them a berth of the stage and the siblings instead invited the duo to join them in the spotlight (aw... what a way to win the hearts of your fans).
Emcees invited to stand beside bless4 by bless4.
At the request of their fans, they performed 'Genesis of Aquarion' acapella-style followed by 'Jingle Bells' with their fans singing along. Video can be viewed at this link.
Thumbs up to the Malaysian fans.
Their Q&A session was entertaining and insightful as they spoke about working closely with each other as siblings and helping Akino and Aiki pursue their solo careers. I don't know if my sisters would be that supportive of my writing career but I am sure they will be my best critics....
~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~
Q&A with Bless4
Q: What do you think of Malaysia so far?
That's an easy question. The food is
awesome, the people are awesome.
We haven't try the durian yet though but we have tried roti canai and we loved it!
(The emcees offered to take them for Bak Kut Teh for a real taste of Malaysia next time.
I seconded that)
Q: Why Bless? We know 4 is four people. But how about Bless?
Through our music, we receive a lot of blessings from our fans. And we want to give out our blessings to the
people who have supported us in the form of our music as well.
Q: How do you guys cope with each other?
Aren't you bored seeing the same friend,
same family and same people? Aiki: Working with your siblings is a blessing but when I was a teenager, I hated them.
I couldn't have my private time. We share the same circle of friends and we seldom have the
time to go around alone. There was even once when we were on a train,
we all sat in different carriages. But after that we never sat apart.
Akino: We treat each other as friends and we share our stories with each other.
Akashi: I have something to share of us growing up together. There was this time when Aiki and Akino fought.
They were 4 and 6 then. Aiki punched Akino in the stomach and Akino got so angry, she slapped him back.
(Aforementioned siblings began re-enacting the scene)
Aiki punched her again and Akino slapped him again. This went on for a
number of times until Kanasa had to step in to stop them. As punishment, our parents
made Aiki and Akino hug and kiss each other while saying 'I love you' fifty times!
At first, they did it reluctantly then eventually they started to cry.
From then on, we never fought. Even Kanasa and I.
Kanasa: Because we didn't want to get that kind of punishment too!
(neither would my sisters and I...*shivers*)
Reenacting the squabble between Aiki & Akino.
~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~
Limited copies of their album was being sold at the official CF booth, Coffytiam on day 2 but I was too broke by then to afford it. I missed out on personally meeting them and getting their signatures that day!
That could have been me (minus the cosplay)..... T_T
(Argh! (╯°□°）╯︵ ┻━┻)
Anyhooooo, I managed to get my hands on their latest album 'Yume Tsugumi' much later on and I currently have the album on repeat on my playlist. The song, Yume Tsugumi (Dream Weaving) is undoubtedly my favourite. Even though I can't understand Japanese 100%, that song just brings tears to my eyes everytime I listen to it. It is just so beautifully haunting. The English version is also available on the album and I am still trying to memorise the lyrics.
The rest of the album was terrific with a blend of rock, pop ballads and R&B in both English and Japanese. Even though Akino and Aiki are the more recognizable siblings and are often the lead vocalists, Akashi and Kanasa easily hold their own with their smooth and melodic vocals. Beside Yume Tsugumi, I also hooked on 'Around and Around', 'Agare!', 'My Sunshine', Beat Love, Genesis of Aquarion ....
You know what, consider me hook on bless4! I am officially a bless4 fan now! (and like any hot-blooded female, I may have a tiny tiny tiny crush on Akashi...just a tiny one!)
I hope to see more works from them whether in anime OST or a new album in the coming year. Because I can't get enough of their music now. And the next time, they come to Malaysia, I'll definitely be in the front row. With durian and Bak Kut Teh.
Oh, by the way, today (31 Dec) is also Akino's birthday.
Happy Birthday, Akino!
May 2013 be a rocking year for bless4
~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~
From Happy Days Ahead, a HAPPY NEW YEAR and
AWESOME 2013 AHEAD to all my readers, fellow bloggers, family and friends!
I was dead tired from Day 1 of Comic Fiesta (read about my experience here). But as soon as I reminded myself of the exciting doujin stalls, cosplayers, and photos waiting to be taken, I was out the door in a flash.
Despite having the blogger tag (which gives me certain privilages), I joined in on the queue outside to see how fast it moved and to accompany my friend and my sister. Compared to last year's nightmare, it progressed quite smoothly and quickly for early birds and like the previous day, the halls filled up fast as soon as the doors opened.
Here comes the crowd!
Everyone made a mad beeline for the booths as it was final day of Comic Fiesta and things and products were either limited or being sold at discounted rates. As the next time you get the chance to buy this stuff again will be....in a year's time at CF 2013 so the motto of the day: Buy first, think/regret later. I certainly lived by that motto.
A popular stop of many was the Culture Japan booth due to the limited edition Mirai Suenaga Touch N' Go cards, t-shirts and posters. And guess who was there. The celebrity otaku himself: Danny Choo!
<3 Danny Choo!
And I managed to get his autograph and a picture with him! Sweet!
The opening performance was by an awesome band with an equally awesome name..... Flying Pan! (readers: ........*insert crickets chirping*) I kid you not! Their band name really was Flying Pan but by the end of their performance, I think they should change their name to Standing Ovation.
Flying Pan rocking!
To complete the opening ceremony of Day 2, a video of CF fans was shown in which they had to answer the question, "what is Comic Fiesta?" in 3 words or less in 10 seconds. The different answers and ways of depicting CF to them was astonishing, some meaningful and others funny. I think this event meant the most to those who poured their blood, tears and sweat into it; the CF Committee so it seemed about right to interview them as well.
Mystical Mirage - owning the stage like a Boss!
Next up was Mystical Mirage who belted out songs from very popular animes such as Bleach's 'D-Technolife' by UVERworld (me like!) and Naruto 'Rising Fighting Spirit' and 'Fight Dreamers'.
And the crowd goes literally wild for Raja Farouk!
Raja Farouk and his "Yakuza family" as he called his band then took over and kept the hype up with a very rocking cover of 'Hana Kimi' followed by a very nostalgic song from Cardcaptor Sakura 's 'I am a Dreamer' sung by the uber adorable Huei Chan!
Huei Chan, kawaii!
Now it may seemed as though those stuck in Hall 2 queueing for tickets have missed out a lot but rest assured, there were things to see there too. Namely cosplayers. A lot of cosplayers have set up shop there to fix/amend their costumes and to take photos because there was so much space!
I was in awe once again at the skills, not to mention commitment that goes into cosplaying. These guys are seriously talented! More pictures in my FB album.
Back in the main hall, guess who else was at Comic Fiesta looking for victims cosplayers and fans to interview! Malaysian Youtuber, Dan Khoo! If you don't know who he is (seriously?), go look him up on Youtube. He's freaking funny! Got a picture with him in exchange for a quick interview.
Dan Khoo <3
The solo cosplay competition was one of the highly anticipated CF events and this year the organisers decided to make it a little different by letting the participants draw random locations and means of death, again in line with the 'end of world' theme to act out in a skit. With Shaun and Alfred at the batang mic once more and at the contestests' expanses, cue the 'batang' and ball jokes.
To quote Alfred, "CF is a batang Fiesta." No wonder Hard Gay turned up....
No guy was safe that day...
Death by Meatball Shower.
"I am all wet and sticky!" she said.
Judges are amused.
Alfred: She reminds me on my roti man. Pom pom!
The Malaysian Mandarin Comic Society took to the stage next, giving out prizes to their gifted talents who came up with their own comic strips and drawings. If only the Malaysian government supported the local comic and anime industry, I am sure we could match Japan. Take Korea for example; a lot of animes have been produced in South Korea.
Mandarin Comic Society
Finally the time came for the most anticipated VIPs of the day, bless4!
From left: Aiki, Kanasa, Akino and Akashi <3
From what I heard, their concert the previous evening drew in a crowd of over 1000 people! And when Akino sang her popular single 'Sousei no Aquarion' (Genesis of Aquarion), everyone sang along. In Japanese no less! (Only in Malaysia, own national language subject fail in exams but Japanese, no problem!)
Check out the crowd!
bless4 shared what they loved about Malaysia and it was no surprise that it was our local food they enjoyed the most. They tried roti canai and said it was delicious! Then Alfred and Shaun offered to take them for Bak Kut Teh the next time they visited. I second that! Can I come too if you do go?
Besides performing an acapella version of Sousei no Aquarion, the band also wished their fans a Merry Christmas with an interactive cover of Jingle Bells. I managed to video it up close (again, thanks to my blogger pass) so enjoy!
After a very insightful and personal Q&A session with questions from the emcees and the fans, the meet and greet session commerced for the fans who bought the bless4 CD at the Coffy Tiam booth. These lucky fans got a chance to shake hands and have an exchange of words with the siblings as their CD was signed. I liked how pleasant and friendly bless4 was with everybody, smiling and thanking them for their support!
Several gaming competitions were also held throughout Comic Fiesta such as IAH Games' Superstar Live and Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom. The finals of the Counter-Strke: Global Offensive tournament between Malaysia and Philippines was held after the bless4 meet and greet. Now, I used to play a bit of CS back in college and I still play first shooter games like Modern Warfare when I can. But the level these players were on was OVER 9000! (yes, I know. I couldn't resist)
Gamers at work.
The final order of formal CF business was the prize-giving ceremony for the games tournaments, CF Side Quest, Coffy Creative Challenge and the cosplay competitions. (Results can be viewed here) Then after that, was part-ay!
As per-usual Comic Fiesta tradition, the after-party was held in the form of a dance off! Too bad I couldn't stay for that too. Next year, I will drag my friends along and join in the party!
By the end of this wonderful weekend (why must it end? sob!), I was in a state of euphoria, exhaustion and was incredibly broke. Here's my overhaul from Comic Fiesta 2012.
Buy now, think/regret later.
While I may have spent a lot of ka-ching! this time, I also came away with some priceless memories like meeting Danny Choo and Dan Khoo, catching a Redjuice-thrown-CF-shirt and seeing bless4 live. But more importantly, I have reinforced perspective that IT IS COOL TO BE AN OTAKU!
Redjuice shirt & Danny Choo signature.
In case you didn't know, this year also marked a milestone for Comic Fiesta. This event has come a long way since its humble beginnings in the Kuala Lumpur Chinese Assembly Hall. Read about its history here.
Congratulations, Comic Fiesta, on your 10th year Anniversary and for reaching
over 25,000 visitors in just two days!
My deepest gratitude and appreciation to the committee members, volunteers and everyone involved for making this event a huge success! I know it wasn't easy pulling off an event of this magnitude and I know there'll be ungrateful farts those who are unaware of the hard work, effort, blood, tears, sweat, sleepless nights, hair-pulling moments, I-want-to-beat-up-someone days and stressful times that goes into making it happen. But from this humble writer's point of view, it was by far the best Comic Fiesta she have ever attended! It truly was an event for fans by fans because only diehard fans will put so much into it!
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to cover it as one of your bloggers especially Wayne, the Head of photographers, videographers and bloggers. I look forward to collaborating with Comic Fiesta in the many years to come!
