Popcon Asia 2014

Last Sunday was the final day of Popcon Asia 2014 (Popular Culture Convention) held at the SMESCO Convention Centre. I had been really looking forward to it after hearing about it from my friend Eric (thespacewanderer.com) as he had a booth set up for the event.

As soon as the lift doors opened, we were surrounded by thousands of people, and there were graphic tablets with people sketching, people sitting at tables sketching on paper and I was in heaven! So much talent everywhere we looked. I was thinking my brother Nick would have loved it as there were comic artists everywhere and I know he would have been inspired being there too. This festival celebrated the popularity of comics, toys, film and animation and had cosplayers walking around posing for photos.. I must admit I have no idea who any of the anime characters actually are, but I love seeing people so passionate about it that they are ready to step into character and lose themselves for awhile.

They had events happening up on stage which was super LOUD and a little overwhelming for poor Samudra so we hurried past and he was loving seeing all the toys, cushions covered in cool artwork and figurines everywhere. We met Peter Van Dongen who wrote and illustrated the Rampokan Jawa Selebes comic book, and after asking him to sign our copy, he instead drew a picture of Samudra, so we felt incredibly honoured as he was pressed for time and had to leave as soon as he’d finished.

It was awesome as always to see so many creative people in one space and to see them creating amazing drawings.. as one of the organisers said, it was a great place for creative geeks to meet!

Hope to see you there next year!