FOR many anime and comic book fans, interacting with other fans is just as important as collecting novels, comics and posters, and watching and re-watching their favourite series (or reading and re-reading).

Some of the most popular conventions in the world include the Comiket in Japan, the Angoulême International Comics Festival in France, the Lucca Comics and Games in Italy and the San Diego Comic-Con International in San Diego, California.

Hundreds of thousands of comic books, anime, gaming and geek culture enthusiasts flock to these events, usually held over a weekend. Over the years, the conventions have grown to include not just comics, but television and film spin-offs of popular titles, as well as collectible card games, video games, webcomics, and fantasy novels.

Devotees at Comic Con New York

Fans often turn up in costume and use this time to meet up with some characters they have met online, purchase merchandise and limited edition offers, and just generally have a good time.

While attending this convention and other popular international events is the ultimate dream for a comic/anime/manga enthusiast, the number of festivals and events held locally and in the South-East Asian region are growing as the genre increases in popularity.

Here are several upcoming events to look out for :

Anime Festival Asia 2011

The celebration of all things Japanese Pop Culture is coming to Suntec Convention and Exhibition Halls 401 & 402, Singapore, on Friday and Saturday.

The festival, which is in its fourth year, is expected to draw 85,000 anime fans from all over the region to participate in various activities, including 3D live hologram performances, movie screenings and sale of anime merchandise.

To find out more, head to www.animefestival.asia/.

100% Gempak Starz

The festival, which includes a cosplay competition, is from Nov 26 to 28 at the main concourse of Sungei Wang Plaza in Kuala Lumpur.

Come and watch your favourite characters come to life at the preliminaries which begin at 1pm, and if you can’t make it then, the finals are at 3pm.

If you’re interested in taking part in the competition you can still submit your application – find out how here: http://forums.comicfiesta.org/showthread.php?tid=7269.

Malaysian Toys Anime Comics & Games (TACG)

If you’re as big a fan of toys as you are of comics and games, head to the TACG at Mines International Expo & Convention Centre, Mines Wellness City, Serdang, Selangor, from Nov 26 to 28.

The event begins at 11am and goes on until 10pm. To find out more, head to www.facebook.com/pages/Malaysia-Toys-Animation-Comics-Games-Festival/205223749537098.

Hobby Con 2011 (Sabah)

Sabah fans, take note! The comic world is coming your way.

Head to Suria Sabah Mall, Kota Kinabalu on Dec 10 and 11, from 11am to 8pm to get involved in cosplay competitions (solo and group), game displays and demos, anime quizes, comic book stalls and so much more!

Check out http://www.hobbycon.my or https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=215310971827070 for details.

Comic Fiesta

From Dec 17 to 18, KL Convention Centre will be filled with comic fans as they head to the Comic Fiesta, Malaysia’s longest-running convention that focuses on animation, comics and games (ACG).

Even if you’re not a comic enthusiast, you may just want to head over to check out the incredible cosplay subculture. There will also be numerous games and comic books to indulge in.

Log on to www.comicfiesta.org for more information.