Story and pictures by HO XING-YI
THE Comic Fiesta 2011 was held last weekend at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. Already in its 10th year, Comic Fiesta is one of Malaysia’s longest-running conventions that focuses on animation, comics and games.
The sold-out convention saw the attendance of thousands of comic enthusiasts and hobbyists from all over the country; some even came dressed in cosplay (costume play) as their favourite fictional characters. This came as no surprise to many because Comic Fiesta has, over the years, built its reputation as “the” convention to be and be seen among young people.
One of the many figurines on display at the Comic Fiesta 2011 in Kuala Lumpur.
This year, to celebrate its 10th anniversary, the founding committee Sequential Art Youth Society (SAYS) organised special performances by Japanese singers Shimokawa Mikuni and Ceui, who are arguably the most influential artistes in the gaming scene.
The crowd went wild when Ceui appeared on stage, chanting her name over and over again and singing along with her.
Popular Japanese artiste Ceui was also at the Comic Fiesta, where she performed some of her hits that have been featured in anime programmes before.
In a press interview after their showcase, Shimokawa said that since it was her first time performing in Malaysia she was rather skeptical of how the crowd would respond to her music. However, she was really surprised and amazed at the warm reception that she received and said that she would love to promote more of her work in the Malaysian music scene.
Apart from the special shows, there were also other booths and sections that drew huge crowds of visitors, like the merchandise, fan art, manga and anime sections.
On top of that, fans were treated to a South-East Asian premiere screening of Children Who Chase Lost Voices From Deep Below, the latest animated fantasy film from award-winning director Makoto Shinkai.
Meanwhile, cosplaying was also prominent during the two-day event. Several cosplay competitions were held during the convention, which attracted a huge number of cosplayers who came dressed in colourful costumes and wigs, and intricately-designed props.
Some anime and manga fans came to the event dressed as their favourite characters
One of the most popular characters seen at Comic Fiesta was Naruto, but there were also a few “unusual” ones like Edward Cullen (from the film franchise Twilight), the Box-Head Man from pop group LMFAO’s Party Rock Anthem music video, Minecraft and Anonymous (the group of hackers who made headlines this year).
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