In case you missed it: Asia Pop Comic Con 2017
For the third year in a row, Asia Pop Comic Convention (APCC) continued to prove to everyone that they only get bigger and better. Held at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City, the event ran for 3 consecutive days (August 25 – 27, 2017) with a ticket price of P600 for a day-pass access to one-of-a-kind unforgettable experiences.
As you enter the venue, you’re greeted with an overwhelming number of booths ranging from artists you can buy prints from, up to the highly anticipated Netflix booth. If you’re ever planning to go to next APCCs to come, it might be a good choice to start saving not just for the fancy booths, but also for the meet-and-greet with your favorite artists which can range from P900 to a whopping P3,500.
Collectibles and art prints were also available for purchase. A range of Funko Pop! figures from multiple booths were offered, as well as designer collectibles like the works of renowned sculptor Jason Freeny—and the best part is you can actually have some of the items for free. There were also a bunch of booths of up-and-coming Filipino artists and also of some well-known artists (i.e. comic book artists)—you can have your purchase signed by the artists as a bonus.
You’d probably want to get in line for the Netflix booth which brought their well-known series in the house like Stranger Things, Orange is the New Black, The Defenders, and Riverdale. Aside from the sensational feeling of walking inside your favorite show, the humongous booth taking up about a fourth of the floor area offered freebies to feast on as well.
Another highlight for the Game of Thrones fans out there—a replica of the Iron Throne in the Sky Cable booth you could sit and take a picture with. And if you wait a while, the cosplayers of Jon Snow, Daenerys Targaryen, and the Night King will join you.
Marvel fans united as the ever coveted “Hall M” is back. For those who don’t know, Hall M is where you get the chance to get a first look on the upcoming shows and movies made by Marvel.
The CAGE, the biggest competition in the country for the avid cosplayers, was also held once again with a prize pool worth $18,000. Cosplayers battled it out with their homemade costumes for the grand prize of $10,000 which was won by a cosplayer of Winston from popular PC game Overwatch.
However grand the event was, all good things have their kryptonite. SMX as the venue grounds was a bit smaller compared to the previous years which were held at the World Trade Center. APCC ended up being congested, especially during the afternoons when people started to flood in.
At the end of the day, considering the experience, the people you’ll meet, and the number of booths, APCC continues to be a must-attend for everyone gaga over pop culture. Though the price might be steep, it’s all worth it for all the things you can do. The lines and walking might be tiring but it’s all part of the experience. With these and more, there’s no doubt that next year’s APCC is going to be even more exciting.
