SuperManila Comic Con brings fandom to life
Unites fans, creators, and pop culture fever
By Zachary Chris Chu
SuperManila Comic Con celebrates the creativity of comics, shows, gaming, pop culture, and all forms of entertainment. On September 7th, One Ayala, Makati City, Filipino fans got a treat, engaging with acclaimed creators across every manner of medium, ranging from Marvel’s star cover artist, Peach Momoko, to beloved comedic content creator @dinocornel. Day two shapes up to look even bigger and better than the first, as it kicked off full swing with a diverse set of experiences readily available with panels, screenings, and interactive fun. In addition, after complications and backlash from the first day, the flow of the event seemed much less chaotic the second go around, with staff much more evidently proactive.
By 10 a.m., fans slowly poured into the venue, with complimentary goodie bags in tow. Looking left to right, tables lined up of legacy artists and writers to break out newcomers on the scene, sat side by side, all meeting dedicated fans of their work. Signings, greetings, and picture taking soon went underway as many lined up to meet their idols, with booths stacked with copies of famous previous, personal works, or commissioned sketches up on display and available for purchase, often with a free signature that’s just waiting to be picked up.
Further down the hall, fans would be relieved to know that there is no lack of Exhibit Booths & Merch Stalls. “Con go-ers” got to have a sneak peek at exclusive releases (with some only available at SuperManila Comic Con) from Comic publishers and Toy brands, showcased in a field of glass cases stocked with collectors’ items and merch as far as you’re wallet can wander. All ages could partake in the Merchandise booths as they sold everything from rare collectibles, figurines, Funko Pops, self-published magazines, to smaller accessories and miscellaneous items.
Bored and tired of stomping your feet around from all the waiting in line and shopping? Well, look no further, as Interactive experiences such as workshops and live demos were regularly held in all areas. Partnered brands of the events didn’t skimp out when it came to their part, either, as they held stalls with either their own unique challenge or something else eye-catching, with a prize promised to lucky winners.
Sticking to the main stage schedule, we got to see what the event was cooking up with big names such as @dinocornel doing an onstage public interview and a “1v1 Me Brow” later on. Following that, audiences gathered to observe the many challenges, live demos, and workshops the event had to offer. Next, all eyes were on the screen with Muse Asia bringing a DAN DA DAN Season 2 Episode 1 Screening. The rest of the day was spent with successive panels on comic book creators from all genres, including legendary comic writer and artist, Dan Parent, with three decades of work in the Archie franchise under his belt.
Finally, the fans themselves were an attraction all on their own, with the community donning costumes of their favorite characters, bringing every corner of the venue into action with countless photo ops taken and memories made. A convention like this is a great place to make quick friends, trade cards and items, and live together in the moment.