Comic legend Stan Lee is coming to town as main man at ComicCon Asia 2018 on March 24 and 25 at the SMX Convention Center. (From left): ComiCcon mascot Yumi, Stan Lee, Ray Allen (Reuters), Walter Jones as Black Ranger and Pauline Sofia Laping Event organizer Pauline Sofia Laping of PSL Entertainment Production said so at a recent press conference, adding that they’ve already signed the contract. The former Marvel Comics editor-in-chief created many of most-loved heroes, including Spider-Man, Iron Man, Thor, Black Panther, the X-Men, the Hulk, and the Fantastic Four. The excitement over the conference, even before Lee signed up, is so electric at least 20,000 attendees are expected. Laping said the event is shaping up to be the mecca of the region’s comics, movies, series, Manga, anime, toys, gaming, and cosplay. There will be five zones, namely Manga and Anime, Comics and Literature, Toys and Gaming, Movies, Series and Animation, and Cosplay. Aside from Lee, NBA star Ray Allen will join the event to unveil exclusive memorabilia and meet up with basketball fans from all over the region. Coinciding with the event is the release of his 20th anniversary movie “He Got Game.” Walter Jones, the original Black Ranger from the hit TV series “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers,” will also drop by to say hi to fans of the massive teen franchise. ComicCon also brings together top creators in the world of cosplay, gaming, comics, illustration, photography, and even entrepreneurship, to offer talks, workshops, and discussions from an inimitable panel set to inspire innovation among con-goers and provide them insightful entertainment beyond the usual fan experience. Under the master of cosplay are Chad Hoku aka Hoku Props who will share tips and tricks on how to forge in the armor cosplay trade; Linda Le aka Vampy Bit Me will help attendees level up their working skills through a workshop on stunning fabric costumes; Nana Kuronoma will teach how to fully embody your cosplay character with proper technique of posing and facial expression; Jay Tablante with guest Anna Redei aka Enji Night will showcase the inside scoop on shooting out-of-this-world cosplay photography, bringing superheroes from comics to the camera. For the art of toys, gaming and comics, Harvey Tolibao is set to unlock trade secrets in the comic book industry; Carlo Pagulayan will share expert comic book illustration techniques designed to help beginners turn to pros; Ian Sta. Maria will give out futuristic character design tips and tricks while sharing his own creative process; Jesse Yu aka J*RYU will make a presentation on how to become an expert craftsman in toy design and sculptures. (From left): Hoku Props on a Reinhardt getup, Enji Night cosplaying Xayah from ‘League Of Legends’, Yael Yuzon and Sen. Manny Pacquiao In the business of creativity, Walt Disney’s Visual Development Artist Armand Serrano will exhibit how to capture magic like the best pros through animation; singer Yael Yuzon will help attendees expand their craft and open their minds to new platforms by giving tips on harnessing creativity to explore other horizons; Carlo Calimon of StartUp Village and Jay Tablante will help inspire participants through industry lessons that will help turn their business dreams into reality. Platforms There will be numerous competitions to showcase the creativity of local talents. The Great Filipino Graphic Novel contest is for aspiring artists who want to debut their work and be mentored and critiqued by the industry’s top creatives. The goal of the contest is for the outcome novel to inspire readers to act for the betterment of self or community or the country or all three. Among the eight finalists are “Henerala” by Ethel Mae Reyes, “Duyog” by Isa Marie Filio as writer and Marion Gale Gaelon as artist, “Miraya” by Mike Suarez, “Wala Nang Tao Sa Maynila” by Randy Valiente, “Reach” by Ray Adrian Magbanua, “P-kon” by Tristan Jurolan, “Chrono Xplorers” by Ryan Orosco, and “Walang Hustisya Si Patricia” by Ysabella Zorelli Vidal. According to Asia Program director, multi-awarded writer and publisher, and Filipino creative advocate Boboy Yonzon III, they were pleasantly surprised the young and veteran artists were able to draw inspiration from Philippine culture. Project X: The Search For The New Pinoy Superheroes, in cooperation with DV Tech Media, is for artists who aim to create a new generation of original Filipino superheroes promoting the local culture and values. There will be a search for the next big video game and animation idea and it is called One Shot. The contest is open to Filipino professionals, amateurs, and students, ages 18 years old and above, as groups or individuals. ComicCon Asia Business Development Consultant and StartUp Village Director Carlo Calimon said the prize is them being able to pitch their idea. “Not everybody gets that shot to meet these executives and experts,” he pointed. A Cosplay Matchup contest will also happen. This is the chance of players to put their cosplay craft and skills to the test and bring their favorite characters to life. The three categories are Anime, Gaming, Western or Filipino; and two sub-categories for Fabric and Armor. As noted by cosplayer, artist, sculptor, singer, actor, and painter Gerard Sison, only 180 slots are open to be filled until March 11. He cleared that dangerous materials are not allowed and it will be a solo competition so partners or assistants are not allowed. For avid collectors, there is Auction Hero where they can bid on the rarest memorabilia. Trading Guild will see collectors exchange limited edition collectibles. Senator Manny Pacquiao was also present at the launch. Recall that the Filipino boxing icon is the event ambassador who starred in his own superhero film “Wapakman” in 2009. “Maraming itong matutulungan at mabibigyan ng opportunity,” he said. “Maganda ito para maipakita ang talent ng mga Filipino.”