Featuring Artgerm, Quiccs, Alan Quah, Simone Legno and Jason Freeny amongst major artists
Talent and creativity abound in the first reveal of international artists who will grace AsiaPOP Comicon Manila 2017 (APCC Manila). This is happening on August 25 to 27 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.
From international artists’ Stanley Lau aka artgerm, Quiccs, Alan Quah, Simone Legno, to Jason Freeny, these creative geniuses are set to share their talents and insights to the pop culture fans who will converge at the country’s biggest pop culture convention.
Above all, globally-acclaimed concept artist, designer, and instructor Stanley Lau, also known as artgerm, is dropping by the Philippines. Lau will share his passion and talent for drawing digital and imbuing works with life and color. In addition to his personal pages, he has also co-founded Imaginary Friends Studios, which does work for companies such as Capcom, DC, Marvel.
Toy designer, illustrator, and graffiti artist Quiccs is the founder of Hidden Fortress, which issues collector vinyl and action figures. He co-owns Burnwater Studios, and is a member of international graffiti groups Zinc Nite Crew, Three Flare Krew, and Pilipinas Street Plan.
Comics veteran Alan Quah, founder of Komikaki has done works under publishers such as DC Comics, Legendary Comics and Titan Comics. This comic artist’s presence is one bound to please many comic fans.
Toys, Cosplay, and More
APCC Manila will also bring toy artists to animate further the convention grounds. Jason Freeny, known for his iconic x-ray dissections of characters and figures from pop culture. Freeny will showcase his anatomical dissection style that has been well sought after by numerous artists, licensors and companies worldwide. Limited edition collectibles produced with Mighty Jaxx will also be available for purchase at the convention.
Coming back is Simone Legno of the Tokidoki fame. Legno is the world-famous artist and graphic illustrator known for being one of the brains behind art giant Tokidoki. He has collaborated with names such as Karl Lagerfeld, LeSportsac, Onitsuka Tiger, Marvel, and Hello Kitty, among others.
Joining the guests are Cosplay Authority Global Challenge (CAGE) stalwarts Haiden Hazard, Philip Odango, Pion Kim, and Jin “behindinfinity”, to share their passion for bringing their favourite characters to life. The CAGE is one of the biggest cosplay competitions of its kind in the region.
Philip Odango is an award-winning cosplayer. In fact, his Doctor Strange costume was officially featured by Marvel. Additionally, he was also commissioned to produce a replica prop for The Jimmy Kimmel Show. His most recent “Maui” cosplay won second place in special effects at the Crown Championships of Cosplay in Chicago.
Seoul-based cosplayer Pion Kim, known for her costumes of Sombra of Overwatch and Mai Shiranui, represented South Korea in the World Cosplay Summit. For her, the most important thing about cosplaying is “inspiring by story-telling,”. For the reason, it is where the cosplayer is able to express a story and adapt to the character’s emotions.
Homegrown cosplayer Jin “behindinfinity” Joson is famous for her interpretations of Animanga characters—from Hiro Hamada from Big Hero, Raito of Death Note, to Himura Kenshin of Rurouni Kenshin. She also considers herself as an all-around visual artist.
For her part, Haiden Hazard, who began cosplaying in 2013, is a fan of anime, comics, and gaming. She is a regular guest at conventions in Southeast Asia, where she hosts panels and judges cosplay competitions.