Bringing anime to life

THE ATMOSPHERE was abuzz with the fervour of like-minded individuals gathered for the Cosplay, Comics, Anime and Games Exhibition (C2AGE) 2014.

More than 4,000 enthusiasts mingled while sharing their passion for graphic art and fiction during the two-day fest held in the halls of HELP College of Arts and Technology, Fraser Business Park.

In its eighth year, C2AGE reeled in a colourful and daring display of cosplayers dressed to impress in their own creative interpretations of various comic book, anime and video game characters.

An aficionado known by her cosplay name Raquel Rosarch, 21, came dressed as visual novel and game character Celestia Lundenberg from Danganronpa, complete with red eyes, a black curled hairpiece and gothic Lolita attire.

“It’s my second time to C2Age and I have been to other cosplay fairs but I like this event mainly because its smaller, not overcrowded and the venue is nice.

Groups attending the C2AGE cosplay, comics and games event arrive in full attire of their beloved characters from the anime and manga ‘One Piece’, ‘Kuroko No Basket’ (Kuroko’s Basketball), ‘Rozen Maiden’, ‘KOn!’ and ‘Naruto’ as well as ‘Vocaloid’.

“Fixing-up the costumes has also been appealing to me. Fitting things together to create something is not just for the thrill you get playing someone else, but also for the love of the characters,” she said.

The sight of The Joker from Batman and Stormtroopers from Star Wars was exciting, however, the attention was also on specialised exhibitions which included displays of painstakingly assembled scale models and workshops on customising Gundam Kits.

Booths also showcased intricate figurines and anime-inspired ball-jointed dolls, Japanese food and even an eating competition.

Among the renowned guests from the world of cosplay invited to the meet-and-greet were Reika Arikawa and Hiiro from Japan, Singaporean Clive Lee as well as Plallen Mikk and Zeasonal from Thailand.

HELP University vice- chancellor Datuk Dr Paul Chan shaking hands with Singaporean cosplayer Clive Lee dressed as one of the Transformers.

HELP University and Tune Talk co-organised the event, and it was launched by HELP’s Dean of Faculty of University Foundation Studies Dhanesh Balakrishnan with the attendance of HELP vice-chancellor Datuk Dr Paul Chan and Japan Embassy 2nd secretary Tomokazu Nozaki.

“We are happy to support events that feature Japanese anime and manga and to witness such wonderful enthusiasm from those present today,” said Nozaki.

Proceeds from C2AGE were channelled to The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation that funds research on a cure for spinal cord injury.