Amid the unicorns and caped crusaders, be ready to roar if you want to be heard. The sixth edition of Comic Con, which runs until Saturday at Zabeel Halls four, five and six at Dubai World Trade Centre, is full of feisty cosplayers, artists and souvenirs — and a ridiculous amount of giggles. For some it is easy — school girls show up dressed as, yes, school girls (anime and manga stereotypes, we blame you), but others have gone all out.
On day two, I almost pet the Inu Yasha walking around (he is a dog-based character with the cutest ears); four teenage mutant ninja turtles saunter around; and there is a large dinosaur giving people tummy bumps (I don’t get this one either).
Suddenly, at about 2pm, there is a loud noise and a mob has gathered. It begins with a ninja-like exercise with a group dressed as Ichigo and other Bleach characters — yup, Grimjaw is at ComicCon — who decide to put up a quick choreographed fight.
Navigating my way through this maze is difficult and requires all the skills of winning in a bully-filled sandbox. Be prepared and have a plan, dear readers, or you will be lost.
The labyrinth-like artists’ alleyway is full of original works and stunning stores, but it’s just as full of fans and other rabid shopaholics.
There’s a host of souvenirs to be had for sure, from original sketches to your favourite superhero done in pencil, international artists’ colourings, and even a comic book with a British-born, Middle East-based superhero. There are also Japanese swords — although one such kiosk said they’d sold all their katanas — and shuriken, Ninja weapons, on display. You may ask for a discount, but beware, your sparkling eyes may give your interest away. Some goods come from far, far away, and are only available for a limited period of time. But there are also local jewels to be discovered such as otaku.me, which showcases its figurines and paints for those obsessed with that perfect Gundam display.
At night, before the halls close their doors, there’s a cosplay competition, and everyone gathers for the opening act. Dancers dressed in French maid costumes take the stage for a show reminiscent of Japan’s maid cafes. As a Laura Craft-look-alike poses for pictures, some get spray paint tattoos, and others stop for food and drink as people in complicated costumes parade.
For those visiting the artists’ alley, here are 5 must-buys:
Designs on wood
Patiently sitting in his stall, artist Abdul Rahman, from Kuwait etches pictures, of comic or game characters, into wooden blocks that can be hung up as chimes or used as paintings. Prices start at Dh50 for a small chime.
Pipo MoMa
Artist Renu Serene is a customiser. Bring your shoes, mugs or bags to the show and walk away with a one-of-a-kind work of art. She’ll also do any design you want. And the brand ships in Dubai, too. Prices begin at Dh35 for a mug.
teeturtle.com
If you love Pokemon, grab a hold of their glow-in-the-dark T-shirts. The US-based firm is only here for Comic Con, so get yourself a cool souvenir before logging on to Pokemon Go. Prices vary, sizes available are small to XXXL.
Home-baked in Abu Dhabi
Artist Ghaleya Al Mansouri has a stall where she sells the cutest charms, pins and key chains, baked using polymer clay. Wear your favourite meal — hamburger, anyone? — on your ears. Earrings start at Dh30.
Dogo
Turkish brand Dogo, which also has a branch in Al Ain, is the brainchild of Khalid Al Jabri, and it features a range of bags and shoes — think boots with cats or flowers on a leather clutch. They ship to other emirates, too. Prices vary.
