Thanks to the phenomenal success of the inaugural Middle East Film and Comic Con in April, comic book culture is no longer languishing underground in the UAE. This weekend, Dubai will host another related event homing in on the subculture of manga and anime. Here's what fanboys - and girls - can expect to find.
The event
The Dubai Anime Club's (DAC) inaugural Animeyhem event - the first of its kind in Dubai - will focus on anime, manga and Japanese pop-culture activities. It is expected to attract fans from all over the country. "We have received a lot of support from the community," says Diana Santos, the president and founder of the club. "We're really happy that the reception for our first-ever major event related to anime and manga has been good."
The organisers
Dubai Anime Club was established in early 2007 with a main goal of uniting anime and manga enthusiasts through online communities. Today, that group includes more than 3,000 people in a range of ages and nationalities.
"Our vision is to establish a social and cultural environment in Dubai and the UAE for the anime-manga subculture and to be the catalyst for promoting the growing fandom in the region," explains Santos. "Up until recently, DAC was primarily run through the official forums and consisted of informal monthly or bimonthly meet-ups. Due to the recent popularity of DAC online and in the media, we aim to host formal anime-themed events on a monthly basis, kicking off with Animeyhem 2012."
What to expect
Activities at Animeyhem will include stage activities such as an ongaku (music) showdown, a costume play contest and a Kamehameha contest.
"The Kamehameha Contest is going be one of the craziest and super-fun parts of the Animeyhem event," says Santos. "As every anime and manga fan knows, Kamehameha is one of the strongest attack and finishing moves of the character Son Goku from the anime series Dragonball Z. Each contestant is challenged to shout "Kamehameha" in the most creative and unique way they can think of. They can sing it, dance while shouting [it], or [use] just plain Son Goku style. The best Kamehameha shout will win."
In addition to other off-stage drawing and anime trivia contests, other attractions include displays of anime toys and figurines, retail booths, an artist's corner, Japanese goldfish catching, panel discussions and workshops.
There are also plenty of prizes to be won, including Xbox 360 consoles, authentic anime goodies and action figures, as well as cash prizes of up to Dh2,000.
"Even if you're not an anime/manga fan, you'll still find entertainment in watching the competitions and can join contests not related to anime, such as the Mirmo chocolate-eating contest," says Santos.
Animeyhem is on Friday from 3-9pm at Children's City, Dubai Creek Park. Tickets are Dh15, with an additional Dh5 fee to enter the park. Visit dubaianimeclub.proboards.com for more information
