In the bustling city of Guangzhou, ACGN (Anime, Cartoon, Game, and Novel) enthusiasts gathered for COMIC UP, a platform where fandom thrives and creativity knows no bounds. From cosplay to fan art, this event served as a melting pot of cultures and passions, drawing visitors from near and far.
"The comic convention in Guangzhou is way bigger than the one in Germany," said Shervin Sonbay, a German cosplayer dressed as Mista from "JOJO's Bizarre Adventure." For foreign attendees like Shervin, COMIC UP was a revelation. He marveled at the event's organization, noting that it far surpassed anything he had experienced in Germany.
Shervin appreciated the laid-back atmosphere. "You can bring in your food and drinks. In Germany, they took away your food," he said. He was also surprised by the high-quality cosplay of Chinese cosplayers, and his experience underscored how COMIC UP serves as a bridge between different fandom cultures, fostering understanding and appreciation.
Anastasia, a vendor from Guangzhou, observed how cosplay allows individuals to temporarily escape reality and immerse themselves in the world of their favorite characters. "After a week of tiring work, I just want to dress up as a cool character and immerse myself in the comic world here," she said.
She introduced us to the "freebie exchanges," a practice where fans give away fan-made merchandise for free. "It is not about gaining free stuff from others. This acts as sharing kindness and maintaining a spiritual connection with other anime lovers, even though you don't know each other."For Anastasia, receiving a handmade item from a stranger was deeply moving, as it represented their effort and creativity.
She also ran a "JOJO's Bizarre Adventure" booth featuring Giorno Giovanna and Guido Mista, and took fandom a step further by shipping the two characters as a couple. "I realized these two characters may develop a romantic relationship by watching other fan arts, which brought me a different perspective when looking back at the original anime. Then I started to write my version of their story and imagined what a romantic story they would have if they were a Hong Kong gang boss and an undercover agent," she said.
"The key to fan creation is a form of input and output, a way to process and share your thoughts and emotions with other anime fans, which also inspires you to create more fan works. COMIC UP is the platform for meeting these people offline and realizing spiritual exchange and emotional resonance face to face," she added.
Kite, another vendor, shared her journey as a DIY blogger and fan artist. "I'm a big fan of 'Puella Magi Madoka Magica.'One of my DIY videos gained over 2 million views. Then I started to create unique fan products based on Madoka," she said.
"Fan works for me are a continuation of life, a way to fully realize my creativity and understanding of anime. I don't even care if I can earn enough money from my DIY career. The only thing I value is the 'Wow' reaction of other 'Madoka'lovers, who were so impressed by my design." She said she will definitely continue to sign up to be a COMIC UP vendor in August 2025.
For these young anime fans from Guangdong, the event was more than just a cultural feast; it was a sanctuary where they could be themselves, surrounded by like-minded individuals. Even as they returned to their daily routines as exhausted working adults and sleepy students, the love and creativity they shared would continue to nourish their fandom and add color to their lives.
Reporter | Jiang Chang
Video | Jiang Chang
Poster | Jiang Chang
Editor | Xie Miaofeng, Ou Xiaoming, Liu Lingzhi, Wei Shen, Huang Qini, James, Shen He
