COMICUP Guangzhou, one of the largest ACGN creative exchange events and Comic-Cons in China, is held from August 23rd to 25th at PWTC EXPO, Guangzhou.
ACGN is short for anime, comics, games, and novels. The convention features creative works, such as manga, novels, illustrations, games, and costumes. Participants can cosplay as their favorite characters or create fan works to enjoy the fun of the events.
It is estimated that 3,600 booths and nearly 5,000 artists gathered at the convention. More than 100,000 visitors are expected to come and interact with these artists over three days. Industry-renowned publishers, game companies, and animation companies were also invited.
"COMICUP is a place that helps me find spiritual values and gives more opportunities for some smaller IPs to show themselves," said one cosplayer and vendor who had come to the event three times.
Some works rooted in China's local culture were well received at COMICUP. A salon about a new illustration book based on the film I am What I am, which focused on one of Guangzhou's local cultures, the lion dance and 'Caiqing', attracted a large audience.
"Guangzhou is one of the places of origin of ACGN culture in China and also boasts a rich traditional cultural heritage. I believe this will become a source for local animation and comics," said Feng Ninghua, Curator of Comic Up Guangzhou.
Third-party data showed that the scale of China's ACGN industry reached 221.9 billion yuan in 2023. China's pan-ACGN group has more than 500 million people.
In 2023, the revenue of Guangzhou's animation industry reached 25 billion yuan, accounting for one-fifth of the national animation industry; the revenue of the game industry was 105 billion yuan, accounting for about one-third of the national total.
"The ultimate goal of this convention is to stimulate people's love for ACGN. To encourage people not only to become consumers or fans but also to form a creative works ecosystem," Feng added.
The ACGN market has now become a blue sea, and the industry is progressing ahead just like the hot-blooded characters in anime.
Reporter | Grace, Guo Chuhua
Videographer | Grace
Video editor | Deng Yingheng
Editor | Nan, Nina, James
