If you’re like us and you’ve never heard about AsiaPOP Comicon (APCC), it’s basically a 3-day event where movies, comics, television, games, toys, anime, and cosplay lovers gather under one roof.
Returning again to the SMX Convention Center in Manila, from 25th August to 27th August, this year’s APCC had more exhibitors and booths for the visitors to enjoy. Celebrating all of geek culture, this pop culture phenomenon was filled with a tonne of fun and fantasy. With so much going on, we decided to list down our top 5 favourite moments during APCC 2017.
1. Netflix Booth Experience
As aforementioned in our separate coverage, Netflix brought out the big guns for their first appearance in APCC and they certainly left a good impression. The online streaming network was also the biggest thing in the convention thanks in large to the Netflix booth in Hall N. Netflix has always prided itself in connecting one thing to another. There were plenty of interesting “Stranger Things” zones, Pop’s Diner giving out free milkshakes, and the “Death Note” VR, all of which were lined up along the New York street set of “The Defenders”.
Read about our exciting experience here.
2. Netflix panel
If last year’s APCC appearance by Eleven a.k.a. Millie Bobby Brown was any indication, it showed that fans wanted more “Stranger Things”. We can confirm that this year did not disappoint as 4 cast members – Noah Schnapp (Will) and Joe Keery (Steve), as well as newcomers Dacre Montgomery (Billy) and Sadie Sink (Max) – were part of the guest stars. Aside from the Q&A that took place, the quartet also unveiled new character posters.
In addition, 4 trailers were also screened for the audiences:
- The first 4 minutes from “The Punisher” S1E1. Ever since Frank Castle made his debut in “Daredevil” season 2, fans have been begging Punisher to get his own series. Thankfully, both Marvel and Netflix felt the same way. Those who managed to catch the post-credit scene in “The Defenders” noticed the same photo in this teaser.
- The trailer to David Ayer and Will Smith’s big budget fantasy-action film, “Bright“.
- A recap of “Stranger Things” season 1.
- The official trailer for “Stranger Things” season 2.
3. “Super” stars
Aside from the TV actors, celebrities from the film world also graced APCC. The 2 high-profile Hollywood stars this year were Ray Fisher (who portrays Cyborg in the DC Extended Universe film franchise) and Tyler Hoechlin (who plays Superman in in The CW show “Supergirl” and Derek Hale in MTV’s “Teen Wolf”).
While geeking out at all the exciting stuff taking place at APCC, we noticed a huge crowd forming at the DC merchandise corner. Lo an behold, it was Fisher himself checking out his own figurines. At one point, he even posed in front of a Wonder Woman cardboard cut-out. He was probably planning to send that snapshot over to co-star Gal Gadot ;)
4. Cosplayers
No geek convention would be complete without any cosplay, right? All forms of fandom were represented during APCC. There were many favourite characters from “Game of Thrones” as well as superheroes from the DC and Marvel franchises. People were proud to show off their real-life representation of their character persona. The one that dressed up as the Night King left a lasting impression on us probably cause we’ve been following the HBO hit series religiously.
5. The colourful exhibitors
Not only were there many creative costumes, we also got to feast our eyes on a lot of impressive visuals. APCC was filled with local visual artists showcasing their own creations (e.g. prints, posters, stickers, and comics). One of the things we were really looking forward to was shopping for merchandise and toys from various franchises. Needless to say, we didn’t go home empty-handed ;)
There were so many things happening at every corner, and for our first experience at APCC, we loved what we saw. Special thanks and much love to the people at Netflix for having us!
For more information on APCC 2017, hit up their website and Facebook page.
