Last year's event, which centered on the theme of "Manga: Not Just a Japanese Thing," showcased many different comic styles from around the world. This year, taking place alongside the main festival, is the companion event called Comitia, where amateur and professional artists will be given the opportunity to display and sell their own original works to the public.
Visitors will not only be able to purchase unique and original products, but they will also be able to talk directly with the artists whose work they enjoy.
As a relatively new event, the organizers of Manga Fest hope that it will eventually grow to become as significant as the U.S. International Comic-Con or France's Angoulême International Comics Festival. With Japan being the mecca of all things manga, it's sure to become an annual staple for manga enthusiasts both in Japan and across the globe.
International Manga Fest takes place at Tokyo Big Sight (East Wing No.5 Hall) on Oct. 20 from 11 a.m. till 4 p.m. Admission is free, but Comita requires a ¥1,000 entry fee (or a purchase of the Comitia Information (TIA's) magazine at ¥1,250). For more information, visit kaigaimangafesta.com/en.
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