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0ne point Zer0

The Fool shows a child or youth, while the Magician depicts an all powerful adept. Just as the Fool showed us the price of eternal innocence, so this Magician gives us the fearsomeness of taking on responsibility. If the Major Arcana represents the Fool’s journey, the Magician is the first thing the Fool encounters.

Otakus, anime fans, can’t wait for tomorrow to come? There’s a good reason to be excited.

AFA Highlights

Anime Festival Asia 2008 is ready to open its doors tomorrow. There’s lots to see. Make sure your camera’s batteries are charged and bring along extra memory cards. And most importantly, make sure you have lots of CASH ready! (I’d say at least S$200)

This afternoon, the media was given an exclusive sneak peek at what’s in store for tomorrow. As exhibitors were hauling their lock, stock and barrel into exhibition hall 403 and 404, Shawn Chin the event producer from Dentsu Singapore gave us a run down on what to expect for this epic weekend.

Shawn Chin, Event Producer of AFA08

First of all, the representatives from Japan’s animation industry. Their importance to Japan’s anime industry cannot be understated. Starting from the right there’s Mizuki Ichirou (水木一郎), the KING of anime songs. He was THE VOICE for most of the OP and ED of anime and tokusatsu series for the past three decades. Next to him, is Kunio Okawara (大河原邦男) the god of mecha design (he was the one who iconised Gundam and many other mechas).

May’N, Yasufumi Soejima, Koji Morimoto, Kunio Okawara, Mizuki Ichirou

And then there’s Koji Morimoto – the founder of the seminal Studio 4ºC. Next to him is the storyboard artist and 3D CGI director Yasufumi Soejima.

(New) Media

And where most of the lens were focused on:

May’n

Too bad for my compact camera and shaky hands – I couldn’t take a nice picture of her. Better wait for the better pictures taken by the DSLRs.

To see more of May’n from the comfort of your living room (or bedroom), do tune in to Animax. They’re the official regional media partner for this event and expect to see extensive coverage on their channel.

[Note: I am betting my money on "Aniki" Mizuki "The KING" Ichirou's performance. That's one performance you wouldn't want to miss. Oh, and both May'n and Mizuki received a warm welcome from fans at Changi Airport]

And at AFA08, you can expect to get exclusive peek at the pre-production materials from Animax’s original animated feature “LaMB“.

Animax’s LaMB Roadshow

From concept art by Imaginary Friends Studios (IFS)…

LaMB Concept Art

…to storyboards by Yasufumi Soejima.

Storyboard

Yasufumi Soejima has worked as 3D director on cult favourite OVA “ZAION: I WISH YOU WERE HERE” 「あ なたがここにいてほしい」, “Last Exile” and Gankutsuou 「巌窟王」 when he was with Gonzo. At Studio 4°C, Soejima did  “The Second Rennaissance – Part II” – the second chapter of “Animatrix”, as well as the Linkin Park music video “Breaking the Habit“. He is the director for Dream Theatre’s animated music video “Forsaken“.

Meet Yasufumi Soejima

Soejima will be at Animax’s booth on Saturday (22 Nov) from 4pm to 5.30pm at Animax’s booth to sign autographs as well as to perform a demonstration of his storyboarding process.

Storyboarding Demo

Animax will be selling limited edition “LaMB” posters featuring Eve, illustrated by Artgerm.

Artgerm and Soejima

Those who purchase the poster may get it signed by Artgerm at IFS’ booth at the Industry Zone (F-06).

Imaginary Friends Studios @ F-06

You can’t miss the booth as its right in front of the cosplay square, facing the mainstage.

IFS will be launching their latest artbook “The Pepper Project” at AFA08. Priced at S$68, those who purchase the book will get an exclusive Pepper Project artprint, while stocks last. Also available, is the long awaited second edition of the hardcover Imagine PRIME (S$78), the portfolio album featuring both commercial works as well as personal pieces from the studio. Expect discounts when you purchase the books in a bundle.

The wall-mounted art prints are up for auction – so do come by and make your bid.

The artists from IFS will also be doing art demonstration. For artists aspiring to break into the professional concept art industry, the art directors will also be around to review your portfolio.

Shonen Jump 40th Anniversary

Other stuff to watch out for: Shonen Jump 40th Anniversary exhibition presented by Chuang-Yi.

I came across this booth in the Industry Zone, the Japanese company called Hexa-Project. I have no idea what they do but their booth certainly looks interesting.

Hexa Project

There’s also a representation from Singapore’s doujin community – with Collateral Damage Studios (CDS) leading the vanguard.

Collateral Damage Studios

Strike Witches doujin

There’s new doujin products – such as the Strike Witches doujin poster set that comes with packaging.

Toys N Toys

Toys N Toys have an extensive showcase featuring all their branded figurines.

Casshern SIN @ Anime Blockbusters

You can also catch the line-up of simulcast anime that Odex has brought in, now showing on Okto’s Animania timeslot (and rather decent titles, too). No more reason for you to download anime illegally!!

Anime is pr0n for merchandising.

Go get your rocks off at KKnM.

KKnM

Expect lotsa COSPA goodies at KKnM. Also, those who wear a COSPA t-shirt at AFA receive a 10% discount off all COSPA products at their booth.

GO TO DMC!!!

I’m not sure if the Detroit Metal City movie is out on DVD yet…but from the looks of this poster, it might be hitting the video retail scene soon.

And for Sunrise Production/Bandai fans…

I AM GUNDAM

Get to meet Gundam Exia and more Gunpla diorama at Planet Mech – Bandai’s exclusive zone.

GUNPLA

Also, the winners of the Singapore leg of BAKUC will be announced.

BAKUC Singapore Champion 2007

And also pick up limited edition Gunpla kits…

Exclusive Gunpla Kits

This is but a quick peek of what’s in store at AFA. There’s many other booths that I didn’t mention, but do expect a lot more.

Given the success of the Singapore Toy and Comic Convention, I expect the crowd at AFA to be crazier given the greater number of anime/manga otakus compared to comics fanboys.

AFA08にようこそ！

The doors open to the public at 10am on Saturday. Be there early, you wouldn’t want to be the 10,000th person in the queue waiting to get in.

This entry was posted on Friday, November 21st, 2008 at 10:06 pm and is filed under Otaku Diary. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.