The non-geek's inside guide to Comic Con and cosplay

Dubai - One can either visit as just themselves or come in a costume in the spirit of the event.

As of the time of writing this, I have seen multiple - if not all kinds of unique and amazing faces at the 2017 Middle East Film and Comic Con (MEFCC).
The event, an annual fixture in Dubai's host of amazing events, celebrates the best of pop culture. In the few years it has been held here, it has brought together many of the UAE's pop culture enthusiasts from every corner of the country.
The beautiful thing about MEFCC is the community. One can either visit as just themselves or come in a costume in the spirit of the event. Commonly called "cosplaying", many a comic and superhero character can spotted at the venue. But that doesn't mean it's only limited to cosplayers. In fact, Khaleej Times has seen families - both expats and locals - walk around the halls of Zabeel 4-6 with their children in tow. Mind you, some even bring babies along. It's great to see parents taking an interest in pop culture and indulging their little ones in it.
If you do go this weekend, expect one of the liveliest events in the Dubai's calendar. MEFCC has always been loaded with celebrity guests that make the event all the more interesting. Some of the illustrious names who have graced the event include Christopher Lloyd (of Back to the Future fame) and of course Sir William Shatner, synonymous for his role in the Star Trek movies. This year's iconic guests include Liam Cunningham, or Ser Davos Seaworth in the hit TV show Game of Thrones. Another celebrity to watch out for this weekend is Anthony Mackie - who plays Falcon in the Marvel cinematic universe.
Speaking to Khaleej Times, Qais Sedki of Otaku ME, who are exhibiting at Comic Con, talked about the importance of the MEFCC to Dubai's calendar. Sedki said: "We've been participating in every Comic Con since it started. The event brought a much needed venue for people that are into pop culture and anime." He also added that Comic Con is not just for UAE expats - people from around the region drop by for the exciting fest. "Just today, a guy came all the way from Jordan and told us that he flew in just to be here. I think exhibitors appreciate that - that there are visitors from across the region."
The fine art of cosplay
Here's the thing, cosplay as a field is very welcoming. Persons - of any age or gender - can impersonate any icon. It can be anyone - Internet memes, movie personalities, video game characters, or even themes and tropes that are famous across the Internet.
One such example was in the US, when a cosplayer put the logo of EA (Electronic Arts) over his head, along with what looked like a suitcase overflowing with cash. The reasoning being that EA is known in the gaming community for the extra price they charge for having added features on their video games.
One of the highlights today, at the MEFCC, was a little girl who looked completely adorable as Darth Vader of Star Wars fame. That is the beauty of cosplaying - it's flexible, and anyone can bend the rules to express creatively. It's freedom of self-expression at its best.
More than costumes and games
One of the biggest goals of the Comic Con is to support local artists. MEFCC as an event serves as a platform for many artists to showcase their works to potential customers. One such example is Highlife Dubai's Clare Napper.
Clare's claim to fame are her vintage artwork of the UAE, with tongue-in-cheek depictions of lifestyles here.
Speaking to Khaleej Times, she says that she initially pitched it to a client that didn't like it. But that
did not impede her from pursuing what she loves, and she now does it for a living. It's stories like these that give the MEFCC purpose and meaning.
The Middle East Film and Comic Con is taking place this Thursday to Saturday at Dubai World Trade Centre, Zabeel Halls 4-6. Tickets are sold at the venue itself or can be bought online at mefcc.com
keith@khaleejtimes.com
 

• Dubai