Geraldine EeA mishmash of retro anime characters and cameras flashing at each corner. That sums up UrbanWire‘s experience at EOY2008, the grand event rounding up local cosplayers’ fun in 2008, on Dec 13 at the Singapore Expo.
The End of Year cosplay event, known as EOY to most, is a focused event dedicated to cosplayers and all aspects of Japanese animation.
This year’s theme was Retro and organiser, Shiro Tsubasa Animation Club (STAC) encouraged many attending cosplayers to dress up as anime and manga characters from 1999 or earlier.
Fanwork – From Fans for Fans
Booths such as the ones featured below, invited attendees to encounter different subcultures found in Japan. One notable booth was set up by Black Alice, a store catering to gothic and lolita enthusiasts and followers.
Many booths featured talented artists who produced a variety of fan-works in the form of bookmarks and badges. Urbanwire was smitten by the works of at this booth and just had to get a bookmark.
There was also an art panel that attracted a handful of people to the main hall.
Getting Trigger Happy – Cosplayers
“Oh my gosh! Can I take a picture with you please?” was the common question echoed around the halls at the Expo. Many were most obliging to have their pictures taken, of course, but enough jibber jabber, let the photos speak for themselves.
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Large turnout at Cosplay Competition
Unlike last year’s EOY, there was a standard price for entry irrespective of the time you decided to stroll into the event hall.
While some would complain about the pricing, many were happy to stay outside the event and crowded at the nearby The Coffee Bean outlet. In the official feedback thread started by the staff of STAC, a number complained about the odd sound system and the high congestion at both the exit and entrance areas.
Looking Ahead to SOYA ’09
The next event that many anime fans and cosplayers will look forward to is Ngee Ann Polytechnic’s very own cosplay event titled, Start Of Year Again 2009 (SOYA 09) coming up on Jan 31.
The Urbanwire hopes to see you there!