AniManGaki 2019 returns to bigger venue

AniManGaki (AMG) is growing bigger and better and this year’s AMG being the 11th anniversary of the event has achieved yet another milestone.

AMG 2019 was held in a bigger venue at the Mines International Exhibition and Convention Centre (MIECC) in Seri Kembangan, Selangor from its traditional venue that was Sunway Pyramid Convention Centre.

“Reaching a milestone is cause to celebrate. We moved to a bigger venue on the grounds that we are growing and we couldn’t have done it without the encouragement and support received from our fans,” said AMG founder Yvonne Sing.

The new expansion means more room to comfortably accommodate a bigger doujin space providing up to 200 artists (previously 120 tables), a new section dedicated to cosplayers called Cosplay Alley and more concentration on the gaming section.

The 2-day animation, comics and games (ACG) convention from 31st Aug-1st Sep 2019 boasted a wide variety of events and activities including cosplay competition, special guests, AniManGaki Idol, Doodle 4 AniManGaki contest, carnival games, special interest panels/workshop, stage and band performance, video game arena and over 60 exhibitor booths.

Special guests line-up were singer Kei Takebuchi, cosplayer Saida from South Korea, game creators Yoko Taro and Taura Takahisa.

There were an art gallery showcasing artworks of winning entries in art competition and a Plus Maid Café served by waitresses dressed as maids.

There was even a mini funfair with games of skill such as ball toss and archery where attendees get a chance to test their skills and win prizes.

A large number of cosplayers were at the convention and obligingly posed for fans and photographers.

Mohamad Irfan Bin Mohd Monier, 20, was fully clad head-to-toe in black outfit and carrying a samurai sword. He put in effort to create the character whom he named Raven Ryutora and then cosplayed as him.

The final year Diploma in TESL student from Kolej Universiti Poly-Tech MARA, Cheras was a big fan of Assassin’s Creed action-adventure video games and revealed that the games inspired his own character. He spent about RM180 on his costume.

“I like to create something new so I come out with the character and bring him alive and I feel proud cosplaying in my own creation,” he said.

Irfan, who also enjoy drawing, had previously cosplayed at Game and Anime Expo (GAX).

For 18 years old Philip from Kuala Lumpur, who is an information technology student at INTI Nilai, this was only his second anime convention. His first was at Comic Fiesta.

Philip dressed as Shinra Kusakabe, a firefighter character from the manga and anime series Fire Force.

“His feet are on fire, that’s why he wears slippers, and he can fly across the floors swiftly to save the lives of those threatened by the fire demons. He’s my hero and I’m glad to be able to cosplay the character,” he said.

Philip had previously cosplayed as rockstar turned vigilante Johnny Sliverhand from video game Cyberpunk 2077, as character Sans from the indie RPG video game Undertale and as Scorpion, a character and mascot of the Mortal Kombat fighting game.

AniManGaki was Xin Ying’s first time cosplaying at the anime convention. Her first and second experience were at Comic Fiesta.

The 18-year-old who sat for SPM last year and now working as admin assistant came dressed as Ray from anime “Aotu World”.

“I like getting into costume. It’s so much fun and I get to make many new friends who share the same interests as I do,” said Xin Ying who plans to study interior design in a local college.   

Take a look at some of the cosplay photos taken on both days (Saturday & Sunday) at AniManGaki 2019.