I read comic books. There I said it! Mostly American ones, which I’m a bit ashamed of, not because they’re bad but since Belgium is the comic book country (stripverhaal/BD), I feel like I should dedicate myself more to the local product. I did have a lot of Tintin, Spirou, Marsupilami, among other European ones, when I was younger. Even though I lived in the US for a while, it was not until I was in Belgium that I first attended a comic book convention. I did go to one in Portugal, but although it was a very nice one, I wouldn’t consider it real enough because there weren’t any people in costumes. That’s what a convention is all about.
My convention deflowering was at F.A.C.T.S. (2008 edition). The convention is held every year in Ghent around the second weekend of October (this year 14th and 15th of October). It is said to be the biggest one in Benelux (I will “fact” check on that, ha…ha), but it could be, since there aren’t many around. The acronym stands for Fantasy Anime Comics Toys and Space. I guess it’s a good thing they have Comics instead of RPGs, or their acronym would be screwed.
F.A.C.T.S. 2008 - Pikachu
In order to motivate people to come in a costume (and more people to see the people in costumes), whoever comes in a costume doesn’t have to pay entrance. So go check your wardrobe for old rags that you can re-arrange into something that represents a character from one of the F.A.C.T.S. worlds. If it doesn’t, I don’t think people will keep tabs on what are you disguised as, just make something up. If you fear walking the streets in such garments, the ticket price is around €10 for a day, unless you are part of some group with special benefits. A day should be enough for the whole convention – check the program in order to choose the day. Traditionally there is a Star Wars parade (for statistics, count how many Darth Vaders you see; the number has been decreasing, could be and endangered species!), Star Wars battle enactments, Star Wars… OK, I better stop here with the Star Wars. There is also a general costume parade with prizes. This is guaranteed to be fun…you can always expect something out of the anime characters. People need more Japanese culture in their lives.
F.A.C.T.S. 2008 - Convention ground
You can also find special guests such as movie/TV show stars from sci-fi type of productions. This year Lou Ferrigno, Marc Singer, and Kevin Sorbo will be there. That should bring more ladies, although the male/female ratio seemed to be a lot more balanced than what I expected. Since it’s not a huge convention, the lines for photos and autographs are more manageable, so go for it and get a souvenir from one of these legends.
Of course, comic book artists and writers are also present. You can get some signed artwork, and exchange a word or two if you’re aiming to go into the business. Ask some tips from the pros. I’ll highlight Glenn Fabry and Simon Bisley as the main attractions for this year.
And for those of you who think reading of any sort is lame and prefer something more “active”, there is a video game section where you can try out some of the upcoming stuff on huge screens.
F.A.C.T.S. 2008 - Guests
After all is said and done, what’s left is shopping. Bring a full wallet. If you came all this way, I’m not sure you can resist the stands full of comics, trinkets, toys, action figures, t-shirts, DVDs, all you can think of that covers your collective and non-collective needs! Also, if you get your memorabilia there, you will have special convention discounts. For those who live in Benelux and can’t find a dealer around you, local businesses will be represented. For Ghent you can find Betty Boop – Comic & Strip Universe shop that will be open during that weekend and will have a stand at the convention.
If you happen to be around Ghent in October, and it is raining too much to be outdoors sightseeing, take tram 1 all the way to end (Flanders Expo direction), bring your umbrella, and say you’re Mary Poppins to get inside. You know you want to.
F.A.C.T.S. 2008 - General Grievous
Flanders Expo
Maaltekouter 1
9051 Ghent
Belgium
I’ve never heard about it! Yes allright, no excuse, I’ve got the internet. But still imo that kind of event should get more visibility in Belgium. Anyway I’ll put it in my agenda now.
At the Brussels International Film Festival they usually also have a “Japan” day with cosplay and what not.
In the same order of idea, there are many (lots in fact) conventions in France all year long. The biggest one is the Japan expo (I think) in Paris. In terms of Bande dessinée (comic strips) there is the yearly Festival International de la Bande Dessinée in Angouleme.
By the way if you’re interested in discovering new comic strips, there’s this French magazine called “Fluide Glacial” where all the famous “recent” artists started (Gotlib and who else).
Angouleme is on my TOSEE list. When is the Brussels International Film Festival?
It’s around april each year. No info on the 2010 edition yet, but check out http://www.bifff.net/