Manga, cartoons, role-play and lots of fancy dress, how could
I resist! I heard about CamCon 2013 when Sue Dougan of BBC Radio Cambridgeshire
was interviewing Ziggy aka Sonic, the head organiser of Camcon’s event. Arriving
at about 10:30, Saturday morning, the queue was already snaking across the
square in front of The Junction with the patient but eager set of visitors.
You can see my video impressions below or by visiting the
link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPCTQz3VERA&feature=share&list=UUkwwvTB6RbAGmdH3N33BWgw
The dealer’s room was already bustling with crowds of
visitors around the tables and displays. Hat makers, comic book sellers, fancy
dress costumes and artists displayed their skills and wares. Pikachus, heroes -
both male and female - and the occasional Doctor Who in his various
incarnations mingled amongst the more conventionally dressed population.
The Maids of England, the epitome of cute in Japanese, were
first on the stage in Junction 2, dancing away to Maids’ tunes that will have
been played in tens of thousands of Japanese Maids cafes. Later they would be
providing a full Maids’ service to hungry and thirsty CamCon visitors in the
upstairs cafe.
They were followed by a range of special interest panels,
from the world of Manga via indie web comics to Doctor Who. The first floor
gallery had been turned into a variety of gaming events where the aficionados
and a novices could try out their hands on the latest games and equipment.
But for me, as a novice to a convention like this, the most
enjoyable things were the costumes and the role-play game.
People didn’t just dress up, they also immersed themselves in
their roles and characters. So one moment I could find myself interviewing
Pikachu and her abductor Japan, and the next moment I was talking to Esmeralda
from the hunchback of Notre Dame.
Dungeons and Dragons had up to now simply been meaningless words
to me. Seeing a role-play of the game, conducted with humour and audience
participation, not only gave me an insight into the fun can be had but also had
me chuckling along.
Above all, it was the friendly, open atmosphere and the buzz
that surrounded this second CamCom convention in Cambridge. Next time round, I’ll
also make time to visit some of the films. Perhaps I might also pluck up the
courage to go as a character myself.
If you couldn’t make it to CamCon 2013, then keep a lookout
for next year and book your tickets early as they sell out like hotcakes!
