Creators

Interested in creating art? If yes, you’ll be thrilled to know creators big and small have a platform to showcase their passion thanks to Comic Con. You’ll be amazed by the number of talents seen at the con. The creators’ stands featured numbers of different stylistic art-pieces exhibited and sold by a number of local artists.

Merchandise

Whether it’s a POP! figure from the most recent Star Wars movie, an 80’s vintage Superman comic or a wand replica from your favourite Harry Potter character, you’ll definitely find something to appeal to your fandom, be it a niche or cliché. A myriad of merchandise could be found at the con ready to be added to your collection and kept in mint condition never to see the light of day.

Panels

Come one, come all to discuss everything comic culture has to offer! Whether set in its fictional realm or discussed in the context of the real world, these panels are bound to offer something new and intriguing. Even UoM’s very own Dr. Gorg Mallia was there to discuss the rise of feminism and other minorities in mainstream comics in his panel “Of Female Thors and those who hate them”!

Board Games

To all those that like their games with tokens not joysticks and their comics  in ink not pixels, Malta Comic Con has got you covered. Take a seat, pick a token, get ready to swear, and let the games begin. Expect many memories to be made, whether it be making the final move to claiming victory or losing a game before it’s even begun.

Gaming

Get ready for that ‘kid in a candy-shop’ feeling! Whether you’re seeking the nostalgia of a vintage console, or the thrill of the newest trending videogame; you’ll be gratified regardless. Of course, it’s unthinkable to play alone, so grab a friend or two, gear up to test your skills and prepare to face either the glory of victory or the humiliation of defeat – now in public!

Thrillers

If sitting down just isn’t your thing the con had you covered with a couple more engaging activities. Try out a fun anxiety-filled session of riddle-solving and other brain-teasing challenges in an attempt to escape a room (Not recommended for claustrophobes). Or if you’re wanting to get out some pent-up aggression on a friend with the excuse of being in a sparring arena – it was an option as well!

BONUS

Don’t sever your ties with comic culture just because the con is over! Relive the memories all throughout the year with 1-Up Club. Whether you went to their stand or you plan on finding them on Facebook, it’s simply a must to get in touch and have a taste of all the comic goodness they have in store!

The post What you missed | Malta Comic Con ’18 appeared first on The Third Eye.

With Malta Comic Con just around the corner, you’ll probably start seeing a lot of cosplays cropping up on your feed. Before assuming a condescending stance and wondering why adults are playing dress-up, we’re here to tell you what cosplay is all about. To do this we asked 1-Up’s very own cosplay connoisseur, Emma, about her venture into cosplaying. 

The reason why I cosplay is complicated because; let’s be honest in my case there are more cons then pros. It breaks my bank account, creates extra stress, messes up my sleep schedule and makes it seem as if an earthquake happened in my room. However, if you had to ask me to give it up, I’d very easily tell you it’s not possible.

Cosplaying allows me to be a more confident and outgoing version of myself.

When I’m in cosplay the word shy doesn’t exist because I’m able to just meet new people. Also, the amount of joy I experience when someone approaches me to take a photo with me is immeasurable. When that happens, you feel as if the hard work you put in to it was all worth it because it was acknowledged.

I’m saying all this but I’m still new to the cosplay scene. So, one can imagine that I’m still learning with every single cosplay. Especially since before cosplay I had no real background in pattern making and sewing. Also, I really don’t help myself because I’m quite fussy about making everything from scratch practically (I’m not a masochist, I promise).

Who I cosplay is also important for me because I always want to cosplay a character that touched me.

I never just choose a cosplay simply because their outfit is stunning or they’re a popular character. I choose a character because I relate to them or I look up to them. For example, I cosplayed as “Prince Noctis” from “Final Fantasy 15” because of how much of an impact his story left on me (not going to say too much because spoilers). Another one was “Krul Tepes” from “Owari no Seraph” who even though she’s a little vampire she’s still a powerful queen.

Cosplaying is honestly something I wish to continue doing until I’m no longer able to move my fingers.

It’s given me friends who now I can’t really function without. It’s helped me be more confident with myself. Even though cosplay is hard work it’s all worth it because of the overwhelming amount of positive emotions you experience when you see it on you completed for the first time.

Written by Emma Portelli 

The post Cosplaying: the what and the why | 1-Up Club appeared first on The Third Eye.

Have a taste of what you’ll be missing if you haven’t got your tickets yet for this year’s Malta Comic Con.

Cosplay Competitions

Show off all the anxiety you endured and the sleepless nights you withstood and be rewarded for your admirable, albeit excessive, labour. Whether you went for a cliché or a total niche character from a spinoff of some 90s anime; submit your creation and hope to classify as cosplay royalty! 

When?  Both Days!

The Sketch Challenge

Strive to be crowned amidst sketching royalty with your renditions of obscure and popular characters from the pop-culture scene! Join other artists and comic enthusiasts alike in a frenzy of sketching. Whether you come out on top or not we guarantee the ride will be worth more than the crown!

When?  Saturday 3^rd  and Sunday 4^th November 13:00-14:00

10 Years and Counting  Talk

For the true comic con fans out there and for those that are just outright curious. Sit down for this panel and absorb everything you need to know about Malta ComicCon. That is, the past, the present and the future of our beloved local convention.

When?  Saturday 3^rd November 12:00-13:00

Creating the Maltese Gothic  Talk

All about adapting Clare Azzopardi’s Camilla into film. Delve into the process of adaptation with Teodor Reljic and Stephanie Sant. They’ll also be discussing how and why Le Fanu’s text makes for an appropriate ‘adaptation-partner’ when placed alongside Azzopardi’s short story.

When?  Saturday 3^rd November 15:00-16:00

Q&A with Mark Ryan, Brian Muir, Chris Achilleos

Got questions? Want Answers? Are these questions by any chance directed to Mark Ryan, Brian Muir or Chris Achilleos? You’re in luck! Whether you’re genuinely curious as a fan or just want to be star-struck, this is the panel for you.

 When?  Both Days!

If we managed to convince you, head on over to our Facebook Page to try your luck in our competition for free tickets!

The post 5 Events Not To Be Missed | Malta Comic Con ’18 appeared first on The Third Eye.

The art book entitled ”Impressions of An Island – A Malta Comic Con Art book” is the product of various contributions by past and present guests and local artists, of the Malta Comic Con.

The Malta Comic Con Art Book is a celebration of Maltese Culture, Local Heritage as well as Pop Culture. It will be for sale at the price of only 20Euros and it is not to be missed! It is the ideal memento for all the Malta Comic Con fans and art enthusiasts.

The art book has a forward by Teodor Reljic, local journalist, reviewer, writer, as well as avid comic enthusiast. It also has an intriguing introductory essay by Chris J Thompson, British journalist and currently a Titian Comics Brand Manager. There is also an anecdotal write up by Chris le Galle who recounts the history of the Malta Comic Con.

Press Release by Comic Con

The post The Malta Comic Con Art Book | 10 years after appeared first on The Third Eye.

Whether you’re a Comic Con expert or a first-timer, you’re bound to realise you’ve forgotten something by the time you finish reading.

Venue Change

Unless you want to trudge through traffic towards Valletta only to realize you’ve cursed your way to an empty conference centre – keep in mind that this year’s con is at MFCC not MCC! That said, be prepared for a bigger venue and more people to impress with your cosplaying skills. 

Got Your Tickets? 

To all the indecisive souls, that have been putting off ticket-purchase decisions ever since phase one of the tickets was launched – time’s almost up! You can try your luck in our competition and get 2 tickets for free or opt for the Superhero package to get extra goodies on top of a 2-day pass. 

The Budget

We hope you’ve started saving to make sure you get the best out of the Comic Con experience. Whilst you can always choose not to spend a penny aside from tickets – what’s Comic Con without a quality cosplay, and a ton of impulsive purchases of merch and memorabilia? 

Support the talent!

Besides the big businesses and the publishers; above all Malta Comic Con is a platform for creators big and small, local and foreign. So, take the chance to indulge in all the local talent, support some familiar faces and get to know some new ones! 

Get Cultured! 

Attending Comic Con and not knowing at least a couple hundred pop culture references is simply unheard of. Regardless of what other obligations you have, it is imperative that you binge-watch all the superhero films, tv series, anime, cult classics you can think of prior to the con. 

Cosplaying

Cosplay [ˈkɒspleɪ] noun Probably the most anxiety-inducing and laborious part of Comic Con and practically a nightmare that will keep you up several consecutive nights. But as soon as you start seeing your vision come alive and imagine yourself strutting down the stands, you’ll realise it’s all worth it.

Ikimashou!

“Let’s Go!” Although obviously Comic Con is not exclusively anime and manga, it would be good to brush up on your Japanese knowledge. Be it knowing the language, culture or customs – you’d definitely get the chance to impress fellow Japanese artists and enthusiasts! 

BONUS

Look out for 1-Up Club’s stand and get to know more to bring pop-culture to Uni and indulge in comic goodness throughout the year. Make the memories last – catch The Third Eye roaming the stands to get a pic in your best cosplay!

The post 7 Steps to Mastering Comic Con appeared first on The Third Eye.