05/07/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/07/2024 06:22
Thursday, May 9 is the day: FANTASY BASEL - The Swiss Comic Con kicks off its tenth anniversary with a varied program of pop culture events. The festival will focus on films and series, electronic and board games, comics and anime, space travel and science, and much more.
Cosplay artists bring characters from films, video games, and mangas to life. At the daily cosplay contests, experienced cosplayers and beginners alike present their creative costumes to an international jury and the public. In creative workshops, visitors are introduced to various techniques and tricks of costume making. The huge number of Swiss and international cosplayers makes the FANTASY BASEL Cosplay Village the largest cosplay meeting place in Europe. However, a costume is not compulsory at the festival; most visitors come to the mega-event in normal street clothes.
Over 400 artists show their work in Artist Alley and create art live at their stands. In addition to Disney illustrator Ulrich Schröder, guests include world-famous comic artists such as Frank Cho, Stanley Artgerm Lau and Enrico Marini, who are currently working for Marvel Comics, DC, and Capcom. John Howe, who worked on the visual concepts for "Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit", will also be back at the festival to talk about his work on stage.
One of the highlights is the high-caliber line-up of scientists in the space sector. On Saturday, Swiss astronaut Prof. Claude Nicollier will talk about his space missions and sign autographs. The exhibitions and activities of the Swiss Space Museum and its partners fascinate experts and space fans alike. Experienced experts, visionaries, researchers, and nerds meet on the Space Stage, present the latest state of research. and are available for visitor questions and discussions. The large "Star Wars" fan exhibition with huge film props spans the arc from science to fiction. The scenery is framed by the daily parade with Stormtroopers, Wookies, Twi'leks, and other characters from the "Star Wars" universe.
Actress Abigail Cowen and Chris Rankin, known as the nerdy Percy Weasley from "Harry Potter", will be bringing plenty of magic to the festival. This year's invited star guests also include Anna Popplewell from "The Chronicles of Narnia" and "Reign", Duncan Lacroix known from "Outlander" and "Vikings", as well as Cara Buono from "Stranger Things" and "The Sopranos". All will be available for photos and autographs with their fans.