Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Stan Lee's Comikaze and Japanese Science Fiction Art Show in DTLA this Weekend
A Mandalorian group was spotted at last year's Comikaze Expo. (Photo: djwu via LAist's flickr pool)
()
Two pop culture events are on our radar this weekend: Stan Lee's Comikaze Expo takes over the Los Angeles Convention Center, and Tokusatsu: Japanese Science Fiction Art Show opens Saturday night at the Q Pop Shop in Little Tokyo.
Now in its second year, Comikaze is LA's largest pop-culture convention that's partially owned by comic book legend Stan Lee and Elvira, Mistress of the Dark (what a pairing). This year, thousands of fanboys and girls can hit up any number of vendor displays, enjoy celebrity appearances, take part in interactive zombie obstacle course, attend movie screenings, a Harry Potter-style Quidditch Tournament and any number of panel discussions.
Additional highlights of the weekend include: an original Batman TV series cast reunion; live audio theater by The Thrilling Adventure Hour with creators Ben Acker and Ben Blacker; a Doctor Who panel discussion; horror kung-fu panel; Steampunk sessions; a segment on fangirl foods, as well as an examination of Japan's contribution to the sci-fi genre, focusing on robots and monsters.
()
Support for LAist comes from
Tatsuro Maruyama is one of the artists at the Tokusatsu exhibition opening at Q Pop on Saturday night.
If you're a big fan of Japanese sci-fi, then head to the Tokusatsu art show at Q Pop Shop after Comikaze's first day ends. Tokusatsu, meaning live-action film or TV show that features superheroes, monsters, robots, includes characters like Godzilla, Gamera, Ultraman and Spectreman.Q Pop's show features more than 100 artists including: APAK, Chikuwaemil, Sean D'Anconia, Becky Dreistadt, Brian Flynn (Super 7), Martin Hsu, Mari Inukai, Paul Kaiju, Konatsu, Chris Mitchell, Mark Nagata, PICO PICO, Plasticgod, Sunguts, Crowded Teeth, Amanda Visel, among others. The opening reception also features a costume contest, food trucks, photo booth and a DJ setting the soundtrack for the night. Tokusatsu shows will be projected throughout the opening.
Comikaze at the LA Convention Center on Saturday, Sept. 15, from 10 am to 7 pm and Sunday, Sept. 16 from 10 am to 6 pm. Passes: $20 per day, free for children under 12
Tokusatsu: Japanese Science Fiction at Q Pop Shop and Mini Gallery opens on Saturday with a reception from 7-10 pm and runs through Oct. 14.
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The union representing the restaurant's workers announced Tuesday that The Pantry will welcome back patrons Thursday after suddenly shutting down six months ago. -
If approved, the more than 62-acre project would include 50 housing lots and a marina less than a mile from Jackie and Shadow's famous nest overlooking the lake.
-
The U.S. Supreme Court lifted limits on immigration sweeps in Southern California, overturning a lower court ruling that prohibited agents from stopping people based on their appearance.
-
Censorship has long been controversial. But lately, the issue of who does and doesn’t have the right to restrict kids’ access to books has been heating up across the country in the so-called culture wars.
-
With less to prove than LA, the city is becoming a center of impressive culinary creativity.
-
Nearly 470 sections of guardrailing were stolen in the last fiscal year in L.A. and Ventura counties.
Best of LAist