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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)
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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.
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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.
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