Fans of Japanese pop culture, in particular those who enjoy manga and anime offerings, are in for a treat as three of Japan’s most renowned artists, Chie Kutsuwada, Inko and Sonia Leong, have confirmed their attendance at this year’s Malta Comic Con.
Kutsuwada is best known for King of a Miniature Garden and Moonlight – the latter was shortlisted in the prestigious Manga Jiman competition. Kutsuwada has also worked with story writers like T Yamamoto.
Leong’s works are equally popular and she will be presenting some of her latest offerings, such as Aya Takeo Vol 3, together with an ample choice of prints and merchandise featuring her exquisite character designs.
Leong will also form part of the judging panel of the cosplay competition. This is the second time the artist will be taking part in the Malta event.
Inko studied art at the Kyoto University of Art and Design and Central Saint Martin’s College of Art and Design and has been giving manga workshops around the UK for the past years. She is also known for her participation in public art projects, such as creating manga posters at Embankment station and an animation work screened in London as collaboration works with a contemporary artist David Blandy. Her manga artwork appears on publications like War, MangaQuake, Howl! (Milk The Cat Comix), Spirit of Hope and other anthologies.
Joining the three ladies will be author Richmond Clements, who wrote the story Ketsueki in collaboration with Inko. Clements’ work is versatile and his stories have been illustrated by a wide range of artists; most recently, his critically acclaimed graphic novel Turning Tiger, was illustrated by Alex Moore. He has created strips for Strip magazine, he is one of the co-organisers of Hi-Ex! The Highland International Comic Expo and is also co-editor at FutureQuake Press, home of the highly respected FutureQuake and Something Wicked.
Malta Comic Con will be held on December 8 and 9 at St James Cavalier, Valletta. Visitors will be able to meet these artists and take part in workshops, talks, discussion panels and exhibitions related to the comics and manga culture.
www.maltacomic-con.com