My first experience at Manifest (Melbourne Anime Festival) was in 2010. This festival runs for three days focusing on Anime and Manga, as well as all things Japanese.

Every year fans dress in cosplay (costume play), and show off their latest outfits and creative accessories (weapons and swords - all plastic or wooden of course). You will notice popular known characters such as the Star Wars Storm Trooper, characters from anime such as Bleach or individual custom outfits.

 Samael Sabre

I decided to create two of my own outfits, one for each day I was attending. One outfit was a vampire schoolgirl two popular themes I love in anime. The other outfit was a gothic lolita doll inspired piece, complete with two plastic handguns I picked up at Manifest.

 Samael Sabre

My mission was to find some Manga artists who would be able to draw a character that I have been working on. I have been developing an anime with an interesting mix of storyline, characters and all the good stuff - action, violence, a little bit of eroticism and comic relief.

Manifest features a varied mix of competitions, workshops and events - suitable for a first time visitor or long term fan.

 Samael Sabre

Special guests include Voice Actors from established anime and celebrities from the internet abridged series, which suprisingly has a large following.

Manifest was a great way for me to be introduced to the world of Otaku from an Australian perspective. I’m looking forward to attending again in 2011 and working on another unique costume.

 Samael Sabre