12th ACGHK 2010

The biggest event in the otaku calendar is nearly upon us. Tap July 30-August 3 into your iPhone because that is when the 12th Animation, Comics and Games Hong Kong Convention (ACGHK) is taking place.

As always, there will be plenty of stores selling fun stuff like cosplay outfits, anime DVDs, manga and all manner of cool toys. But the main attraction is the celebrities who come to perform and sign autographs.

This year, fans can meet local manga legend Wong Yuk-long (Dragon Tiger Gate), mainland comic author Xia Da and mangaka Naoto Tsushima (Getter Robo Hien: The Earth Suicide).

There are several competitions open to the public. This year they include the Cosplay Competition, ACG Girl Pageant 2010, Hong Kong Dance Power Competition and the 2nd Hong Kong Supernova Original Comics Contest.

Meanwhile, and for the first time, the Hong Kong Figure Competition will provide a chance for people to design and create original character figurines. And, if you have your own garage rock band, you can take a shot at stardom in the battle of the bands, Heartbeat 2010. Finalists take to the stage on August 2. Guest musicians include Yip Sai-wing, Japanese bands Fudanjuku, Kalafina, Puffy and - making their third consecutive appearance at ACGHK - girl-power rock band Scandal. Last year's winners, Castle, will also perform.

Visit www.ani-com.hk for more details about the convention.