2026 saw several comic book events taking place for the first time in Hong Kong, China. This trend is not accidental.
This year, Hong Kong has become a major destination for comic book fans. First, there’s the Ani-Com and GamesHong Kong (ACGHK) event, which originated in 1999 and focuses on sharing manhua (Chinese comics). This event, usually held annually in July, continues to thrive
Following that, the Con-Con Hong Kong event, with a strong focus on Japanese culture, took place for the first time in April. The program featured interactive activities centered around popular intellectual property brands such as Gundam and Jujutsu Kaisen , along with performances by artists Tyson Yoshi, Flow, and Anson Kong.
In addition, Hong Kong Comic Con (HKCC), a franchised version of the prestigious San Diego event (established in 1973), also took place for the first time in May.
“We want to turn HKCC into a regional event focusing on intellectual property (IP) and the anime fan community. People can gather every year to enjoy IPs and learn about specific content,” CNA quoted Andrew Lee, CEO of HKCC, as saying.
Stimulating tourism demand
These events are taking place against the backdrop of Hong Kong stepping up efforts to attract tourists through large-scale activities aimed at boosting the tourism industry and economic growth.
According to the travel booking platform Trip.com, Hong Kong Comic Con attracted a large number of attendees from mainland China and Southeast Asia. More than 80% of ticket buyers were Gen Z and Millennials (Generation Y). Weareresonate also reported that women accounted for the majority of ticket sales.
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The event attracted a large number of fans. Photo: China Daily. |
Analysts believe this young demographic is particularly valuable to the tourism industry due to their spending habits. “Young consumers tend to spend money on destinations and entertainment events. Their spending behavior can be very different from that of older generations,” said Tingting Fan, a lecturer at the University of Hong Kong’s Business School.
“Fans are willing to spend money on souvenirs and to meet celebrities. These forms of shopping and consumption play a very important role in the local economy,” Fan said.
Efforts to create a unique mark
In its very first year, Hong Kong Comic Con strived to make its own mark, different from the original San Diego event, by bringing renowned Hong Kong comic artists to the audience. Two local authors, Man Tsang and FCP, held autograph sessions in the Artist Alley area, along with many other global artists such as Tomonori Kamio, Dexter Soy, and Bob Layton.
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Man Tsang at the event. Photo: China Daily. |
According to SCMP , Tsang is the author behind The Zeros and was previously chosen by Disney to adapt the Star Wars: Thrawn novel into a comic series. FCP, on the other hand, is the author of local comic series such as CAT Confidential Assassination Troop and the animator behind the award-winning film Another World (2025).
Tsang was drawn to the prestige of the main event in San Diego and wanted to attend to “observe and learn”: “I felt I needed to attend for both professional and personal reasons. I hope to meet local fans and creators.”
Director James Hung also announced his new fantasy animated film, titled Odium Zero . “As a new-generation screenwriter and director in Hong Kong, I chose HKCC as the global launchpad for Odium Zero … Comic Con has been something I’ve pursued since adulthood. Now, attending my first Comic Con in this city, I feel like a connection has been made. It connects me to things that have been a part of my life since childhood,” Hung shared.
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Image from the animated film Odium Zero . Photo: James LJ Hung/Tatler Asia |
HKCC is taking place at a time of significant change in the global and regional economies, coupled with rising costs. Even giants like Amazon, Disney, and Marvel have withdrawn from the San Diego event, while the production environment in Hong Kong is also facing its own unique challenges.
However, the large turnout of fans at manga and anime events suggests that the city’s strategy is somewhat on the right track.
Hong Kong recorded a 17% increase in tourist arrivals in the first quarter of the year compared to the same period last year. CNA , citing local authorities, attributed this result in part to the number of large-scale events held across the city.
Sean Man, Director of Business Development and Communications at One Cool, a co-organizer of HKCC, said, “The core of popular culture is connection; and what we witnessed throughout the three days of the event was the passion, creativity, and boundless energy that fans and cosplayers from across the region shared…”.
Original article
https://znews.vn/diem-den-moi-cho-nguoi-yeu-truyen-tranh-post1689176.html
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