I started watching anime six or seven years ago, influenced by my brothers,” says Nimsang Lama, 18, who was dressed up as Killua from Hunter X Hunter. “And today, it has become one of my favourite hobbies. I’ve grown up watching it and it is a huge part of my reality.”

The art of dressing up as a fictional character, Costume Play (Cosplay), has become a celebrated culture worldwide. And to give Nepalis a chance to experience this fictional world as reality, Okatu Next has been annually organising the Comic and Cosplay Convention (ComCosCon) for the last five years.

 “We first started the event by launching a marketing convention for our magazine. But later it grew much bigger than we anticipated. More and more people became interested to participate even if it was just to see the different costumes or to accompany their children,” shares Kavin J Shah, one of the organisers. “Earlier, we used to see a limited number of people participating. But over the years, the event has grown and so has the number of participants and their efforts in dressing up as their characters.”

Events like ComCosCon have helped establish a culture that provides fans a chance to explore their creativity and to express themselves artistically.

“With the help of my parents, whom I am truly grateful for, I could design my desired costume,” says Angel Gurung, 18, who is cos-playing Raiden from the video game Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance. It took Gurung weeks to go through picture references and surf various DIY sites on the internet to create his costume.

The event saw various contests such as Anime Dance Competition, Anime Song Cover Contest, AMV Contest & Showcase, Fan Art Contest & Exhibition, Gaming Tournament and Cosplay Competition. Interactive food and merchandise stalls were accompanied by live music and dance performances.

“We have received good feedback so far. Every year, we see old cosplayers who have grown together with us and realise how far we have grown since its inception,” adds Kavin.

“To see everything come together and people enjoy the event is all the encouragement we need. This wouldn’t be possible without the people who attend the event religiously. We hope to expand it someday with their continuous support.”