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Studio Ghibli’s anime characters were a breath of fresh air in the recent AsiaPOP Comicon at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.
Cosplayers recreated the wonderful characters of Oscar-winning filmmaker and manga artist Hayao Miyazaki, overshadowing not only the red-hot heroes of Marvel and DC but also the strange, sinister creatures in the booths of cable and streaming giants HBO and Netflix.
The adorable Ghibli-loving crew made a splash in the annual comics and pop-culture festival, starting with the chubby forest spirit Totoro arriving with his trusty leaf umbrella.
From the 2003 Oscar Best Animated Feature “Spirited Away,” more than one very tall Kaonashi (No-Face) roamed about, attracting children at the Con like the film’s protagonist Chihiro was drawn to the faceless spirit that had the ability to imbibe the personality and emotions of others.
Sophie Hatter from “Howl’s Moving Castle” pranced about with her youthful looks intact, though her long braided hair was already the silver color rendered by a curse.
And then there was Princess Mononoke—sans fur and companion wolf (but equipped with mask made by the cosplayer’s very supportive dad)—who made an appearance in the only Comicon event in all of Asia.
On this page, check out To be You’s favorite Ghibli icons and other amazing cosplayers.
