By mid-morning on Friday, the venue was already alive. Stormtroopers brushed shoulders with HUNTR/X members, anime idols shared photo ops with Batman and Bowser. It was sensory overload in the best way.
Pop Asia has always been where MCM’s energy feels most personal. The stage isn’t the biggest, but it’s where the weekend’s heart beats fastest. Loud choruses, bright lights, and fans cheering filled the segment, as if they were front row at a concert.
Friday opened with a burst of energy from Stargrade, a Liverpool- and Sheffield-based K-pop dance crew who set the tone for the weekend. Their precision and genuine joy electrified the audience in a reminder that UK K-pop fandom isn’t just about imitation; it’s about community.
The mood shifted as Yuzu Natsumi, a shamisen artist, took to the stage with quiet grace. Her performance, a blend of traditional Japanese string music and modern arrangements, brought a sense of serenity that felt almost spiritual - a rare stillness in the chaos of Comic Con.
Later in the day, Solar Idols reignited the energy with their sparkling re-creation of Love Live! Aqours performances. Their synchronised choreography and radiant stage presence captured everything that idol culture stands for: connection, positivity, and dedication.
And, as always, there was the Random Dance Game, hosted by dance influencer Xinachu - a staple of the Pop Asia lineup and a fan favourite. Within seconds of the first beat dropping, the crowd became a spontaneous dance flash mob, each song drawing new faces to the floor. It was chaotic, joyful, and a perfect reminder that participation is part of the fun.
Saturday carried that same pulse, with dance teams like Apollo and Nebula delivering exhilarating showcases that blurred the line between performance and celebration. But it was Shao Dow, the award-winning anime-inspired rapper and manga author, who left one of the strongest impressions. Priorly known for being "nerdcore", his fusion of Japanese pop culture, lyrical storytelling, and live charisma turned the stage into a full-blown concert. It was loud, fast, and unfiltered - and the crowd loved every second.
Comic Con wouldn't be Con without anime - of which there was plenty. One panel that drew a lot of attention was the Demon Slayer panel with Crunchyroll, which drew a packed audience eager to hear voice actors Abby Trott (Nezuko), Zach Aguilar (Tanjiro), and Griffin Burns (Muichiro) speak about the monster of an anime movie Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle. Fans had the opportunity to ask the cast all their burning questions, ranging from funny behind-the-scene stories to voice acting tips.
Though the convention would be nothing without the thousands of cosplayers that filled every corner of the venue - a moving gallery of craftsmanship and creativity. From intricately hand-sewn ballgowns to towering armour builds, the quality was jaw-dropping. But what stood out most was the atmosphere: one of encouragement and shared appreciation. Compliments echoed across hallways, strangers stopped each other for photos, and laughter was everywhere.
This year, EGX took over the convention, showcasing a series of triple A and indie games dotted around the hall. Long awaited games such as Little Nightmares III boasted large booths with an escape room feature for guests to play, while indie games all lined up - giving everyone a chance to explore their world.
Over at the EGX stage, the atmosphere felt like stepping into another world entirely - one built out of pixels, passion, and pure adrenaline. The section was packed from the moment doors opened, with fans queuing for a turn at the newest game demos or gathering around to watch creators battle it out in live matches. Indie developers shared space with major studios, offering a rare chance to experience both experimental titles and blockbuster releases in the same breath. Screens flickered with everything from fast-paced fighters to story-driven RPGs, and every few minutes you could hear a chorus of cheers as someone landed a win or uncovered a hidden easter egg.
But the EGX stage wasn’t just about gameplay - it was about the people behind it. Panels with developers, streamers, and illustrators gave a glimpse into the creative grind that powers the gaming industry, blending insight with infectious enthusiasm. Fans crowded in to hear how a single sketch becomes a fully realized world, or how indie teams pull off ambitious projects with little more than caffeine and community support.
One panel featured director and indie game developer HaZ (Haz Dulull), founder of Beyond the Pixels and creator of upcoming game Astroburn - a cute, pixel shooter game featuring a kitty main character. The developer talked indie development tools, and the retro charm missing from some contemporary games. He also spoke of the importance and versatility of storytelling, in reference to his works as an established TV and movie director.
Artist Alley
Big stages and glamorous names aside, for some, the true charm of the event lies in Artist Alley. Lined with rows upon rows of amazing indie artists, Artist Alley buzzed with creativity as vendors showcased everything from stickers and hand-painted prints, to self-made zines and comic books. Each table was packed with original art and carefully crafted merchandise, with each piece brimming with a different flavour of personality and sass relatable on a personal level, if you ever wanted a break from the mass market.
Some vendors you could find, perhaps as regular fixtures, perhaps as fleeting moments, are those like Noriarty - your new girl best friend who creates all the bells and whistles of regular indie artist merch, but focuses on South Asian people and cultures, which is often missing from mass media. Others you may find are those like Something Phantastic or Schnumn who - while both have a pastel aesthetic - couldn't be more different; Phantastic's work (the cheery chap who's always in for a good chat) most often follows the quirky and humorously introspective "life" of a pink-clad grim reaper, whereas Schnumn (the bubbly, pink-wigged catgirl) focuses her art more towards conversations around mental health. Or finally, the eerilie cute Lemonpipp, a quiet, mysterious presence surrounded by gorgeously luminous, yet dark art works and stickers just begging to be plastered over every notebook, case and cover you own.
For those that can't help but feel a little wistful - keep your wigs brushed, your cosplays patched, and your lightsticks charged because MCM Comic Con will be back in London in May 2026! And for those that can't wait, MCM Comic Con will be coming to Birmingham at the end of November.
[All photos by May unless stated otherwise]
Did you go? What was your favourite part? Let us know below, and follow KpopWise for more!
