CREEP CON
by Kim Firmston
Cosplay is fun until it becomes obsession.
Feeling like an outsider in a new city and at a new school, Mariam finds that her love of comic-book superheroes overlaps with the interests of her new friend Tya, who is crazy about manga and anime. Together, Mariam and Tya plan their costumes for the upcoming anime convention. Mariam is decides to go as Haruhi, from Ouran High School Host Club, partly because she can dress in a costume that doesn’t bare too much skin. When Tya can't go to the convention, Mariam is relieved to meet up with some boys who are dressed as the rest of the group from Haruhi's manga. Rick, dressed as Haruhi's love interest, insists that Mariam spend all her time with him, doing things their characters like to do and playing out the romance. But when Mariam realizes that Rick is taking the roll way too seriously, she wonders if she can escape his attention.
This novel explores the appealing world of manga, comic books, anime, and super heroes, as well as cosplay and fan conventions, and the community which grows around them all.
This novel explores the appealing world of manga, comic books, anime, and super heroes, as well as cosplay and fan conventions, and the community which grows around them all.
Praise for Creep Con
"[The characters are well developed and the plot contains problems that are universal to teenagers. This book will definitely appeal to a certain segment of the middle and high school population."
- Judy Gottschalk, Educator
"Kim Firmston explores topical issues including but not limited to cosplay, peer pressure, sexual abuse, financial pressure, trust, and honesty. The short chapters move the story quickly. Mariam’s voice is strong and distinct. She is a likeable character and the reader will feel for her. Reluctant teen readers will enjoy Mariam’s journey."
- Keep Calm and Novel On, Educator and NetGalley Reviewer
Creep Con is a quick paced read, with culturally diverse characters. It offers an interesting glimpse into the world of anime, cosplay (costume play) and fan conventions. - Sylvia Santiago, CM Magazine, recommended
https://www.umanitoba.ca/cm/vol22/no29/creepcon.html
- Judy Gottschalk, Educator
"Kim Firmston explores topical issues including but not limited to cosplay, peer pressure, sexual abuse, financial pressure, trust, and honesty. The short chapters move the story quickly. Mariam’s voice is strong and distinct. She is a likeable character and the reader will feel for her. Reluctant teen readers will enjoy Mariam’s journey."
- Keep Calm and Novel On, Educator and NetGalley Reviewer
Creep Con is a quick paced read, with culturally diverse characters. It offers an interesting glimpse into the world of anime, cosplay (costume play) and fan conventions. - Sylvia Santiago, CM Magazine, recommended
https://www.umanitoba.ca/cm/vol22/no29/creepcon.html
Photos from Otafest 2015 and Animethon 2015.
One of my favourite things to do at any anime convention is to go to the AMV (anime music video) room. Here are some great AMVs that I found.
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Black Rock Shooter
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Ouran High School Hostclub
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Batgirl
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Young Justice
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And this one because it's adorable . . .
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Please note that when I wrote Creep Con, Otafest hadn't yet announced it's move from the University of Calgary to the Telus Convention Centre - so the setting in the book will be a little different for any of you going to Otafest 2016 and beyond. Even though it makes my book dated immediately, I wish Otafest great luck in their move and I can't wait (seriously can't wait) to see all the stuff they have planned in their new venue.
