Holiday Matsuri is a three-day, festively themed anime, gaming, and cosplay convention in Orlando, Florida at Marriott World Center Orlando. The event, which began in 2011, also takes a seasonal spin on contests, shows, dances, and parties. For those newer to the very special event, ‘HolMat’ is the abbreviation for Holiday Matsuri. And it is more than a following — rather, Holiday Matsuri is a community.
Last month, we gave you ‘5 big reasons to attend Holiday Matsuri.’ In this blog, we give you three reasons why Saturday at Holiday Matsuri 2021 was a magnificent experience.
Reason # 1: Holiday Matsuri 2021 could be the last con appearance for George Perez
Legendary comic artist and writer George Perez is widely known and adored for his work on The Avengers, Justice League of America, The New Teen Titans, Crisis on Infinite Earths and the relaunch of Wonder Woman. Perez may be the only artist to ever draw The Avengers for Marvel Comics and Justice League for DC Comics at the same time (image below). A recent article in GamesRadar outlines ‘How artist George Pérez drew the entire Marvel and DC Universes and redefined the superhero genre.’
Sadly, in early December of this year, Perez publicly shared his cancer diagnosis that includes only months to live. Our friend Leo Nocedo from Florida Geek Scene (seen below right with Santa hat) provided the photo below of Perez at Holiday Matsuri 2021 with his fans. (and he provided most of the photos for this blog- thanks Leo!)
Reason # 2: The con-vibe was as charged as Mjolnir
The “con-vibe” is what we call the general feeling of the con attendees, vendors, artists and guests at an event. Enthusiasm, inspiration, awe, excitement and laughter are good yardsticks to measure the con-vibe. And Holiday Matsuri’s con-vibe was as charged as Thor’s hammer Mjolnir. The con-vibe was electric, constant, and infectious! In addition, nearly everyone was cosplaying!
Reason # 3: Jaw-dropping, awe-inspiring cosplay talent
From the halls to the escalators to the competitions, the cosplay talent was masterful. And congratulations to Avera_Cosplay, who we have featured in a previous blog as arguably the best cosplayer in the South, for her win in the category of Best In Armor (top left).
Upcoming cons
January is a great month for comic conventions in Florida — and not too many states can say that! It’s because Florida is the center of the universe for comic, anime, sci-fi, horror and pop culture conventions. Get all the info on all the cons throughout the year at our Con Calendar. Here’s a preview of January, 2022:
St, Pete Comic Con in St. Petersburg on January 8-9
St. Pete Comic Con is a new two-day, multi genre convention. And the con features comics, anime, science fiction, and fantasy talent, as well as cosplay. Tickets are $20 for single day, and $30 for weekend pass. Click here to get tickets.
Otakufest in Miami on January 15-16
Otakufest is an annual anime convention, that also includes animation, cosplay, gaming and comics. Tickets are $33 for a single day and $50 for a weekend pass. Click here to get tickets.
Central Florida Comic Con in Lakeland on January 15-16
Central Florida Comic Con, is a 1-day comic convention, also known as “CFCC,” the pop culture, media, and comic book convention describes itself as “a celebration of comics, toys, TV, film, art, cosplay, games, and all things nerdy!” Tickets are $20 for a single day and $30 for a weekend pass. In addition, children 10 and under are free. Click here to get tickets.
Villicon in Orlando on January 21-23
Villicon is a three-day horror convention, and as organizers say a “celebration of all things evil and vile.” Tickets range from $10-$75. Click here to get tickets.
