Two years in the current pandemic, anime events such as Indonesia’s Comic Frontier are continuously finding their way to return to circulation. Comic Frontier found ways to celebrate Indonesia’s creative community online in 2021. On their second run, they brought with them a virtual exhibit hall for everyone to play with.
Comic Frontier Virtual 2, also known as Comivuro 2, hosted a virtual exhibition hall attended by almost 24,000 visitors. Held during the weekend of December 18-19, it informed and entertained its audience with panel discussions and live concerts.
In an email interview with Anime Corner, we talked to the Comivuro team about the results of their second virtual event.
The Goal of Transforming Offline Experiences Online
Anime Corner (AC): This is your first time to have a mini-metaverse. How was the experience so far?
Comic Frontier Virtual Team (Comivuro): Honestly, when we first initiate the plan to have an online version of Comic Frontier. We thought of developing a virtual space to re-create some experience of offline event – the experience of community gathering in one space, through a virtual space.
But at the time we develop the first Comivuro, we don’t find any virtual space that was easily accessible for our participants.
Most virtual spaces require either a good internet connection or a high-spec demanding gadget. After the first Comivuro, we found a local developer, Rabbit Sky, who can provide virtual space that can be accessible through mobile connection and a simple web browser interface.
And so, with Rabbit Sky, we develop a virtual space that can meet our expectations, to bring a simple yet (somehow) memorable experience of virtual gathering.
Comivuro 2: More Exhibitors, Fun Experience for Visitors
AC: Compared to your first virtual event also held this year, did the number of exhibitors increase?
Comivuro: Yes – Compared to our first Comivuro, the number of exhibitors participated in Comivuro 2 did increase. Among those new exhibitors, many of them joined Comic Frontier for the first time through Comivuro 2.
From your observation, can you tell the visitors’ general impressions regarding the mini-metaverse?
Comivuro: From our observation, the general impression is they have a fun experience.
The exhibitors can have their own unique visual display in their virtual booth. The visitors can also interact with their friends, and stroll through the hall to take screenshot selfie with the VTuber character standee. There are also visitors who have a fun experience watching the stream content in the main stage area.
What does Comic Frontier look forward to in the future?
Comivuro: We hope that sooner or later, we can hold a normal, offline version of Comic Frontier again. We really hope that we can create an offline convention again next year.
Thank you to Comic Frontier for their time in answering our questions. Anime Corner is a media partner for Comic Frontier Virtual 2. Visit their Facebook page for more updates.
Source: Email Interview / Answers are edited for brevity
