Fluid Entertainment: FLUID EVENTS – LAGOS COMIC CONVENTION 2012.

Over the weekend at the Aquatic Hotels (WaterParks) Toyin str. Ikeja, Lagos; an Expo/Convention/Seminar was held for the comic and creative entertainment industry in the state. It was organized by a Mr. Ayodele Elegba, an individual with a drive for the growth of drawing skills (fine arts) and imaginative creativity in young people.

The turn out was impressive though it got up on a slow start due to the African time mentality but not withstanding it was a showcasing of immense talent. From stand to stand the expression on the faces of those who came to see what the Trade fair session was all about was not that of confusion though it bore a striking resemblance but was that kind that you have on when things exceed your expectation.

In a couple of words; the exhibition was breathe-taking, from simple sketches to comic books to 2D and 3D animations, every aspect was unbelievably good. I didn’t think we had such talent in that sphere of the creative industry. They sure did turn me into a believer by the time I left the venue.

Fluid cornered the organizer, the man who brought all this talents together, the man who not without supporters made all this come to live; Mr. Ayodele Elegba. Apparently he isn’t a new name in the industry; he has been there for quite a while and has organized almost similar events in the years past. When asked what he plans to achieve with this convention, this is what he had to say: “What I am trying to achieve is to bring back the comic culture. When I was much younger I use to read comic books, comic books were actually where I learnt my first big words. I discovered that people don’t read comic books anymore. Comic books have pictures and letters so you can actually read and see images, so it is a very attractive way of drawing young people to want to actually read and go to school. And also to get people to know that there is a link between comics and every other genre of entertainment. For example comic books have been developed into major blockbusters, take for instance Spiderman and the Avengers”.

He expressed his concerns with Nollywood and the lack of storyboards; meaning the absence of the artistic imagination. The passionate Mr. Ayodele Elegba had much to say and also the convention had much lined up. It was divided into two sessions: the Trade fair session and the syndicate session. The latter required a fee to be paid for attendance as it had moderators and trainers giving talks in an hours time frame while the former was free for anybody.

Below are a few of the many who came to showcase their works at the free for all Trade Fair session. As it turns out this event is an annual one so from Fluid; it’s till next year.
Compiled by:
Isaac Okon.