Convention Watch: Doj-Con at Dundee

In non-Saga related news, the number of conventions in the UK continues to rise with smaller events around the country becoming even bigger and better than ever before. Doj-Con (previously Dee-Con) is Scotland’s largest free anime, comics and genre con, and, well, prepare yourselves Farscape fans!

This Saturday, April 13, the Dundee Union plays host to a full day event spread across all four levels. Events include film screenings, board and video game tournaments, exhibitions, demonstrations and industry presentations – as well as the all important cosplay competition. Last year saw 2000 fans attending with the majority in costume, and numbers are expected to rise this year.

Some of the guest speakers making an appearance: Hayden Scott-Baron, founder of Sweatdrop Studios; Tanya Roberts giving a comics workshop; DestinyBlue leading a character creation lecture; video games composers; Alisa Partridge on lolita fashion; Hannah Rose on Korean comics; and animation veteran Fraser MacLean. There are also a variety of anime films screening throughout the day, and even a Kendo demonstration. The evening finishes in the bars with the infamous after-party featuring Nanashi Dansu and DJ Bubu.

Guest of honour is the lovely Virginia Hey, star of Farscape (Zhaan) and Mad Max 2. My childhood!

My own personal highlight is the artists alley, brining together a huge number of up and coming comic illustrators, anime fan-creators and lots of little indie businesses.

Organised by students and alumni of Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design (affectionately known as DoJ), Doj-Con is a fundraising event with all proceeds go towards the animation degree show held in May.

All info here: www.dojcon.com