From a distance, the geek planet looks like a universe folded in on itself whose doors only open to those who have the codes. But, in reality, it is a world made of tolerance, dreams and hopes. For two days, the Batilly multipurpose room welcomes characters straight from manga, fantasy cinema and even mythology. With shows that will amaze your eyes, like these lightsaber fights set like clockwork. In the middle of the stands, there is something for everyone (costumes, figurines, games, etc.), we come across strange characters on whom it is obligatory to look back.
Belonging
First of all to discover an extravagant look. Then to understand what pushes these women and men to step into the shoes of another character. There is Romain, the engineer living in Jarny, who is training to use a lightsaber. Passionate about the Star Wars saga, agile with foil, he discovered during his schooling that the Metz fencing club offered a section dedicated to the weapon of the Jedi. Seduced first by the artistic side of the discipline, he discovered a community within which he was able to flourish. “My son is very reserved,” assures Virginie, his mother. “Throughout his schooling, he focused on his work, sometimes forgetting to think about himself. » Which Romain confirms. “When I graduated, I found myself in the working world and the only relationships I could have were with my colleagues. Lightsaber school allowed me to meet new people, make friendships and, above all, belong to a community of people with the same interests. » Today, the young man seems fulfilled.
Half-human, half-animal
Not far away, Nathraël, a young woman from Nancy, who wears a lion costume with a blue mane, straight out of her imagination. With relatives, she is also part of a community, the Furry, whose vocation is to design anthropomorphic animals. A mix of beasts and humans brought to life through boundless creativity. Nathraël wrote the story of Atlas, his alter ego in pop culture. He was born at the same time from the earth, and his particularity made him become a God. A God embittered by time, also cursed. “He is part of my life,” admits the young woman. “I often draw him, he’s my child. » In his everyday life, this funny lion is a confidant, an amulet capable of resolving delicate or complicated situations. “I know how to separate things, but it is linked to my history, to my life. »
Libre
Just like Lucie, from Château-Salins, playing the role of San, a Princess Mononoke, straight out of a Japanese manga. “Cosplay allowed me to have more confidence in myself, to have more strength and to no longer worry about how others look at me. » The young woman admits, before her transformation, she was rather shy by nature. From now on, she assumes responsibility, she who likes to slip into the skin of the warrior queen she has chosen. “I feel free,” she repeats.
“I live my thing to the fullest”
Also free like Ludovic, from Forbach, creator of an association paying tribute to the famous film “Ghostbusters”. “I love this universe, because it is positive, mocks pretense and remains open to everyone, regardless of age, size or weight. We can be hunters or ghosts,” he argues with a touch of humor in his voice. “Ghostbusters” was his salvation, the one that allowed him to live in peace, he who, because of his corpulence, was always the target of wickedness. “I live my thing to the fullest and it has given me back my confidence in others. Throughout my childhood, I was made fun of, hit, because I was fat. Today, I took my revenge thanks to these costumes, these accessories and the spirit of the films. I finally feel in harmony with the world around us. »
Manga Geek Expo Convention, this Sunday again, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., at the Batilly multipurpose room. Shows at 3:30 p.m.
