One thing that does not seem to be covered in most anime- and manga-related magazines is that of doujinshi, which are fan-drawn comics. On a regular basis, conventions are organized for the selling of these lesser known comics (most similar to ashcan comics in the US). While most of these conventions are in Tokyo and the Kanto area, Kansai and other places have them on occasion. On the average, even the small cons are decent-sized, numbering a few thousand people. Since most people on the other side of the big pond have not really heard much about these cons, this article will answer all the general questions and try to explain a bit more, especially in connection with the largest of the doujinshi cons, COMIC MARKET (in particular, the one held the first weekend of this coming August).

Who

Well, this is the easiest part to answer, but the hardest to explain. In actuality, the vast majority of the attendees at these cons are women in their mid-teens to late-twenties. The ratio of males to females tends to be 1 to 5, at best. As to why, well that's hard to say, and I myself am not really sure. Suffice it to say, the market is mostly done by women, for women -- and do not be too surprised if you see a lot of things at these cons that US cons would not even let in the door.

What

Well, what does get sold at a doujinshi con like COMIC CITY or COMIC MARKET? As I said above, most of the products are made for women, by women, so action is not necessarily a point they focus on -- relationships are a much greater focus. This is not to say that it would be a boring read for the average fan, but on the whole, US buyers will probably be a bit more picky. Art is not always manga quality, but there are a decent number of diamonds in the rough. As to content, they generally go by what is popular. GUNDAM W (GUNDAM X doujinshi is just starting), NEON GENESIS EVANGELION, RUROUNI KENSHIN, and SLAM DUNK are big sellers, along with DAGUON (a currently running TV series) and video game-related doujinshi like VAMPIRE HUNTER (English title DARKSTALKERS 2), FINAL FANTASY, and other games. Not all of the doujinshi sold is based on anime, manga, or video games, so do not be surprised to see doujinshi you cannot pair with any familiar anime or manga title. I do have to put out a warning -- there is a considerable number of sexually explicit doujinshi out there, so one may not want to take the kids to an outing at a doujinshi convention. Also, supplies for making doujinshi are available, which is useful if you decide to get into the habit. Stationary and even miniatures are on sale as well.

Where

Comic City 55 in Tokyo was held at Tokyo Big Site, near Haneda Airport. The size of the room used for sales was approximately 1.5 times the size of Gen Con '93's dealer room (Editor's Note: for comparison purposes, the Gen Con Game Fair is an annual gaming convention in North America run by TSR Games which draws approximately 35,000 attendees.) -- or about a football field and a half of area. About four-fifths of this space was utilized. For those who want to know what is popular at a particular con, the bigger selling titles are generally spread out around the edges of the room. Programs (cost of the program includes admission and therefore is a mandatory buy) show the drawing style, company name, and where it will be in the convention. With larger conventions, where one would take all day to browse through the dealer's room, this program becomes even more necessary than mandatory.

When

Comic City 55 in Tokyo was 9 June 1996. If one wants to go to any doujinshi convention, picking up an old program from a recent con is generally best. Listings for the next four or five months as well as notes on the events are printed with it.

Why

Well, I myself cannot really say why, but I guess it is connected with the same vein as those who write fanfics and the like. Perhaps it is because of the wide popularity of manga in female circles, which is vast in comparison to the United States or other countries. In any case, it is fun to go at least once, even though you may not buy much at all.
As I have said before, the big Comic Market is on its way, scheduled for the weekend of 3 August at Tokyo Big Site, where it is expected to take up two to three times the space of Comic City. Attendance is projected to be in the tens of thousands, and it should be a blast. I myself would recommend attending one of these conventions if one has the chance, just for the sake of going. Besides, you stand a good chance of finding something there that you will really like.

--Orin Starchaser