
What we’re about
Formerly Manchester Comics Society, as someone whose adolescence consisted of delving into the worlds of graphical print and animation, originating from the Western and Eastern continents, I wish to expand this group to include manga and anime related social activities!
Some current idea's are to visit comic conventions, such as the long established annual Comic Con Manchester, and closely related anime cons within the city, with plans already underway to head to the Anime and Gaming Con at Sudgen Sports Centre. We'll be taking advantage of the odd occasion when a beloved bookstore hosts a new comic/manga series launch and author's Q&A talk. Catching the latest of anything still decent in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and cherry picking the good from the ugly in downtown DC. Brunches at Maid Cafe's and strolling around nerdy shops to pick up some much needed fan merch. Having nerdy discourse and debate at a gaming bar!
Even though it has experienced a massive surge in the past two decades, the culture revolving around cartoons is still a pretty niche one, so if anybody has any suggestions of what we could do as graphic novel enthusiasts and beyond, please let us know and it could soon feature as a future event!
If anyone is keen on organising events within a shared co-hosting role, please feel free to drop us a message about becoming an Events Organiser, we would love to have you on board!
Please be aware, photography will be taken at our events. If you wish to not be part of this, please let an organiser know.
Upcoming events (2)
See all- Raku Con 2025: Japanese Pop Culture + Afterparty @ Pendulum Hotel (Sat 16th Aug)Pendulum Hotel, Manchester M1 3BB
The start time for our meetup (3pm) is much later than the opening time (which is at 10am) to encompass the fact that we'd be heading to the anime and emo afterparty (9pm-3am) so will need to save some energy for the end of the day/night!
Schedule:
Raku Con MeetUp: 3-6pm
Dinner and drinks at Kampus: 6-9pm
Anime and emo afterparty at Mother Mary's: 9-3amLet's meet inside the venue near the entrance, cosplay outfit completely optional! :B
Raku Con tickets: Nab it here!
Raku Con Afterparty tickets: From 9-3am at Mother Mary's!
Raku Con Instagram: Click here!
Raku Con venue and food/drink details: Click me!
History of Raku Con:
"RakuCon is a Japanese Popular Culture convention organised by Raku Events, an events company founded by a cosplayer (Kay), and an artist (Jake). RakuCon is a vibrant, cosy, fun and safe event for all attendees and artists with plenty to enjoy over the exciting weekend!
The first RakuCon took place in Manchester at Pendulum Hotel on the 20th - 21st August 2022.
The second RakuCon took place in Manchester at Pendulum Hotel on the 12th - 13th August 2023. RakuCon was back, bigger and better than before. We partnered with Nintendo UK to host the Splatoon 3 European Championships 2023 UK & Ireland, extended our event space at Pendulum Hotel & Conference Centre and hosted our very first cosplay competition.
The third RakuCon took place in Manchester at Pendulum Hotel on the 17th - 18th August 2024. This was the first time we had a fully dedicated game room with both video and board games! We further expanded our event space and hosted opening and closing ceremonies as well.
RakuCon will return in 2025 on the 16th - 17th August at Pendulum Hotel. This year we’re looking to go even bigger and we’re so excited to show you what we have planned! Are you Raku ready?!"