Sunday night ended the 2011 edition of Japan Expo , an event dedicated to Japanese culture, manga, anime, but also to the whole world via the SF convention Comic-con that takes place in one place. If Wacom n ' was not there this year, the 3D printer Sculpteo (mentioned in our report on the 3D printing ) had made the trip, even proposing a special offer for the event (a figure like the visitors and in a manga style). A 3D printer was there. The concept of the figurines manga is actually a variation of the already abundant Sculpteo proposed, which proposes to create from a photo or two statuettes oriented football, rugby, marriage ... The company has also indicated that the offer of figures was not only aimed at brand awareness and 3D printing in general, but commercially, it represented a significant part of economic development of society. We also learned that there would soon be other materials or finishes in the program. Interesting information, since the current supply of Sculpteo is quite limited on this point, for example in relation to prolific Shapeways, who announced almost every month of new materials, including metal. About Shapeways, moreover, Sculpteo stresses that the latter company subcontracts to other printers, which explains the large range of materials; Sculpteo opted for in-house production, with machinery purchased. Differences do not stop there, since as noted in our case, the pricing is totally different from one printer to another: Shapeways bill only to the volume of material, a choice that has the virtue of transparency, but most certainly involves a sale below cost in some cases ( large object, but hollow, for example). Conversely, Sculpteo chose to make revenue on all models, which explains its pricing model more obscure (not knowing exactly how something will cost before you upload the 3D model). The consequence is that depending on the object, one or other of these two companies may be more advantageous than the other. Compare prices on an individual basis can be a good idea to make significant savings. Latest on Sculpteo, recently partnered with the sharing site of 3D objects 3DVIA.com was set up (the site However, a reminder directly affiliated with DS). It is now possible to print 3D objects directly on line. Further, 2D, whether animated or not, was entitled to small exhibitions dedicated: Osamu Tezuka , for 60 years of Astro Boy , was honored. A large area was returning on its course and his creations, with many originals. Panels back on the methods used by Tezuka, with tips to save time for the animation (mouth drawn separately on a fixed head, using only 8 drawings per second by sacrificing the fluidity of the animation, etc.) . Explanation for its use of film techniques in the manga were also present.
Further, Yumiko Igarashi was also entitled to an exhibition, more modest this time. What to delve briefly into the world of the designer of Georgia or Heidi. Finally, a moving tribute was paid to Satoshi Kon, a filmmaker who started as a mangaka, and has directed films such as Perfect Blue, Tokyo Godfathers or Paprika. His sudden death last year due to pancreatic cancer and his farewell letter posthumous had upset the fans of the artist. Japan Expo has paid tribute by displaying works of French artists. Work of Michel Pecqueur Thus, Michel Pecqueur (3D animator and supervisor, he has worked on Dragon Hunters or Lascars, the film) has been shown lost in the clouds, surrounded by his characters. Others, like the author of comic Dara, resumed his visual world. Illustrator Nephyla , was represented as sleeping with a smile after a life abundant. Work of Dara Work of Nephyla Japan Expo knows not to forget the superstars ... Other events or stands have drawn our attention. The team of French film through Kaydara , taking over the universe of The Matrix was on hand for a screening of the film. The manufacturer Samsung was promoting her latest equipment, including its screens relief. Many people around the stand, but ... Only when the cheerleaders were doing their show booth. It may remain skeptical about the link with the terrain, especially since the Korean giant would have had real arguments to put forward: As our colleague Clubic , Samsung would be in a strong position in the U.S., with 61% of shares relief on the market. Besides Dreamworks openly supports the manufacturer, including exclusives via the sale of Blu-Ray 3D. A little further, Ankama was present to showcase its world, such as the popular Dofus. Nintendo and Sony were also on hand, but between the E3 and lounges oriented video game to be held in September, there was no hope of shattering announcement.
Finally, as every year, many spectators from across Europe indulged in cosplay, and had crafted for months costumes inspired by characters in movies, manga, anime, video games, comics ... A practice popular with visitors and especially professional photographers, amateurs and enthusiasts (such as this writer), who found a good way to engage the portrait.