Convention - Paris Manga & Sci-Fi Show 38: a successful first day filled with creativity, cosplay, and numerous booths

By Mulder, Villepinte, Parc des Expositions, 04 october 2025

The 38th edition of the Paris Manga & Sci-Fi Show opened its doors on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at the Paris Nord Villepinte Exhibition Center, and from the very first hours, the atmosphere set the tone: the large and enthusiastic audience rushed into a world where passion for pop culture is expressed without restraint. Within minutes, the aisles of the show came alive with colors, sounds, exchanges, and wonder. This first day, both intense and festive, confirmed the reputation of PM38 as one of the must-see events on the French geek calendar, bringing together thousands of visitors across nearly 50,000 m² of shared culture and imagination.

One of the great successes of this first day was undoubtedly the numerous cosplays and stands present and the successful and informative panels. From the moment you entered, your gaze was drawn to a parade of breathtaking costumes, a fusion of craftsmanship and consuming passion. The Cosplay Village, covering more than 1,500 m², vibrated to the rhythm of parades, photo shoots, and meetings between creators. We came across hand-forged armor, outfits inspired by great Japanese and American sagas, and transformations so accomplished that they seemed to have come straight out of the screen. Every corridor became a stage, every corner an opportunity to capture a moment of pure creativity. Unsurprisingly, the Cosplay Central Crown Championships competition drew a large crowd, who applauded wholeheartedly for the often theatrical and technically impressive performances. Some participants, who had traveled from all over France and even abroad, put on real stage performances, transforming this first day into a lively celebration of the work and passion behind each costume.

But beyond the visual magic, it was the diversity and density of the stands that gave this day its unique atmosphere. With nearly 300 exhibitors in attendance, the exhibition space resembled a miniature city entirely dedicated to pop culture. Iconic brands rubbed shoulders with independent designers, artists sold their original illustrations alongside shops specializing in vintage geek culture, and collectors crowded in front of display cases overflowing with figurines, manga, cards, and rare items. Entire universes were on display: the Star Wars stands brought the distant galaxy to life with sets and cosplayers from the 501st French Garrison, while the vast Donnie Darko space immersed visitors in a strange and poetic atmosphere, punctuated by screenings and exclusive products. A few meters away, the Hello Kitty corner offered a soothing contrast, bathed in pink and nostalgia, much appreciated by families.

This creative abundance gave the show an electric energy. Visitors strolled around with their backpacks full, alternating between exploration, discussion, and moments of contemplation. There were numerous, often passionate exchanges between exhibitors and visitors, and you could feel the warmth that is unique to events where everyone speaks the same language—that of shared passion. Card game enthusiasts found refuge in the TCG area, where One Piece and Gundam tournaments were held in a studious but friendly atmosphere. Further on, demonstrations of Japanese martial arts, origami and calligraphy workshops reminded visitors that the show is not just a market: it is also a gateway to cultural transmission and sharing.

Visually, PM38 did not disappoint: captivating sets, themed exhibitions, and cult reconstructions (from the DeLorean in Back to the Future to the common room in Harry Potter and the tribute to 50 years of Goldorak) made every turn a wonder. The balance between nostalgia for the 80s and 90s and the modernity of contemporary franchises proved particularly successful, offering an intergenerational experience where parents and children could enjoy themselves together. Science fiction enthusiasts found a true sanctuary in the Star Wars Space, where droids, stormtroopers, and rebels rubbed shoulders in a continuous photographic ballet.

This first day also showcased the expertise of TGS Événements, the event organizer, whose crowd management, space optimization, and balanced programming allowed everyone to fully enjoy the moment. Despite the massive turnout, traffic remained relatively fluid, and while a few busy areas experienced slowdowns, the good-natured atmosphere always prevailed. The relaxation areas and food courts provided a chance to take a breather between explorations, and chance encounters between fans often led to spontaneous exchanges, laughter, or comparisons of finds.

This first day of Paris Manga & Sci-Fi Show 38 was a fireworks display of creativity, diversity, and emotion. It confirmed that this show is no longer just a place to shop or get autographs, but a human and cultural gathering where passion is lived out in the open. Between the flamboyant cosplayers, the stands bursting with energy, and the smiles shared in every aisle, this 2025 edition is off to a great start, promising an equally vibrant second day. PM38 has not only kept its promises: it has embodied them, reminding us that when it comes to pop culture, Paris remains more than ever one of the European capitals of collective dreams.

You can discover our photos in our Flickr page

Photos: Boris Colletier / Mulderville