It doesn’t matter what your age, biological make-up or ethnicity is these days: Everybody loves comic books. What was once a niche hobby has exploded in recent years and currently enjoys plenty of mainstream attention. What does matter sadly, is the part of the globe that you call home. The best content that the comic book industry has to offer, is usually found at geek gatherings in the form of comic book conventions.
While South Africa is no stranger to these events thanks to the pioneering work done by events such as FanCon and ICON, there’s something to be said about the idea of having an official Comic Con hosted here in the southernmost point of the African continent. Just imagine it: Comic Con Africa. Well imagine no more and hold onto your butts, because it’s happening.
Comic Con is coming to Africa. Organised by Reed Pop, in partnership with VS Gaming, Comic Con Africa joins a line-up of events that already features similar conventions in New York, Seoul, Paris and the big daddy Emerald City Comicon of Washington. So what can you expect from the very first such official event going down this year in Johannesburg?
A top line-up of comic book industry heavyweights on the floor and in panels, plenty of cosplay and a ton of merch that’ll have your wallet screaming. With nerdgasms of course. Finally, the African Comic Con dream has come true. Its organisers promise its the biggest event of its sort in the country.
Comic Con Africa will kick off from September 14-16, at the Kyalami Convention Center in Johannesburg. According to the organisers, there will be attractions in the form of gaming, eSports, cosplay and panels featuring local and international guests.
Update: Guests will include video game voice over heavyweight artists Nolan North and Troy Baker, actors from Game of Thrones and The Big Bang Theory. More guest will be present, with confirmations to be announced in the months to come.
#ComicConAfrica celebrities coming in September:
Nolan North, Troy Baker, possibly some unnamed Game of Thrones actors alongside cast from The Big Bang Theory— Critical Hit (@CriticalHitNet) February 20, 2018
#ComicConAfrica will also have workshops, panel discussions and autograph sessions with local and international guests
— Critical Hit (@CriticalHitNet) February 20, 2018
#comicconafrica will have international guests, comic artists, cosplay and gaming
— Critical Hit (@CriticalHitNet) February 20, 2018
We’ve been told that the VS Masters and its LAN event will be held at Comic Con Africa, as it moves away from rAge this year.
#ComicConAfrica will play host to a bring your own PC lan experience, as well as the @VSGamingWorld Masters esports tournament
— Critical Hit (@CriticalHitNet) February 20, 2018
The #ComicConAfrica launch is also currently playing host to Doctor John Kani and Connie Chiume, the proudly South African stars of #BlackPanther
— Critical Hit (@CriticalHitNet) February 20, 2018
Mme Connie Chiume has revealed that she thought she was auditioning for a movie about the Black Panther activists, not #BlackPanther the comic book adaptation
— Critical Hit (@CriticalHitNet) February 20, 2018
But she also says that comic books now have a new fan!
— Critical Hit (@CriticalHitNet) February 20, 2018
Mme Chiume says #BlackPanther shows what women can do with the opportunities they are given, that they had pivotal roles both in front of the camera and behind
— Critical Hit (@CriticalHitNet) February 20, 2018
Doctor John Kani says when he was young, the environment was tough. Growing up during apartheid, comics were the only escape. #ComicConAfrica is more than an expo, it’s a movement. The world is celebrating with us for Africa’s achievements
— Critical Hit (@CriticalHitNet) February 20, 2018
We must celebrate the arts in all forms and celebrate the revolution and recognition of Africa and #ComicConAfrica is a big step for that
Why Kylami International Convention Centre as a venue for #ComicConAfrica? In addition to the masses of space and parking, they’ll be taking over a race track!
— Critical Hit (@CriticalHitNet) February 20, 2018
— Critical Hit (@CriticalHitNet) February 20, 2018
Stay tuned to this page as we update with more details, and follow us on Twitter where we’ll be revealing more from the event’s reveal.
Last Updated: February 21, 2018