Comic Con Africa returns for its fifth live edition this year, and it promises to be bigger and better than ever. Taking place from 26 to 29 September 2024 at the Johannesburg Expo Centre, this annual convention has become a must-attend event for pop culture and gaming enthusiasts, families, and fans from all over the country.
More info about Comic Con Africa
For those new to the experience, Comic Con Africa is where the worlds of pop culture, comics, superheroes, gaming, cosplay, merchandise, movies, and TV shows collide.
Over the festival weekend, attendees can meet international celebrities, connect with local and international comic book artists, dive into the latest gaming releases, and enjoy cosplay, food, and live music at the food truck village.
Beyond being a comprehensive pop culture and gaming showcase, Comic Con Africa also offers the ultimate family outing with a dedicated “KidsCon” area.
Here, visitors can explore a massive Toys R Us retail experience featuring popular brands like LEGO, Nintendo, Barbie, Transformers, and Hot Wheels.
KidsCon will also host character and mascot appearances, including Mario, Luigi, the LEGO man, Noodle & Bun, and Geoffrey the Giraffe from Toys R Us.
Whether you’re a comic book enthusiast, collector, passionate gamer, or simply want to enjoy the thrill of dressing up as your favorite character, Comic Con Africa has something for everyone.
Given the festival’s diversity and wide-ranging activities, here are some of Comic Con Africa 2024’s key highlights:
Celebrity Guests
Meet stars from popular TV shows, movies, and web series, where you can grab autographs, take selfies, and listen to behind-the-scenes stories. This year, Comic Con Africa has announced True Blood star Joe Manganiello, who’s also known for his roles in Magic Mike and Justice League, with more celebrity announcements to come.
Panels and Workshops
Comic Con Africa features a packed schedule across multiple stages, offering something for every aspect of pop culture. Fans can participate in quizzes, engage in Q&A sessions, attend creative workshops, and learn about everything from comic book writing and illustration to creating cosplay costumes.
Artist Alley
A fan-favorite section of the event, Artist Alley showcases over 120 talented artists, including international creators who have worked for leading comic book publishers. Attendees can admire, purchase, or even commission unique artwork.
Cosplay Competitions
Whether casual or professional, cosplay enthusiasts can display their costume-making skills in a variety of contests. Comic Con Africa hosts daily casual cosplay competitions for all fans, alongside the prestigious Comic Con Africa Championships of Cosplay, where one champion from the professional leagues earns a chance to represent South Africa on the global stage.
Gaming
As the hub of South African eSports, Comic Con Africa hosts both casual and professional gaming tournaments. Attendees can explore free-to-play zones, access the latest gaming tech, and discover amazing deals on accessories.
Tabletop Gaming
Beyond video games, Comic Con Africa celebrates board games, trading card games, and role-playing adventures. A dedicated area on the show floor allows fans to dive into popular titles like Pokémon, Dungeons & Dragons, Magic: The Gathering, Yu-Gi-Oh, and more.
Shopping Galore
With over 300 vendors offering everything from comics and collectibles to merchandise, Comic Con Africa is a haven for pop culture enthusiasts and gamers looking to expand their collections.
Exclusive Experiences
In addition to the main attractions, Comic Con Africa offers special experiences tied to upcoming and fan-favorite series, bringing attendees closer to the studios behind them.
Outdoor Food Trucks and Festival Atmosphere
Comic Con Africa is more than just a convention—it’s a celebration. The outdoor area, surrounded by food trucks and vibrant energy, is the perfect place to relax, grab a drink, and soak in the joyful spirit of fandom.
Since its debut in 2018, Comic Con Africa has rapidly grown into a major event, drawing tens of thousands of visitors annually and welcoming both hardcore and casual fans into a judgment-free, self-expressive environment.
Tickets for Comic Con Africa are available on Howler from R200 for a day pass, or R700 to experience all four days. Get your tickets HERE.
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