This year marks the 5th anniversary of Comic Con Africa, the ultimate pop culture and gaming festival, taking place from 26 to 29 September 2024 at the Johannesburg Expo Centre (Nasrec). Whether you’re a die-hard geek, a casual fan, or looking for a fun family outing, Comic Con Africa promises something for everyone across its four-day extravaganza.

What is Comic Con Africa All About?

Since its debut in 2018, Comic Con Africa has rapidly become a cornerstone of the South African pop culture scene. The event offers an all-encompassing experience that includes cosplay, international and local celebrities, autograph and photograph opportunities, gaming specials, eSports tournaments, and a bustling marketplace filled with fandom-focused merch. This year, the festival goes bigger than ever, with an impressive lineup of events, interactive experiences, and panels catering to every facet of pop culture.

Meet the Celebrity Guests and Panels

One of the major draws of Comic Con Africa is the chance to meet stars from your favourite TV shows, movies, and web series. Attendees can look forward to meeting True Blood star Joe Manganiello, known for his roles in Spider-Man, Magic Mike, and Justice League. Adding to the excitement, legendary actor and bodybuilder Lou Ferrigno will also be making a special appearance. Best known for his iconic role as the Hulk in the 1970s television series The Incredible Hulk, Ferrigno’s presence is set to be a major highlight. Throughout the event, there will be opportunities to get autographs, take selfies, and hear behind-the-scenes stories from these celebrities during exclusive Q&A sessions. You can learn more about how to meet these celebs here.

The Artists of Comic Con Africa

Comic Con Africa is not just about the stars on screen; it’s also a platform for some of the most talented comic book artists, both international and local. This year, the event boasts an impressive roster, including artists such as known for their work with iconic work. Attendees can explore Artist Alley, a fan-favourite area where over 120 artists showcase their work. Whether you’re looking to admire, purchase, or even commission artwork, this is the place to be.

Cosplay Competitions and icons

Cosplay is a cornerstone of Comic Con Africa, with the festival offering multiple opportunities for fans to show off their costume-making skills. Whether you’re a professional cosplayer or just dressing up for fun, there are daily casual cosplay competitions where fans of all ages can showcase their creativity for exciting prizes. No pre-registration is required, so just bring your costume and sign up on the day for a chance to win exciting prizes. For those seeking a grander stage, don’t miss the Comic Con Africa Championships of Cosplay, where South Africa’s top cosplayers will compete for a chance to represent the country in the world finals. 

Additionally, Comic Con Africa 2024 will feature celebrated international cosplayers such as CutiePieSensei from the USA, Yuji Koi from Switzerland, and Har_fie from the UK. Meet these talented cosplayers, engage in cosplay panels, and gain insights into their craft. Their presence adds an extra layer of excitement to the convention, providing inspiration and a chance to connect with the best in the cosplay community. Of course, plenty of local cosplayers will be attending here’s a list of the top ones to look out for.

KidsCon: The Ultimate Family Experience

Comic Con Africa isn’t just for adults; KidsCon is a dedicated area designed specifically for young fans, making it the perfect family activity during the September school holidays. KidsCon features a Toys R Us pop-up shopping experience, offering toys from LEGO, Barbie, Hot Wheels, Nintendo, and more. The area will also host free character meet-and-greets with favourites like Mario, Luigi, Geoffrey the Giraffe, and Emmet from the Lego movie, ensuring memorable moments for kids.

This year, KidsCon also offers a range of engaging, free activities, including a superhero training experience with the National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) in partnership with Disney, a LEGO activation, and more. Additionally, KidsCon is committed to fostering eSports development among younger audiences through a partnership with RGB Gaming, an organisation focused on making eSports accessible in schools across South Africa.

Gaming: A Hub for eSports and Tabletop Enthusiasts

Comic Con Africa is a haven for gamers, offering both casual and professional gaming tournaments. The festival has become the epicentre for South African eSports, with free-to-play zones and the latest in gaming tech and accessories available at amazing deals. There is also an array of tournaments hosted by the Toyota Gaming Engine (TTGE). The TTGE Engine Room will offer free-to-play challenges across popular titles such as Mario Kart, Brawl Stars, Street Fighter 6, and Gran Turismo 7. 

In addition to daily competitions, the top 10 racers in Gran Turismo 7 will qualify for an online tournament following the event, to compete further. Prizes include R2000 in Takealot vouchers for the top 3 gamers each day and the grand prize of one of five Toyota Gazoo Racing Advanced Driving Experiences. Don’t miss the faceoff on Friday where attendees can challenge influencers for a share of R12 000 in Takealot vouchers. For more details on how to enter click here.

Aside from video games, Comic Con Africa is partnering with Unplug Yourself to celebrate tabletop gaming with its own dedicated area at the con. Here, attendees can dive into top titles such as Pokémon, Dungeons & Dragons, Magic: The Gathering, and Yu-Gi-Oh!, learning from the best in the industry.

So much Merch and Exclusive Experiences

No pop culture event would be complete without a vast array of vendors selling everything from comics and collectables to exclusive merchandise. Comic Con Africa welcomes over 300 vendors, making it the ultimate destination for fans looking to expand their collections or find that perfect geeky gift.

Comic Con Africa is also more than just an indoor experience it’s a full-blown festival. The outdoor area has plenty of food trucks and places to relax and soak up the vibrant atmosphere. Additionally, exclusive experiences tied to beloved series will be going on throughout offering attendees a chance to engage with their favourite shows, characters and fellow fans.

A Festival Like No Other

Don’t miss your chance to be part of the excitement and make lasting memories with fellow fans from around the world! Tickets for Comic Con Africa are available now on Howler.

Cost: R200pp for a 1-day pass | R700pp for a weekend pass (4-day access) | Celebrity sessions must be booked separately | Book via Howler.

When: Running from 26 to 29 September 2024. Thursday to Sunday, from 9am to 6pm
Where: Johannesburg Expo Centre, Nasrec Rd, corner Rand Show Rd, Nasrec, Johannesburg