Comic Con Cape Town is the ultimate pop culture and gaming festival, offering 5 whole days of excitement, competitions, and geeky merchandise. This year, not only does it once again include the Cape Town International Animation Festival (CTIAF) but attendees can also look forward to some thrilling new additions like the horror-themed Monday, featuring terrifying escape rooms and scary movies, as well as The Mix and Mingle event, where you can connect with people who share your geeky interests.
From the casual fans to the super geeks, Comic Con Cape Town welcomes everyone to immerse themselves in a super-inclusive and welcoming space. The convention offers guests a chance to discover exclusive merchandise, meet big-name celebrities, and experience unforgettable moments you won’t find anywhere else.
Get your cosplay ready!
The cosplay community at Comic Con is known for its welcoming and encouraging spirit, fostering a creative environment where anyone can join in and feel inspired. Whether you’re a seasoned cosplayer or trying it for the first time, the Cosplay competitions happening throughout the event aren’t just for professionals; there are casual cosplay competitions too. Cosplay is a great way to get creative, use your imagination and express yourself by dressing up as one of your favourite characters. Don’t hesitate to show off your costume on stage either, you might even win a prize!
While guests might be excited to see their favourite characters walking around it’s important to remember cosplay etiquette. To promote cosplay etiquette, attendees are encouraged to respect personal boundaries, ask before taking photos, and contribute to a positive and inclusive atmosphere for all.
Looking for some inspiration? To get started why not look at some big cosplay celebs from the local scene such as IamBakasakura and Ludus Cosplay or this year’s international guests Yuegene Fay and Taryn_Cosplay all of whom are masters of their craft and the perfect inspiration for your next ambitious cosplay project.
Meet the Celebrities
Something Comic Con guests can always look forward to is the exclusive guest list. Last year at Comic Con Africa, held in Joburg, fans who grew up watching Pokemon were thrilled to meet Veronica Taylor, the voice of Ash Ketchum, and now she’s back for Comic Con Cape Town. Alongside her, Marvel movie fans can meet Sean Gunn, also known as Kraglin in the Guardians of the Galaxy films, making his first appearance at the convention.
Fans of Netflix’s One Piece adaptation might know that it was filmed right here in South Africa. Many of the local cast will be attending the 2024 convention, including Aidan Scott, Langley Kirkwood, and Chioma Umeala who brought beloved characters such as Helmeppo, Axe-Hand Morgan, and Nojiko to life.
And because it wouldn’t be Comic-Con without the comics we love, get ready to meet the amazing comic book artists behind them such as Karl Mostert, John Layman, Jason Masters, and David Baron.
All celebrities will be available for photo ops and autograph sessions respectively, which can be booked online or during the event. Guests should secure their spots early, however as these sessions are popular and can sell out quickly.
Gaming & E-sports
The gaming side of the convention is always a highlight, offering attendees a plethora of exciting experiences to dive into. From adrenaline-pumping tournaments to immersive VR adventures, there’s something for every gamer at Comic Con Cape Town.
Enter the Doritos Crunch Cup VR League for an exhilarating dive into virtual reality gaming. Experience the thrill of the rhythm game Beatsabre as you compete against fellow attendees for glory and prizes. But VR isn’t the only attraction; guests can also compete in their favourite games like Gran Turismo 7, FC24, Street Fighter 6, and more.
Unplug yourself
Of course, not all gaming is digital! Head over to the Unplug Yourself area for a nostalgic trip into tabletop gaming. Here, guests can indulge in their love for hands-on games, whether it’s learning the ropes of card games such as Pokemon, Yu Gi Oh, and Magic: The Gathering, or joining tournaments for experienced players. For guests craving epic storytelling and adventure, daily Dungeons & Dragons campaigns hosted by the organisers offer a chance to embark on fantastical quests with friends old and new.
KidsCon
Offering a blend of entertainment and excitement that is both enjoyable and unforgettable, Comic Con Cape Town is thrilled to be introducing KidsCon to the Comic Con Cape Town show floor on Level 2; in partnership with Toys R Us.
KidsCon also offers dedicated cosplay (dress-up) competitions, character meet and greets, gaming tournaments, and more! M-net will also be offering a screening area for kids to enjoy several movies throughout the weekend.
The best part about KidsCon is that no additional ticket is required to enjoy this feature on the show floor, PLUS kids under 5 enter Comic Con Cape Town for free!
And all the Comic Con Cape Town extras…
At Comic Con Cape Town, the excitement doesn’t stop with the main attractions. This year, attendees can look forward to a variety of engaging events and activities throughout the week:
Monday sets the tone with a spine-tingling lineup of horror-themed events. Dive into immersive escape rooms, catch screenings of classic and contemporary horror movies, and embrace the thrill of the unknown.
Tuesday brings a different kind of excitement with Cape Town’s largest pyjama party event, presented in collaboration with Ackerman’s. Put on your favourite character PJs and join fellow fans for a cosy evening of relaxation and mingling.
One of the newest additions to the lineup is the Mix-and-Mingle event, providing the perfect opportunity to connect with like-minded geeks, cosplayers, and fans. Whether you’re discussing your favourite fandoms or making new friends, this event promises to be a highlight of the convention.
Families with children won’t want to miss KidsCon by ToysRus, where young geeks in training can enjoy a range of fun and interactive activities designed just for them.
No Comic-Con experience would be complete without a visit to the Artist Alley, where local artists showcase their original artworks, fan art, and unique merchandise. Explore the diverse array of prints, stickers, and handmade plushies, and take home a special souvenir of your Comic Con adventure.
After Dark
After the convention day wraps up, the excitement continues with special events for guests to enjoy. NB: a separate booking is required to join these events.
Pokemon Quiz: Put your Pokemon Master knowledge to the test in this interactive quiz event. Show off your expertise and compete against fellow fans.
Coffee and Comics: Unwind with a free cup of coffee and meet the talented comic artists who are attending the event. This relaxed gathering offers a chance to chat with artists, learn about their work, and snag a free coaster as a souvenir of the convention.
So what are you waiting for?
Comic Con Cape Town 2024 promises to be an exhilarating celebration of pop culture, gaming, and creativity. Whether you’re a seasoned cosplayer, a gaming enthusiast, a comic book aficionado, or a family looking for fun activities, Comic Con Cape Town offers an immersive experience like no other. With exciting events happening throughout the week, including horror-themed Monday, pyjama parties, mix-and-mingle gatherings, and special after-dark events, attendees can look forward to a week filled with excitement, creativity, and community. Get your tickets now and secure your spot at Comic Con Cape Town 2024! See you there.
Cost: R190 (Day Pass) | R550 (5-Day Pass) | Book via: Howler
Where: CTICC2
When: 27 April to 1 May 2024, 9am – 6pm
Website: Comicconafrica.co.za
