Comic Con Cape Town: Your Heroes Are Coming

KidsCon, celebrity guests, competitions, & speed networking

Last updated: Tuesday, 16 April 2024

Anyone who’s seen The Big Bang Theory will know exactly what to expect from Comic Con. And this year is Cape Town’s biggest one yet. There’ll be celeb guests, gaming competitions (with cash prizes), a dedicated KidsCon, cosplay shows, and even “geek meet and mingle" speed networking. Here are 10 reasons to go to Cape Town Comic Con 2024, happening 27 April to 1 May at the CTICC.

Tickets are already selling out so get yours soon. Image: Cape Town Comic Con

1. IT’S AFRICA’S BIGGEST COMIC CONVENTION

The convention is divided across two floors. The ground level includes the main and pop culture stage (dedicated to the latest and greatest in movies, TV, books, comics, anime, and more). There’s also the artist’s alley, the Cape Town International Animation Festival Stage (CTIAF) and the cosplay zone. 

Level 2 is where you’ll find console gaming on PlayStation, Xbox, streamers, and tabletop games. Tickets to the CTIAF gives you access to Comic Con Cape Town and KidsCon as well.

Roughly 100 000 people attended the 2023 editions of Comic Con Africa and Comic Con Cape Town. Image: Comic Con Cape Town

2. COMIC BOOKS AND COLLECTABLES GALORE

Comic Con is the perfect place to search for the rarest and most sought-after comics in the world, from vintage Marvel and DC comics to independent graphic novels. 

One of the most popular booths is Funko, a toy company that makes exclusive and limited edition movies, series, and manga figurines from R100. You can also get high-quality arcade and pinball machines like the original Pac-Man and Street Fighter IV (that you can actually buy).

Shop for comics and collectables across two floors at CTICC 2. Image: Comic Con Cape Town

3. IT’S A COSPLAY WONDERLAND

You can become the 2024 Cape Town cosplay champion, or compete on an international level for The World Cosplay Summit held in Nagoya, Japan. 

Those who enter could win a sponsored trip to Japan with cosplayers from 30+ countries to the finals this August. Plus, there are daily casual competitions with prizes for best dressed. Please note registration is required prior to some events.

Your cosplay outfit can be custom, rented, commissioned, or even store-bought. Image: Comic Con Cape Town

4. INTERNATIONAL & LOCAL STARS

This year’s lineup includes Sean Gunn (aka Kraglin in Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy films)  and Lesley-Ann Brandt, who plays Mazikeen in the hit series Lucifer. Both will be there on Saturday and Sunday, plus Monday too for Sean Gunn. 

Plus, there are 10 cast members from the Netflix live adaption of One Piece on Saturday, Sunday, and Wednesday. The cast includes Aidan Scott and Langley Kirkwood. There’ll be panel discussions, autograph signings, and photo opportunities.

More announcements of big names will follow in the days leading to Comic Con, so be sure to follow them on Instagram.

Other big names include Veronica Taylor, the original voice actor of Pokemon’s Ash Ketchum. Image: Comic Con Cape Town

5. KIDS PLAY GAMES FOR FREE

Comic Con Cape Town is introducing KidsCon, in partnership with Toys “R” Us. It’s a dedicated area for kids activities, from shopping for LEGO to playing Apex, Minecraft, and Fortnite for free. 

There’ll also be off-screen trading card games, including Pokémon. Plus, daily cosplay competitions with a chance to win prizes. Kids five and under can enter for free.

It's like stepping into a time machine of childhood memories. Image: Comic Con Cape Town

6. Q&As, WORKSHOPS AND TALKS

There’ll be panels featuring professionals from every field speaking on a variety of subjects. Topics include movie previews, TV show discussions, games, comics, publishing, actor Q&As, how to break into the comic industry, as well as the history and current state of the industry.

The event unites fans of pop culture, gaming, comics, movies, TV shows, and more. Image: Comic Con Cape Town

7. GAMES ON EVERY CONSOLE

Avid, competitive, and casual gamers can play and compete in the free-to-play zones and tournaments over the five days. You can win R2 000 in Takealot vouchers for popular games like Gran Turismo 7 and Clash Royale. 

Or challenge an Esports pro gamer champion to win a R3 000 Takealot voucher. You could also step away from the screen and play board games like D&D. Please note that some tournaments require pre-registration.

The free-to-play zones and tournaments are open to pro, solo, and squad players. Image: Comic Con Cape Town

8. FIRST-EVER GEEK MEET AND MINGLE

Ready to find your geek charming? You can meet your player two (or even a bestie) at Comic Con Cape Town’s first-ever meet and mingle. This event is happening on Monday and Tuesday, where you can connect with like-minded individuals in a speed networking setting. Once fans have their ticket to Comic Con Cape Town, they can register to match up via Google forms.

This event is exclusive to Comic-Con Cape Town. Image: Comic Con Cape Town

9. SPECIAL THEMED DAYS

Monday and Tuesday have their own special events and themes (at no additional cost). Monday celebrates everything spooktacular: Horror movie screenings, murder mystery games, escape rooms, themed panel discussions, prosthetic and make-up tutorials, and more.

Tuesday is a big pyjama party, courtesy of Ackermans. Everyone is encouraged to get cosy in their favourite character 'jamies for a PJ character cosplay. There’ll also be a dance party with DJ Elliot, plus a family quiz and movie night.

It’s the first time Comic Con Cape Town will be hosted over five days. Image: Comic Con Cape Town

10. THE ARTIST ALLEY 

As the heartbeat of any Comic Con, the artist alley on the show floor highlights the work of local and international artists who worked for major comic book publishers like Marvel Comics and DC Comics. 

Aside from comics, there are exhibits showcasing original pieces, manga, fan fiction and even tattoo parlours. You’ll find oil painters, digital and traditional artists. All the artwork is for sale and you can watch artists battle it out daily at the sketch battles.

Comic Con Cape Town is happening at the CTICC for five days. Keep up with the latest Comic Con news via their website.

More than 160 independent artists were at Comic Con Africa 2023. Image: Comic Con Cape Town

GET TICKETS TO COMIC CON CAPE TOWN

Comic Con Cape Town is happening: 27 April to 1 May 2024, 9am to 8pm
Find it: Cape Town Convention Centre 1 (CTICC 1)
Cost: From R190 to R850
Book: Via howler.co.za
Contact on: 082 597 9330 | info@comicconafrica.co.za   

By Khadeeja Adams

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