Tens of thousands of fans thronged Johannesburg on Saturday as Comic-Con Africa returned for its sixth edition, dazzling crowds with colour and imagination. The four-day celebration of anime, gaming, comics and cosplay transformed the city into a playground of fantasy, technology and boundless creativity.
Attendees poured through the gates dressed as heroes and villains, striking poses in elaborate costumes and staging impromptu photoshoots across vibrant sets.
“This year’s Comic-Con has been bigger and bolder than ever before,” said Show Director Carla Massmann, projecting 70,000 visitors by closing day. For many, the event was more than entertainment. Nkosinathi Skhosana, 24, called it a sanctuary where South Africans transcended social divides together.
“Just like rugby unites people, Comic-Con creates the same space for us,” he said, reflecting the festival’s spirit of inclusivity and joy. The programme featured international stars, including Jessie T. Usher of The Boys, Dan Fogler of Fantastic Beasts, and Supernatural’s Misha Collins.
Fans embraced autograph sessions, photographs with idols, and spontaneous admiration of each other’s costumes, forging connections through shared passion and creativity. “The first picture I took was with Sailor Moon, my favourite character of all time,” said Owami Sibanyoni, 23, glowing in costume.
Organisers shifted this year’s convention from September to August, clearing the venue for the G20 summit scheduled later in the year. As the curtains prepare to fall, Comic-Con Africa stands as more than a festival: it is a stage where imagination briefly overpowers reality.
