Everything we know about Comic Con Africa 2022
Back in Johannesburg in September, it’s Comic Con Africa for the third time. Photo: ComicConAfrica
TENDENCY
Back in full force, Comic Con Africa (CCA) for its third iteration (fourth if you count the virtual version) in September at the Nasrec Expo Center in Johannesburg.
The pop, comedy and gaming culture convention is set to take place Sept. 22-25 at the new venue, after Kyalami Racecourse and the Gallagher Convention Center hosted the previous Cons.
So far, the staggered release and slow announcements have been slightly annoying — like wanting to binge on She-Hulk but realizing not all episodes are available. It really makes you want to smash a TV with the Hulk.
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That aside, this year’s team added a few new experiences and tried to accommodate the 80,000 guests expected over the four-day weekend. Expect a bigger room, more immersive experiences, 256 hours of content, and eight stages.
With less than 30 days to go, the stars were nowhere to be found. Then on Friday, Tatiana Gabrielle Hobson (of Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, Uncharted and YOU fame) was announced. On Tuesday, two more stars were revealed – Jamie Bower (of Strangers Things and Twilight) and Asher Angel (of Shazaam and 13 Reasons Why). The red Power Ranger, Selwyn Ward, will also be present.
Previous headliners have included William Shatner, Kevin Sussman, Ricky Whittle, Yetide Badaki, Travis Fimmel and Daniel Gillies. The expectation of a familiar name is therefore not out of place. Even Anthony Mackie was supposed to attend a few years ago, but unfortunately it didn’t work out.
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A ticket will cost R190 per person per day, while a four-day pass will cost R570 per person. Children under five enter for free.
So here’s what we know
Confirmed guests
Besides the sublime Gabrielle and the talent above, three cosplay stars have been announced: Taryn Cosplay (Italy); Leon Chiro (Italy) and Elizabeth Rage (USA).
While at Artist Alley, the heart of all comics, illustrators, authors, inkers, and all other artists will be held aloft, yet easily accessible to their fans. Some of the big names include Loyiso Mkhize, Jason Masters, Bill Masuku, Tehani Farr, Tasia MS, Daniel Glover, Karl Mostert and Andrew Lee Griffith.
There will be live sketches, workshops, autograph signings and lots of learning and geeking. There will also be Author Avenue and The Block for exhibitors.
Events and spaces
CCA announced that sponsor KFC will offer an immersive experience called Kentucky Town, while Netflix’s Stranger Things seems to have something up its sleeve, especially with Bower and his 5.5 million Instagram followers in attendance.
New this year is StreamerCon and StreetCon, two sub-cons within CCA 2022 that will focus on all things video and online streaming, as well as creators and fans of urban culture and culture. pop.
Sneaker brand Bathu is teaming up with CCA to host the StreetCon space, featuring merchants, urban and street artists, sketch battles and graffiti. Vloggers, YouTubers, Twitch streamers, and podcasters will dominate the streamer side, letting fans find out more about streaming their favorites IRL (in real life).
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Unplug is the fancy name for tabletop games, which is a staple at any Comic Con. Dedicated spaces will be created to welcome fans and friends to play their favorite board games.
KidsCon is back and is organized by kids for kids. There will be children’s karaoke, Just Dance and Mario Kart competitions, as well as a special cosplay competition for children. In addition, an esports tournament for children is planned.
Gaming will once again take up a large portion of the convention, with Telkom VS Gaming serving as the lead partner. A daily esports tournament with a prize of R4,000 is up for grabs, while the Campus Clutch Valorant tournament finals will also take place. LAN sections and everything related to games will also be organized and supported.
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costumes
What would Comic Con be without fans dressed or disguised in outfits and characters we all love and hate?
In 2019, CCA cosplay winner Kelsey Atkins (jinxiecosplay) won the World Cosplay Contest in Chicago and put South Africa on the map. With a dedicated room and a full range of workshops, round tables, meetings and many exhibitors, the cosplay community will be largely satisfied.
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For professionals and undiscovered talents, the cosplay championship final will take place at 2pm on September 25th and the winner will represent Africa at the Cospaly Crown Championship in London this year. For non-professionals, a casual cosplay contest will take place every day at 1 p.m. on the main stage.
With the larger venue and larger space, a food court and beer garden are promised.
To learn more, visit the Comic Con website here.
