Comic Con Africa 2024: Where Cosplay and Comics Collide
Comic Con Africa 2024 is set to be an unforgettable fusion of comics and cosplay, bringing together international and local talent for an extraordinary celebration of pop culture and gaming for both dedicated and casual fans of pop culture. Taking place at the Johannesburg Expo Centre (Nasrec) from 26 to 29 September, the event promises to be a vibrant meeting point of art, creativity, and fandom.
Comic Con Africa prides itself on bringing out big name international artists as well as celebrating in the successes of local talent. This year's Comic Con Africa boasts an impressive roster of comic book artists including:
International Comic Artists:
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Dan Parent: Best known for his contributions to the iconic Archie comics, Dan Parent's work has been a staple in the comic book world for decades.
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Yanick Paquette: A #1 New York Times best-selling artist, Yanick has contributed to both Marvel and DC Comics, working on beloved characters such as Wonder Woman, Superman, and The Avengers.
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Mark Raats: A South African-born illustrator, Mark Raats is renowned for his official posters for Indiana Jones and Star Wars.
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Humberto Ramos: With a career spanning work on Spider-Man, Wolverine, X-Men, and more, Humberto Ramos has been a significant force in the comic industry. He co-created Strange Academy and is currently working on Spectacular Spider-Men.
Local Artists:
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Chris Valentine: An illustrator whose career took off in 2010, Chris Valentine has worked with Lucasfilm, Warner Brothers, and Disney. His stunning oil paintings are making waves in the movie poster world.
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Karl Mostert: Known for his work on “Deceased: Unkillables”, Dark Knights: Metal, and Batman: Urban Legends, Karl Mostert will be present at the JHB Expo Centre for all days of the convention.
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Tasia M.S: With a debut graphic novel releasing in 2026, Tasia brings a wealth of illustration experience from working for the likes of DC Comics and HBO.
Comic Con Africa 2024 will also see the return of other fan favourite artist such as Sean Izaakse, Jason Masters, as well as Loyiso Mkize.
In addition to Comic Con Africa hosting multiple comic book artists, Comic Con Africa also acts as a platform for many of these characters to come to life through attendees dressing up for the show – referred to as cosplay.
Comic Con Africa proudly hosts the Comic Con Africa Championships of Cosplay which includes a trip to Chicago for one winner to represent South Africa in the world finals. This is where the highest skill levels of South African cosplay are celebrated, and those interested in entering can learn more on Comic Con Africa’s website.
For more casual fans, Comic Con Africa also hosts daily casual cosplay competitions for everything from store bought to commissioned and hand-crafted outfits. There is no pre-registration required and fans are encouraged to register on the day that they attend to stand a chance at winning prizes.
Comic Con Africa will also feature celebrated cosplayers from around the world including:
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CutiePieSensei (USA): A professional international cosplayer, CutiePieSensei has been featured on Disney+ and SyFy social media channels. Her presence has sparked excitement among fans and the local cosplay community.
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Yuji Koi (Switzerland): Hailing from Vietnam, Yuji Koi is an award-winning cosplayer recognised for her exceptional work and creativity.
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Har_fie (UK): An international content producer and cosplayer, Harry is known for combining the realms of film and cosplay with his team “SPTA”. He has produced and acted in cinematics for various games and studios, including Apex Legends, Bethesda, Marvel, and Lilith Games.
Comic Con Africa promises an immersive experience, blending the worlds of comics and cosplay in a celebration of creativity, fandom, and community. Fans can look forward to meeting their favourite artists and cosplayers, attending panels, and exploring a world of pop culture excitement.
