On the 2nd of October 2021, in partnership with Film Cape Town and hosted by the City of Cape Town, Comic Con Cape Town will be bringing a new and reimagined pop-up format to the pop culture scene for the very first time. Hosted in various venues around the Mother City, Comic Con Cape Town is set to be an experience like no other. For one day only; art, illustrations, anime, games and cosplay alike, will become the heartbeat of the city.
After the delay of the festival earlier this year, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Comic Con Cape Town has innovated its offering to provide an engaging and exciting programme to fans, both digitally and IRL (In Real Life). Comprising of more than 12 different pop-ups in and around the city-bowl, Comic Con Cape Town will offer each fandom the opportunity to own their own piece of the city.
“We’ve had to think differently about how to entertain and engage with our comic con fans, therefor we decided to rather host small activities for one day only to give fans a taste of what Comic Con is all about. We’re connecting fandoms and creating spaces and activities for fellow fans to meet. Some of these activities will also be streamed out live to the fans who could not get a spot at an activity or prefer to enjoy it from the comfort of their own home”, says Carla Massmann, Comic Con Cape Town Show Director.
Due to the capacity within each venue being limited to 50 people, Comic Con Cape Town has planned to engage with fans throughout the day and across all locations. Whether fans have reserved their slots to participate IRL, or are logging on to watch from home, everyone will be in on the action of the Cosplay Regional Masters, the Cosplay Casuals and Cosplay Kids categories.
Firmly grounded in comic book culture, this new format will inspire fans and offers the opportunity to rediscover the city and experience something new at every turn. Enjoy an authentic Tea House experience proudly brough to you by The Engrave Slave, tasting brews that capture the personaliTEA of one of your favourite anime characters at Nigiro TeaCafe, in Plumstead. Immerse yourself in the bustling Artist Showcase and Live Sketch Battles at the Old Biscuit Mill, book your spot on the Pirate dress-up and sun-set cruise on the Jolly Roger at the V&A Waterfront. There is so much on offer.
Star War Fans can battle it out at Mojo Market with a Star Wars quiz, IRL or tune in on YouTube and play on your phone from home. Lord of the Rings fans can cheers with mead at the Fan Meet Up and compete in a quiz at The Beerhouse.
Cosplayers from around the province will be taking over the streets of Cape Town, bringing the city to life in their handmade, borrowed or bought costumes, competing to take the title and prize for Best Dressed at each activity.
Taking the opportunity to reinvigorate the eventing world, as well as give back to the city of Cape Town, Comic Con Cape Town is committed to leaving a positive mark on the city and its people.
“Geek culture has been part of Cape Town’s ecosystem for years with comic books, gaming, cosplay enthusiast and animators. Through Film Cape Town, we have sought to encourage more people to get involved in game development because Cape Town is also fast becoming recognised as Africa’s game development hub with more than half of South Africa’s game development studios based here in the Mother City. Partnering with Comic Con Cape Town allows us to further amplify that message while also contributing to the economy and grow the culture in the city,” says the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security JP Smith.
This taste of Comic Con Cape Town is the prelude to an even more dynamic event set-up in the future. Fan favourites like the ever-popular Comic Art Drink & Draw, Sketch-off Competitions as well as Pop Culture Quiz Sessions will remain a staple of the Comic Con Cape Town offering, and more activities will be announced closer to the event date.
Fans are encouraged to book their slots and purchase their tickets ahead of time on Howler as Comic Con Cape Town is committed to ensuring the health and safety of all by adhering to strict COVID-19 protocols and will be limiting all venues to regulated capacities. Fans will receive a collectable pin on the day when presenting their tickets at certain activations.
Each activation will have it’s own dynamic, cost and characterisation. All information on venues, locations, and limited access can be found by visiting Comic Con Cape Town’s social media platforms or Howler.co.za.
About Comic Con Cape Town
Comic Con Cape Town is a festival that focuses on all elements of pop culture. Packed with championships, competitions, super show specials, product launches, workshops, panels, Q&A sessions, screenings, activations, and interactive experiences, there is something for everyone to enjoy whether you are a casual fan or a bona fide geek.
Pop culture is growing rapidly in South Africa and the standard of Cosplay is world-class. Comic Con Africa is passionate about developing local fandoms, services and pop culture. In 2018 the South African Comic Con journey began when the annual Comic Con Africa was launched in Johannesburg to much excitement and with great success. In 2019 Comic Con Africa reached 71,000 guests over four days.
For more information, please visit www.comicconcapetown.co.za
Comic Con Africa is owned by Reed Exhibitions (Pty) Ltd and used under license by Mogull Media Proprietary Limited.
About Film Cape Town
Film Cape Town is a joint initiative between the City of Cape Town and the Cape Town film industry. It’s a focused project, designed to make the most of the City’s amazing locations, diverse talent pool and world class infrastructure to create a thriving and sustainable industry that’s the crown jewel of the continent.
What defines Cape Town as a premium film and media destination is the best “can do” attitude in the business. Beyond world-class skills and infrastructure, it’s our ability to innovate and creatively solve problems that sets the city apart.
