The four-day convention, running from Thursday to Sunday, transformed the city’s Gallagher Convention Centre into a vibrant hub of creativity and fandom…reports Asian Lite News
Tens of thousands of fans of comics, anime, cosplay and gaming poured into Johannesburg over the weekend for Comic-Con Africa, the continent’s largest pop culture festival, which returned for its sixth edition with more colour, imagination and enthusiasm than ever before.
The four-day convention, running from Thursday to Sunday, transformed the city’s Gallagher Convention Centre into a vibrant hub of creativity and fandom. Organisers said the event had already surpassed expectations, with the final tally of visitors expected to reach around 70,000 by the time doors closed on Sunday evening.
From superheroes and villains to anime favourites and original character creations, the halls and outdoor spaces were packed with costumed revellers eager to celebrate their passions and connect with like-minded enthusiasts. Fans were seen snapping selfies against elaborate backdrops, browsing merchandise stands, trying their hand at vintage arcade machines and competing in video game tournaments.
“This year’s Comic-Con has been bigger and bolder than ever before,” said Comic-Con Africa Show Director Carla Massmann. “The response has been phenomenal. We knew fans were hungry for this after last year’s success, but the sheer energy and turnout this time has taken it to another level.”
Comic-Con Africa, first staged in 2018, has quickly established itself as the premier pop culture event on the continent. Modeled on similar conventions in the United States and Europe, it has become an annual pilgrimage for fans who often spend months preparing elaborate costumes, some based on globally recognised characters and others entirely of their own design.
This year, the festival featured a packed programme of attractions. Alongside the bustling exhibition floor and artist alley, where illustrators showcased and sold their work, visitors enjoyed screenings, panel discussions, cosplay competitions and esports contests.
For many, the weekend was not simply about entertainment but about belonging. Nkosinathi Skhosana, 24, said Comic-Con Africa was “nothing short of amazing” because it created a space where South Africans of all backgrounds could celebrate together.
“Just like rugby brings people of all races together, Comic-Con is also creating that kind of space for us,” Skhosana said, noting that fans could, for a few hours, escape the country’s social challenges and lose themselves in fantasy worlds.
A highlight for many attendees was the chance to meet international celebrities. Among those headlining the main stage were American actor Jessie T. Usher, who stars in the Amazon Prime superhero series *The Boys*, and Dan Fogler, the actor, comedian and writer best known for his role as Jacob Kowalski in the *Fantastic Beasts* films. Also drawing huge crowds was Misha Collins, the U.S. actor beloved by fans of *Supernatural* for his portrayal of the angel Castiel.
Queues snaked across the convention floor as attendees lined up for autograph and photo sessions with their favourite stars. While some came armed with posters and memorabilia, others simply wanted the chance to say hello.
For younger fans, the experience was equally thrilling when shared with fellow cosplayers. “The first picture I took was with Sailor Moon, my favourite character of all time,” said Owami Sibanyoni, 23, who attended dressed as Musa from the animated franchise *Winx Club*. “The best part is that people are so excited to take photos with you too. It makes you feel part of something bigger.”
Beyond celebrity appearances and gaming showdowns, Comic-Con Africa has been credited with helping to cultivate a sense of creative community within South Africa and across the continent. The convention has become an incubator for local comic artists, writers and designers, offering them exposure to thousands of potential fans and customers.
Workshops and panel sessions during the weekend highlighted the importance of growing the African creative economy, with speakers urging investment in local animation, game design and publishing industries. For many artists, Comic-Con Africa provides one of the few large-scale platforms where their work can be discovered by international audiences.
“This is not just about comics or gaming,” said Massmann. “It is about celebrating creativity in all its forms and giving African voices a stage.”
Traditionally, Comic-Con Africa is held in late September, but this year’s edition was brought forward to August to accommodate the G20 summit, which is scheduled to take place at the same venue later in the year. The change did little to dampen enthusiasm, with organisers reporting brisk ticket sales and strong interest from both local and international exhibitors.
As the final day approached, the convention floor remained crowded with visitors clutching shopping bags of collectibles and posing for last-minute photographs. For many, the event was about far more than merchandise or celebrity encounters — it was a celebration of identity, creativity and community spirit.
“Comic-Con is the one place where you can be whoever you want to be and people cheer you for it,” said Sibanyoni. “It’s not just a festival, it’s a family.”
With its record attendance and broadening cultural influence, Comic-Con Africa appears set to remain a highlight of the South African entertainment calendar. Organisers have already hinted at plans to expand the programme in 2026, suggesting the continent’s love affair with pop culture has only just begun.
