The 4th Annual Indian Comics Convention organized by Comic Con India received a stupendous response from fans from across all age groups. Delhi’s audiences seemed overwhelmed as they not only got a glimpse but also a chance to interact with the creator of Chacha Chaudhary and writer of Captain America under one roof . The 3 day fest took place at Capital’s Thyagraj Stadium (INA), from February 7– 9’ 2014. Spread across 50000 Sq foot of area, this year the comics convention was divided into 3 zones – (i) Experience zone (ii) Exhibitor zone and (iii) Food court.
Some of the best International Authors and Artists came especially for this 3 day convention. Mark Waid, an Eisner Award-winning American comic book writer, known for his work on Marvel Comics’ Captain America; Gabriel Bá, a Brazilian comic book artist best known for his work on The Umbrella Academy and Casanova; David Lloyd, a British comics artist, best known as the illustrator of the story V for Vendetta; John Steele Layman, an American comic book writer and Fábio Moon, a Brazilian comic book artist best known for his work on Casanova; were seen attending and taking special sessions at 4th Comic Con India.
Also, one of the major and most interesting attraction at the Indian Comic Con was Inside Peanuts: The Life and Art of Charles M. Schulz exhibit. The exhibit shipped in exclusively for visitors at the convention took the visitors through the journey of Peanuts & Charles M Schulz over the years.
Fans who come dressed as their favorite comics characters always steal the show. And this year as always, COSPLAYERS won tons of prizes under these 5 categories created to increase one’s chances of winning gifts. Each day, one winner was chosen from each of five categories:
1. Comic book/graphic novel
2. Animated Series/Movie
3. Manga/Anime
4. Sci-Fi/Fantasy
5. Gaming
All 3 days, One lucky winner out of the chosen 5 won A GOLDEN TICKET TO NEW YORK COMICS CONVENTION 2014, with a VIP ticket to the event!!
“We kickstarted our 4th year in a big way by revamping our entire event, adding more exhibitors and content. With the introduction of nominal ticketing, we tried to provide a lot many more amenities to visitors and our participants. We are extremely happy with the kind of response we have received at the 4th Annual Indian Comics Convention from fans, artists, writers and participants all together. There was so much love for comics and pop-culture in the air!”, shared Jatin Varma, Founder, Comic Con India.
Jatin further added, “We saw everyone having a wonderful time taking part in the variety of interactive sessions taken by our Indian and International guests. Fans from all age groups eagerly flocked at the different Comics/Graphic Novels’ stalls. Comics Merchandise including Apparel, Toys-Action Figures, Mugs, Posters were a huge hit amongst fans.”
For the first time, Comic Con India Awards took place at the convention itself. 3rd CCI Awards honoured the the work of the professionals of India’s Comics Industry, with nominations in 8 categories. The creator of Chacha Chaudhary, Mr. Pran Kumar Sharma was accorded with Lifetime Achievement Award and Tinkle Magazine was honoured with a Special Award, for its over 30 years of contribution to Indian comics and graphic arts.
Increasing the presence of International content at this convention was a highlight. There were International Exhibitors like 2000AD, british comics publisher best known for its Judge Dredd series; Toynk.com; Marvel & Image Comics By Diamond Book Distributors; Knockabout; Fanfare; Comixology, World’s largest digital platform for comics bringing international content from all across the globe.
The three day fest saw a special session with Mohammad Faisal, The Creator of the insanely popular comic strip, “Garbage Bin”. There was interactive session with Campfire on How to Write Comics, where they shared some very interesting ideas with the fans and budding writers. There was also a session by Artist Harsho Mohan Chattoraj, where he presented An Overview of Documentary Comics created in India and the potential Scope of these comics.
At the convention, there were Screenings of Sherlock Series, Supernatural and Top Gear Series Best Moments by AXN. Zee Cafe also presented the special screening of the Hit TV Show “House of Cards”.
4th Annual Indian Comic Con 2014 saw over 10 exclusive book launches. The most awaited Aghori Issue 9 & 10 got launched by Holy Cow Entertainment and Campfire launched World War 1 and Magical Animals. Zombie Rising part 2, Blind Spot, Pulp Quarterly 2 – The Journal of Indian Comics and Stupid Guy Goes BACK To India were amongst the other interesting launches at the convention.
At the convention, Merchandise was a great hit too. Awesome Anime & Manga Merch from Japanese Merchandiser IINE Toys, along with the best and most exclusive International merchandise was seen brought in from across the globe. Also, there were exclusive Indian merchandisers including Kook N Keech by Myntra, Wacom, Collectors Heritage, Hysteria, Firki, Purple Sack, I Wear Me, Chimp, Chumbak, Keep Chilling, Superhero Toy Store, Super Hero Toy Store, Planet Superheroes and lots more!!
Tech fans were in for a treat as Abhijeet Kini and Wacom Pen Tablets took an in depth Session on Digital Art. They discussed various tools involved along with an exclusive live demo!!
The main participants of 4th Annual Indian Comic Con were Amar Chitra Katha, Orange Radius, Abhijeet Kini, Pop Culture Publishing, Random House, Campfire Graphic Novel, Holy Cow Entertainment, HarperCollins Publishers, iComics, DC, Vertigo & Kodansha Comics By Random House India, Viz Media by Simon & Schuster India, Blaft Publications, Chariot Comics, Scholastic India, Meta Desi Comics and more!!
Comic Con India is dedicated to creating unique events and giving the fans, exhibitors and partners a platform to celebrate their undying love and passion for comics & pop culture. Comic Con India is dedicated to expanding India’s popular culture by creating high profile events that cater to fans of not only comics, but also, gaming, movies, television, merchandise, toys & more.
