Comedian-Con Africa attracts 1000’s of followers and cosplayers to Johannesburg

By Michelle Gumede | Related Press

JOHANNESBURG — Tens of 1000’s of South African comedian e-book followers and cosplayers flocked to Johannesburg on Saturday to have a good time the sixth version of Comedian-Con Africa, the continent’s largest celebration of popular culture and gaming.

The four-day competition, which started Thursday, celebrated anime, gaming, comics and cosplay with quite a lot of leisure, together with classic arcade video games, esports and costume competitions.

Followers dressed up as their favourite comedian e-book heroes and villains, snapping selfies in replicas of well-known native units and donning unique character outfits impressed by their very own creativeness.

“This year’s Comic-Con has been bigger and bolder than ever before,” stated Comedian-Con Africa Present Director Carla Massmann, including they anticipate a complete of 70,000 followers having walked by way of the gate by Sunday.

Nkosinathi Skhosana, 24, referred to as Comedian-Con Africa “nothing short of amazing” as a result of it was one other “safe space” the place South Africans of all races and lessons might neglect their social points and have enjoyable collectively.

“Just like Rugby brings people of all races together, Comic-Con is also creating that kind of space for us,” stated Skhosana.

Worldwide celebrities have been featured on the primary stage, together with U.S. actor Jessie T. Usher from the Amazon Prime collection “The Boys.” Additionally in attendance have been actor, comic and author Dan Fogler, recognized for taking part in Jacob Kowalski within the Harry Potter spinoff “Fantastic Beasts,” and Misha Collins, finest recognized for his position as Castiel in “Supernatural.”

Followers have been delighted to be handled to autograph and {photograph} alternatives with worldwide stars, however in addition they gushed over one another’s outfits.

“The first picture I took was with Sailor Moon, my favorite character of all time,” stated Owami Sibanyoni, 23, who was dressed as Musa from the animated franchise ”Winx Membership.”

The occasion, which is often held on the finish of September, was moved to August to make method for the G20 summit, which shall be held on the identical venue later this 12 months.

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Initially Printed: August 30, 2025 at 11:46 AM PDT