Written by Isekai South Africa
Every year, fans from all walks of life gather under one roof to celebrate their shared love for comics, anime, movies, TV series, and all things pop culture.
Comic Con Africa, one of the continent's biggest conventions, offers a unique and immersive experience for fans of all ages. In this blog post, we'll dive into the captivating world of Comic Con Africa 2023 and explore the unforgettable experiences it had up for offer.
It's more than just a convention; it's a gathering of like-minded individuals who share a deep passion for all things geek. From die-hard comic book collectors to casual moviegoers, everyone finds their place in this inclusive community.
Cosplay Extravaganza : 9/10
One of the most exciting aspects of Comic Con Africa is the cosplay culture. Fans don elaborate costumes, bringing their favourite characters to life with breathtaking precision. The convention floor becomes a stage for these talented individuals, where photographers and fellow attendees can't help but marvel at the dedication and creativity that goes into each costume. Whether you're dressed as a superhero, a video game character, or a beloved anime icon, this is the ultimate place to showcase your cosplay skills & talents.
CCA 2023 also invited some awesome International Cosplayers: Sakura Flor (Netherlands), Har Fie (England), Princess Sachiko (South Africa), Deadpool South Africa, Elysian Prince, Jinxie Cosplay, Mimic and so many others.
Vendor Halls : 10/10
The Vendor Halls are a treasure trove of merchandise, from rare comic books and chase Funko Pops to unique artwork and collectables. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just looking for a special souvenir to take home with you, you're sure to find something that catches your eye. The diversity of vendors at CCA this year was absolutely phenomenal. There was definitely something for EVERY fandom this year.
Panels and Workshops : 10/10
CCA hosted a wide range of panels and workshops covering various aspects of pop culture. Attendees could gain insights from industry experts, participate in discussions about their favourite shows and movies, and even learn new skills in workshops related to cosplay, writing, and art. These sessions provide valuable knowledge and foster a sense of community among fans.
Comic Con Africa also always boasts an impressive lineup of celebrities from the worlds of comics, movies, and television. Fans have the chance to meet their favorite actors, writers, and artists, and even get autographs or take photos with them. These interactions create lasting memories and provide an opportunity to learn more about the behind-the-scenes magic of their favorite franchises.
This year we got to see and hear from Joey The Anime Man, AkiDearest, Veronica Taylor (VA: Ash Ketchum), Steven John Howard (One Piece Live Action), Cameron Scott (Ring of Beasts), Ross Marquand (The Walking Dead), Anthony Daniels (C-3P0), John Barrowman (Arrow) and many more.
Gaming Galore : 9/10
For gamers, Comic Con Africa is a gaming paradise. From tabletop games to video game tournaments, there's absolutely no shortage of opportunities to challenge your skills and meet fellow gamers.
This year, Comic Con hosted the Doritos Crunch Cup, The Toyota Gaming Engine, Telkom VS Masters and so many other free-to-play tournaments. Along with these, you could also immerse yourself in the world of Tabletop Gaming courtsey of Unplug Yourself which brought on the duelling with Yu-Gi-Oh!, Magic: The Gathering and more. You also had the chance to get a hands-on experience with the latest video game releases and technology like the F1 simulator and VR Engines.
Otaku Town: 8/10
A brand new experience was brought to us this year. Otaku Town was the ultimate fusion of manga, anime and Japanese Pop Culture. Otaku Town really brought Japan to SA this year with learning Japanese, making cosplay weapons & props, Japanese Cooking lessons and many anime quizzes.
Family-Friendly Fun : 7/10
From Cosplay Competitions to drawing activities and painting miniatures. Fans get to meet their favourite characters and youtubers, take part in craft workshops, and enjoy the colourful and friendly atmosphere. It's a great way to introduce the next generation to the joys of pop culture.
However, CCA 2023 received a mix of reviews with regards to not being family-friendly. This included complaints against the numerous stands selling marijuana, vapes and the Shinzo Maid Cafe. Maid cafes are defined as a subcategory of cosplay restaurants found in Japan and in these cafés, waitresses (dressed in maid costumes) act as servants, and treat customers as 'masters' as if they were in a private home, rather than as café patrons. Although some things were altered by this particular vendor, some images and videos taken in the cafe portrayed something else entirely and have since been removed by many creators due to the backlash. Another issue was the selling of items promoting Hentai and Nudity, including statues, body pillows, stickers and more. People are concerned and these are definitely issues which need to be sectioned off as '18 and older' where IDs are required for access. Read our thoughts on this further below.
Our Personal Experience :
Overall, Comic Con Africa was a blast! We had so much fun walking around and being with like-minded people who can have a good time together. Here's our reasons for some of the lower scores:
- While there were many cosplayers at the event who were really talented and gave it their all to showcase their skills, there were a few people who barely put in any effort and called it cosplay. The 'Cosplay is not Consent' movement also made a lot of cosplayers very weary to fully embody their characters at the event.
- In the gaming hall, we felt like there wasnt really a good flow due to how spread out the gaming areas were from each other. In some parts it felt very empty and in others it was full. There also weren't many seating areas for spectators to watch the tournaments.
- Otaku Town was a breeze of fresh air! We were super excited and the activities were really fun. However, we felt like there wasn't a lot of hype around the area amongst the attendees, which made the atmosphere feel a bit flat at times. We'd also love to be in a bigger area for Otaku Town that doesn't have as many walls around it so that more fans feel welcomed to come in and enjoy Japanese culture just as much as we do.
- With regards to how family friendly the event was, we personally didn't experience anything that was NSFW. We did however walk past marijuana and vape vendors which we believe should have been sectioned off. We also didn't get a chance to visit The Shinzo Maid Cafe so we can't comment on the conduct of the maids or the establishment.
Comic Con Africa 2023 was a celebration of all things geek, a place where fans can come together to share their passions, meet their heroes, and create lasting memories. Whether you're a die-hard comic book collector, a movie enthusiast, a dedicated cosplayer, or just someone looking to have a great time, this convention offers something for everyone. As the event continues to grow and evolve, it remains a testament to the enduring power of fandoms and the sense of belonging it brings to fans from across the globe. Don't miss your chance to experience the magic of Comic Con Africa for yourself!