The Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg was ablaze with color, creativity, and camaraderie as Comic Con Africa celebrated its sixth edition from August 28 through August 31, 2025. Over four days, the continent’s biggest pop culture and gaming festival drew an expected 70,000 fans—an impressive turnout that underscored the event’s growing influence and the resilience of fandom in South Africa.
Walking through the venue, one could hardly miss the infectious energy. Costumed fans—some sporting elaborate, hand-crafted outfits, others donning simple but heartfelt tributes to their favorite characters—mingled freely, snapping selfies and sharing laughs. The event’s heart, it seemed, wasn’t on the main stage but pulsing through the crowds themselves. As reported by AFP, a 16-year-old in a yellow spandex Wolverine suit, claws made from plastic straws, squared off in friendly rivalry against a younger Deadpool. It was a sight that perfectly captured the spirit of the gathering: playful, imaginative, and inclusive.
One standout attendee, Tshegofatso Nabe, returned for her fourth year, this time as Sunday, a villain from the Chinese game Honkai: Star Rail. She spared no expense, investing in a striking blonde-and-blue wig, colored contact lenses, high platform shoes, and delicate angel wings. Nabe told AFP, “The cosplay community is so kind and this is the only time in the year when I can experience the joy of wearing this costume outside without someone looking at me weirdly.” She added, “There aren’t many conventions in Africa, and this is the only chance to express ourselves and connect with people who are in the same fandom.” Nearby, Wonder Woman, Darth Vader, and Spider-Man mingled with anime icons and original characters, all united by their love of fantasy and storytelling.
The festival’s programming was as diverse as its attendees. According to the Los Angeles Sentinel, the four-day event featured everything from vintage arcade games and esports tournaments to tabletop gaming, trading card games, anime screenings, and interactive experiences. The cosplay competition was a highlight, drawing participants of all ages and backgrounds. Fans dressed as classic heroes, villains, and even characters of their own creation—some inspired by well-known franchises, others by pure imagination.
International celebrities added a touch of Hollywood glamour to the proceedings. Dan Fogler, best known for his role as Jacob Kowalski in the Fantastic Beasts series, delighted fans with autograph and photo opportunities. Jessie T. Usher, star of Amazon Prime’s The Boys, and Misha Collins of Supernatural fame also graced the main stage, giving attendees a rare chance to interact with stars they’d previously only seen on screen. Yet, despite the allure of celebrity, it was the fans themselves who stole the show. “The first picture I took was with Sailor Moon, my favorite character of all time,” said Owami Sibanyoni, 23, who attended dressed as Musa from the animated franchise Winx Club (as quoted by the Los Angeles Sentinel).
Comic Con Africa has grown rapidly since its inception, evolving from a niche gathering for comic book enthusiasts into a multifaceted festival that rivals its counterparts in Europe and America. “We are on par with Comic Con festivals in Europe and America,” exhibitor and former gaming champion Elias Machete told AFP. “People are trying to look at the numbers but the quality here is so beautiful.” Damian Wilson, a 31-year-old salesman and repeat attendee, summed up the sentiment of many: “We are just here for the vibes.”
Carla Massmann, Comic-Con Africa’s Show Director, told the Los Angeles Sentinel, “This year’s Comic-Con has been bigger and bolder than ever before,” expressing confidence that the event would reach its 70,000-attendee goal by Sunday. The numbers reflect not just the event’s popularity but also its role as a unifying force in South African society. Nkosinathi Skhosana, 24, described Comic Con Africa as “nothing short of amazing,” adding, “Just like rugby brings people of all races together, Comic-Con is also creating that kind of space for us.”
This sense of community is particularly significant in a country where, despite progressive strides, conservative attitudes sometimes cast fandom culture as frivolous or niche. Yet, as the festival demonstrated, cosplay and pop culture offer a rare safe space for South Africans of all races and classes to forget their social issues and have fun together. The event’s timing and location added another layer of significance: the Nasrec Expo Centre is set to host the G20 summit in November 2025, and Comic Con Africa was moved from its usual late September slot to August to accommodate the global gathering.
Beyond the costumes and celebrity appearances, the festival was a showcase for the region’s creative industries. Artists, writers, and vendors displayed their wares, from original comics and art prints to fandom-focused merchandise. Esports was another major draw, with competitors battling it out in popular games like FIFA, their efforts cheered on by crowds and punctuated by bursts of music and strobe lights. In one corner, rows of teenagers with headphones clamped to their ears focused intently on curved screens, embodying the next generation of African gamers and tech enthusiasts.
For many, the appeal of Comic Con Africa went beyond the spectacle. It was a place to find belonging, to celebrate individuality, and to connect with others who share their passions. As Nabe noted, the event is “the only chance to express ourselves and connect with people who are in the same fandom.” This sentiment was echoed by countless others, from seasoned cosplayers to first-time attendees, all drawn by the promise of acceptance and creativity.
Of course, not everything was about fantasy. The logistics of pulling off an event of this scale—especially one relocated to make way for a major international summit—were formidable. Yet, organizers managed to deliver a seamless experience, earning praise from both fans and industry insiders. The festival’s success is a testament to the dedication of its organizers, the enthusiasm of its participants, and the growing cultural significance of pop culture in Africa.
As the last day drew to a close, the sense of accomplishment was palpable. Fans left with new friendships, cherished memories, and, in many cases, a renewed sense of confidence. For a few days, Johannesburg became the epicenter of African fandom, proving that the continent’s love of comics, games, and cosplay is not just alive, but thriving. The countdown to next year’s Comic Con Africa has already begun—and for thousands of fans, it can’t come soon enough.