The 4th Annual Indian Comics Convention organized by Comic Con India received a stupendous response from fans from across all age groups.
The 3 day fest took place at Capital’s Thyagraj Stadium (INA). Spread across 50000 Sq foot of area, this year the comics convention was divided into 3 zones - experience zone, exhibitor zone and the 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.
‘We kick started 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.
Varma 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, 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.
This year's convention saw over 10 book launches. The most awaited Aghori Issue 9 and 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.