Following the recent announcement that the indefinite ban on large gatherings is still prohibited, the 2020 live edition of Comic Con Africa 2020 will no longer be happening at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand this coming September. We know, it's absolutely heartbreaking! But, it doesn't mean that South Africans need to cancel their Comic Con plans. The con must go on, so get ready for an online virtual con!
https://www.instagram.com/p/CBNOj9jnScl/
Although the virtual Comic Con Africa 2020 entertainment lineup is yet to be organised and set, Reed Expeditions has announced a few plans for this unique online experience. The event's organisers are confident that the virtual edition will offer fans across South Africa the same experience as you'd get attending the live mass gathering.
What To Expect?
They're planning on bringing the pop culture community as much content and entertainment as they can at no cost over the Comic Con Africa 2020 weekend, but some of the experiences will require payment, including celebrity panels and other exclusives.
Wondering what else you can expect regarding the lineup? Well, you can still expect live chats and draws, Q&As, talks, gaming tournaments and streams, artist panels, exclusive exhibitor deals and more, all available online.
Already Bought Your Tickets?
The question is: what if you have already bought your ticket for Comic Con Africa 2020? What happens now? Well, not to worry! If you have already purchased your 2020 convention tickets, you can carry it over to next year's edition with a price freeze.
However, you're more than welcome to get a refund for your tickets through Howler. Click here to see all the Comic Con Africa 2020 FAQs.
"COVID-19 won’t stop the dedicated fandoms and communities that Comic Con Africa engages with, so by offering an Online Con experience we can still not only keep our communities together, but connect more fans and grow to ensure that our 2021 show is the biggest yet!” said Carla Massmann, the Portfolio Director for Comic Con.
Comic Con Online will be unique, exciting and innovative! And it will still be the ultimate pop culture (virtual) festival in Africa. Be sure not to miss out. It's going to be one interesting experience!
When Is It?
Thursday, 24 September 2020 - Sunday, 27 September 2020.
Where Is It?
The event has moved from the Gallagher Convention Centre to being online!
Visit www.comicconafrica.co.za to keep up to date with the latest news, announcements and information regarding Comic Con Online.
How Much Is It?
Tickets sales have been stopped as of Tuesday, 09 June 2020.
If you have already bought your CCA 2020 tickets, they can be carried over to next year's event with a price freeze or you can claim a refund via Howler.
For More Information
For more information about Comic Con Africa and the latest developments and news regarding their upcoming online experience, visit www.comicconafrica.co.za.
Don't forget to check them out on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
While Frison is best known for her cover art for Wonder Woman, she has also created covers for X-Men Red, Black Panther, Loki, Vampirella, Red Sonja, Clean Room, Revival, I Vampire, Angel, Spike, True Blood and Xena, to name a few... and she will be gracing us with her presence at Comic Con Africa!
Her interest in comic books began with a Wonder Woman storybook she enjoyed as a young girl. After school she attended Northern Illinois University where she majored in illustration before attending The Kubert School of Art. During her schooling, she decided she wanted to focus on cover art and quit before her third year to teach herself. She met writer Tim Seeley, who asked her to draw a cover for Hack/Slash after he looked at her website. The two became friends, and they now share a work space at Four Star Studios in Chicago, Illinois.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BloUnHXHBy_/?hl=en&taken-by=jennyfrisonart
In 2013 and 2015 she was nominated for "Best Cover Artist" in the Harvey Awards. Frison joins an ensemble of comic book artists that are set to wow attendees at the first edition of Comic Con Africa. The Comic Con Africa 2018 experience will also include the Artist Alley – a space for independent artists who are producing original artwork in the form of comics, prints, posters and self-published novels, and books.
Comic Con Africa will be held from 14 – 16 September 2018 at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit & International Convention Centre. The event is a multi-genre entertainment and comic convention that features comic books, games, arts, movies, pop-culture elements and so much more.
Celebrity Guests Announced For Comic Con Africa
Jason Momoa – Cancelled
Unfortunately Jason Momoa who plays Khal Drogo in Game Of Thrones and Aquaman in Justice League, has had to cancel his visit to CCA.
Yetide Badaki
The Nigerian-born American actress Yetide Badaki has done voice acting for Call Of Duty: Infinite War, starred in Lost, made an appearance in Criminal Minds and won over the masses with her role as Bilquis in the televised version of American Gods. Yetide, if you read this, can we buy you lunch at Tasha's while you're in Joburg?
Ricky Whittle
Looks like Comic Con Africa is going to be one big ride. Dreamy British actor Ricky Whittle was added to the list alongside American Gods co-star Yetide Badaki. Ricky may be best known in the United Kingdom for his role as Calvin Valentine in the British soap opera Hollyoaks, but to the rest of us he's Shadow Moon, the bad ass bodyguard to Mr. Wednesday.
Rick Worthy
Sci-Fi actor and taekwondo expert, Rick Worthy, will be joining the long list of special guests at Comic Con Africa. Rick is known for his roles in Supernatural, Stargate SG-1, Star Trek, and Vampire Diaries.
Kevin Sussman
Stuart from Comic Centre is in the house! Kevin Sussman is known for his role in the CBS sitcom The Big Bang Theory and Walter on the ABC comedy-drama Ugly Betty. Kevin also played a role in the cult classic comedy film Wet Hot American Summer and had a walk-on part in the Sopranos. We're excited to pick his brain about who would win a fight between Homer Simpson and Shrek... yup.
Jenny Frison
Uh, just check the main body of this article for more information about the super-talented Jenny Frison.
Chris Sprous
Not all heroes wear capes – some come armed with a pen and a notepad. Chris Sprouse is an American comics artist and the right-hand man to the legendary Watchmen creator, Alan Moore (who Chris co-created Tom Strong with). Chris has done time at Dark Horse Comics, DC and Marvel, where he finished off Black Panther vol. 6 #5–8.
Anthony Mackie (Cancelled)
Also known for his roles in Oscar-winning films The Hurt Locker and Million Dollar Baby, as well as The Adjustment Bureau, 8 Mile and Half Nelson, Mackie continues to be one of Hollywood's most in-demand actors. He was classically trained at the Juilliard School of Drama and is able to bring to life a plethora of characters on both the stage and screen. Due to Hurricane Florence Mackie will not be able to attend. Pitty, we were looking forward to his bright smile and sharp whit. Next time!
Andy Diggle
British comic book writer and former 2000AD editor, Andy Diggle has been added to the Comic Con Africa list. He is best known for his work on The Losers, Swamp Thing, Hellblazer, Adam Strange and Silent Dragon at DC Comics and for his run on Thunderbolts and Daredevil after his move to Marvel.
Yaya Han
Joining the cosplay side of Comic Con Africa, Chinese-American super star Yaya Han will be showcasing her talent.
Philip Odango
The cosplay bus does not stop at Yaya Han... not by a long shot. Philip Odango is an American actor, artist, designer, producer, director and cosplayer. With over a decade of experience in directing and producing over two-dozen stage productions, he is known for his award-winning costume work as Canvas Cosplay.
Travis Fimmel
Travis Fimmel is best known for his role as Ragnar in four seasons of Vikings, but he also starred in the lead in the Warcraft movie. He was most recently seen in a supporting role in the film Lean On Pete, opposite Chloe Sevigny, Steve Buscemi and Charlie Plummer.
By Shawn Greyling
While Frison is best known for her cover art for Wonder Woman, she has also created covers for X-Men Red, Black Panther, Loki, Vampirella, Red Sonja, Clean Room, Revival, I Vampire, Angel, Spike, True Blood and Xena, to name a few... and she will be gracing us with her presence at Comic Con Africa!
Her interest in comic books began with a Wonder Woman storybook she enjoyed as a young girl. After school she attended Northern Illinois University where she majored in illustration before attending The Kubert School of Art. During her schooling, she decided she wanted to focus on cover art and quit before her third year to teach herself. She met writer Tim Seeley, who asked her to draw a cover for Hack/Slash after he looked at her website. The two became friends, and they now share a work space at Four Star Studios in Chicago, Illinois.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BloUnHXHBy_/?hl=en&taken-by=jennyfrisonart
In 2013 and 2015 she was nominated for "Best Cover Artist" in the Harvey Awards. Frison joins an ensemble of comic book artists that are set to wow attendees at the first edition of Comic Con Africa. The Comic Con Africa 2018 experience will also include the Artist Alley – a space for independent artists who are producing original artwork in the form of comics, prints, posters and self-published novels, and books.
Comic Con Africa will be held from 14 – 16 September 2018 at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit & International Convention Centre. The event is a multi-genre entertainment and comic convention that features comic books, games, arts, movies, pop-culture elements and so much more.
Celebrity Guests Announced For Comic Con Africa
Jason Momoa – Cancelled
Unfortunately Jason Momoa who plays Khal Drogo in Game Of Thrones and Aquaman in Justice League, has had to cancel his visit to CCA.
Yetide Badaki
The Nigerian-born American actress Yetide Badaki has done voice acting for Call Of Duty: Infinite War, starred in Lost, made an appearance in Criminal Minds and won over the masses with her role as Bilquis in the televised version of American Gods. Yetide, if you read this, can we buy you lunch at Tasha's while you're in Joburg?
Ricky Whittle
Looks like Comic Con Africa is going to be one big ride. Dreamy British actor Ricky Whittle was added to the list alongside American Gods co-star Yetide Badaki. Ricky may be best known in the United Kingdom for his role as Calvin Valentine in the British soap opera Hollyoaks, but to the rest of us he's Shadow Moon, the bad ass bodyguard to Mr. Wednesday.
Rick Worthy
Sci-Fi actor and taekwondo expert, Rick Worthy, will be joining the long list of special guests at Comic Con Africa. Rick is known for his roles in Supernatural, Stargate SG-1, Star Trek, and Vampire Diaries.
Kevin Sussman
Stuart from Comic Centre is in the house! Kevin Sussman is known for his role in the CBS sitcom The Big Bang Theory and Walter on the ABC comedy-drama Ugly Betty. Kevin also played a role in the cult classic comedy film Wet Hot American Summer and had a walk-on part in the Sopranos. We're excited to pick his brain about who would win a fight between Homer Simpson and Shrek... yup.
Jenny Frison
Uh, just check the main body of this article for more information about the super-talented Jenny Frison.
Chris Sprous
Not all heroes wear capes – some come armed with a pen and a notepad. Chris Sprouse is an American comics artist and the right-hand man to the legendary Watchmen creator, Alan Moore (who Chris co-created Tom Strong with). Chris has done time at Dark Horse Comics, DC and Marvel, where he finished off Black Panther vol. 6 #5–8.
Anthony Mackie (Cancelled)
Also known for his roles in Oscar-winning films The Hurt Locker and Million Dollar Baby, as well as The Adjustment Bureau, 8 Mile and Half Nelson, Mackie continues to be one of Hollywood's most in-demand actors. He was classically trained at the Juilliard School of Drama and is able to bring to life a plethora of characters on both the stage and screen. Due to Hurricane Florence Mackie will not be able to attend. Pitty, we were looking forward to his bright smile and sharp whit. Next time!
Andy Diggle
British comic book writer and former 2000AD editor, Andy Diggle has been added to the Comic Con Africa list. He is best known for his work on The Losers, Swamp Thing, Hellblazer, Adam Strange and Silent Dragon at DC Comics and for his run on Thunderbolts and Daredevil after his move to Marvel.
Yaya Han
Joining the cosplay side of Comic Con Africa, Chinese-American super star Yaya Han will be showcasing her talent.
Philip Odango
The cosplay bus does not stop at Yaya Han... not by a long shot. Philip Odango is an American actor, artist, designer, producer, director and cosplayer. With over a decade of experience in directing and producing over two-dozen stage productions, he is known for his award-winning costume work as Canvas Cosplay.
Travis Fimmel
Travis Fimmel is best known for his role as Ragnar in four seasons of Vikings, but he also starred in the lead in the Warcraft movie. He was most recently seen in a supporting role in the film Lean On Pete, opposite Chloe Sevigny, Steve Buscemi and Charlie Plummer.
By Shawn Greyling
What Is It?
Get ready for loads of giveaways and specials at Cosmic Comics. Will we being seeing you there? Round up a group of your friends and head to this amazing event for a great experience with like minded people. The day will include free comics, free stuff for the early birds, a cosplay competition, lots of specials in store and more. Follow Cosmic Comics to stay in loop with what's happening on this special day.
When Is It?
Saturday, 04 May 2019 at 09:00 - 16:00.
Where Is It?
Cosmic Comics, 06 Mountainview Avenue and Beyers Naudé Drive, Blackheath, Randburg, Johannesburg.
How Much Is It?
No ticket information communicated. Contact 011 678 0165 or email [email protected] for any questions.
For More Information
For more information about this event, visit their the Cosmic Comics Facebook page.
What Is It?
Calling all Team Rocket, Team Aqua, Team Magma, Team Galactic, Team Plasma, Team Flare and Team Skull. The annual picnic theme this year is Teams, meet like minded people and get to share the same passion for Pokémons and an all round great time that is unique and creating the greatest memories while at it. See you there! Bring your own picnic basket, sunblock, blankets.
When Is It?
Sunday, 15 April 2018 at 11:30 - 16:30.
Where Is It?
Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden, Malcolm Road, 1731 Roodepoort, Johannesburg.
How Much Is It?
Entrance is R 50 per person.
For More Information
Visit their Facebook page.
What Is It?
ICON CGC is SA's longest-running comics and gaming convention, and this year they’ll be celebrating their 26th anniversary! Geeks of all ages can head to The Palace of Dreams, Emperors Palace to gather, shop and play at this signature event. There will plenty of tabletop and board gaming warfare, cosplay competitions and plenty of fun for all, whether you’re full-on geek or geek-curious. ICON CGC has become a staple on the South African pop culture calendar, featuring a number of firsts. This year continues to break new ground as it hosts the local leg of the World Cosplay Summit for the first time ever on the African continent.
There will be over 40 panel and workshop presentations for you to suss out, focusing on topics such as the state of esports in South Africa, how to design monsters and aliens for games, how to get started on your own YouTube channel and much more. Panel guests include parenting expert Nikki Bush, tech commentator Arthur Goldstuck, international cosplayer Linda "Vampy Bit Me" Le, game designer James Sutter, and gamer mom Pippa Tshabalala. Also, the South African National Blood Service will be on site to help you be a hero and #SaveANation.
As ardent ICON attendees will know, the convention hosts key international guests, authors, thought leaders and more from the world of pop culture. The line-up this year includes (from left to right):
- Raymond E. Feist: Twelve times New York Times bestseller, 9 times London Times bestseller, a master of fantasy fiction. Raymond will be promoting his new book “King of Ashes”.
- Meagan Marie: World class cosplayer and cosplay ambassador.
- Jim Zub: Jim is a Marvel Comics author and currently the lead writer on the ‘Avengers’ and ‘Champions’ series of comic books.
- Sean Izaakse: Marvel Comics artist, currently artist on the ‘Avengers’ and ‘Champions comic books.
When Is It?
Friday, 29 June 2018 – Sunday, 01 July 2018.
Where Is It?
Emperors Palace, 64 Jones Road, O.R. Tambo, Kempton Park, Johannesburg.
How Much Is It?
Tickets cost between R 120 and R 895 per person and are available at www.iconcgc.co.za.
Ticket prices are as follows:
- Daily tickets – between R 120 per person
- Weekend pass – R 250 - R 1 495 per person
- VIP pass – R 895 - R 1 995 per person
For More Information
For more information about this event, visit www.iconcgc.co.za.
Geek Hang-outs In The City
DeeTwenty Geeking Venue – Randburg
Looking to meet and hang out out with fellow geeks and play a few rounds of Dungeons & Dragons or Magic? Then make sure you head to DeeTwenty Geeking Venue in Malanshof, Randburg. They offer a great space where visitors can do the things that nerds love doing. It’s R55 for a day pass (rate seen as of March 2017), which includes WiFi access, bottomless drinks and, of course, a variety of games! Don't forget to check out their Facebook page for scheduled events.
The Nexus Gaming Centre – Randburg
Being the new home of AWX and Outer Limits, the two-storey Nexus Gaming Centre opened in December 2016 and is just the place for gamers and geeks alike. You can expect a variety of geekish experiences from gaming stores offering PS4 titles, board games and figurines to LAN setups and a restaurant where you can fuel up before your next gaming session. Find it at 21 Harley Street, Ferndale, Randburg.
Geek Events To Look Out For This Year
Fantasy Fayre 2017 – 02 April 2017
Calling all faeries, gallant knights, fair maidens and steampunk elves! For the first time in Joburg, Neigh-Bours Magic Medieval Fayre presents the Fantasy Fayre 2017, taking place in Muldersdrift this April! Spend the afternoon enjoying a variety of medieval and fantasy games, strolling through a fantasy-themed market filled with plenty of craftsmen and playing dress up!
GeekFest 2017 – 13 and 14 May 2017
GeekFest has become one of the most popular annual geek gatherings in the city. There’s something for everyone at GeekFest, from Robo Wars and LARPing to medieval combat displays, cosplay and a massive themed market. And this year, grab your co-geeks or go solo at the Geeklympics. Click here to get your tickets now.
ICON CGC – 16 to 18 June 2017
ICON CGC is SA's longest running comics and gaming convention, and this year they’ll be celebrating their 25th anniversary! Geeks of all ages can head to Gallagher Convention Centre to gather, shop and play at this signature event. There will plenty of table-top and board gaming warfare, cosplay competitions and plenty of fun for all, whether you’re full-on geek or geek-curious.
LANX 2017 – 06 to 09 July 2017
Gamers, we haven’t forgotten about you! On 01 April, tickets will go on sale for LANX 2017, which will be taking place at Joni Bach Sport Centre in Pretoria North this July. This is the ideal event if you’re interested in a competitive gaming experience and want to check out the latest in gadget and technology trends. Not only will you be absorbed into the world of gaming, there’ll also be great prizes up for grabs and the opportunity to meet and mingle with other like-minded people.
rAge 2017 – 06 to 08 October 2017
Another unmissable geek event that takes place every year is rAge! For all things that fall under video gaming, gadgets, technology and the geek lifestyle, this is your one-stop destination. Take a glimpse into the future, take a couple of pictures with awesome cosplayers and enter a virtual world to escape reality for the weekend.
Shop Geek At These Stores
Zed Bees Comic Universe South Africa
No matter what comics you’re into, be it Marvel, DC, Image or even Dark House, Zed Bees Comic Universe is just the place if you’re looking to stock up on reading material and graphic novels in paperbacks or hardcovers. They also offer a collection of action figurines, toys, statues and displays for your geek paraphernalia.
Cosmic Comics
As the name suggests, it’s all about the comics at Cosmic Comics! You can get your hands on a variety of new and back-issue comic books and other pop-culture collectables here, including Funko Pops. You can either pop into the store and see what they have available or shop in the comfort of your own home on their site. Shopping has never been easier.
Dark Carnival
And finally, but certainly not least, for all your geek merchandise, The Dark Carnival has all things geek including clothing and accessories, fandom items and collectables. Personal favourites from their online catalogue include the Jack Skellington messenger bag, Star Trek and Harry Potter scatter cushions, and Adventure Time onesies!
What Is It?
Come over to the GEEK SIDE on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 May when GEEKFEST returns to Montecasino’s Outdoor Events Area! Browse through over 100 geek-themed market stalls, watch the amazing Robo Wars tournament, Live Action Role Play demos, Medieval Fight Club and Cosplayers, learn to play a multitude of board games, and let the kids run wild in the Kids’ Play Area! GEEKFEST – only at Montecasino on 19 and 20 May. See you there!
Why Go?
Aside from over 100 unique market stalls selling geeky items, there will also be different elements of entertainment to entice and educate festival goers: try your hand at Live Action Role Play (or LARP for short), get some pics with awesome knights (in real armour) showing off their medieval martial arts skills, cheer on your favourite robot during the RoboWars challenge, learn to play the multitude of board/tabletop games on offer, let your kids run wild in the kid’s play area, enjoy gourmet meals in thefood court and craft beer in the beer garden, check out the amazing cosplay competitions on stage, and enjoy all the other sights and sounds well into the evening.
When Is It?
Saturday, 19 May 2018 - Sunday, 20 May 2018.
Where Is It?
Montecasino, 01 Montecasino Boulevard, Fourways, Johannesburg.
How Much Is It?
General Access: R120 online | R150 at the door
Weekend Pass: R200 online | R290 at the door
For More Information
www.geekfest.co.za or check them out on Facebook.