Comic Con Africa 2025: Joburg Gears Up for the Ultimate Pop Culture Party

Comic Con Africa 2025: Joburg Gears Up for the Ultimate Pop Culture Party

Johannesburg is about to become the centre of the geek universe. From 28 to 31 August, Comic Con Africa 2025 returns to the Johannesburg Expo Centre at Nasrec, promising four days of cosplay, gaming, celebrity meet-ups and pure fandom magic.

This isn’t just another expo on the city’s calendar; it’s a full-scale celebration of imagination and creativity, and it has grown into one of South Africa’s most anticipated cultural festivals since its debut in 2018.

A Festival of Fandoms

Step into Comic Con Africa and you’ll quickly realise why Joburg locals and visitors from across the country mark these dates months in advance. It’s the only place where you can bump into a Jedi on your way to a Pokémon card battle, or queue for autographs from international TV stars before exploring a market of more than 300 geek-friendly vendors.

This year’s headline guests include Misha Collins of Supernatural fame, Jessie T. Usher (aka A-Train from The Boys), and South Africa’s own Chioma Antoinette Umeala, who starred in One Piece and The Woman King. Fans can look forward to Q&A sessions, selfies, and behind-the-scenes stories straight from the stars.

Cosplay Takes Centre Stage

For many, Comic Con Africa is all about cosplay. The casual competitions make space for first-timers and kids to strut their stuff, while the Championships of Cosplay crown South Africa’s best, with winners earning the chance to represent the country on the global stage.

International cosplay icons Yuji Koi and Majed Cosplay are also set to appear, adding global flair to a community that thrives on creativity and craftsmanship.

New for 2025: The Book Nook

One of the most exciting additions this year is The Book Nook in Hall 6. It’s a literary playground featuring local authors, themed quizzes, fan meet-ups, cosplay, and even a Wish Tree where you can hang your personalised bookmark. From Lord of the Rings to Percy Jackson, fantasy and sci-fi lovers finally have a home within the con.

Gaming, KidsCon and More

Joburg’s ever-growing gaming scene will once again find its heartbeat at Comic Con. Expect free-to-play zones, eSports tournaments, tabletop showdowns, and plenty of discounts on the latest tech.

Families are catered for too, thanks to KidsCon. With character meet-and-greets, interactive activities, and school-holiday-friendly fun, it’s designed to make sure younger fans can get just as swept up in the action.

A Marketplace Like No Other

Over 120 artists in Artist Alley will be showcasing original illustrations, while the vendor stalls promise everything from comics to exclusive collectables. Add in food trucks, outdoor hangout zones and interactive experiences, and the festival feels more like a village of fandoms than a convention.

Need-to-Know

• Dates: 28–31 August 2025

• Venue: Johannesburg Expo Centre, Nasrec

• Times: 9am–6pm daily

• Tickets: R180–R250 for a day pass | R750 for a four-day pass | Celebrity sessions extra | Book via Howler

  Source:Whats on in Joburg 

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