3rd Annual Indian Comics Convention gave away a magical and fun filled weekend to all Comics Fans People came dressed in their favorite comic characters and superhero costumes; World Renowned Guests took Special Sessions; there were nearly 10 book launches; tons of merchandise & Lots of activities.
At the 3 day fest, footfalls were recorded as close to 50,000 and sales crossed over 1 crore.
The Third Annual Indian Comics Convention organized by Comic Con India saw a grand response from fans from across all age groups. The 3 day fest took place at Capital’s Dilli Haat (INA) from Feb 8-10′ 2013.
Some of the best International comics’ publishers came especially for this 3 day convention. There was Top Cow, Drawn & Quarterly, Fantagraphics, First Second, Self Made Hero & Vertical Inc., exclusively at the 3rd Annual Indian Comic Con. Also, there was anArtists’ Alley, which gave fans, an opportunity to interact with awesome artists, illustrators, designers working for comics and related fields.
Fans who come dressed as their favorite comics characters always steal the show. This year, COSPLAY, the costumes play contest, one of the major attractions at Comic Con India had 5 categories to increase one’s chances of winning gifts. Each day, one winner was chosen from each of five categories –
1. Comic book/Graphic novel
2. Animated Series/ Movie
3. Manga/Anime
4. Sci-Fi/ Fantasy
5. Gaming
And, One lucky winner out of the chosen 5 each day WON a TRIP to the Middle East Film & Comic Con to be held in Dubai in April!
“We are overwhelmed by the response we have been getting at all Indian Comics Cons. We try to bring Retailers, Publishers, Merchandisers, Writers, Artists, Illustrators etc. from within the Comic, Animation, Gaming, Movies/studios and related communities together and give them a common platform. At the 3rd annual Indian Comics Convention, we saw fans having a wonderful time taking part in the variety of interactive sessions. Fans eagerly flocked at the different Comics/Graphic Novels’ stalls with merchandise including Apparel, Toys-Action Figures, Mugs, Posters, Superhero USB drives etc. Kids were super excited and enjoying the delectable Superhero cupcakes. The Cosplay(costume contest) ensured that excitement levels remained at an all time high”, shared Jatin Varma,Founder, Comic Con India.
There were workshops and sessions with Famous International personalities like Matt Hawkins, President and COO of Top Cow Productions; Peggy Burns, Associate Publisher of the renowned graphic novel publisher Drawn & Quarterly; Emma Hayley, Managing Director & Publisher, Self Made Hero and Calista Brill, Senior Editor at First Second Books.
One of the major attractions this year, were the launches of nearly 10 different titles exclusively at the event.
Also, Comic Con India announced the launch of its very own online retail store ‘Pop Cracker’, an e- store to pick up the latest Indian and International comics, graphic novels, merchandise, toys and more.
Amar Chitra Katha (ACK) conducted fun activities such as songs & games, arts & crafts, making comics, live sketching and many more throughout the 3 days for children of all ages as well as for adults.
Now, after years, the comics’ community in India has a platform where they can meet and interact. Comic Con India is a unique event celebrating the illustrated medium, which brings together the whole comics industry and related fields such as Merchandise, Toys, Games, Films and Animation, along with fans of this culture from all age groups.
Sales & Footfall Figures – FYI –
1. At the 1st Comic Con India in Feb’11, the turnout was approx. 15000 and Sales touched 25 Lakhs in 2 days.
2. At the Comic Con Express Mumbai, the travelling version of Annual Indian Comics Convention that took place in October ’11, the turnout was approx 12000 and Sales touched 35 Lakhs in 2 days.
3. AT the 2nd Comic Con India that took place in Feb’12, the response was amazing, footfall touched 35 thousand and sales touched 50 lakhs in 3 days.
4. Last year the traveling version of Comic Con India went to a new city – the Technology capital of India – Bangalore in Sept ’12, the turnout was approx 30000 and the sales crossed over 45 Lakhs in 2 days.
5. At the 1st ever “Mumbai Film and Comic Con” that took place last year in Mumbai in Oct’12, the turnout was approx 20000 and the sales crossed over 50 Lakhs in 2 days