Decades after the first science fiction fans eagerly swapped their favourite comic books at the first Comic Con in 1970, the festival has grown to become the mecca where thousands of pop-culture fans gather to celebrate and engage with different illustrators and creators. Comic Con Cape Town, in collaboration with Fancon, will provide fans with the opportunity to meet and engage with local and international illustrators and artists, as well as get their hands on limited-edition comics at the CTICC from the 27th and 30th of April.

One of the foundations of any Comic Con is what is known as the “Artist Alley”. In this section of the show floor, fans are able to experience the art work of illustrators and comic books artists come to life. Should a fan particularly like an artist, they are able to purchase prints of existing art, or even commission a unique piece of art. Those seeking inspiration are able to speak to the artist directly and exchange over techniques or enquire about the process. The Artist Alley is more than just an art market – the Artist Alley is an explosive collaboration of ideas and awe.

With FanCon curating the Comic Con Cape Town Artist Alley floor and stage programme, FanCon organiser Mahdi Abrahams said “An exciting programme of content is being planned for the Artist Alley stage, and attending fans can expect a range of art activations, topical panel talks, signing sessions, drawing sessions, creator interviews, spotlight Q&A’s with international guests, not to mention the opportunity to interact and purchase artwork directly from the expansive range of local and international talent”. Abrahams added “Artist Alley at Comic Con Cape Town will be sure to be one of the highlights of the show!”

With two and a half months until the start of the mother-of-all pop culture events in the City of Cape Town, fans can look forward to engaging with international comic book artists – having works for the largest comic book publications; Marvel and DC Comics.

Fans can meet and greet British comic book artist Ian Churchill (X-Men: Age of Apocolypse, Deadpool, Star Wars: Han Solo, and more) and American illustrator Mark Brooks (Ultimate Spider-Man Annual, Ultimate X-Men, Ultimate Fantastic Four, and more). Also joining as an international artist is Zimbabwean-based illustrator, Bill Masuku whose work includes the Captain South Africa series and Razor-Man, just to name a few.

Boasting international acclaim and adding a local flair, South African artists at Comic Con Cape Town include Sean Izaakse (Thunderbolts, Dark Knights of Steel, and Fantastic Four), Loyiso Mkize (the Kwezi series), Clyde Beech (Where is Lulu?, and Undi Ki Lina Sta?), Karl Mostert (Batman: Urban Legends, DCeased: Unkillables, and I Am Batman), Mohale Mashingo (Marvel’s Black Panther Sins of the King, and Moon Girl: Endangered Species), Warren Louw (Harley Quinn, Vampirella, and Sacred Six) and one very special announcement.

Artist Alley traditionally sheds light on artists who produce fictional work, but this year Comic Con Cape Town is also excited to welcome renowned cartoonist Jonathan Shapiro, better known as Zapiro. A South African icon for describing the country’s political climate through cartoons in a signature art style.

"We are thrilled to have such a talented and diverse group of artists joining us for Comic Con Cape Town," said Carla Massmann, Comic Con Cape Town’s show director. "Our Artist Alley is the heart of the show, and we are excited to give attendees the opportunity to meet and interact with such talented creators." Massmann added.

Stepping out of traditional art and into modern digital art, Comic Con Cape Town is proud have the Cape Town international Animation Festival (CTIAF) co-located with the event. Boasting a programme which highlights artist of an international standard, Comic Con Cape Town patrons will also be able to gain access to exclusive screenings on some days of the event.

Down the hall from Artist Alley lies a celebration of urban culture where the geeks meet the streets. As one of the newer additions to the highly successful Comic Con Africa (in Johannesburg), StreetCon is the place where street artists and festival-goers come together to shape modern culture as we know it.

Adding his twist on the culture will be award winning Capetonian illustrator, street artist and letterer, Keith Vlahakis. Inspired by 90’s pop culture, his signature lettering style can be found on numerous ads and bespoke typographic design products.

‘’Although StreetCon is a newcomer to the festival, we are pleased to see the interest that fans have taken in this offering, celebrating the mash up between urban culture and pop culture. South Africa’s unique street culture sets us apart from others across the world, and we’re excited to play a part in ensuring that we continuously grow this unique form of expression and style,’’ says Comic Con Cape Town’s Marketing Manager, Calvin van den Berg.

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About Comic Con Cape Town

The four-day festival focuses

on all elements of pop culture and brings international and local comic artists, film and TV celebrities, and Cosplayers to South African shores where they meet fans, sign autographs, and have photo ops. Pop culture is growing rapidly in South Africa and the standard of our Cosplay is world class. Packed with championships, competitions, super show specials, product launches, workshops, panels, Q&A sessions, screenings, activations, and interactive experiences, there is something for everyone to enjoy whether you are a casual fan or a bona fide geek.

We are passionate about developing local fandoms and services and pop culture. In 2018 the South African Comic Con journey began when the annual Comic Con Africa was launched in Johannesburg to much excitement and with great success. In 2019 Comic Con Africa reached 71,000 guests over four days. (www.comicconcapetown.co.za) 

About FanCon
The first FanCon was held in 2016 to great success and has now established itself as a must-attend event on the South African geek calendar. The multi-day event focuses primarily on comics and comic creators but includes all and every kind of geek fandom – FanCon is an energetic and vibrant showcase of all things Pop Culture! Visitors to FanCon can expect an entertaining and lively experience, where every aspect of comics, pop culture, and geekdom in general will find expression in a diverse range of activities, including an artist alley, featuring local, national, and international comic book talent. Attendees can interact with creators and artists, purchase comics, prints, original artwork, and commission art pieces. Welcome to geek heaven! 

About Cape Town International Animation Festival (CTIAF)
African animation continues to grow and shine on the global stage! The continent is filled with incredible storytellers, artists and creatives all with new and interesting stories to share. If you are one of those creatives then join us in 2023 at The Comic Con event (27 – 30th April 2023) and again at Fame Week Africa (4-6th September 2023). There’s something for everyone including pitching competitions, screenings, studio focus and industry panels.

About the City of Cape Town
The City of Cape Town is a local government entity with authority over the greater city of Cape Town.  Wrapped around a mountain range and nestled between two oceans, Cape Town boasts an array of attractions including one of the New7Wonders of Nature – Table Mountain - which provides a memorable experience for its residents and visitors.

Cape Town is the undisputed DigiTech hub of Africa and has earned a reputation as a premier events destination by successfully hosting major events. It has been recognized as the World’s

Leading Festival and Event Destination 2018, 2020 & 2021 and Africa’s Leading Festival and Event Destination for three consecutive years by the World Travel Awards.

About Telkom VS Gaming
Formerly DGL, VS Gaming is South Africa’s largest independent gaming brand and the leading platform for online gaming in Africa. Since 2008, we’ve been devoted to providing regular tournaments and ladders across all major game titles and skill levels, because we’re just as passionate about virtual sports as you are.

Keep an eye on the Comic Con Cape Town social platforms for more:
Facebook: /ComicConCPT
Twitter: @ComicConCPT
Instagram: @comicconcapetown
Web: https://comicconafrica.co.za/comic-con-cape-town/
Exciting Comic Con content can be found on YouTube @ComicConAfricaOfficial

Keep an eye on the FanCon social platforms for more:
Facebook: @FanConCapeTownComicCon
Twitter: @FanConComicCon
Instagram: @fanconcapetowncomiccon
Web: www.fancon.co.za