Northeast’s maiden Comic Con India stirs latent pop culture

Comic Con India, the subcontinent’s largest celebration of pop culture, bringing together fans of comics, anime, games, movies, cosplay competitions and other interactive events, has proven to be a “major hit” in its first expo beyond metros and “mainland” cities.

The multi-city event held in Guwahati on November 22 and 23 attracted several thousand pop culture enthusiasts. Organizers said the response exceeded expectations in a city where the general gloom following the death of Assam’s cultural icon Zubeen Garg was palpable.

“Founded in New Delhi in 2011, Comic Con India travels to the country’s metros and other major urban centres. Our first outing to the northeast, known for its passion for popular culture, especially cosplay, has been very strong,” said Shefali Johnson, CEO of Comic Con India. Hindu.

Cosplay, which originated in Japan, often involves dressing up as and acting as a character from video games or comic books.

“The Northeast is full of energy, passion, and creativity, and the crowd reaffirmed how vibrant this community is. Our goal is to create a space where fans, artists, and storytellers can come together to celebrate the worlds they love, while also inspiring the next generation of creators in a region so rich with stories, talent, and imagination,” he said.

Held at the Arjun Bhogeswar Baruah Sports Complex, where Garg’s mortal remains were kept for three days for people to pay their last respects, the event featured creative sessions, performances, interactive experiences and various activities to keep the participants engaged.

The highlight of the event was fans’ interaction with comic book artist and writer Bill Golliher, known for his contributions to Archie Comics. Sixteen Indian comic and anime creators joined him during the show.

Among the Indians was Tadam Gyadu, an illustrator from Arunachal Pradesh who has worked with leading Indian publishers and Marvel on productions that include Indian legends such as Nagraj, Dhruva, Doga and Rakshak, as well as Spiderman, Wolverine, Iron Man, Ghost Rider and The Avengers.

Assam-based digital artist and visual storyteller Debojyoti Choudhury and Bengaluru-based artist Rajesh Nagulakonda have struck a chord among aspiring creators. Fans attended the launch Raj Rahman: The Weight We Carry A special Amar Chitra Katha session by Bullseye Press refocused on classic Indian tales.

Fans also witnessed Guwahati’s biggest cosplay contest, where talented cosplayers participated and brought their favorite characters to life. Popular comic book characters portrayed by cosplayers included Deadpool, Ironman, Welma, Hellboy, Mitsuri from Demon Slayer, and Quanxi from Chainsawman. EOM