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Tag: Comic Con India

  • Bengaluru gears up for Comic Con 2025

    Bengaluru gears up for Comic Con 2025

    MUMBAI: Comic Con India is returning to Bengaluru on 20 and 21 December at KTPO, Whitefield, promising a weekend of cosplay, comics, gaming and immersive fan experiences.

    The 13th edition of Bengaluru Comic Con is set to unite cosplayers, gamers, artists and live performers, offering aspiring creators a platform to showcase their work and connect with fans and industry professionals. Highlights include the National Cosplay Championship, exclusive merchandise, interactive fan zones, gaming arenas and sessions with leading comic book creators, anime artists and directors.

    Nodwin Gaming co-founder and md, Akshat Rathee, said, “Bengaluru Comic Con has its own flavour. Only here can you find a coder debugging all week and then showing up on the weekend dressed as Darth Vader. The city’s fandom is restless and inventive. Every edition here feels electric, proof that pop culture runs deep in India’s tech capital.”

    Comic Con India, ceo, Shefali Johnson, added, “Fans here don’t just come to watch, they come to build, share and celebrate together. Bengaluru turns Comic Con into something bigger than the event itself, blending creativity, gaming and cosplay with the city’s culture of innovation.”

    Last year’s edition drew over 50,000 attendees, with more than 5,000 cosplayers. International guests included American comic creators Ron Marz and Jamal Igle, while Indian studios such as Tadam Gyadu, Raj Comics, Indusverse, Sufi Comics and Amar Chitra Katha showcased their work. The event also featured stand-up performances, a 40,000 sq. ft. gaming zone with tournaments and VR experiences, alongside themed attractions like the Superman Zone and Minecraft Movie booths.

    Tickets for Bengaluru Comic Con 2025-26 are now live exclusively on the District app.

  • From Panels to Portfolios Comic Con and IICT Team Up for Creator Power

    From Panels to Portfolios Comic Con and IICT Team Up for Creator Power

    MUMBAI: When cosplay meets classroom and panels turn into portfolios, you know India’s creative industry is getting its origin story right. In a move straight out of a well-scripted crossover, Comic Con India and the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT) have inked an MoU to jointly supercharge India’s animation, gaming, comics, and extended reality (AVGC-XR) ecosystem.

    The partnership, announced during the launch of the IICT-NFDC campus in Mumbai and the unveiling of the WAVES Outcome Report, was signed by Ashish Kulkarni, Board Member, IICT, and Shefali Johnson, CEO, Comic Con India. The high-powered event also saw the presence of government heavyweights like Devendra Fadnavis, deputy chief minister of Maharashtra, Ashwini Vaishnaw, union minister for I&B, Railways and IT, and Sanjay Jaju, secretary, ministry of information & broadcasting, a clear signal that India’s creative economy is getting serious state backing.

    Comic Con India, now part of Nodwin Gaming, has long been the country’s pop culture mothership, attracting fans, creators, and cosplayers in droves. On the other side, IICT, a newly announced National Centre of Excellence for AVGC-XR aims to be the IIT of the creative world, with a mission to train top talent, foster original IP, and bridge academia with the industry.

    The MoU packs in more than just fanfare. IICT students will get a dedicated showcase zone at Comic Con India events, along with masterclasses from top creators in gaming, comics, animation, and XR. The partnership also includes hackathons, design jams, behind-the-scenes internships, and initiatives to promote youth-led fan art and indie content creation.

    The collaboration comes at a time when India’s AVGC-XR sector is levelling up. As per the FX & Beyond: Shaping India’s AVGC Landscape report, the sector accounted for 20 per cent of the broader M&E industry in 2023, with revenues of 3.9 billion dollars. That figure is projected to rise to 6.8 billion dollars by 2026. Perhaps more crucially, AVGC-XR is expected to generate 160,000 new jobs annually with a roadmap to reach over 2 million direct jobs by 2030.

    “We are proud to collaborate with IICT as part of the broader AVGC-XR vision for India,” said Shefali Johnson. “Through Comic Con, students can gain mentorship, connect with pop culture communities, and better understand the commercial dynamics of their craft.”

    Ashish Kulkarni added, “This partnership aligns perfectly with the government’s vision of making India a global creative content hub. We aim to carve pathways for Indigenous IP using a transmedia ecosystem and build a vibrant pipeline of cultural ambassadors from India.”

    For fans, creators, and students alike, this crossover has franchise potential. With India looking to go from content consumer to content powerhouse, the IICT-Comic Con alliance might just be the origin story the AVGC-XR sector needs.

    Get your pens and pixels ready.

  • Shefali Johnson named CEO as Comic Con India enters bold new phase

    Shefali Johnson named CEO as Comic Con India enters bold new phase

    MUMBAI: Comic Con India, the country’s iconic pop culture celebration, is set for a dynamic new chapter as Shefali Johnson is appointed CEO, following a landmark year of expansion under Nodwin Gaming’s ownership.

    Johnson steps into the role as founder Jatin Varma, along with co-founder Karan Kalra and event director Sonal Varma, transition into advisory positions. The trio, who have nurtured the Comic Con legacy since its inception in 2011, will continue to provide creative direction and support the brand’s long-term vision.

    With Comic Con India now present in eight cities including recent additions Kolkata, Ahmedabad, and Pune and having delivered its biggest season to date, the focus now shifts to scaling innovation, inclusivity, and immersive fan experiences.

    “Johnson brings the perfect blend of vision, experience, and drive to take our labour of love to greater scale,” said Jatin, reflecting on his journey. “We look forward to supporting her and the team in an advisory capacity as they shape the future of fandom in India across cities.”

    As a senior leader at Nodwin Gaming, Johnson has been instrumental in spearheading flagship IPs like Dreamhack India, BGMS, and the Cosplay Championships. Her appointment as CEO marks a strategic move to deepen fan engagement and expand Comic Con’s cultural footprint.

    “Stepping into this role is both a privilege and a responsibility,” said Johnson. “We plan to grow this platform into newer cities, introduce newer formats, and create experiences that are more inclusive, dynamic, and reflective of India’s evolving pop culture identity.”

    Nodwin Gaming co-founder & managing director Akshat Rathee said, “With Johnson at the helm, we’re looking forward to building on everything we’ve created so far expanding our reach, deepening fan engagement, and continuing to celebrate the communities that make Comic Con what it is.”

    Since its debut in 2011, Comic Con India has grown into the country’s definitive pop culture festival uniting fans of comics, cosplay, gaming, anime, and beyond. 

  • Nodwin expands esports empire with StarLadder acquisition

    Nodwin expands esports empire with StarLadder acquisition

    MUMBAI: Nodwin Gaming just made a game-changing move, hitting the jackpot with its latest acquisition—StarLadder, a in global esports company. This deal isn’t just a power-up; it’s a full-on respawn for AAA esports events worldwide blending StarLadder’s expertise in hosting AAA events with Nodwin’s ambitious vision of redefining live entertainment for the youth.

    StarLadder will retain its brand identity. founder Roman Romantsov will continue to lead operations while also becoming a shareholder in Nodwin Gaming.
    The deal is valued at an initial consideration of $ 5.5 million (rs 46.75 crores), with a second instalment contingent on meeting earn-out targets. With this strategic acquisition, Nodwin Gaming is not just playing the game—it’s changing it.

    The deal comes as Nodwin Gaming aggressively expands its global footprint. Having already acquired Comic Con India, influencer and MCN firm Trinity Gaming, gaming marketing agency Freaks 4U Gaming, esports agency Ninja Global, and Singapore-based live events company Branded, this latest move reinforces Nodwin’s commitment to strengthening its position in international markets.

    With StarLadder now in its portfolio, Nodwin aims to amplify its high-profile event offerings, bridging the gap between emerging and established markets while unlocking new synergies between the companies. With Nodwin’s extensive industry network, StarLadder will be able to expand into new territories, form new alliances, and elevate its global standing.

    Nodwin Gaming, co-founder, Akshat Rathee expressed his excitement: “StarLadder and Roman are the masterminds behind some of the most legendary esports events ever seen. Roman’s expertise in stage design, creative broadcasting, and production is second to none. I’ve been an admirer of his work for years, and now I get to build alongside him. With this partnership, we aim to create unparalleled esports experiences, bringing more CS:GO tournaments and other thrilling events to new and emerging markets. It’s a privilege to welcome such an iconic brand and visionary leader into the Nodwin Gaming family.”

    Fans, meanwhile, can expect bigger, bolder, and more electrifying esports events, with innovative tournament formats and unforgettable live experiences on the horizon.

    While StarLadder will continue to operate under its well-established identity, joining forces with Nodwin Gaming will unlock fresh resources, creative avenues, and expanded distribution channels, ensuring that both companies thrive in the fast-paced esports industry.

    Starladder, founder, Roman Romantsov shared his enthusiasm for the partnership: “We live in an era of globalisation, where combining strengths, resources, and expertise is the key to success. We are thrilled to have found partners who share our vision and ambition. With Nodwin Gaming, we’re ready to take esports to the next level, bringing unforgettable events to fans across multiple games and regions. Stay tuned—this is just the beginning!”

    The StarLadder team, helmed by Romantsov, boasts a 20-year legacy in tournament production, having delivered some of the industry’s most prestigious competitions. Their portfolio includes Cs:Go and Dota 2 Majors, the Pubg Europe League, and the long-running StarSeries, which has featured 18 seasons of Cs 1.6 and Cs:Go and 17 seasons of Dota 2. Additionally, they’ve collaborated on white-label projects for major publishers such as Valve, Tencent, Krafton, Blizzard, Riot Games, Supercell, and Moonton.

  • Mumbai Comic Con 2024: The pop culture celebration is back on 20 and 21 April

    Mumbai Comic Con 2024: The pop culture celebration is back on 20 and 21 April

    Mumbai: Prepare to step into a world where fantasy meets reality with Comic Con India, the largest pop culture extravaganza in the subcontinent, which is set to make waves in Mumbai. Get ready for an extraordinary weekend filled with excitement and fun as the best weekend of the year makes its highly anticipated return to the city. Anime, gaming, and pop-culture lovers are set to expect an exhilarating experience like never before.

    Maruti Suzuki Arena presents Mumbai Comic Con 2024, powered by Crunchyroll, which will see every attendee receive an exclusive copy of Dragon Ball- Z Vol 1 comic book along with a Limited Edition DC Comics Batman Poster & a commemorative Comic Con India swag Bag. The event is all set to showcase comics in a big way with a slew of upcoming publishing houses/Indian artists like Indusverse, Yali Dreams Creations, Sufi Comics, Prasad Bhat, Lilorosh, Acid Toad, Garbage Bin, Corporat comics, Bullseye Press, Bakarmax, Art of SAVIO, and Abhijeet Kini and many more along with Eisner Award winning International artists Guy Delisel and Jason Loo will be gracing the event and will be available for fan meet and greet on both days!

    On the 20 and 21 of April  2024, the most-awaited event will have daily tournaments, Esports, and popular streamers and gaming experiences among many other exciting activities for all attendees.

    Comic Con India will offer panels and exclusive sessions featuring renowned names such as Demon Slayer voice artists Natsuki Hanae and Yuma Takahashi by Crunchyroll, Amar Chitra Katha, Raj Comics, Hallubol, Bakarmax, Corporat, and leading Indian & International creators. Along with a special stand-up performance by the popular Rohan Joshi & Sahil Shah and Harsh Gujral,  followed by some electrifying performances by DJ Kazu, MC Altaf, Shah Rule, Geek Fruit, everyone’s childhood favourite Artist Guy Rob, and many more, on the mainstage. While Mumbai attendees will get a chance to witness captivating experiences with Maruti Suzuki Arena, Crunchyroll, and Mumbai’s Biggest Comic Book Store by Penguin Random House India and Bandai Namco Zone. The event will urge pop culture geeks to go shopping with brands like Celio, Bonkers Corner, Red Wolf, Bewakoof.com, and many more.

    Key Event Partners include brands such as CELIO, HDFC, Comedy Central, OnePlus, PepsiCo & VH1.

    Speaking about the thrilling weekend celebration, Comic Con India founder Jatin Varma said, “Comic Con is back in Mumbai! We cannot wait to host some of the most passionate fans of the country again. This is our biggest show in the city yet, showcasing the best of Indian comics, fan experiences, cosplay, gaming, geeky shopping and so much more. We look forward to welcoming Mumbaikars.. back to witness this immersive and larger-than-life weekend with us”

    Book your passes for Mumbai Comic Con 2024, 20 and 21  April at Jio World Convention Center, BKC. Daily Timings: 11 AM to 8 PM. Passes are available on www.comiccon.in & Book My Show. Website link: www.comicconindia.com

  • NODWIN Gaming acquires Comic Con India

    NODWIN Gaming acquires Comic Con India

    Mumbai: NODWIN Gaming the esports and gaming industry in South Asia, has successfully acquired Comic Con India, a renowned company celebrated for organizing numerous pop cultural festivals across the country. This strategic acquisition not only broadens NODWIN Gaming’s portfolio but also signifies a significant expansion into the global entertainment landscape.

    NODWIN Gaming will acquire 100 per cent of Comic Con India’s shares at a valuation of Ra 55 crore through a cash and share swap from its founders, Jatin Varma and Karan Kalra. The managing team will also become shareholders by swapping 27.5 Crores of their Comicon India shares with NODWIN shares.

    Comic Con India founder Jatin Varma stated “For more than a decade, we have worked tirelessly to build a unique space in India for promoting and celebrating popular culture. And with that goal in mind, I am very excited to join hands with NODWIN Gaming in taking the next step and building upon this goal together”.

    Comic Con India, partner and director Karan Kalra added “I am thrilled that this strategic partnership will enable us to deliver amazing events and experiences to pop culture fans across India”.

    NODWIN Gaming co-founder and managing director Akshat Rathee stated, “We are thrilled to welcome the managing team of Comic Con India as partners and shareholders in NODWIN Gaming. Our quest for drawing millions of fans across the world will get another level up with Comicon.”

    NODWIN Gaming plans to expand Comic Con India into its portfolio, to offer a platform for gaming enthusiasts, comic fans, and pop culture enthusiasts. The strategic move aims to redefine the entertainment industry, transcending geographical and cultural boundaries.

  • Medha Srivastava & Sunil Choppala to host Comic Con India’s Cosplay Workshop

    Medha Srivastava & Sunil Choppala to host Comic Con India’s Cosplay Workshop

    Mumbai: Comic Con India is thrilled to announce an electrifying addition to its 2023 Bengaluru Comic Con lineup by welcoming cosplay experts– Medha Srivastava and Sunil Choppala as hosts for its annual Cosplay Workshop. Held at Vapour Indiranagar, this year’s workshop promises an immersive experience like never before, taking the vibrant world of cosplay to new heights.

    Medha Srivastava, is a renowned illustrator and cosplayer from Mumbai known for her captivating visual artworks and innovative cosplays. Teamed up with her is Sunil Choppala, also known as Sun2stories, a cosplayer and photographer based in Bengaluru, India. Together the pair will co-host the event and support young cosplayers to learn the art, meet professional cosplayers and figure out the hacks to get their cosplay ready.

    Medha’s seven-year cosplay journey, marked by numerous national and international awards, including Comic Con India Cosplay Contest 2023 and her collaborations with industry giants like Netflix and Marvel, showcases her artistic prowess. Meanwhile, Sunil Choppala’s win for Best Sci-Fi Series at Bangalore Comic Con 2022 bears testimony to his influence in the cosplay community.Together, they promise to take cosplayers’ abilities and experiences to new heights at this highly anticipated event.

    Details of the event:

    1. Date: 15 October, 2023
    2. Venue:  Vapour Indiranagar
    3. Address: 773, HAL 2nd Stage, 100 Feet Road, Indiranagar, Bangalore
    4. Time: 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm

    The workshop is free and open to all, catering to cosplay enthusiasts of all levels, from beginners to seasoned pros.

  • Comic Con India is back in Bengaluru for a three-day extravaganza!

    Comic Con India is back in Bengaluru for a three-day extravaganza!

    Mumbai: Comic Con India, the nation’s foremost pop culture phenomenon, announces the launch of its eagerly awaited 11 editions in Bengaluru.  The three days celebration will be hosted from 17 to 19 November and the tickets are available now. Comic Con India also announced exclusive passes for super fans with super-charged surprises this season! With an illustrious legacy of delivering exceptional entertainment and fostering creativity, this edition promises an immersive experience like never before.

    Experience Bengaluru Comic Con’s 11 editions, a thrilling pop culture journey into comics, movies, TV shows, and gaming. Interact with characters, explore artist alleys, and join exclusive panels with industry insiders. Get ready to have the time of your life! Book your tickets for Bengaluru Comic Con 2023 for 17,18 and 19 November at KTPO Trade Center, Whitefeild

  • Comic Con founder Varma wins ‘Young Entrepreneur’ award

    NEW DELHI: Comic Con India founder Jatin Varma has won the ‘Young Entrepreneur’ of the year award at Entrepreneur Magazine Awards 2017.

    Earlier this month, Comic Con India bagged three awards at Wow Awards 2017 under Event Intellectual Properties. Comic Con India was honoured with Gold Trophies in Exhibition of the year & Best Lifestyle Property of the year, and Silver Trophy in Festival of the year – Art & Culture. With more than 1000 nominations from organizations of all sizes, these awards are one of Asia’s most prestigious awards for the Asian Experiential event industry.

    Varma said: “I am grateful to the support my partner, my team and my family has extended to me over the years to get here.”

    Comic Con India is dedicated to creating unique events and giving the fans, exhibitors and partners a platform to celebrate their undying love and passion for comics & pop culture. Comic Con India is dedicated to expanding India’s popular culture by creating high profile events that cater to fans of not only comics, but also, gaming, movies, television, merchandise, toys & more.

    Comic Con India is a part of the Reedpop family of events, which is dedicated to producing world-class celebrations of popular culture around the world with events like New York Comic Con, Oz Comic Con, Shanghai Comic Con, Paris Comic Con, Star Wars Celebration among many others.

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    Comic Con second edition in Hyderabad to feature seven comic launches

     

  • Comic Con India’s Free Comic Book Weekend to be held in June

    Comic Con India’s Free Comic Book Weekend to be held in June

    NEW DELHI: Enthusiasts and fans can download a host of Indian comic book titles for free straight on their desktop during the third edition of Free Comic Book Weekend in India.

     

    Presented by Comic Con India, the weekend will be held on 6 and 7 June. The comics will be available on phone or Tablet (iOs, Android & Windows Store) across the country.

     

    The main publishers participating in the third edition of Free Comic Book Weekend are Amar Chitra Katha, Campfire Graphic Novels, Pop Culture Publishing, Sufi Comics, Diamond Comics and Meta Desi amongst others.

     

    Free Comic Book Weekend was initiated in India by Comic Con India in 2013, with an aim to expand the scope and access of comics across India. Online digital content marketplace Readwhere.com has been partnering with Comic Con India since the very beginning to promote this initiative and allow comics enthusiasts download Indian comics for free. This year also, Readwhere.com will be providing the platform to serve free digital comics to fans across India.

     

    Comic Con India founder Jatin Varma said, “Over 15,000 comic book fans joined the event last year. Comic Con India has plans to make this event grow bigger and better. With an ambition to triple the number, we plan to have a wider outreach and more publishers joining hands.”

     

    Readwhere would be offering more than 1000 titles, from over 50 comic book publishers. Users will have the option of choosing any five for free. The rest will be available at a nominal price as a bundle. Purchases via the Comic Book Store will receive a cashback of maximum Rs 100 in the Readwhere wallet.

     

    Readwhere.com co-founder and director Manish Dhingra said, “Through Free Comic Book Weekend, 2015, we hope to reach audiences in all corners of India, to get addicted to comics and relive their childhood, or buy comics for their Kids. Digital presents the best medium to read and share comics.”

     

    The titles featured this year will be a mix of iconic and latest. This year’s spectrum of comic books includes Stan Lee’s Chakra Boy, Sab Ke Comics, Vrika- Dawn of the Wolf and Angry Maushi by Abhijeet Kini. Besides this the other publishers including Pran’s Features, Campfire Graphic Novels, Pop Culture Publishing and Amar Chitra Katha, who have always been around with their classics and the contemporary.

     

    Fans can download, purchase the comics via web (http://www.readwhere.com) or the Readwhere app on Android (http://rdwh.re/androidapp) and iOS (http://rdwh.re/iosapp).