If you found yourself at Delhi’s Dilli Haat during the winter of 2011, you could have come across an unusual scene, both humble and significant: In the winter of 2011, a lively assembly of comic book lovers, a few artists, and 13 cosplayers gathered at Dilli Haat, united by their enthusiasm for comics, collectibles, and the […]
If you found yourself at Delhi’s Dilli Haat during the winter of 2011, you could have come across an unusual scene, both humble and significant: In the winter of 2011, a lively assembly of comic book lovers, a few artists, and 13 cosplayers gathered at Dilli Haat, united by their enthusiasm for comics, collectibles, and the untapped potential of India’s inaugural Comic Con. There was an exhilarating and significant vibe to this meet-up: a feeling of community that was poised to ignite into a cultural sensation.
Back in 2011, the concept of an Indian Comic Con seemed somewhat out of place. San Diego and New York? Absolutely, those were logical. But Delhi? At that moment, it didn’t present much of a spectacle, at least not yet.
Jatin Varma, the creator and managing director of Comic Con India, reflects on those humble origins with a mixture of nostalgia and surprise. “I had zero experience in event planning,” he confesses. “It was merely me wishing to be the geek who organized India’s very first comic book convention.”
Looking back, it might have been destined to happen. The global wave of pop culture, ranging from Marvel hits to the worldwide anime surge, had already begun to wash over India. Comic Con was merely the trigger that set the fire ablaze.
An aerial view of Comic Con Delhi 2022
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement
Nowadays, it’s hard to exaggerate the incredible journey of India’s pioneering comic book convention or the clever ways it has adapted to remain significant in a world increasingly driven by viral sensations and evolving cultural currents. As its 12th edition unfolds at the NSIC Grounds in Okhla on December 6, its magnitude and significance are worlds apart from those initial gatherings.
Cosplay, which was once an oddity, has undeniably transformed into the pulse of the event. From a handful of early participants, the convention now attracts thousands of cosplayers annually. For many, it transcends being just a pastime. “At a convention, you become a star,” Varma clarifies. “Everyone wants to snap a picture with you. You connect with fellow fans and genuinely express your admiration for your favorite character.”
A cosplayer striking a pose at the Delhi Comic Con 2023
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement
With its rapid ascent has come unavoidable commercialization. Prominent sponsors like Maruti Suzuki, Crunchyroll, and Yamaha India provide financial support and immersive experiences. Yet for Varma, the key lies in balance.
“Commercialization is unavoidable as you expand, but I strive to approach it honestly — achieving the right equilibrium between catering to fans and ensuring sustainability,” Varma states. This balancing act is clear in every facet of the event, from its partnerships to its programming.
The anime streaming service, Crunchyroll, has recently capitalized on the anime explosion gripping the nation. “Anime has been quietly huge and on the verge of breaking out,” remarks Akshat Sahu, Senior Director of Marketing at Crunchyroll. “The dedication of these fans, their cosplay, and their passion for characters indicated that India was set to fully embrace anime.”
This year, Crunchyroll is going all out with their Solo Leveling Dome, which promises a fully immersive experience based on the global manhwa sensation. Additionally, there will be a chance to meet actor Rana Daggubati, who’s providing his voice for the Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu versions of Solo Leveling ReAwakening. “It’s a perfect mix of storytelling and celebrity appeal,” Sahu notes, and a move toward “making anime more inviting and accessible for everyone.”
Crunchyroll’s Solo Leveling Dome at Comic Con Delhi 2024
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement
This year’s edition is set to be a feast for the senses in the most exhilarating way. As you enter the grounds, you’re surrounded by a whirlwind of visuals and sounds: the sparkle of smartphone cameras capturing cosplayers, the buzz of gaming zones, the exchanges of fans discussing theories about their favorite franchises, as well as live shows by iconic comedians like Rohan Joshi, gaming competitions, and an exclusive Lord of the Rings adventure presented by Warner Bros. India.
This year’s international guests include bestselling author Ryan North and Eisner-winning illustrator Jason Loo. Indian creators such as Indusverse and Bakarmax will join well-known artists like Abhijeet Kini and Prasad Bhat, fostering an environment where established figures and emerging talents mingle.
For participants, Comic Con serves as a haven where fandoms, regardless of their niche, can discover their community. It’s a refuge for anyone who has ever felt compelled to articulate why they would stand in line for hours to meet a cherished illustrator or engage in discussions about the intricate details of One Piece lore.
Cosplayer’s pose at the Delhi Comic Con 2022
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement
And it’s this enduring spirit of community that remains the event’s most potent advantage. The most effective promotion for Comic Con, Varma observes, doesn’t stem from flashy advertisements but from the fans. Their vlogs, videos, and genuine responses on social platforms have become the event’s most credible promotional tool. “Nothing rivals seeing someone enjoy their time completely,” Varma points out. “That enthusiasm is infectious, and it conveys our story far better than any marketing strategy ever could.”
If the last thirteen years are any indication, Comic Con Delhi is destined to keep growing, evolving, and offering surprises. Whether you’re a seasoned cosplayer, a newcomer, or a devoted comic book fan, one thing is clear: the best is still to come.
At NSIC Exhibition Ground Gate 6, Okhla Phase 3 Rd, NSIC Estate, Okhla Industrial Estate; December 6 to 8; 11am to 8pm; Tickets available on Insider starting at ₹899
Published – December 06, 2024 11:01 am IST
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