Falcon may be grounded, but Africa’s Comic Con is still set to soar

Comic Con Africa is sold out. That’s the bad news for those who have waited until now to buy tickets.

The worst news is that Anthony Mackie, Falcon from the Avengers, is not attending anymore, due to Huricane Florence.

“Hurricane Florence, a Category 4 hurricane, has been approaching the southeast coast of the United States and has resulted in more than a million people being evacuated and thousands of flights delayed and cancelled,” the Comic Con Africa organisers said.

If only he could use his superpowers. Sigh.

Fear not though, the other international stars scheduled to appear are all confirmed and in the country. From Kevin Sussman to Ricky Whittle to Yetide Badaki.

“A lot of them have arrived and are excited to be here,” Carol Weaving, managing director of Reed Exhibitions said at media briefing on Thursday afternoon at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit and International Convention Centre.

Local artists like Loyiso Mkize, Mohale Mashigo, Jason Masters and Bill Masuku will also all be at Comic Con Africa.

The first ever Comic Con on the African continent is all systems go with exhibitors and service providers putting the final touches to the entire precinct, which already looks colourful, bright and a buzz with activity.

Weaving said that they had been overwhelmed and little surprised by the phenomenal interest in Comic Con Africa.

“Even we’re a little surprised to be sold out, especially tomorrow considering it’s a Friday and most people are working, but clearly not,” Weaving said.

40 000 tickets were allocated to the event and every single one of them had been swooped up.

Comic Con Africa will also be the first comic con that will feature a dedicated eSports gaming area and tournament.

Wanda Mkhize from VS Gaming said that they were excited to partner with Comic Con Africa and to host their third eSports Masters Tournament.

“This is the first that Comic Con are having an eSports association with it and we are really excited by this,” Mkhize said.

So what do you need to know if you are one of those lucky peeps and geeks with tickets?

Well, for starters you will get a visitors guide – with amazing illustrations – which will guide you through the event. There are maps, schedules, exhibition profiles and guidelines.

In terms of parking for the event, Weaving said there was ample parking for those with tickets and would even use the racetrack if necessary. There will be people to assist attendees as they enter the gates and even ushers to guide people to where certain places are. She reiterated that the event was sold out and that people should not come to Kyalami and try their luck because they would be out of luck.

For hardcore fans, gates to Kyalami would open at about 4am but admittance to the event will begin at 9am.

There are also numerous food stalls and bars that will keep people fed and hydrated, so please do not bring your own food. There will also be ATMs onsite to buy all the goodies your heart desires.

Safety was also a big concern and security was provided throughout the event.

“It’s fantastic to be sold out, but safety and security first,” Weaving emphasised, adding that they had hired some of the best security companies in the country.

There is also an anti-harassment policy in the visitors guide that boldly states “cosplay is not consent”, followed by a guideline of what you can and cannot do.

Organisers also asked fans to be respectful towards other people and the celebrities and to not hound them, especially since there would be dedicated time slots for autographs and selfies.

But we all should know how to behave appropriately, right?

Cosplayers and people planning to dress-up can also expect secure lockers and areas to change, but preferably come dressed for the occasion.

At the end of the day it is all about having fun and to experience the world of comics and gaming. So get in touch with your inner superhero, or supervillain , and enjoy the weekend!