JOIN USBangalore’s comic buffs are in for a royal treat in a few weeks from now. Pampering them with a rich medley of comic books and animated features, art workshops and interactive sessions, graphic novels and much more, “Comic Con Express” will unfold in a creative flurry at the Koramangala Indoor Stadium here. The unique comics convention and show will be held on September 8 and 9.
A travelling version of the national Indian Comics Convention, Comic Con Express has been designed to support and boost the comics industry by increasing local interaction and participation. The Comic Con Express Mumbai in October 2011 had triggered a huge public response and the organisers are confident that the Bangalore’s first show will go the same way.
“Though the main event will be annually held in Delhi, Comic Con Express, which started last year will bring the same atmosphere of the main convention to new fans in different cities every year,” says Jatin Varma, Founder, Comic Con India. With its thriving animation industry, a young populace addicted to comics, games and graphic novels, Bangalore was high on the organisers’ agenda. Jatin explains, “The reason to go to Bangalore is simple - Fans! We have been bombarded with messages since our inception to come to Bangalore and it was inevitable we come there for our fans. We are looking forward to a tremendous response from Bangaloreans.”
The event will have stalls exhibiting, promoting and selling comics, graphic novels, merchandise; a range of creative workshops and interactive sessions with established players from the comics and related industries; previews of films, animated features and various contests organized by participants and sponsors.
The first Comic Con India in February had attracted about 15,000 people. At last year’s Comic Con Express Mumbai, the travelling version had about 12,000 people walking in. This February, the second annual comics convention in New Delhi, had about 35,000 visitors.