FanCon at CTICC: geek culture rising
THE SECOND annual FanCon Cape Town Comic Con started hosted on Saturday at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.
The three-day event is a celebration of everything geeky, hosting entertainment for all lovers of comics and geek and pop culture. It included provincial, national and international comic artists, workshops, comic book launches, graphic novels, action figures, novelties, and board games.
Wesley-Jade Wyngaard, 24, a librarian from Pelican Park, said it was exciting to have an event finally celebrating geek and fan culture.
“Last year’s one was held at the Lookout in Waterfront. The venue was tiny, which was disappointing, but I was excited that something like this was finally happening in South Africa. Besides it being cramped, the vibe was exciting and I got to see a lot of interesting cosplays, and the talented local graphic artists showcasing their work.
“This year’s one is so much bigger. There’s more space, more vendors and artists could showcase, panel discussions were more and organised well. We could see more of the cosplay community. I’d say this year’s FanCon was a definite step above last year’s.”
Shameez Patel Papathanasiou, a 25-year-old civil engineer from Goodwood, said she thoroughly enjoyed it, as it was her first time.
“I think they had a good variety of
merchandise like comic books, both local and international,” she said. “They had handmade fan crafts, like a pencil wand, or a bow with the Harry Potter Deathly Hallows symbol printed on it.
“There was anime (style of cartoon animation in South Asia), Game of
Thrones, Lord of The Rings, Marvel and DC comics, everything for every fan. “About 50% of the people dressed up. Some went all out and it was amazing, and some didn’t at all. I had lunch there and I was pleased that everything was halaal.”
Nizar Abrahams, one of FanCon co-organisers said its second instalment has had a more diverse crowd, highlighting that “geek culture” is on the rise in Cape Town.
“It’s about getting the mix of the crowd. We have played a really fast catch-up, and it’s purely because of social media on your side,” he said.
“A show like this proves crowds and ‘fandoms’ are there and being supported right down in places in Cape Town.”