Bringing fans and artists together
ARTISTS, producers, writers and fans of comic books have come together to celebrate pop culture at the third annual FanCon: Cape Town Comic Con, at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC).
Event organiser Nizar Abrahams said FanCon was modelled on overseas comic conventions known as comic cons, where fans of comic books come together to meet writers, artists, producers and fellow buffs in celebration of their favourite comic book worlds.
He said this year’s event had one of the biggest turnouts yet.
“We have close to 120 booths, and we have local-based creators as well as internationally renowned artists in genres like Anime, comics and graphic novels. The event started years ago with free comic book days at malls. Because there is such a huge fan base it just grew each year,” said Abrahams.
He said the event gave the so called “Geek-fandom” the opportunity to celebrate geek culture, dress up as their favourite characters and speak to creators and artists.
Comic book artist Sean Izaakse from Joburg exhibited his work on comic books at his booth yesterday.
The former graphic designer said his journey started eight years ago when he made the decision to pursue his passion, which finally led to a job at Marvel Comics in the US.
“I loved comics and I sent my samples out into the comic industry and quickly learnt that you had to get your name out there. So I started working with other creators, co-created my own comic, Stray, and got work at Dynamite on Pathfinder before landing this job at Marvel,” said Izaakse.
He said he came to FanCon to show young, aspiring artists and fans that through hard work and talent they, too, could make it in the industry.
Mohale Mashego, one of the writers on locally created comic book Kwezi, said FanCon allowed creators to introduce new people to their work and share insider knowledge with young artists on how to navigate the challenging industry.
She said there was a hunger for more black superheroes.