Bengaluru, Dec 22: The much-awaited Maruti Suzuki Arena Bengaluru Comic Con, powered by Crunchyroll, kicked off in spectacular fashion on December 20that the KTPO Trade Center, Whitefield.
The weekend started off on a high note as the city’s geeks and pop-culture enthusiasts came together to celebrate the worlds of comics, anime, gaming, and more. The venue transformed into a dynamic space of creativity and fun, setting the stage for a memorable pop-culture experience.
From the moment the gates opened, the venue was packed with fans arriving dressed as their favourite characters. Children and young adults could be seen dressed as Spider-Man, Harry Potter, and many other iconic roles, having fun alongside their parents, who were just as enthusiastic.
A major highlight of this edition was the exciting lineup of acclaimed international guests, who were seen actively engaging with fans throughout the day. Among them was Robert Capron, best known for his iconic portrayal of ‘Rowley’ in the Diary of a Wimpy Kid film trilogy, delighting attendees with behind-the-scenes stories and photo interactions. Comic book artist Peter Nguyen, whose credits include Gotham City Sirens, Detective Comics, Bruce Wayne: The Road Home, and Death of Wolverine, captivated fans with live sketching, signings, and conversations. Also present was French-Australian actress and voice artist Chloé Hollings, the voice of Widowmaker in Overwatch and Overwatch 2, who interacted with fans and cosplayers while sharing insights into her celebrated role.
Strengthening its homegrown presence, the convention showcases over 20 Indian creators, including acclaimed comic book writers, illustrators, and storytellers such as Savio Mascarenhas (Group Art Director, Amar Chitra Katha Pvt. Ltd.), Alicia Souza (popular happiness illustrator, entrepreneur, and author), and Sumit Kumar (cartoonist and founder of Bakarmax). These creators are showcasing their work and interacting directly with fans throughout the event.
Bengaluru saw an action-packed day, featuring a special session with Shakti Comics and an engaging Comic Con Creator’s Corner focused on Corporat Comics. Fans also enjoyed a special session with Amar Chitra Katha, celebrating India’s iconic storytelling legacy, alongside the spotlight on Bengaluru Anime Club, which hosted Anime Quiz with the audience. The excitement peaked with the vibrant Bengaluru Comic Con Cosplay Contest, where talented cosplayers brought their favorite characters to life, competing daily for a cash prize of INR 30,000.
Attendees were further treated to electrifying live performances by Sharlaine & Formalzone (high-energy hip-hop and rap), Fluteboxers (a unique collaboration between a flutist from the north and a beatboxer from the south), Karma (rapper), Geek Fruit (a Bombay-based geek entertainment trio), and Vivek Desai (illusionist), keeping energy levels high throughout the day.
Organized by Comic Con India under the aegis of NODWIN Gaming, Bengaluru Comic Con also boasts a range of exclusive experiences, including the Maruti Suzuki Arena Zone, Crunchyroll Experience Zone and the Amazon Prime Video Fallout Experience Zone, celebrating Season 2 of Fallout. The zone features detailed set elements inspired by the show and live cosplayers portraying iconic characters from the Fallout universe, giving fans a chance to step directly into the post-apocalyptic world they love. In addition to this, the NODWIN Gaming Arena features BGMI PAN Fest at Android Land, Audible Experience Zone, iQOO Experience zone, PlayStation Gaming zone, Samsung Gaming station, and more.
The excitement will continue the following day with a packed lineup that will feature a comedy showcase by stand-up comedian Sahil Shah, live performances of crowd-favourite tracks by Kevin Noel Sequeira, and street beats with electrifying rhythms by Smoky The Ghost. Fans will also be able to witness the highly anticipated final showdown of the Bengaluru Qualifier for Indian Championship of Cosplay.
With an electric atmosphere, passionate fandoms, and immersive experiences, Bengaluru Comic Con started the edition delivering the signature magic that has made the event a much-loved annual celebration in the city.
Quote by Shefali Johnson, CEO, Comic Con India:
Bengaluru is more than just India’s tech capital, it is a city where innovation and creative expression go hand in hand. Deeply rooted in art, music, and culture, the city provides the perfect ecosystem for Comic Con to thrive. At Comic Con, tech professionals were seen jamming to live music, participating in panel sessions, cosplaying as their favourite characters, and competing in high-energy gaming arenas. The energy on the floor is unmistakably electric. As we say, Comic Con brings the “The Best Weekend of the year” to its fans across, and the fans here in Bengaluru have truly signalled the beginning of an epic weekend of pop-culture celebration!”