This year’s Comic Con Africa is at yet another new venue, having already tackled Kyalami and Gallagher Estate in previous outings. The event, this time around, takes place at Nasrec in Johannesburg. Earlier today, Stuff got a very brief tour of the still-under-construction venue and it’s looking huge.

Comic Con Africa is (mostly) go

That’s mostly in terms of dimensions. When Stuff was present this morning, the venue was quite bare-bones. Most of the larger stands were in various phases of undress, but everything should be up and running by tomorrow morning. All of the smaller stands were present, though not all were fully loaded up yet. The Funko Pop stand, however, was almost complete. We’re not sure if it’s going to be big enough, but that’s whoever comes on the weekend’s problem.

But seeing the venue’s bones wasn’t the point. Comic Con Africa takes place this year in three massive halls. Comics, Streetcon, and the artists’ section are all under a gigantic roof. Directly next door is the gaming hall, which leads out to the substantial Kids Con venue. Compared to the last in-person event, the overall impression is one of space. More space between stands, and plenty of outdoor areas to escape to. The substantial number of options in the food court area features everything from event sponsor KFC to Spur to Mochachos (and others we can’t remember). Oh, yes, and chips in a cardboard cone.

Last-minute

🚨We regret to inform you on such short notice, that unfortunately due to personal reasons Selwyn Ward will not be able to make an appearance at Comic Con Africa this year! 😔 We are sorry for any inconvenience caused but never fear, because the CON is still ON 🤞 pic.twitter.com/3lti9fNSVq

— Comic Con Africa (@ComicConAfrica) September 21, 2022

It wouldn’t be Comic Con Africa without a last-minute cancellation or two. Tati Gabrielle and Selwyn Ward have both cancelled on the event at short notice. It seems like this occurs at every event — we’re sure there will be an apology video or two forthcoming shortly.

Still, the shape and size of the convention seems like it’ll be more pleasant to attend than ever. Both the first and second events suffered from cramped quarters, though it seemed like the Kyalami event offered more in terms of variety. This year, there should be more space on the outside than inside. And the interior areas are substantially more spacious than they were at previous events.

Stuff will, obviously, be there to check out the event when it has its game face on. Everything from StreamerCon to the various online games championships will be checked out. A few intrepid staffers might even enter an event or two. It’s playing the game that counts, right? Winning isn’t everything? Still, we’ll see you, and all of Stuff and VS Gaming’s ticket winners, at the event this weekend.