If you’re only just hearing that Comic Con Africa 2025 is underway, you’ve already missed a whole day. As the pinnacle of pop culture and geekdom in South Africa, this year’s Comic Con Africa has, as always, something cool for everyone to gape and marvel at.
A lot of the cool stuff is up for grabs, either as a prize for a giveaway or as a discounted sale. Some, however, are not for sale. Unless you have the kind of money that is tough to say no to.
If you’re trying to limit the damage to your wallet, there’s plenty to see and engage with that won’t cost you anything extra on the price of your pass. Here are just a few of the things you can expect if you head to the Joburg Expo Centre (Nasrec) this weekend.
Did you say million, with an ‘m’?
One of the best examples of cool things you can’t buy is the wrapped Toyota vehicles on display. You won’t find any price tags on these, and you might even be met with laughter if you make them an offer. That laughter will probably fade rather quickly if that offer ended in six zeros or more. We can’t, for legal reasons, alert you to the other means that one might acquire one-of-a-kind vehicles like these. But they exist, if you’re brave (and stupid) enough.
Hey, I’ve seen that one before
If you fall more on the pop culture side of things than geekdom, then you’ll probably be interested to know that a few international talents have made it this year. Chances are high you’ve heard of The Boys, Supernatural, Fantastic Beasts, and, for the older folks, Babylon 5.
This year, you have the chance to rub shoulders with Jessie T. Usher, best known as A-Train from The Boys, Misha Collins, or Castiel from Supernatural, and Dan Fogler, who plays Jacob Kowalski in the Fantastic Beasts film series. Babylon 5’s Julie Caitlin Brown is also in attendance.
Actually rubbing their shoulders will garner an additional cost, over and above your ticket. But if you hang around the main stage in Hall 5, you can catch glimpses of them and pressure them to answer your pressing questions. Results may vary.
Along with international film and TV stars, there are also international cosplay guests Yuji Koi and Majed Cosplay at this year’s Con.
So many colours
If art is more your speed, this year’s Artist Alley is even bigger than before, with over 135 talented artists gathered together. It’s safe to say there’s probably something for everyone.
Renowned international artists in attendance include Carola Borelli, Cian Torney, Eleonora Carlini, Declan Shalvey, and Elisabetta D’Amico, while homegrown heroes include Anand Ramcheron, Jason Masters, and Sean Izaakse.
Sure, you can pay to take some of their work home with you, but the best thing about art? It’s free to appreciate.
The Pros in action
Another spectacle worth your time, and that won’t cost you anything extra, is esports. The Telkom VS Gaming Masters playoffs will be underway over the weekend. Come sit in the crowd to get a taste of some of the best local CS2 players as they fight for a spot in the playoffs and their share of the large prize pool. If going to a major isn’t on the cards for you, this is here, it’s on now, and it’s (almost) free.
