Comic Con Africa opens its doors this week as South Africa’s premier destination for all things geek, gaming, tech, cosplay and esports. If you needed a quick roundup on everything you can expect at the show, let’s break it down.



Artist Alley and Crafters Pavilion

Over 200 artists and crafters gather together in the Artist Alley and Crafters Pavilion. It’s a massive space packed with original art and fans can meet local and international artists, get their comic books signed, and discover new talent. The international spotlight comic guests in attendance in 2026 are Dave McCaig, Jim Cheung, Mike Rooth, Mostafa Moussa, and writer Sam Humphries. All have worked for prestigious comic houses like Marvel and DC, among others. Homegrown spotlight guests include Clyde Beech from local comic Supa Strikas among others, and Jason Masters and Sean Izaakse who have also worked internationally for Marvel and DC. The con has also put together a roster of urban artists, including ZAYL Arts, Ali Bate, Moelycaen, and *** Alles, among others. Fans can also get a commemorative tattoo!

Celebs and Film and Series

The con has an incredible line up of international celebs at the con. Christopher Judge is the voice behind the blockbuster game God of War’s character Kratos and Stargate SG-1’s Teal’c. Richard T Jones is a prolific series actor, most recently portraying Wade Grey in The Rookie. Ian Cardoni, Harry Belden, and Spencer Grammer, the voices behind Rick, Morty, and Summer from the animated series Rick and Morty will be in attendance, as well as the voice behind X-Men’s Storm, Alison Sealy-Smith. A huge line-up of South African actors from the live adaptation of One Piece includes Alexander Maniatis, Jazzara Jaslyn, Martial T. Batchamen, Nahum Hughes, Richard Gaue, and Steven John Ward. From Cartoon Network, virtual guests are JG Quintel, Nate Cash, Sasha Knight, and William Salyers.

Five Stages of Content

This year the con has five stages of epic content. The Main Stage is where you will catch interactive Q&As with the celebs, Cosplay competitions, quizzes, and more. The Creators Corner stage in the Artist Alley hosts content about creative disciplines like art, writing, and cinematography. The KidsCon Zone stage has exciting content for kids like comic workshops, how to build a boardgame, and magic lessons. The Outdoor Stage has exciting live music performances including from a J-POP idol. The Pop-Taku stage in Otaku Town (the con’s anime central) has loads of fun content including the Dub It Out comp, anime game shows, and Japanese lessons and calligraphy demonstrations.

Gaming and Tech Shopping

The Comic Con Africa gaming hall in 2026 is packed with free-to-play zones where fans can try out the latest titles and consoles. There are exciting competitions, tournaments, champs, and interactive experiences. Telkom is hosting their Masters and High School Esports Leagues. Red Bull is holding their Red Bull Wings Cup, and Toyota brings their Load the Hilux game. RGB Gaming is hosting multiple finals of their school esports leagues which gives opportunities to underprivileged schools. Tech shopping is going to be next level, with our hardware partner PC Builder brining Computer Mania’s masses of brands to nearly 1,000sqm of retail space. Incredible Connection and Asus will be retailing, as well as SMD Technologies, Wantech, Astrum, and Amethyst Gaming, among others. Toshiba is hosting a Street Fighter tournament and giving away TVs.

KidsCon Zone

The KidsCon Zone is back in full force at Comic Con Africa 2026. The 1,200sqm zone has its own stage, and Solarpop is brining tons of fun paid and unpaid activities. They include an arts and crafts station and a huge Collectibles Arcade with exciting brands like Pembe the Cat, My Little Pony, and KPop Demon hunters. They are also bringing squishy fun with Dr Squish, and a Poké Party to celebrate 30 years of Pokémon. Zuru X Shot will be bringing their popular foam dart target range, and Takealot has an incredible retail experience for kids with brands like Barbie, Hot Wheels, Uno, Nerf, Star Wars, and LEGO.

Interactive Activations with Brands

Huge brands are exhibiting at Comic Con Africa, bringing exciting interactive experiences to fans. Brands include headline sponsor Capitec with their Fandom Force HQ, Amazon, Kellogg’s and their giant breakfast bowl, Disney+ bringing a world-class experience, Mnet will be there, and Burger King will bring to life their collab with Dragon Ball Super. Sea Harvest brings their characters Captain Crisp, the Incredible Hake, and Omega Mind, Indomie has their spin-to-win wheel, Vodacom is bringing an augmented reality experience, 5fm will be broadcasting live, CineCentre brings a pop-up pop culture cinema, and Playboy and Playgirl deodorants have a sensory activation, among many more who will be representing at the con.

Cosplay All Day

Fans can cosplay all day at Comic Con Africa, with daily casual cosplay competitions taking place with awesome prizes up for grabs. The Cosplay Championships are always huge at the con, with the winner scoring R10,000 and the opportunity to compete overseas. Fans are invited to come to the con is cosplay – even if they just have ears and a cape – and professional cosplayers roam the halls at the festival showing off their incredible realistic cosplays. International cosplayers in attendance include Yugoro and Going Ape Cosplay, who will be meeting and greeting fans and signing prints.

Shopping Specials

The con brings incredible shopping specials to fans – get ready to treat yourself. Discover original artwork, comics, and collectibles from Funko Pop to figurines and licensed merchandise. There’ll be tons of stationery from brands like Pentel and Pilot to fill your pencil bags, and Comic Con merch too. Handmade DnD dice, strategy boardgames, Kryloan professional make-up and Lashpro will be there for cosplayers and make-up fans. Retailers like So Cute, Zigglies, and the Silver Toy Shop will be selling brands for all ages of collector.

Tabletop Gaming

Unplug Yourself with Solarpop is bringing loads of fun paid and unpaid activities to Comic Con Africa. Fans can learn how to play trading card games with expert teachers, or play Dungeons and Dragons in quick encounters – newbies with no experience welcome – or longer campaigns. Tabletop Alley showcases loads of strategy boardgames which fans can try out for themselves at the con, or purchase classic boardgames to play at home. It’s the place to get around the table and stretch your imagination.

The Book Nook

Chapter Two of the Book Nook takes place at Comic Con Africa in 2026. Fans can meet authors and get editions of their books signed. In the Book Nook’s tavern there will be quizzes with great prizes, and fans can participate in fan meet-ups dressed in their favourite literary cosplays. There will be ballroom dancing with Magicon, and the exciting treasure hunt returns. Fans can also leave a book recommendation, participate in a book swop, and bedazzle their books.

Comic Con Africa with Capitec is going to be four epics days that fans won’t want to miss! Tickets are almost sold out, but there is still time to get yours on Howler. The show runs from 24 – 27 September at Johannesburg Expo Centre. Tickets are available on Howler here.

Original article on GLITCHED