Comic Con Africa is almost here, and whether you’re into movies, gaming, comics, anime, cosplay or just looking for something fun to do, there is a lot waiting for you at the Joburg Expo Centre from 24 to 27 September.
With four days of pop culture madness ahead, here are 10 things you should put on your Comic Con Africa 2026 list.
1. Get lost in Artist Alley
More than 200 artists and crafters will be showing off their work, with plenty of comics, artwork and collectibles to discover.
International guests include Dave McCaig, Jim Cheung, Mike Rooth, Mostafa Moussa and Sam Humphries, alongside some of South Africa’s own comic talent.
And yes, you can even get a commemorative tattoo.
2. Meet some seriously big stars
Christopher Judge, the voice of Kratos in God of War, is heading to Comic Con, alongside The Rookie’s Richard T. Jones.
Rick and Morty fans can meet Ian Cardoni, Harry Belden and Spencer Grammer, while X-Men fans can meet Alison Sealy-Smith, the voice of Storm.
There is also a huge South African One Piece line-up, including Alexander Maniatis, Jazzara Jaslyn and Steven John Ward.
3. Find your favourite stage
There are five stages to explore, so there should always be something happening.
The Main Stage brings celebrity Q&As and cosplay competitions, while Creators Corner focuses on the people behind the art.
KidsCon has activities for younger fans, the Outdoor Stage brings live music and Pop-Taku is the place to be for anime fans.
4. Game until you can’t game anymore
The gaming hall is packed with free-to-play experiences, tournaments and competitions.
Telkom, Red Bull, Toyota and RGB Gaming are bringing their own competitions, while Toshiba is hosting a Street Fighter tournament with TVs up for grabs.
And if you came to shop for tech, you’re in luck.
5. Let the kids loose at KidsCon
KidsCon is back with a massive 1200sqm space packed with activities.
There will be Pokémon, My Little Pony, KPop Demon Hunters, Dr Squish, ZURU X-Shot and plenty of arts and crafts.
Takealot will also have a huge kids’ retail experience featuring brands like LEGO, Barbie, Hot Wheels, Nerf and Star Wars.
6. Check out the big brand activations
Some of the biggest brands at the con are bringing experiences that are worth checking out.
Capitec has its Fandom Force HQ, Disney+ is bringing an experience, Burger King is bringing Dragon Ball Super to life and Kellogg’s has a giant breakfast bowl.
There’s also Amazon, M-Net, Vodacom, 5FM, Sea Harvest, Indomie and more.
And CineCentre is bringing a pop-up pop culture cinema.
7. Cosplay. All day. Every day.
You don’t need an elaborate professional costume to join in.
There are daily casual cosplay competitions, while the big Cosplay Championships offer a R10000 prize and an opportunity to compete overseas.
So grab your cape, your ears or your full armour and get involved.
8. Spend all your money
Comic Con is dangerous for your wallet.
There will be comics, artwork, Funko Pops, collectibles, licensed merchandise, boardgames, D&D dice, stationery and cosplay supplies.
Basically, if you’re a collector, you’re going to want to leave some space in your bag.
9. Put down the controller
Tabletop gaming is getting plenty of attention too.
You can learn how to play trading card games, jump into a Dungeons & Dragons session or try out strategy boardgames.
And if you’ve never played D&D before, don’t worry. Beginners are welcome.
10. Visit the Book Nook
Book lovers haven’t been forgotten.
The Book Nook returns with author meet-ups, book signings, quizzes, literary cosplay, a treasure hunt and even book swaps.
You can also bedazzle your books, because apparently even your bookshelf deserves some Comic Con magic.
Four Days of Pop Culture
Comic Con Africa with Capitec takes over the Joburg Expo Centre, Nasrec, from 24 to 27 September.
Movies. Gaming. Comics. Anime. Cosplay. Celebrities. Shopping.
Basically, choose your vibe and find your tribe.
Tickets are already close to selling out, so if you haven’t got yours yet, now is probably a good time to sort that out.
Comic Con Africa is almost here, and whether you’re into movies, gaming, comics, anime, cosplay or just looking for something fun to do, there is a lot waiting for you at the Joburg Expo Centre from 24 to 27 September.
Comic Con Africa is almost here, and whether you’re into movies, gaming, comics, anime, cosplay or just looking for something fun to do, there is a lot waiting for you at the Joburg Expo Centre from 24 to 27 September.
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