Hyderabad: Comics aren't just for children; they might keep the child alive in you. Comic Con is a place that reminds you exactly of that. As you enter Comic Con Hyderabad, Day One, you're met with enthusiastic volunteers, cheering and high-fiving you as you make your way in. The child in you jumps out, matching their energy. This excitement continues as you reach Hall 1, where Comic Con stalls await you.
Right at the first stall, Goku is there to greet you. On your right and all around, people are ready for cosplay, portraying various characters from Wednesday Addams to Kakashi Hatake from Naruto.
"This is my first Comic Con, and I loved it. It feels like stepping into the comic world itself, where everything you love comes to life," said Harshit, a Class 6 student, who came with his father to his first Comic Con, wearing a Super Mario headgear. Both father and son wore white Deadpool T-shirts and twinned as they made their visit.
Abhyudit, a 14-year-old student and manga enthusiast, was attending Comic Con for the first time. “Comic Con was pretty great. I came here not expecting as much as there is, and it’s been a wonderful experience,” he said.
Despite the excitement, he shared a small disappointment: “I was hoping to find a rare manga called Oishinbo, which is usually sold only in Japan and a few countries. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find it here. But overall, I loved the shows and everything about the event.”
When asked about his preferences, he added, “I’m more of a manga fan. I don’t enjoy anime as much; I prefer reading.”
Adding a unique musical flair to the event was Daisuki, India’s cosplay band that blends anime culture with live music. “We started about five years ago to share our love for both anime and music,” said a band member.
“We perform openings from anime and games in their original Japanese to pay homage to the original creators.”
The band, with members spread across India, originally connected while working together at a music school in Bengaluru. “Cosplay enhances the stage experience,” the member added. “When the audience sees their favourite characters performing songs from their favourite anime, it’s a whole new level of connection.”
Prasad Bhat’s work stood out for its blend of humour, cultural references, and sharp political commentary. One of his standout pieces, titled This is South India, reimagines the iconic song with Childish Gambino in a lungi, sipping filter coffee. Another one was his rendition of the Friends poster, featuring Mamata Banerjee, Rahul Gandhi, Narendra Modi, Arvind Kejriwal, and Shashi Tharoor, all bonding over cups of steaming filter coffee.
Josh Blaylock, an international artist and founder of Devil’s Due Studios, also made his debut in India at the event. “It’s fantastic and very exciting. This is my first time not just in Hyderabad but in India,” he said. Known for his supernatural sci-fi action stories, Josh expressed his excitement about introducing his work to Indian audiences. “At the same time, I’ve had people bring comic books they purchased years ago. It’s great to see that connection here,” he shared.
Day One’s packed schedule saw fans enjoy the debut of The Adventures of Kikiboo, a comic about a fearless panda discovering her hidden superpowers, and Yagyaa Origins by Bullseye Press, set in the dark, violent world of Khura. Savio Mascarenhas from Amar Chitra Katha unveiled 18 stories from ancient Puranas, bringing to life the mysteries of Goddess Lakshmi’s symbolism.
Gamers weren’t left out, with DreamHack’s gaming zone drawing crowds. The Gaming Fireside Chat powered by Legion explored the challenges and wins of gaming content creators, while otaku fans sang along as Daisuki performed anime hits live on stage.
The same goes for laughter. Stand up acts were lined up with Azeem Banatwalla and The Internet Said So podcast crew keeping the audience entertained. The day ended with Hyderabad’s Biggest Cosplay Contest, where participants competed for a cash prize of Rs 50,000, and the Indian Championship of Cosplay qualifiers.
