Comic Con Cape Town is gearing up to host an unparalleled celebration of pop culture and gaming, with a world-class dress up (cosplay) experience at the heart of the event. Embracing the vibrant and diverse community of cosplay that mirrors the culture of the City, Comic Con Cape Town promises an inclusive and engaging atmosphere for fans of all levels of cosplay enthusiasm. 

Recognised globally for its commitment to fostering creativity and self-expression, Comic Cons invite attendees to immerse themselves in the art of cosplay, whether they are seasoned veterans or first-time participants – and Comic Con Cape Town, hosted by the City of Cape Town, is no different! While cosplay at the event isn't mandatory, it's strongly encouraged, offering attendees the chance to embody their inner superhero, anime character, or gaming icon. 

Fans can expect daily Casual Cosplay Competitions, which offer the everyday person an opportunity to strut their stuff across the Comic Con Cape Town main stage for spot prizes – be it in a custom, rented, commissioned, or even store-bought outfit. There is no pre-event registration required for the casual competition, and fans can register on the day they attend at the Cosplay Central zone on the con floor. There is also a dedicated slot for kids cosplay – which allows fans under the age of 16 to also join in on the fun. 

For fans that are interested in professionally competing, the event will feature two prestigious cosplay competitions: the new World Cosplay Summit South African Preliminary Competition and the Comic Con Cape Town Cosplay Competition. Participants in these competitions will need to pre-register to showcase their skills and contend for a chance to win coveted titles and prizes. 

As a new addition to Comic Con Cape Town, the World Cosplay Summit South African Preliminary Competition, presented by GeekXP Promotions, will provide cosplayers with the opportunity to represent South Africa on the global stage in Japan. In this competition, fans are tasked to cosplay as a character originating from Japanese pop culture and prepare a 2 minute skit that they will perform on stage. The winning pair of this competition will earn a sponsored trip to Japan to participate in the prestigious World Cosplay Summit finals, where they will compete alongside cosplayers from over 30 countries. 

The showcase for the World Cosplay Summit South African Preliminary Competition will take place on the Comic Con Cape Town main stage on Sunday, 28 April 2024. 

As a returning fan favourite, the Comic Con Cape Town Cosplay Competition, in partnership with GES, will recognise excellence in skill and craftsmanship, offering awards for needlework and armour across novice, intermediate, and masters divisions. However, the most acclaimed prize to be won is the title of overall winner, won by only one competitor and complimented by R5000 cash. 

The finals for the Comic Con Cape Town Cosplay Competition will be held on the last day of the event – Wednesday, 1 May 2024 on the Comic Con Cape Town main stage. 

For the professional competitions, pre-registration is essential, as no entries will be accepted on the day. To register for either of the professional competitions, and to get more information on them, fans can visit this link: https://comicconafrica.co.za/cosplay/ 

"We are thrilled to offer our attendees a world-class cosplay experience at Comic Con Cape Town," said Nicol Chaplin, Event Manager of Comic Con Cape Town. "Cosplay is not just about dressing up; it's about creativity, passion, and bringing beloved characters to life. Whether you're a seasoned cosplayer or a casual fan, we invite everyone to join us in celebrating this incredible art form." 

In addition to competitions, with Comic Con Cape Town’s dedication to offering a world-class experience, the festival proudly welcomes renowned international cosplayer Taryn Cosplay, from Italy. Taryn, with his exceptional talent and craftsmanship, brings a wealth of experience and a passion for cosplay that has captivated audiences worldwide. 

With the event around the corner, Comic Con Cape Town is set to host an extraordinary celebration of pop culture and gaming, with cosplay at its core. From casual competitions to prestigious contests, the event caters to enthusiasts of all levels – featuring renowned international cosplayers. Comic Con Cape Town invites fans of all ages to immerse themselves in the creativity and passion of cosplay. 

Comic Con Cape Town is happening at the CTICC 2, from 27 April to 1 May 2024, and tickets are available now from R190 through Howler on this link: https://comiccon.howler.co.za/events/comic-con-cape-town-2024-81d1