Vodacom 4U has revealed not only why the brand is on board, but also what awesome prizes will be up for grabs at the Vodacom 4U Cosplay Competition run by GES at the Vodacom rAge Gaming expo taking place from 27 through to 29 September at the Ticketpro Dome.

“At Vodacom 4U, gaming and esports is one of our key strategic pillars of our brand strategy. We see our brand, Vodacom’s Youth branded Franchise Channel, to be the best suited to ‘speak gaming’ and offer the best in class connectivity solutions, like our Vodacom Fibre offerings, as well as any gaming peripherals that any serious or casual gaming customers require.  

Following on from our deep involvement within the esports sector in South Africa during the past few years, we’ve decided to connect the dots to include the passionate Cosplay community and have partnered with Samsung Mobile South Africa to sponsor the tournament at Vodacom rAge happening in September this year. The Vodacom 4U Cosplay Competition will see the largest single event cash prize purse to date and we are excited to see who will walk away with bragging rights of being crowned the 2019 winners,” says Ulanova Visser, Marketing Director of Vodacom 4U. 

The prizes

For the prizes, Vodacom 4U and Samsung Mobile South Africa have also has teamed up with My Mini Me, a 3D printing company from Gauteng. My Mini Me has a unique business, where they scan and print 3D models of real people to be used as gifts, 3D selfies and ornaments. 

The prizes up for grabs:

Best in Show - R15 000 plus 3D printed figurine (Large)

Master's Division Winner - R5000 plus 3D printed figurine (Medium)

Armour's Division Winner - R5000 plus 3D printed figurine (Small)

Needlework's Division Winner - R5000 plus 3D printed figurine (Small) 

The 3D figurines will be of the winners in their winning cosplays, scanned and printed. The winner of Best in Show will also take home the Vodacom 4U Cosplay Competition floating trophy… and a year's worth of bragging rights! 

Some background

Every year at Vodacom rAge, there is a Cosplay Competition; which is effectively a platform for cosplayers to show off their amazing outfits. If you are unsure of what Cosplay is – it is a contraction of "costume play" – is an increasingly popular and professional hobby where fans wear costumes and accessories to represent fictional characters. The term was coined in Japan, where the trend kicked off in the 1980s with people dressing up as video game characters. It has since grown globally, with fans recreating their favourite sci-fi, fantasy and comic book characters down to the finest details. Costumes are often planned and handmade months in advance of events. “We wish all the participants best of luck and can’t wait to see all your amazing costumes!” says Ulanova Visser. 

#rAgeExpo2019 #comeandplay #17yearsofawesome #agalaxyofgeek

#Vodacom4U #connected #SamsungMobileSA

#MyMiniMe 

Vodacom rAge Event Details:

Dates:27 September – 29 September 2019

Show times:

Friday: 10:00-18:00 | Saturday: 09:00-18:00 | Sunday: 09:00-16:00

Day ticket: R160 per person (tickets available at the door or via TicketPro outlets)

Weekend ticket: R320 per person (tickets available at the door or via TicketPro outlets)

Kids under 6: Free

Venue: Ticketpro Dome  | Cnr Olievenhout Avenue and Northumberland Road | Northriding, Johannesburg | GPS: 26 03’48.39”S / 27 56’35.54”E

www.rageexpo.co.za  

Geeks are taking over! And they’re doing it Big in Japan style! That’s right, all things Geek are about to be unleashed on JHB and Pretoria with the 7th Annual GeekFest, brought to you by The Dark Carnival. Taking place for the first time at the awe-inspiring Sun Arena, Time Square in Pretoria, the event is set to be a complete invasion of all things Geek and all things gaming over one stellar weekend. Gaming Geeks and Fantasy Freaks can draw inspiration for this year’s GeekFest from the birthplace of Anime – Japan. But because we’re Geeks, we definitely don’t do understated and we definitely do over the top, so it’s a Godzilla-sized Big in Japan theme, and we are challenging all Geeks out there to bring on all thing’s anime, manga and Otaku (Japanese for geek).

The entire focus of the 3-day weekend will be on Japanese culture and gaming so Gēmusutāto! (Game on) The Cosplay arena is going to be one that is super-sized this year, with events across all levels, so you can either take a beginner’s bite-sized chunk or make a masterful meal of this imagination-busting sub-culture. There will be four competition categories, namely: • Junior – Open to all entrants who will be under the age of 15 at the time of GeekFest. In order to qualify, at least 50% of their costume must be hand crafted. • Beginner to Genin – Open to newbies who are interested in breaking into the cosplay universe. This includes first time entrants or those who have very little experience.

In order to qualify, at least 50% of their costume must be hand crafted. • Intermediate-Chuunin – Open to those slightly more experienced cosplayers who have taken part in these kinds of competitions before. In order to qualify, at least 75% of their costume must be hand crafted. • Masters-Kage – Open to the semi-professional and professional cosplayers – those who live and breathe the sub-culture and have placed at major competitions before. In order to qualify, at least 90% of their costume must be hand crafted. Each of the above categories will have a first, second and third place winner with fantastic sponsored prizes up for grabs. In addition to the category tournaments, there will also be a masquerade for those who don’t want to compete, but who want to simply strut their colourful stuff and be a part of the fun. To register visit http://www.geekfest.co.za/cosplay-registration/. In partnership with the Rush esports event there will also be a Vodacom 4U sponsored Fortnite- inspired category. This is the chance to dress to impress as you channel one of your favourite Fortnite characters.

The winner of the Vodacom 4U Fortnite cosplay will walk away with R10,000, so ramp up your creative juices and enter now! A whole range of other fantastic activities will send you into a spin, including Sumo Wrestling, a Dance Dance Revolution setup, Robowar competitions, a Gladiator Ring and a LARP tournament. Watch epic Japanese animated films Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, an animated science fantasy adventure film and Pop in Q, an animated dance film - BUT these won’t be any ordinary screening experience, you’ll get to watch these at the uber-cool Noodlebox Cinema! Kick back and relax with a box of noodles whilst watching your movie in silence with your very own headphones.

Die-hard fans of old school cool are in for a serious treat, because not one, but two iconic cars from two iconic teams from the 80’s will be on display at the event. The unforgettable king of talking technology - KITT - the real star of the KnightRider series, and the truly awesome Ghostbusters Wagon.

Who you gonna call? Your friends to join you of course… To say this a jam-packed entertainment lineup is an understatement. GeekFest 2019 has pulled out every single stop, and then some, to ensure maximum Geek immersion across the whole weekend. And when the hunger pangs strike, fear not intrepid soldiers, there is a host of food and drinks available to reboot yourself back to full power.

From merchandise exhibitors to a full-on Geek-inspired market; to gaming highlights and tabletop games; to Pokémon GO tournaments, Japanese martial arts and Anime movies and a Geek Quiz… There is something for every single member of your Geek family to do. You can even go and get your gaming on as GeekFest tickets include all access entry into Rush Esports too. For more information on GeekFest 2019 and the cosplay competitions visit https://www.geekfest.co.za/

EVENT DETAILS: When is GeekFest 2019? 28, 29, 30 June 2019

Times: Friday 10am – 8pm | Saturday 10am – 8pm | Sunday 10am – 5pm

Where is Geekfest 2019? Sun Arena, Time Square, Pretoria

How do I buy tickets to GeekFest 2019? Tickets to GeekFest on sale via Ticketpro and at the door

• Day Pass: R120 (valid for one day only on any of the three days)
• Weekend Pass: R300 (valid for all three days) GeekFest tickets include all access into Rush 2019

Bigger and better than ever before, with growing international status, the 25^th edition of the ICON Comic and Games Convention (ICON CGC), Home of the Super-Hero, returns to Johannesburg’s Gallagher Convention Centre from the 16^th-18^th June 2017 over the Youth Day Long Weekend.

It is South Africa’s longest running and largest pop culture event - the destination for leading gaming and pop culture experts and anyone looking to celebrate their fantasy world while being immersed in a compelling and exciting storyline. This celebration of gaming, story-telling, role-playing and tech positions ICON CGC as the ideal introduction to gaming for people of all ages and interests. SA’s most important gathering of geeks, it is seen by industry insiders as being on a par with the best hobby gaming conventions in the world.

There is a geek in all of us. Geeks set the stage for incredible story-telling, and thanks to this, we’re witness to it in mainstream life. Countless big budget sci-fi and fantasy television series and mass market blockbuster movies we see today are based on comics and games, previously seen as the purview of ‘geekdom’ alone. Conventions such as #ICON2017 facilitate a rapidly growing audience being able to join and learn from the geeks who created such entertainment masterpieces. Entertainment that is based on incredible story-telling.

This year ICON raises its ‘game’ substantially, showcasing international guests, local thought leaders, over 40 speaker panels, expert player showdowns, a comedy event and innovative activations including multinational tech giants such as Canon Gigabyte and MakerBot, amongst others. Media Partners, Student Brands and Nickelodeon will ensure that the best moments of this 25^th Edition live on beyond the boundaries of the convention. 

Whether you’re into card or table-top gaming, LARPing, tech-gaming or Cosplaying, an aspiring author or even a regular console fanatic, the highly acclaimed Convention will help define the ‘how to’ of the increasingly mainstream and sophisticated gaming industry. Fantasists, mythologists, tech heads role players and more come into an immersive world such as ICON to be inspired, learn, experiment, observe and compete in a celebration of fantasy worlds and story-telling. 

Les Allen, ICON’s director says, “What we’ve learnt from a quarter century convening ICON is that ‘Geeks’ are no longer on the fringe. Mainstream media exposure has made their expertise, enthusiasm and points of obsession with hobbies and intellectual pursuits accessible. Gaming and storytelling releases a part of everyone’s being, we just facilitate access to it in a myriad of ways.” 

International Cosplay Guest of Honour for #ICON2017 is the sensational Linda Le, aka. “Vampy Bit Me”, rated as one of the ten most popular cosplayers in the world and an inspiration to all those who invest in building characters for fantasy world. Gaming industry insider James Stutter, a published author and the co-creator of the fantasy Pathfinder’ Roleplaying Game and Creative Director of the new space version Starfinder also joins the Convention. Both will participate in the convention for all three days.

Those looking forward to the much anticipated movie Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets can win double passes to the film’s first screening in South Africa on 21 July by attending either of two Valerian panels at ICON2017. The panel titled “Create an Alien” will see James designing an alien species from the ground up, based on a world from the Valerian cosmos. Partnering James is Sean Izaakse, current artist on Marvel's "Avengers" comic book - he'll be drawing the monster as James designs it. 

Local thought leaders included in the line-up of panellists include tech analyst and commentator Arthur Goldstuck, and Nikki Bush, well know columnist and specialist in the field of ‘child play and development’ matters.

Visitors to the convention have an opportunity to be real super heroes by visiting the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) drive and donate to help save lives. One lucky donor stands the chance of winning a 3D printed replica of themselves as a superhero – sponsored by MakerBot, the global leader in the 3D printing industry. 

As with previous years, Saturday (17^th June) sees six of SA’s funniest comedians take to the stage at the ICON Comedy Evening. With limited seats and tickets only available to weekend ticket holders, or those attending ICON on the Saturday, this extremely popular evening will have those attending rolling in the aisles with laughter as the comedians make light of geek culture.

EVENT DETAILS:

Venue: Hall 2, Gallagher Convention Centre
Dates: Friday 16^th June / Saturday 17^th June / Sunday 18^th June
Times: Friday, Saturday: 9 am - 6 pm
Sunday, 9 am - 5 pm

TICKETING INFORMATION

Tickets are on sale now and start at R120 for a one day pass. Weekend passes and limited VIP tickets available. 

Visit the ICON FB page http://www.facebook.com/ICONCGC or the www.iconcgc.co.za website to purchase tickets. Follow ICON on Twitter and Instagram. 

Bigger and better than ever before, with growing international status, the 25^th edition of the ICON Comic and Games Convention (ICON CGC), Home of the Super-Hero, returns to Johannesburg’s Gallagher Convention Centre from the 16^th-18^th June 2017 over the Youth Day Long Weekend..

It is South Africa’s longest running and largest pop culture event - the destination for leading gaming and pop culture experts and anyone looking to celebrate their fantasy world while being immersed in a compelling and exciting storyline. This celebration of gaming, story-telling, role-playing and tech positions ICON CGC as the ideal introduction to gaming for people of all ages and interests. SA’s most important gathering of geeks, it is seen by industry insiders as being on a par with the best hobby gaming conventions in the world.

There is a geek in all of us. Geeks set the stage for incredible story-telling, and thanks to this, we’re witness to it in mainstream life. Countless big budget sci-fi and fantasy television series and mass market blockbuster movies we see today are based on comics and games, previously seen as the purview of ‘geekdom’ alone. Conventions such as #ICON2017 facilitate a rapidly growing audience being able to join and learn from the geeks who created such entertainment masterpieces. Entertainment that is based on incredible story-telling.

This year ICON raises its ‘game’ substantially, showcasing international guests, local thought leaders, over 40 speaker panels, expert player showdowns, a comedy event and innovative activations including multinational tech giants such as Canon Gigabyte and MakerBot, amongst others. Media Partners, Student Brands and Nickelodeon will ensure that the best moments of this 25^th Edition live on beyond the boundaries of the convention.

Whether you’re into card or table-top gaming, LARPing, tech-gaming or Cosplaying, an aspiring author or even a regular console fanatic, the highly acclaimed Convention will help define the ‘how to’ of the increasingly mainstream and sophisticated gaming industry. Fantasists, mythologists, tech heads role players and more come into an immersive world such as ICON to be inspired, learn, experiment, observe and compete in a celebration of fantasy worlds and story-telling.

Les Allen, ICON’s director says, “What we’ve learnt from a quarter century convening ICON is that ‘Geeks’ are no longer on the fringe. Mainstream media exposure has made their expertise, enthusiasm and points of obsession with hobbies and intellectual pursuits accessible. Gaming and storytelling releases a part of everyone’s being, we just facilitate access to it in a myriad of ways.”

International Cosplay Guest of Honour for #ICON2017 is the sensational Linda Le, aka. “Vampy Bit Me”, rated as one of the ten most popular cosplayers in the world and an inspiration to all those who invest in building characters for fantasy world. Gaming industry insider James Stutter, a published author and the co-creator of the fantasy Pathfinder’ Roleplaying Game and Creative Director of the new space version Starfinder also joins the Convention. Both will participate in the convention for all three days.

Those looking forward to the much anticipated movie Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets can win double passes to the film’s first screening in South Africa on 21 July by attending either of two Valerian panels at ICON2017. The panel titled “Create an Alien” will see James designing an alien species from the ground up, based on a world from the Valerian cosmos. Partnering James is Sean Izaakse, current artist on Marvel's "Avengers" comic book - he'll be drawing the monster as James designs it.

Local thought leaders included in the line-up of panellists include tech analyst and commentator Arthur Goldstuck, and Nikki Bush, well know columnist and specialist in the field of ‘child play and development’ matters.

Visitors to the convention have an opportunity to be real super heroes by visiting the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) drive and donate to help save lives. One lucky donor stands the chance of winning a 3D printed replica of themselves as a superhero – sponsored by MakerBot, the global leader in the 3D printing industry.

As with previous years, Saturday (17^th June) sees six of SA’s funniest comedians take to the stage at the ICON Comedy Evening.  With limited seats and tickets only available to weekend ticket holders, or those attending ICON on the Saturday, this extremely popular evening will have those attending rolling in the aisles with laughter as the comedians make light of geek culture.

EVENT DETAILS:

Venue: Hall 2, Gallagher Convention Centre

Dates: Friday 16^th June / Saturday 17^th June / Sunday 18^th June

Times: Friday, Saturday: 9 am - 6 pm

Sunday, 9 am - 5 pm

TICKETING INFORMATION

Tickets are on sale now and start at R120 for a one day pass. Weekend passes and limited VIP tickets available.

Visit the ICON FB page http://www.facebook.com/ICONCGC or the www.iconcgc.co.za website to purchase tickets. Follow ICON on Twitter and Instagram.

On Saturday, May 6, the 16th annual Free Comic Book Day was celebrated by more than 2,000 comic/geeky stores worldwide, handing out approximately 6 million comics into the hands of eager fans. It’s a day for welcoming new people to the world of comics and stores that sell them. But the newest comic book store in Jhb, Central City Comics, instead of just using the day to promote their store, decided to take to heart what they love most about comics and the geeky lifestyle and use this day to be heroes and get other people to do the same.   Based in Sandton Commercial Village in Marlboro,Jhb, Central City is five minutes away from the Sandton/Marlboro SPCA.

“The whole object of the day was to share our passion for the geek culture with new people while still helping a good cause and bringing awareness to the best sidekicks any hero could have, their pets.” – Stephen Lewis, Co-owner of Central City Comics.People from around Jhb gathered from 10am to get their free comic books and donate to and support the SPCA. Everyone who donated got a 10% discount on their purchases from Central City as well as badge of honour for joining the #CCHeroes community.

“The SPCA is run purely off donations and receives no money from the Government. This was our opportunity to make a difference and give our awesome heroes (our customers) a chance to help too. That’s why we called it Be A Hero Day and not just FCBD. It was a day to do enjoy what we love and make a difference.” – Lee Herrmann, Co-owner of Central City Comics. 

The Sandton SPCA from the combined efforts of the comic book store and all the visitors and exhibitors on the day managed to gather donations of food, money and blankets to the value of R 10 000. Everyone involved came together to make an amazing day for visitors and the SPCA, with exhibitors selling epic geeky goodies and food trucks feeding the humans and cosplay competitions for pets, kids and professionals. Mix 93.8 Fm also joined in on the day delivering a live broadcast during Hain Kaisers show and they were seen supporting and donating to the SPCA throughout the day. Even big business got involved with Global Access helping set up the stand for the Sandton SPCA with grass, bowls for the pets on the day as well as a custom SPCA Sensanetik display.

“Your ears must have been burning this weekend – all your donations and the jacket donations literally saved the day, we are so full with puppies at the moment, and it was so cold, so they were all snugly dressed up this weekend.” – Emailed a volunteer from the SPCA this week.It was definitely a Free Comic Book Day with a difference and Central City looks forward to next year which will hopefully be even better. “You are going to make a difference. A lot of times it won’t be huge, it won’t be visible even. But it will matter just the same.” – Commissioner Gordon

Thanks to all the #CCHeroes Exhibitors and Supporters:

• Sandton SPCA
• Mini Me Memorables
• Global Access
• SIN BIN: Graphic and Fashion Design
• Inks M.D
• Ke Ai
• Yes Sir EPM
• Phat Kids Kitchen                                                                                                                    
• The Filthy Moustache Gourmet Food Truck
• Steamed Rabbit
• FairyFountains
• Reigning Red
• Emilia Paw Arts
• MissMoan
• Salty Sweet
• Sera Blue
• Abigail Godsell
• QuikPix Photo Booth 

Central City Comics was the dream of two guys who loved their comics, movies, toys, gadgets, zombies, sci-fi epics, costumes and general geekery. It was either become superheroes or open a comics and pop culture superstore. They went with the latter and established their own Fortress of Solitude, Batcave and Millennium Falcon all rolled into one. But they never forgot their dream of being superheroes and so want to launch their store and help the helpless, the animals of the SPCA Sandton/ Marlboro area which is five minutes away from the store.