Comic Con Delhi 2023

The annual event took place from 8-10 December, 2023 in Delhi, offering fans an experience larger than life. The anticipation was palpable as we eagerly embraced the festivity on day 1 with the entrance saying, “Welcome home, Geeks!”

 

My first encounter with Comic Con unfolded in December 2015 when I was merely 18. Fresh out of school, unfamiliar with comic books, and having only experienced Pokémon in the realm of anime, I felt like a fish out of water. My then boyfriend, who ushered me into this vivid world, seemed more enamoured with capturing moments with his beloved anime characters than with me. Looking back, it makes sense, but back then, my younger self couldn’t help but feel a twinge of hurt and embarrassment.

Fast forward eight years to 2023, and I find myself attending Comic Con again with a newfound enthusiasm. Now, I’m an ardent and regular reader, delving into graphic novels, well-versed in the Marvel and DC universes, and deeply immersed in pop culture, though I acknowledge that my fandom for superheroes doesn’t reach obsessive heights. A feminist and an unapologetic Indian at heart, I adorned myself in a vibrant attire to blend in. I initially felt overwhelmed by the sheer intensity of cosplay and fandom. Memories of my 18-year-old self resurfaced as I searched for merchandise for my boyfriend, a Star Wars fanatic, and my brother, an Anime aficionado. However, a glimmer of connection emerged when I stumbled upon a stall featuring hand-knitted pop culture characters by @skeindalouscreations – a unique find that resonated with me and my colleagues.

 

 

 

 

A conversation with my colleague, a fellow enthusiast of handicrafts, revealed our shared affinity for the “Dastakaar” aesthetic. Herself sporting a colourful knitted sweater with distinctly Indian beaded shoulder dusts, and myself, draped in a pashmina stole adorned with tilla work, were on the lookout for Amar Chitra Katha and drawn to handcrafted merchandise. Embracing our distinctive styles, we veered away from viscose shirts in favour of organic cotton and stumbled upon Indie comics that encapsulated our cultural preferences. 

Eventually, we discovered comic books by Independent Indian publishers featuring mythological characters like Aghori, Shiva, and Ravana at Holy Cow Entertainment by Vivek Goel, along with empowering narratives starring all-women casts and some feline companions at Meta Desi Comics by Akshay Dhar. Our joy knew no bounds, realising that the Comic Con experience has evolved – the realisation that we didn’t need an affinity for Marvel or DC to feel like a part of the event was liberating. As we navigated the convention grounds, we revelled in nostalgia, grooving to the iconic Shaktimaan theme, and embraced the timeless appeal of classic Indian ad jingles by the boy band 9Teen. In a true Indian millennial fashion, we proudly identified as Chacha Chowdhary & Saboo enthusiasts or loyal followers of Vikram Betaal. That being said, the convention was also heavily dominated by Anime and Manga, particularly featuring Jujustu Kaisen and Demon Slayer.

 

 

Amidst discussions of misfits and geeks, we marvelled at how the once-outcast geeks had become the epitome of cool at Comic Con. The eclectic mix of attendees, ranging from those with big bags to others adorned in cosplay attire, exemplified the inclusive spirit of the event. In this space, everyone was a geek, and they wore it proudly. Returning home, I too felt like a geeky comic book girlie with my modest haul comprising a manga, a Spider-Man India comic book, an all-women creator series, one stand-alone comic book on the dark side of Shiva, and a captivating multi-book set, finding myself compelled to delve deeper into the burgeoning Indian comic scene. Exploring other comic books that caught my interest, I couldn’t help but reflect on how an initially intimidating experience could undergo a transformative shift.

This journey through Comic Con encapsulated the essence of finding one’s tribe and the joy of belonging to a community that cherishes stories and characters that comforted us in our formative years. The fervour and passion displayed by the diverse fandoms served as an inspiration, highlighting the significance of comics in shaping young minds and fostering communities bound by shared subcultures. The vibrant atmosphere, and unapologetic celebration of pop culture made this Comic Con truly memorable. It made me reflect upon the idea that by shedding our initial inhibitions, we might be just one step away from unlocking our most cherished and fulfilling experiences. If you think Comic Con isn’t for you, try going with an open mind next time, and who knows what you might discover about yourself?