Step onto the grounds at Nasrec and you’re immediately hit with a wall of energy. Poison Ivy posing with Naruto, a cowboy somehow saddled onto a T-Rex, and a storm of cosplayers strutting in armor, capes, and wigs that could rival Hollywood’s costume department. It’s chaotic, it’s loud, and it’s glorious — welcome to Comic Con Africa 2025. Day one made one thing clear: if you’re a fan of anything, this is where you belong this weekend.
Collectors, Shoppers, and the Hunt for Exclusives
Comic Con has always been about more than just fandom — it’s about the thrill of the chase. Day one kicked off with collectors pouring in early to snag exclusives, from rare Funkos to con-only merch that will never see a store shelf. The launch of the new CONllector Guide turned the floor into a treasure hunt, with fans tracking down hot deals like bounty hunters chasing marks. Whether you’re into lightsabers, TCG, or retro consoles, there was loot waiting to be claimed.
Cosplay That Stopped Crowds in Their Tracks
South Africa’s cosplay community doesn’t do half-measures. Day one was proof. International guests Yuji Koi and Majed Cosplay drew big crowds, while local fans turned the main stage into a parade of imagination. It wasn’t just about prizes — it was about pride, passion, and that pure moment of recognition when someone spots your character across the floor.
And if cosplay is your thing, there’s one stand you can’t afford to miss: BPJL Gaming. Making their Comic Con debut, the team came in swinging with handcrafted, 3D-printed weapons and premium-quality costumes that look like they stepped right off a movie set. Co-founder Ryan told me,
“We decided to go as big as possible. Most of the cosplays we’re showing off are quality people haven’t seen in South Africa. It’s about brand awareness and showing what we can do.”
The truth is: BPJL’s stand is more than just a showcase. This is grassroots South African fandom leveling up, showing what’s possible when passion meets creativity and tech. Whether you’re there to marvel at the insane detail on their props or snap photos with next-level cosplay builds, this is a must-visit stop on the show floor. And if you can’t make it in person, check them out online at YouTube: @BPJLGaming and Instagram: @BPJLGaming.
Gaming Took Center Stage
If cosplay brought the color, gaming brought the noise. The Experience Hall felt like an esports arena on steroids, with giant LED walls, shoutcasters hyping up the crowd, and matches that had fans screaming like it was the World Cup. Telkom VS Gaming lit the fuse with CS2 Masters, while the Doritos Crunch Arena’s Tekken 8 tournament leaderboard refreshed so often it felt like stock trading on Wall Street.
Add in Red Bull’s EAFC showdown, plus Toyota Gaming Engine’s Street Fighter 6 and Gran Turismo 7 challenges, and you had wall-to-wall battles pulling in casuals and pros alike. Day one proved gaming isn’t just part of Comic Con Africa — it’s one of its biggest pillars.
Disney+ Brought the Magic
Big brands came to play, but few drew as much attention as Disney+. Their stand was buzzing all day, packed with fans jumping between Marvel, Star Wars, Alien, and even The Simpsons activations. “This is our moment to connect,” Disney+ Brand and Content Manager Itumeleng Losaba explained.
“You don’t usually get to experience Disney+ in person, so this is how we bring the brand to life. We wanted to show the length and breadth of the platform — it’s not just Marvel or kids’ content, it’s a home for everyone.”
Judging by the queues and the non-stop foot traffic, the strategy worked. Disney+ stood tall as one of the headline attractions of the con — the kind of activation people will be talking about long after the weekend wraps.
Tabletop, Outdoors, and Everything In Between
Away from the screens, Tabletop Gaming offered a different kind of adrenaline. From Pokémon TCG battles to Dungeons & Dragons one-shots, it was a mix of strategy, storytelling, and dice rolls that forged new friendships on the spot.
Step outside and the vibe shifted again. Families relaxed in the sun, food trucks kept bellies full, and the School of Rock karaoke stage turned unsuspecting fans into rockstars. Even off the main floor, the con energy was everywhere — no quiet corners here.
The Verdict: Comic Con Africa Is For Everyone
Day one wasn’t just a warm-up; it was a statement. This year’s Comic Con Africa is bigger, louder, and more inclusive than ever before. Whether you’re there to game, cosplay, shop, or just soak up the vibes, the con has carved out a space for you.
As Losaba put it, “Whoever you are, there’s a place and a home for you.” That could be the tagline for Comic Con Africa itself. The show runs all weekend, and if day one is any indication, missing it means missing the heartbeat of South African pop culture right now.
So if you’re still on the fence about attending, here’s your answer: get to Nasrec. Comic Con Africa 2025 is the place to be this weekend.
