Showing posts with label Cosplay. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cosplay. Show all posts

Saturday, 23 August 2025

Wigs Out, Geeks Out! Cosplay Shines at Comic Con Africa #ComicConAfrica

Hi Guys, 

There’s something truly magical about walking through the doors of Comic Con Africa into a pumped-up crowd of all your favourite characters, from superheroes, obscure video game personalities, favourite anime characters, villains, and anti-heroes. It’s not just about the outward transformation of stepping into a favourite character. It’s about stepping into a space where creativity is not just accepted but celebrated, complimented – and even awarded. A place where fans can show up as their truest, most imaginative selves and be met with nothing but encouragement, awe, and community.

Cosplay is the beating heart of Comic Con Africa. Whether fans have spent months crafting armour and props or they’ve simply grabbed their favourite hoodie, cape, or themed glasses for a day of casual Cosplay, every form of expression is welcome at Comic Con Africa.

Wigs Out, Geeks Out! Cosplay Shines at Comic Con Africa #ComicConAfrica

Daily Casual Cosplay Competitions
Every day at the Con is a new chance to shine with daily casual Cosplay competitions. These are open to everyone - first-timers, veterans, kids, and those who want to join just for the fun of it. No pre-registration ahead of the Con is required. Fans can book their spot on site daily at Cosplay Central. There is no pressure, just pure joy and a little friendly competition.

There are two sessions per day, giving casual Cosplayers loads of opportunities to strut their stuff on the prestigious Main Stage. Plus, for the younger fans, there’s a dedicated casual competition for contestants under 13, packed with fun and fantastic prizes.

The Ultimate Cosplay Competition
The Comic Con Africa Cosplay Champs is where artistry meets adrenaline. These costumes aren’t just outfits: they’re a physical manifestation of hours of late-night sewing, foam cutting, airbrushing, and those all-important finishing touches under LED lights. This is where passion becomes wearable art.

In 2025, Comic Con Africa has refined the competition to incorporate more skill levels so that everyone has a chance to enter and be celebrated, starting from Novice and moving up to Journeyman, Masters, and Overall Champion. Within the skill levels are two categories: Needlework and Armour. All have incredible prizes lined up for the winners. There will also be spot prizes highlighting specific areas of excellence, such as best make-up, most standout wig, or most accurate prop.

After a rigorous judging process, the top 30 contestants will battle it out on the Main Stage on Sunday, 31 August 2025 - an unmissable spectacle for fans at the Con. Stage presence, creativity, and crowd-thrilling performances all come together during the crowning of our Comic Con Africa Champion of Cosplay. The stakes are high: one Overall Champion wins the honour of representing South Africa overseas at MCM in London in May 2026: flights, accommodation, and dreams included. They’ll be up against the best Cosplayers from around the world competing for the international title of Crown Champion of Cosplay.

Applications close on 5 August, with limited slots available. The Con is ready to showcase African Cosplayers’ unlimited potential and is calling on Cosplayers of all levels to enter the Championship.

Pre-registration is required. To learn more and to enter, visit the Championships of Cosplay page.

Wigs Out, Geeks Out! Cosplay Shines at Comic Con Africa #ComicConAfrica

Meet International Cosplay Icons
This year, Comic Con Africa is thrilled to host two internationally acclaimed Cosplayers: Yuji Koi Cosplay of Switzerland and Majed Cosplay of Kuwait. From breathtaking builds to behind-the-scenes stories, these global icons will share their journeys, pose for photos, and offer exclusive signed print sales of some of their most iconic Cosplays. This is Cosplay fans’ chance to connect with some of the best in the world, right in Johannesburg.

Cosplay Is For Everyone
Comic Con Africa is filled with electric, spotlight moments - but the quiet ones matter just as much. Like a Loki variant sketching fan art in the food court. Or a little Leia giving high-fives to strangers. Or the silent nod of appreciation between two Mandalorians who’ve never met before. This is what Cosplay does: it brings us together. It creates safe, inspiring spaces to be unapologetically creative and to have a whole lot of fun while doing it.

For Those Who Need to Know More: What Is Cosplay?
Some might refer to Cosplay as dress-up, but it’s so much more than that - it’s a form of storytelling and art. Cosplayers create super accurate costumes of their favourite characters from comics, video games, books, art, anime, and more. It’s where sewing, sculpting, electronics, wig-styling, acting, makeup, and movement all combine to bring characters to life. It’s about passion and creativity, hours (sometimes hundreds of hours) of investment into sewing, pattern-making and embroidery, and working with sculpting materials like PVA and Worbla. Cosplay is a spectacular form of art.



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Thursday, 7 September 2023

10 Things to Expect from @ComicConAfrica on 22-25 Sep 2023

Hi Guys, 

Comic Con Africa, the continent's ultimate pop culture and gaming festival, is set to take over the Johannesburg Expo Centre (Nasrec) with a bang over Heritage Day weekend next month. The highly anticipated festival promises fans an unforgettable experience, packed with a diverse array of entertainment, celebrity appearances, loads of shopping opportunities, and even exclusive merchandise. As Comic Con Africa gears up for its fifth edition, here are 10 things to expect from the event:
10 Things to Expect from @ComicConAfrica on 22-25 Sep 2023
One: The KFC Main Stage and the Pop Culture Hall
The KFC main stage of Comic Con Africa is the epicentre of the festival, featuring a lineup of exciting guests set to engage fans in interactive Q&A panels where audience members can learn more about their favourite films, series, and creators. For Comic Con Africa, so far those guests include, with more being announced soon:
  • Anthony Daniels – C-3PO from Star Wars
  • Veronica Taylor – The original English voice of Ash Ketchum from Pokémon
  • Ross Marquand – Aaron from The Walking Dead, as well as Red Skull from Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: End Game
The main stage will also host spot prizes, interactive gaming sessions, winner announcements, as well as cosplay competitions including the ever-exciting Comic Con Africa Championships of Cosplay. Located in Hall 6, this bustling hub of activity, will house various attractions, including kid-friendly activities making it the ultimate family day out.

Attendees can also look forward to opportunities for community building in dedicated pockets of the hall. More than the main stage, Hall 6 will also house a Pop Culture Content Zone for additional workshops, fan meet-ups, and activities.
10 Things to Expect from @ComicConAfrica on 22-25 Sep 2023
Two: Gaming Galore – Tournaments, free-to-play zones, and accessories
Gaming enthusiasts will be in paradise with a plethora of gaming options in Hall 5. Vendors will offer the latest gaming accessories and merchandise with some show exclusive deals, while the Telkom VS Gaming Village will host tournaments spanning popular titles like FIFA, and Rocket League. This village will also contain South Africa’s largest eSports tournament – The Telkom VS Masters – featuring games such as CS:GO. For mobile gaming enthusiasts, an exciting mobile gaming experience also awaits in this space.

The Toyota Gaming Engine has partnered with Nintendo to bring attendees an immersive Mario Kart experience and a chance to win a trip to Chicago for C2E2.

Comic Con Africa 2023 also sees the return of the fan favourite Doritos Crunch Cup, powered by Comic Con Africa, which will feature daily tournaments, including the "Beat the Pros" challenge, where casual gamers can compete against South Africa’s top contenders for cash prizes in titles like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II, Street Fighter 6, Fortnite, and FIFA.

Following Riot Games' announcement of Valorant servers coming to South Africa, The Carry 1st Valorant Tournament also promises thrilling gameplay. Another not-to-be-missed feature is the Red Bull Campus Clutch.

Comic Con Africa is also excited to welcome the voice of Mozzie from Rainbow Six: Siege, Martin Copping, who is also the voice of Lucas Riggs from Call of Duty: Vanguard.
10 Things to Expect from @ComicConAfrica on 22-25 Sep 2023
Three: Cosplay
Since 2018, Africa has gained recognition in the global cosplay scene, with South African cosplayers Kinpatsu Cosplay, Jinxie Cosplay, and Ludus Cosplay consistently excelling at the prestigious Crown Championships of Cosplay in Chicago. Whether you're a casual or competitive cosplayer, Comic Con Africa has something for everyone, making it a must-attend event on the cosplay calendar.

Comic Con Africa will also host casual cosplay competitions with multiple daily sessions, including a special session for contestants under 13, offering a chance to win spot prizes. The event also features the Nintendo Cosplay Competition, adding a gaming twist to the cosplay scene. For those aspiring to compete professionally, Comic Con Africa hosts the Championships of Cosplay, where hand-crafted character outfits are rigorously judged. The winner earns the honour of representing South Africa at the global C2E2 competition in Chicago.

In addition to these competitions, Comic Con Africa welcomes internationally acclaimed cosplayers Lindsay Elyse (USA), Sakura Flor (Netherlands), and Har_Fie (England). These guest cosplayers offer photo opportunities and prints of their iconic outfits, adding an extra layer of excitement to the event.

For more information on competitions and participation criteria, visit https://comicconafrica.co.za/cosplay/

Four: Artist Alley
With over 150 artists in Hall 7, The Artist Alley is the heartbeat of any Comic Con event, and Comic Con Africa is no exception. Attendees can explore a wide array of local and international artist stands dedicated to celebrating the art of comic books, original artwork, fan fiction, and more. Here, fans can admire breathtaking artwork, gain inspiration, exchange creative techniques, and even purchase or commission unique pieces from talented vendors.

Notable and iconic artists such as Nooligan (USA) will be attending the show as well as local authors Sam Beckbessinger and Dave Halvorsen (co-authors of Girls of Little Hope) who will be among the many creatives showcasing their work in the Artist Alley.
10 Things to Expect from @ComicConAfrica on 22-25 Sep 2023
Five: Shopping and collectables
With an extensive lineup of vendors spanning three halls of the Expo Centre, Comic Con Africa offers fans a shopper's paradise. Attendees can browse their way through a treasure trove of merchandise, including exclusive items available only at the event. Whether you're searching for the latest collectibles, comics, apparel, or unique memorabilia, there's something for every fan to discover.

The Symbiote Showcase and experience is another must-visit attraction for fans of iconic characters from the world of comic books – having collectables on display from XM Studios, Prime 1 Studio, Queen Studios, PureArts, Royal Selangor and Moduspace. More than these life size and breath-taking statues, be sure to stop by the Funko stand to beef up your collection.

Six: Otaku Town
Get ready for an anime extravaganza! As the anime scene continues to skyrocket across South Africa, cementing its status as an unstoppable cultural phenomenon, Comic Con Africa is thrilled to offer a stellar lineup of guests who've shaped the anime and Japanese culture scene.

Step into the heart of the action on the Comic Con Africa festival floor, for the first ever iteration of Otaku Town! This immersive zone is a love letter to all things anime and Japanese culture. Dive into a world of mesmerising exhibits, tantalise your taste buds with authentic Japanese cuisine, and let the vibrant universe of anime sweep you off your feet. Guest that will feature near this area include popular YouTubers Akidearest as well as The Anime Man.
10 Things to Expect from @ComicConAfrica on 22-25 Sep 2023
Seven: Tabletop Gaming
Whether you're a seasoned board game connoisseur or a curious novice, the tabletop gaming zone is a realm where imagination knows no bounds. Gather your friends, roll the dice and dive into a world of intricate strategy, cunning tactics, and boundless fun.

In partnership with Solarpop, Comic Con Africa is proud to welcome free play, demos, and learn-to-play sessions for iconic tabletop gaming titles such as Yu-Gi-Oh!, Pokémon, as well as Magic: The Gathering. Comic Con Africa will also host Catan Nationals.

This area in Hall 7 also calls for fans to enjoy a free two-hour Dungeons & Dragons journey into a world of magic and monsters where newcomers can also enjoy 20-minute introductions to start their quest.

Eight: Local Celebrities Spotlight
This year, Comic Con Africa will also be celebrating homegrown talent that's been making waves both locally and on the international stage, welcoming celebrities such as Cameron Scott (Ring of Beasts, The Bachelorette, and more)

Comic Con Africa is also proud to host heavy-hitter local comic book artists such as Karl Mostert, Sean Izaakse, and more to be announced soon on the festival’s social media channels.

Nine: MASSIVE Outdoor entertainment
Comic Con Africa is focused on ensuring that the event has more than enough room for fans to embrace the experience. The outdoor area is set to be loaded with food trucks, as well as activations from the likes of Hunters and Red Bull.

Comic Con Africa is also excited to welcome a finger lickin’ good experience with KFC with more details to follow soon!
10 Things to Expect from @ComicConAfrica on 22-25 Sep 2023
Ten: Autographs and Photo Ops
Hall 7 is your golden chance to rub shoulders with international celebrities up close and personal. Capture the moment with a professionally taken photograph alongside your favourite celebs. Plus – you can snag their autographs too!

You do not need to have a photograph to get an autograph and vice versa. Whether you want to bring your own item for a cherished signature or pick up something special at the show, the stars are ready to make your day.

Given the high demand for these exclusive opportunities, be sure to keep a close watch on Comic Con Africa's social media for pre-order details. Remember, availability during the event itself might be limited, so stay in the loop and secure your spot to meet and greet your heroes!

Be sure to take advantage of the limited Anthony Daniels combo deal which is currently on offer to early bird patrons at R900 for a photograph and an autograph! Secure your spot here: https://bit.ly/CCA2023_tickets

Comic Con Africa 2023 is shaping up to be an unforgettable experience with pockets of excellence in each corner. Be sure not to miss out on the ultimate pop culture and gaming festival, from 22 to 25 September 2023, by securing your ticket on Howler from R200 here: https://bit.ly/CCA2023_tickets

Aum Namah Shivay!

Till next time...Aashish
Thanks! Cheers!!!
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Saturday, 12 November 2022

It's Time To Play...Cosplay @rAgeExpo #rAgeExpo2022 #Cosplay #20yearsofawesome

Hi Friends, 

rAge - the really Awesome gaming expo - has announced that the annual rAge GES Cosplay Competition is back. While die-hards will know precisely what this is and how to participate, after a few years of being isolated, rAge is encouraging everyone no matter their age, or level of skill to join in the fun. Cosplay is the perfect hobby to set yourself free and be a real part of an imaginary world.

What is Cosplay?
Cosplay is a term that comes from a combination of the words' costume' and 'play'. It allows people to express their love for fictional characters by dressing up and acting like their favourite film, game, and comic characters.
It's Time To Play...Cosplay @rAgeExpo #rAgeExpo2022 #Cosplay #20yearsofawesome
Photo Credit - Ludus Cosplay
Cosplay started in America at the 1st World Science Fiction Convention in 1939 but is probably better known for its Japanese sub-culture links. It's a live-action art form that is incredibly fun for those dressing up and for those who get to see the amazing outfits. Over the years, it has increased in popularity among almost all fandoms leading to cosplayer participation at most popular culture conventions. A recent award-winning documentary, “Cosplay Universe” (now available on most digital platforms) digs deep into the many facets of this worldwide phenomenon. It’s not simply playing dress-up; cosplay is art.
It's Time To Play...Cosplay @rAgeExpo #rAgeExpo2022 #Cosplay #20yearsofawesome
Photo Credit - Black Lily Cosplay

Why should you join?
"Over the last decade, cosplay has grown exponentially in South Africa, and around the world. The competition is fierce and some of the costumes are pure works of fantasy art. There’s so much heart and soul in some of the outfits you can’t help but stare in wonder. During 2020, Capetonian cosplayer Ludus Cosplay took Best in Show for his take on Puss in Boots at our rAge Expo Digital Edition. Now we’re excited to announce that the competition is back for 2022. There’s plenty to look forward to, and I can tell you from years of personal experience that nothing beats seeing your favourite fictional characters come to life!" says Michael James, Project Director of rAge.

Jade Bayes, GES Head of Cosplay, commented, "The rAge Expo cosplay scene holds a special place within the local community as it's where many now world-famous South African cosplayers, such as Kinpatsu Cosplay and Jinxie Cosplay, won their first-ever cosplay competition and where many people were first introduced to cosplay. From the days when cosplayers used to hold informal competitions to the massive cosplay competitions of 50-plus entries, cosplay at rAge has gone from strength to strength.
It's Time To Play...Cosplay @rAgeExpo #rAgeExpo2022 #Cosplay #20yearsofawesome
Photo Credit - Just Plain Chris
Festive cosplay
"Now, after this long break, we have refined the competition and added a Festive Cosplay Division for the first time where cosplayers can enter outfits such as Ambitious Elf Jinx, or even their festive design or take of a character! We are looking forward to seeing people getting their creative juices flowing again."

The cosplay competition is open to all skill levels, from Novices to Masters; whether it's your first-time cosplaying or if you have been doing it for years, you are welcome. From armour to needlework to fur suits, we accept all cosplays across all ages.

Entries are open and will be closing on 30 November 2022. Entry forms can be found here, and the rule book can be found here.

We look forward to seeing everyone in person again and remember that Cosplay is for Everyone!" concludes Bayes.

It's Time To Play...Cosplay @rAgeExpo #rAgeExpo2022 #Cosplay #20yearsofawesome
Photo Credit - Cats_Tail
rAge Expo 2022:
Dates: 9 - 11 December 2022
Expo times: Friday: 10:00-18:00 | Saturday: 09:00-18:00 | Sunday: 09:00-16:00
Day pass: R175 per person (tickets available to buy online only via our official ticketing partner, Howler)
Weekend pass: R390 per person (tickets available to buy online only via our official ticketing partner, Howler)
Kids under 6: Free
Venue: Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand, Gauteng| 9 Richards Dr, Halfway House, Midrand, 1685| GPS: 26.0017° S, 28.1297° E

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Friday, 23 September 2022

IT’S TIME to escape to planet rAge @rAgeExpo #rAgeExpo2022 #NAGLAN #comeandplay

Hi Friends, 

Get ready - it’s time to descend on rAge 2022 at the Gallagher Convention Centre this December for three fun-filled days of gaming, tech, gadgets and geek lifestyle entertainment.
IT’S TIME to escape to planet rAge @rAgeExpo #rAgeExpo2022 #NAGLAN
The world is going digital faster than most of us can keep up. Even those immersed in the gaming and technology industry often look up in surprise at some new marvel or development. This virtual world comes to you in many ways and is full of unique experiences. You can explore alien worlds, speed along impossible racetracks, or just manage a zoo if you like. If that isn’t enough, then why not see what it’s like to climb a skyscraper. rAge expo takes many of these experiences and puts them into your hands. From comic books to cosplay, from International esports events to two friends battling together in the LAN, rAge has a little something for everyone interested in the future of technology.
IT’S TIME to escape to planet rAge @rAgeExpo #rAgeExpo2022 #NAGLAN
Just in time for Christmas shopping and fun, rAge has something for everyone to enjoy – young and old. Come join us in December and see the world through new eyes. #comeandplay in our world!

rAge Expo 2022:
Dates: 9 - 11 December 2022
Expo times: Friday: 10:00-18:00 | Saturday: 09:00-18:00 | Sunday: 09:00-16:00
Day pass: R175 per person (tickets available to buy online only via our official ticketing partner, Howler)
Weekend pass: R390 per person (tickets available to buy online only via our official ticketing partner, Howler)
Kids under 6: Free
Venue: Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand, Gauteng| 9 Richards Dr, Halfway House, Midrand, 1685| GPS: 26.0017° S, 28.1297° E

Cheers!!!
Contact me at thelifesway@gmail.com to collaborate on your services and products. Subscribe to my YOUTUBE Channel for product reviews and mystery unboxings. #TheLifesWay #10YearsofTheLifesWay. Support me if you want with USD 10 - https://www.patreon.com/TheLifesWay Namaste!

Friday, 22 April 2022

Dungeons and Dragons – Roleplaying At Its Finest @SolarpopGoPlay #DungeonsandDragons @Wizards_DnD

Hi Friends, 

Dungeons and Dragons is a role-playing game that’s been around for close to fifty years. It has been enjoyed by teenagers and adults alike – perhaps because it relies on each player’s imagination as it draws people into a magnificent fantasy world with intriguing characters, adventures and storylines.

Philip Galliford, spokesperson for Solarpop says: “Dungeons and Dragons are where heroes battle monsters, find treasures and overcome quests. All you need is a group of people, a starter kit and your imagination. It’s a game that can be played as a family, amongst friends and even amongst strangers.”

“The beauty is that the storylines are infinite, immersing the players into a wonderful fantasy world that can last for hours and can be played over a number of days, weeks even. It’s a great way to socialize and use your imagination. The additions to the game ensure that playing is always fresh and exciting. There is no lack of novelty in Dungeons and Dragons!”
Dungeons and Dragons – Roleplaying At Its Finest @SolarpopGoPlay #DungeonsandDragons @Wizards_DnD
For those unfamiliar with the game, it was inspired by miniature wargames with their small soldiers, military formations and military paraphernalia. Dungeons and Dragons, or D&D as it is also called, drew upon the concept and turned it into a fantasy game, to the point that it is widely recognised as the beginning of modern role-playing games and the role-playing games industry.

D&D is different from traditional wargaming as it allows each player to create their own character instead of using a military formation. These characters go on imaginary adventures within an exciting fantasy setting. A Dungeon Master, or DM, acts as the game referee and storyteller whilst managing the setting in which the adventure unfolds. The better the DM, the better the game.

The characters interact with the inhabitants and each other to solve problems, engage in battle, go exploring and collect treasure and knowledge. In order to rise in levels, the characters earn experience points as they play. A large part of the enjoyment of playing D&D, apart from the fun social aspect, is that players build a universe and storyline that can extend over many sessions.
Dungeons and Dragons – Roleplaying At Its Finest @SolarpopGoPlay #DungeonsandDragons @Wizards_DnD
South African fantasy author and influencer, Enricoh Alfonzo, has been playing D&D since high school and continues to be a huge fan of the D&D universe and products. “D&D is the highest of fantasy experiences out there and I love it. The imaginative plotlines and character arcs you can create are endless and so much fun. I’ve been to gaming sessions where people come dressed as their characters, which adds to the fantasy experience. If you want to start playing, think about who you would like to invite and get an Essentials Kit,” he says.

D&D Essentials Kit is all you need to get started – it’s a great introduction to the world’s greatest roleplaying game. Distributed in South Africa by Solarpop and available from these retailers:
The Search is on for new Dungeon Masters
This year we’re looking to assist players to become the best Dungeon Master they can be. The better the DM, the better the storyline, the adventures and the experience of the game. Through a series of events in various parts of the country, Solarpop will be training new DMs who will then be the storytellers and guides to their gaming groups.

“We’re very excited to see players grow as DMs, seeing their imaginations take flight and storytelling abilities to grow,” says Philip Galliford, spokesperson for Solarpop.

Info on wave 1 of the event. Wave 2 details to be confirmed shortly: https://www.unplugyourself.co.za/2022/03/dm-bootcamp-phase-1/

Fun Facts about Dungeons & Dragons
Despite the competition from other brands and games, D&D has remained the market leader in the role-playing game industry

In 2004, D&D was the best-known role-playing game in the United States, with an estimated 20 million people have played the game and more than US$1 billion in book and equipment sales worldwide

In 2017, the game had the greatest number of players in its history—12 million to 15 million in North America alone.

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Tuesday, 22 October 2019

The 17th Annual @Vodacom @rAgeExpo Brought Fans Another Year of Awesome! #17yearsofawesome

Hi Friends, 

Vodacom rAge 2019 saw four days of setup, 69 solid hours of LAN gaming, an entire day to break down and many kilometers worth of fibre, network cable, power cables, and steps walked all over the Ticketpro Dome, as well as over 30,000 cold drinks and 1,635 kgs of chips consumed.

From robotics and other cutting-edge tech to celebrity appearances and action-packed esports tournaments, Vodacom rAge 2019 had it all. The atmosphere was electric (in some cases, literally), and like-minded fans from all over South Africa came through en masse to dress up, shop, play and take in the fantastic sights.

South Africa’s biggest annual video gaming, computer, technology, and geek culture exhibition once again transformed the Ticketpro Dome into a 17,483sqm galaxy of geek over the weekend of 27-29 September. With an increase in visitor numbers, 35 615 people found their happy place among the stands, stalls, and stages.

The creative genius of Artists’ Alley showcased its share of amazing South African creative talent, including Steampunk and cosplay fashion designer Sin-Bin, local author Chantelle Roberts, and one of SA’s international comic art sensations, Warren Louw.

There were many firsts for South African gaming and geek culture this year. The first-ever NAG LAN Super Pass was introduced, allowing 150 die-hard gamers early access on Thursday evening, before the rest of the LANners joined them early on Friday morning.

There was also an exclusive Streamers’ Zone – an online sharing hub for fans to broadcast up-to-the-minute video and content in streamer booths. For the younger members of the family, there was the vibrant Kidz Kage play area.

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive fans got to see South Africa’s CS:GO elite competing for a prize pool of R 150 000 and the ASUS ROG Invitational Trophy. Eight teams played their hearts out, but only one could emerge victoriously. And after one of the toughest challenges ever, Goliath Gaming walked away with the ultimate prize in front of a capacity crowd.
The 17th Annual @Vodacom @rAgeExpo Brought Fans Another Year of Awesome! #17yearsofawesome
For the first time ever, the World Robotic Olympiad (WRO) came to the expo and brought together some of the smartest young minds in the country, to show off their amazing brain power and problem-solving skills at the WRO robotics competition. Locally, five provincial events took place and the top-nine national qualifying teams who won across the different categories at Vodacom rAge this year will head off to compete at the WRO International in Hungary.

Over the last 17-years, the annual NAG LAN has become one of the most anticipated events at Vodacom rAge, and this year’s turnout to southern Africa’s largest BYOC (Bring Your Own Computer/Console) event once again proved that.

NAG LAN sponsors Nutanix, MWEB, Aruba and My Sky Networks made sure the NAG LAN was consistently connected and glitch-free. Collectively, 3,252 Counter-Strike: Global Offensive games were played for 2,925 hours, 1,838 DOTA games were played for a total of 2,281 hours and 645 Playerunknown’s Battleground games were played for 522 hours over the weekend.

Exhibitors at Vodacom rAge this year saw record attendance and sales at their stands.

Imran Sorathia, Managing Director, from premium computer and gaming supplier Evetech said, “It has always been an absolute pleasure to exhibit at the Vodacom rAge Expo. At Evetech, we pride ourselves on establishing relationships with our customers, not seeing them as just a ‘target audience’.

Vodacom rAge is the perfect opportunity for us to not only get a better understanding of what our customers enjoy but also to gain some insight into what they expect from us.

“Evetech made the decision not to sell any products at the Vodacom rAge Expo 2019, as we wanted to emphasize the real gaming experience, allowing people to test all the peripherals and to get a sense of what they enjoy using. It was a unique opportunity for customers to “try before they buy”, which is quite rare.”

Belinda Marais, Marketing Manager from Acer Predator commented, “Vodacom rAge Expo 2019 was every gamer’s dream! The energy was electric, and the gaming experiential stations were world-class. Predator will definitely be back next year!”

Cosplayers came out in full force to show off their impressive and detailed costumes on the Cosplay Stage and in Sunday’s Cosplay Parade. The Best In Show for the Vodacom 4U Cosplay Contest this year went to Maoukami Cosplay who cosplayed as Katsuki Bakugou (My Hero Academia).

Overall, the Vodacom rAge Expo 2019 was a colossal success, with gamers, geeks, cosplayers, fans and supporters going large at the Ticketpro Dome this year. Vodacom rAge is going strong and the organizers are looking forward to another great expo next year.

Thank you to Vodacom and all the sponsors and exhibitors for their part in Vodacom rAge’s #17yearsofawesome.

Cheers!!!
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Tuesday, 15 October 2019

@ComicConAfrica Ends On A High Note #ComicConAfrica #ReedExpoAfrica #Reedpop

Hi Friends, 

The doors of Comic Con Africa 2019 closed for the final time on the evening of 24th Sep 2019, but the buzz and excitement generated by four days of the greatest celebration of pop-culture that South Africa has ever seen show no signs of abating. The sheer magnitude of this Con was something to behold – Reed Exhibitions and Reedpop promised that Comic Con Africa would be bigger and better, and on that promise they delivered. With an astounding 71,000 visitors, seven halls packed with 300 exhibitors, four international film, TV series, and gaming celebrities, 12 international comic artists and writers, 12 local comic creators, one international cosplayer, two international DJs, competitions, specials, and giveaways, an esports prize pool of R1.3 million, 26,000 square meters of event space, 120 hours of content, and one incredible Wingman in the form of KFC, Comic Con Africa 2019 exceeded all expectations.
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This year the guests in Artist Alley tripled in numbers and the incredible line-up left fans spoilt for choice. In the feature area, artists and illustrators engaged in live drawings and sketch offs, sharing anecdotes and artistic tips as they did so. Ecstatic fans watched their favorite characters drawn in real-time on large screens mounted above the easels. Under the grading organization CGC’s watchful eye, comic books were signed and sent for evaluation and protective casing to preserve investment pieces. Alongside in the Writers Block, local novelists and authors signed their books and spoke on educational panels to encourage local writers to pick up their pens. The Block was filled with handmade creativity including pop-culture inspired clothing, décor, and jewelry.
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The Cosplay of Comic Con Africa 2019 was a visual feast. You’d be forgiven for thinking you’d bumped into Iron Man or Wonder Woman walking straight off a Marvel film set, such as the level of detail and skill evidenced in these pieces of walking art. Cosplay Central was buzzing all weekend long with skits and well-known local and international Cosplayers signing prints. Fascinating panels for newbies and pros alike gave insight into crafting the perfect wig, applying make-up, or how to cosplay with confidence. The Cosplay Karaoke Café was a real hit with Cosplayers belting out magnificent renditions of well-known songs. Casual Cosplay competitions took place every day on the main stage, and on Tuesday the highly anticipated Championships of Cosplay winners were announced. The overall Cosplay winner Jinxkitty, who wowed with her Priestess Bathory cosplay, will be representing Africa at the Championships of Cosplay Quest for the Crown at C2E2 in America. Leon de Bruin of GES, Comic Con Africa’s Cosplay partner, was blown away by the level of this year’s Cosplay and called on any interested Cosplayers to sign up for 2020’s competition.
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Hall 5 housed Pop-Culture retailers and exhibitors, many of whom had special deals that were snapped up by happy visitors. Comics, figurines, collectibles, clothing and other merchandise absolutely flew off the shelves and into the hands of thrilled collectors. Radio partner to the Con, 5fm provided the musical vibes with live broadcasts from their DJs who were happy to chat with fans. TikTok’s WoahTikTok competition on the main stage was a fun addition from Con’s digital media partner. Television Media partner Viacom celebrated 25 years of the series Friends and brought THE show’s couch where fans queued up to have their picture taken. There was one particularly special exhibitor in this hall. The presenting sponsor of Comic Con Africa 2019, The Ultimate Wingman, the makers of finger-lickin' goodness KFC, made their home here with a gigantic KFC bucket housing a greenscreen set up where visitors could photograph themselves in a setting of their imagination. Also on their stand was a caricaturist and a special edition of local arcade game Boetfighter, along with cosplayers in the costumes of the specially commissioned Comic Con Africa KFC Captain Colonel.
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Hall 5 was also the location of the KFC main stage where panels, Q&As, competitions, and interviews were held with international film and TV series celebrities like Star Trek’s William Shatner, The Originals’ Daniel Gillies, and video game voice actors Nolan North and Troy Baker. Audiences were awed in the presence of these pop-culture giants. The stars themselves were charmed by our South African audiences – in the words of Daniel Gillies, we are “the most polite people I ever met… the fans are so warm and kind, and polite.” Just off the main stage, Hall 6 was the scene of photo ops and autographs with the celebrities, and fans came out ecstatically gripping these souvenirs and treasuring their
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Comic Con Africa’s 2019 gaming offering was nothing short of a paradise for both casual and avid gamers. The absolutely enormous esports set up of the Con’s gaming and connectivity partner Telkom VS Gaming filled an entire wall, giving Con-goers a panoramic-like view of the action. Featuring nail-biting finals of the likes of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and Dota2, local esports teams kept their cool playing for their share of an R1,3 million prize pool – the largest prize pool at any esports event in South Africa. The spectators were captivated, their eyes glued to the live-action. Freeplay areas had gamers trying their skills on the latest titles such as Mortal Kombat, PUBG, and Fortnite, while Xbox exhibited exclusively at the Con. Playstation gave away a highly sought-after limited edition 20th Anniversary PS4, and ATK had state of the art equipment on display for players to test run. Red Bull’s Hit the Streets, a nationwide contest of the best Street Fighter V players from across the country, hosted their finals on the last day of the Con. In line with Comic Con Africa’s aim to uplift and develop local talent, Project Springbok provided a platform for up-and-coming developers to showcase their work.
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Comic Con Africa’s newest addition, the first kid-focused convention in South Africa, was KidsCon. But don’t be fooled – KidsCon delighted adults too. The African continent’s largest LEGO® activation saw visitors swallowed up in pools of LEGO® bricks surrounded by LEGO® characters come to life. Kids could meet the My Little Ponies and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and Nintendo brought Mario and Luigi along with the opportunity to play Splatoon, Mario Kart, and Supersmash Bros Ultimate. BIC and Exclusive Books were there to encourage creativity among other edutainment offerings from Hasbro and ToyZone. Sponsored by Jaguar Landrover, KidsCon was masterminded by our Little Board of Experts, 11 kids who shared their ideas and made KidsCon an event for kids, by kids. Those little experts were very much a part of the Con and strutted their stuff on the KidsCon main stage in the Cotton On fashion shows.
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The Ballroom of Gallagher Convention Centre was the scene of a tabletop gaming extravaganza. With bottomless coffee supplied by KFC, tabletop gamers met and engaged in epic battles with cards, dice, and miniature figurines. As the organizing partner of this impressive battlefield, Solarpop encouraged players to engage in the connection and creativity of Tabletop Gaming with their Unplug Yourself arena. Next door in the auditorium were exclusive screenings of Abominable, along with The Angry Birds, films by Black Sands, and many more exciting showings. LARPing took place in the trees of Gallagher Estate, with players battling each other with safe play swords, giant shields, maces, and jousting lances.
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The Business of Gaming Forum, now in its second year, was held on Monday. Fascinating keynote addresses, panel discussions, and shared ideas from the gaming industry were the order of the event. Speakers from South Africa, the African continent, and international thought leaders flew in for the day, sharing fascinating content on maximizing the value of gaming as a marketing tool or a commercial product, and the direction of the modern gaming ecosystem.
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There truly was something for every fandom at Comic Con Africa 2019. As positive feedback comes flying in from visitors and exhibitors alike, Reed Exhibitions and Reedpop are thrilled to have hosted a second successful Comic Con Africa that remained true to our driving force: always put our fans FIRST! And what comes next? Comic Con Cape Town of course. Put 1 – 3 May 2020 in your diaries to experience the inaugural Comic Con Cape Town at the Cape Town Stadium.

Results
Championships of Cosplay
Youth: Jordan as Ayumi
Skills: Mittel Elf Cat Cosplay as Foxy from Five Nights at Freddy’s
Representation: Chaotic Good Cosplay as Moze from Bonderlands 3
Construction: Bites Cosplay as Rathalos Armour from Monster Hunter
Armour: Gammablast Cosply as Arthus from Warcraft 3
Needlework: BlueCat Cosply as Captain Amelia from Treasure Planet
Master Champion: Fredwolf Cosplay as Spawn from Spawn Universe
Champion of Cosplay: Jinxkitty Cosplay as Priestess Bathory
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Telkom VS Gaming Tournaments
CS:GO
First place: Energy Esports
Second place: Big 5
Dota2
First place: Goliath Gaming
Second place: Sinister 5

Red Bull’s Hit The Streets Street Fighter V
Jesse "GXJes” Shabangu will proceed to the Grand Finale in Cape Town
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Guests
Film and Series
  • William Shatner
  • Daniel Gillies
  • Gaming voice over actors
  • Nolan North
  • Troy Baker
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International Comic Artists
  • Will Sliney
  • Donny Cates
  • James C Mulligan
  • Aleksi Briclot
  • Jesus Merino
  • Paco Diaz
  • Tomeu Morey
  • David Angelo Roman
  • Patric Reynolds
  • Black Sands Entertainment
  • David Mack
  • Zu Orzu
  • Ilya Kushinov
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Local Artists and Authors
  • Lauren Beukes
  • Ray Whitcher
  • Simangaliso Sibaya
  • Terence Maluleke
  • Warren Louw
  • Jason Masters
  • Sean Izaakse
  • Mohale Mashigo
  • Loyiso Mkize
  • Clyde Beech
  • Bill Masuku
  • Moray Rhoda
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International Cosplayers
  • Leanna Vamp
Cheers!!!
Contact me at thelifesway@gmail.com or editor@thelifesway.com to collaborate on your products, events, and services. #TheLifesWay #PhotoYatra!