In its maiden Comic Con, Kochi brings together cosplayers from across the country

At the inaugural edition of the Kochi Comic Con, held at the Adlux International Convention Centre, at Angamaly near Kochi, on February 27 and March 1, popular icons of the past and present, ranging from Dr Strange from the Multiverse of Madness to the iconic Malayalam comic characters Mayavi and Luttapi, strolled around casually. The event saw a footfall of around 20,000 people, bringing together fans from across the country and transforming it into a multicultural pageant.

“The first edition of Comic Con in Kerala was truly spectacular. The love and excitement shown by the attendees is something we consistently witness across the cities we visit, which makes me believe that India is indeed united by pop culture,” says Shefali Johnson, CEO, Comic Con India.

Cosplay took centre stage at the Comic Con, as more than 100 participants turned up as different characters from comics, anime and manga, among others. “Kerala has always had a strong artistic culture. You see it in Kathakali, Theyyam, Koodiyattam, and the mural traditions across the state. This was visible at the event. Cosplayers approached their craft seriously, audience engaged thoughtfully during panels, and the overall warmth made this debut incredibly special for us,” says Shefali.

The cosplay arena paved the way for both rookie and experienced cosplayers. Samannay Majumder, a Bengaluru-based chip validation engineer by day, has been a cosplayer for the past six years, exploring Comic Cons across the country during this period. “I decided to come here because it was just a night bus ride away,” says Samannay, showing off an intricate blue Dr Strange attire with additional limbs attached to his back and makeup. He also carried a detailed model of the Darkhold, a sentient, ancient book of forbidden dark magic mentioned in the movies and comics.

Samannay Majumder as Dr Strange
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“My favourite part about cosplaying is interacting with the fans of my character. It makes my day, just to see their excitement,” says Swetha Thankachan, from Pathanamthitta, who dressed up as Nobara Kugisaki from the manga series Jujutsu Kaisen.

Swetha Thankachan as Nobara Kugisaki at Kochi Comic Con
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Thiruvananthapuram-based architect, Shivsankar Kailash, was cosplaying for the third time. He came in as Chainsaw Man from the eponymous horror anime series. “The fanbase is what brings me to cosplay. Everyone appreciates your work. That gives you a lot of satisfaction,” says Shivsankar, who donned the “devil form” of the character in the show, represented by four chainsaw hands. “It took me one night and a day to prepare this costume, which is entirely made of cardboard, paper, gum and spray paint,” he adds.

Ayaan Aswin Ram, 12, entered his maiden Comic Con, dressed up as Ryomen Sukuna, the antagonist of Jujutsu Kaisen, motivated by the high-octane action sequences in the show. He says, “It is a great experience, seeing how people join you to take photos and share the love you have for the characters.”

It was her affinity for the Demon Lord from the anime show Heaven Official’s Blessing that saw Sivaganga Jyothi make her debut as him. The 19-year-old says her desire to cosplay comes from her love for bringing characters to life.

For friends Digil CD, Waheda Pyarilal and Binoy T Varghese, the Comic Con was an opportunity to pay tribute to their favourite characters — Mayavi and Luttapi (from the periodical Balarama) and Minnal Murali from the 2021 Malayalam movie. “We decided that we must pay homage to characters from Kerala, especially when we have so many iconic ones to choose from,” says Digil, who is attending a Comic Con for the first time. The group’s makeshift costumes made of shorts and plain nylon t-shirts, with iconic horns, caught the attention of many at the festival. “Our experience has been great. Everyone has been appreciative,” says Digil.