What's happening, where it's happening, and why you absolutely cannot sleep on it. DJ Elliot brings his signature pop culture radar to the Mainstage for a rapid-fire rundown of all things Comic Con Cape Town 2026. Panel picks, floor highlights, special announcements, and the inside track on what fans are buzzing about — all in one unmissable session. Grab your spot early. The weekend starts now.
Session description and speakers TBC
The Grand Line is closer than you think. Five stars of Netflix's live-action One Piece are here and ready to meet the fans who made it all possible. Steven John Ward (Dracule Mihawk), Martial T. Batchaman (Brook), Jazzara Jaslyn (Miss Valentine), Callum Kerr (Vice-Admiral Smoker), and Nahum Hughes (Bartolomeo) are bringing the world of One Piece straight to the convention floor — and you're invited. Whether you're a lifelong fan of the manga or discovered the crew for the first time through the live-action series, this is your moment. Ask your burning questions, share your favourite memories, and come face to face with the cast who brought these legendary characters to life. No Devil Fruit required. Just show up. Soul King approved. 🎵
Content and speakers TBC
Two of the cosplay world's most recognisable names take the Mainstage together for a session that's not to be missed. Whether you're a lifelong cosplayer or just discovering the craft, Yaya Han and Jaremi Carey bring a combined wealth of creativity, community, and pure passion to one of Comic Con Cape Town 2026's standout spotlight moments. Yaya Han has been at the heart of cosplay since 1999, building over 400 costumes across every fandom imaginable and becoming one of the most respected craftsmanship icons in the world. A star of Syfy's Heroes of Cosplay, guest judge on TBS's King of the Nerds, and author of Yaya Han's World of Cosplay, Yaya has spent decades pushing the art form forward — collaborating with global brands like McCall Pattern Company, JOANN Fabric & Craft Stores, Dremel, and BERNINA to put better tools in the hands of makers everywhere. Her influence on cosplay as both an art form and a community is immeasurable. Jaremi Carey brings a unique blend of entertainment and cosplay culture to the stage. A TV personality, gamer, host, and transformation artist, Jaremi has created cosplay-style campaigns for major names including Pokémon International, GrubHub, Fox TV's Alter Ego, HBO's The Nevers, and most recently The Last of Us. His Twitch cosplay competition series CosSLAY was among a select few shows acquired from the platform, and he is a familiar and beloved presence at conventions around the world including New York Comic Con and C2E2. Together on the Mainstage, Yaya and Jaremi promise an engaging, inspiring, and entertaining session that celebrates everything that makes cosplay extraordinary.
The South African film and television industry stands at a crossroads. In the space of a year, our fragile ecosystem has been shaken by the collapse of the DTIC’s Film and Television Incentive Scheme, the shuttering of Showmax, and the growing consolidation of foreign ownership in our broadcasting and distribution channels. We now see, with painful clarity, that our dependence on external entities, whether foreign investors, streamers, or intermediaries, has left local talent and producers exposed to forces far beyond our control. The problem is not that we lack creative capacity; it’s that we have never built the mechanisms to capture and retain the value we create. For too long we have operated under an extractive model: South African crews, actors, and technicians serve global productions while the intellectual property, the real treasure, leaves our shores. This is not sustainability; it is servitude dressed up as opportunity. SAGA believes there is another way. Across our industry, new voices are already mapping alternative paths: locally funded content ecosystems; regional distribution networks that connect African stories to global markets; and producers who build enduring IP rather than one-off contracts. These pioneers are reimagining an industry that invests in people, not pipelines; that tills the soil, rather than strip-mines the landscape. Our task, now, is to listen to them, amplify them, and coordinate our efforts to create a resilient, home-grown creative economy. We must ask ourselves not simply how to survive this storm, but how to grow something deeply rooted enough to weather the next one. Comic Con 2026 offers a stage for this collective reimagining — a space to gather the builders and dreamers who will define what comes next. Let this be our moment to begin again — not as a service industry for someone else’s empire, but as co-authors of a future built on our own stories, our own resources, and our own terms.
Session description and speakers TBC
Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned maker, Cosplay Casuals is your invitation to step into the spotlight and celebrate the art of cosplay in a fun, welcoming environment. This daily showcase on the Comic Con Cape Town Mainstage brings together cosplayers of all skill levels for a casual competition that's all about passion, creativity, and community. Judged by an exceptional panel of cosplayers, creatives, and performers, Cosplay Casuals is the perfect opportunity to show off your costume, soak up the atmosphere, and be part of something truly special. Register at Cosplay Central.
Cape Town’s Gaming Scene Unlocked is a dynamic panel facilitated by Film Cape Town, exploring the city’s growing gaming ecosystem, from emerging indie developers to established industry players. The session spotlights locally developed games, unpacks pathways for aspiring creatives to break into the industry, and highlights opportunities to upskill from amateur to professional. Whether you're a gamer, creator, or curious about the business behind the pixels, this panel offers valuable insight into Cape Town’s evolving gaming landscape.
TTGE will bring the thrill of sim racing with a twist — the Musical Chairs Format! How it works: • Our MC will select 4 willing fans from the crowd. • Participants to be split into 2 teams of 2 players each. • Only one person races at a time. • Participants will rotate through the sim rigs every 30 seconds! • When the countdown hits zero, the next teammate jumps in. • The team with the fastest time/finishes first wins. Everyone is a winner! • All 4 racers score exclusive Toyota Gaming Engine merch and prizes. • Each person from the winning team, wins a R2000 Takealot voucher.
Missed your moment in the spotlight at 1 PM? Here's your second chance. Cosplay Casuals: Second Chance gives every cosplayer another opportunity to take to the Comic Con Cape Town Mainstage and show off what they've put together. Whether you didn't quite make it into the first session or simply want another shot, this is your time to shine. Same great energy, same welcoming atmosphere — just another chance to be part of the fun. All skill levels welcome. Register at Cosplay Central.
Session description and speakers TBC
Think you know your shonen from your seinen? Your Naruto from your Noragami? Put your anime knowledge to the ultimate test as Comic Con Cape Town kicks off its daily quiz series with a night dedicated entirely to the world of anime. From classic series to the latest hits, Anime Thursday will sort the true otaku from the casual viewer — and guarantee a whole lot of fun in the process. Hosted by the irreplaceable Zaid Motala — a dynamic presence known for his sharp wit, deep fandom knowledge, and unmatched ability to keep a crowd alive — this is the perfect way to round out your first evening at the show.
Pop-Taku Stage lives at the crossroads of Eastern and Western fan culture — where anime aesthetics collide with comic book craft, Japanese storytelling traditions spark new ideas alongside Hollywood world-building, and somewhere in the mix, a proudly South African voice ties it all together. It's chaotic, it's colourful, it's wonderfully ours — and honestly? We wouldn't have it any other way. Precious Molobye of Japan Language Club South Africa kicks off the weekend with your essential guide to it all: the workshops, game showcases, writing panels, craft sessions, and fan-made exhibitions filling the stage across Comic Con Cape Town 2026. From Cape Town to Kyoto, Soweto to Studio Ghibli, the inspiration on this stage travels far — but it always comes home. Whether you're here to level up your art, finally finish that fanfic, or just figure out where exactly you're supposed to be — Precious has got you covered. Whatever your fandom, whatever your medium, whatever deeply specific hyperfixation brought you here this weekend — you've found your people. Pull up, because things are about to get wonderfully weird.
Think anime subtitles have taught you enough Japanese? Time to find out! Join Japanese Language Club South Africa every day on the Pop-Culture Stage for a fun, fast-paced introduction to the Japanese language — no prior knowledge required. Each session takes you through the essentials: from greetings and everyday phrases to reading hiragana and understanding the basics of Japanese sentence structure. Whether you're dreaming of a trip to Japan, deepening your love for anime and manga, or just curious about one of the world's most fascinating languages, this is the perfect place to start. Our friendly instructors break things down in a way that's accessible, interactive, and — most importantly — enjoyable. Come ready to listen, repeat, laugh at your own pronunciation, and leave with real phrases you can actually use.
This interactive panel explores how writers can market their work on social media without sacrificing their unique creative voice. As three working authors, we combine lived experience with practical strategy to show how storytelling continues beyond the page and into digital spaces. Namreen Sonday, author and founder of Life & Times of the Fireflies, brings professional marketing expertise from working with major brands including Woolworths and The Butchers Market. She will unpack branding fundamentals, audience psychology, and consistency, offering clear frameworks writers can adapt to their own platforms. Fazila Cariem, author of Her Peace at War, shares the implementation side. She will discuss applying strategy in real time, lessons learned, and how intentional choices translated into visible social media growth for her work. Faziela Harris, author of an urban fantasy duology, brings a creative lens as both writer and visual artist. She focuses on designing scroll-stopping content for cover reveals, reviews, reels, and launches while staying authentic. The session is lively and interactive, featuring audience discussions and fun, ensuring attendees leave informed, inspired, and confident marketing their writing online successfully.
This panel opens with a live demonstration of exactly that scenario: a real infection playing out step-by-step in a controlled environment, from download to full account compromise. It shows what can actually happen when you run a single executable file you thought you could trust. From there, we break it down. Why “trusted” repack sites aren’t always as safe as communities believe. Why a VPN doesn’t protect what most people think it does. Why antivirus software sometimes misses these threats. And most importantly, why this isn’t hypothetical, it’s already happening to South Africans right now. The second half of the session focuses on practical action. What to do before something goes wrong. What to do in the first 60 seconds after a compromise. And how to set up your digital life so that one bad download becomes a manageable mistake instead of a disaster. Through this live demonstration, we will ask interactive questions, and we have little prizes to use during our session to keep the audience engaged.
This talk explores toy collecting as both a personal passion and a cultural phenomenon. Drawing from my own journey as a collector, I unpack two primary motivations that often shape collections: nostalgia and investment. For many, collecting begins with a deep emotional connection to childhood memories, while others are drawn to the potential long-term value of rare and sought-after items. I will also address one of the most debated topics in the hobby: whether to keep items boxed or to unbox and engage with them as intended. From there, the session looks at common collecting habits, including the “gotta catch them all” mindset, and how this often evolves into a more refined and focused collection over time. Additionally, I will reflect on the natural lifecycle of collecting, including the “drop-off” phase where priorities shift, and how collectors can navigate this without losing their passion. The session concludes with practical guidance for new collectors, encouraging them to start with what they genuinely love rather than chasing trends or perceived value. Ultimately, this talk highlights that the most meaningful collections are those that reflect personal stories and authentic enjoyment.
How short stories are the same as novels and how they are different. Start to end a framework of what you need and what you don't. Storytelling Framework. Character flaws and weaknesses Use Hoard from The Acrimonious as an example. Free short story for all those in attendance. Free bookmark to all those in attendance.
Tell a Story in One Manga Page is a fast-paced, interactive masterclass designed to introduce participants to the core principles of manga creation, with a strong focus on character design and visual storytelling. Guided by JLCSA, AfroTokyo and T.S Zombie, attendees will learn how to communicate emotion, personality, and narrative clearly through expressive characters and well-structured panels, without relying on dialogue or text. Suitable for beginners and aspiring artists of all ages, this hands-on session breaks down manga storytelling into simple, practical techniques that can be applied immediately. By the end of the masterclass, participants will have created their own short manga sequence and gained a deeper understanding of how professional manga artists tell powerful stories through images alone
Relooted is an Africanfuturist heist game launched on 10th February 2026 on PC and Xbox and has garnered notable support from global publications. With the studio and game set in Johannesburg, South Africa, this panel gives an insight into what it took to get this original action-adventure game in the hands of players around the world straight from the people who made it happen. The art, animation, narrative, audio, tech, QA, community, and operations that help up this project during the years of production. In addition to an audience Q&A, get a chance to see never-before-seen footage of the development as the team shares the story of developing a global project with the people closest to home. The panel will be a prepared discussion with Sithe Ncube as the moderator of up to 6 team members. TBD later this week.
Embark on an epic tabletop adventure with SolarPop and special guest Kyle Gray in this thrilling Dungeons & Dragons information session! 🐉🎲 Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer ready to take the leap into the Dungeon Master’s chair, or a complete newcomer curious about the world’s most popular tabletop role-playing game, this session is your perfect starting point. Dive into the rich lore, imaginative storytelling, and collaborative gameplay that have made Dungeons & Dragons a cultural phenomenon for decades. You’ll learn what D&D is all about, how games are played, what you need to get started, and how anyone—yes, anyone—can create unforgettable stories with friends around a table. Expect practical tips, behind-the-screen insights, and plenty of inspiration to spark your own adventures. Grab your dice, ready your character sheet, and join us as we roll initiative and explore the magic of Dungeons & Dragons together—no experience required.
Afro-Manga isn’t only a style, it is a declaration of identity. Join Awali, one of the co-creators of this genre of manga. Before the idea spread globally, he claimed it as his own: a fusion of manga’s visual rhythm with African imagination, myth, and lived experience, brought to life through Siri Watu, now in its fourth volume. He is not only the first South African, but also the first mangaka worldwide to define his work as Afro-Manga. See how he carved out space for African stories in a medium pioneered by Japanese traditions. The future of Afro-Manga in South Africa is unfolding with a brand-new project that will excite anyone curious about what this continent can bring. In this panel Awali explores the journey of an Afro-Mangaka, from the first principles of manga - panel clarity, expressive characters, and pacing - to how he infused them with African culture, history, and soul. If you want to see where this genre is heading, and what’s next for South Africa’s first Afro-Manga: Siri Watu, join in as he reveals a never-before-seen animatic for his upcoming books, all while drawing live. Special guest Duvan Botha and Ethan Spicer adds his perspective to this ground-breaking moment, sharing what’s in store at Awali Comics this year, and beyond.
Ready to put your voice-acting skills to the test? Dub It Out is the ultimate showdown for anime and pop culture fans! Step up to the mic and re-dub iconic scenes from your favorite shows, movies, or games—with your own hilarious or dramatic twist. Whether you're a seasoned voice actor or just love to ham it up, this is your chance to steal the spotlight and show off your creativity. Prizes await the most entertaining performances, so bring your A-game and let's see who can Dub It Out like a pro!
This talk explores the journey from being a solo content creator to building a full creative studio — and what it really takes to make that transition sustainable, exciting, and impactful. I’ll share how starting with small, self-initiated content laid the foundation for bigger opportunities: creating our own short films, directing music videos for other artists that reached hundreds of thousands of views, and eventually working at some of the country’s top festivals and cultural moments. I’ll break down how passion projects aren’t just “practice,” but proof of vision — and how they can open doors to clients, collaborators, and platforms you never had access to before. We’ll talk about the shift in mindset from “making content” to “building worlds,” teams, and systems, and how branding, storytelling, and consistency turn creativity into a studio people trust. The session will also touch on the practical side: collaboration, learning to scale without losing identity, navigating imposter syndrome, and using pop culture as a tool for connection and relevance. Ultimately, this is about empowering creatives to see themselves not just as freelancers or creators, but as architects of their own creative ecosystems — capable of shaping culture, not just reacting to
Grading is no longer just about trading cards. Today’s collectors are grading comics, video games, autographed items, and more, but understanding the difference between grading, authentication, and overall collectible value is essential. This session explores the wider world of collectible grading, including how the major companies operate, what services they provide, and how signature authentication fits into the process. We’ll break down PSA, CGC, and BGS, explain what each company offers, and help you understand which may be the best fit for your item and your collecting goals. We’ll also look at how to decide whether an item is actually worth grading, what to check when assessing the condition of your cards and collectibles, and how collectors can research the value of graded items before submitting. Whether you collect cards, comics, video games, or signed memorabilia, this session will give you practical knowledge to help you make smarter grading decisions.
Step into the world of Beyblade X with an explosive, crowd-friendly introduction designed for newcomers and longtime fans alike. This interactive session breaks down the basics of Beyblade X, how it works, why it’s hype, and what makes the battles so intense. (inviting the audience to get involved and feel the energy firsthand.)
Most visual artists don’t struggle with skill, they struggle with reference. This presentation explores how cinematic imagery can be used across illustration, comics, design and film, and how to translate those references into practical creative decisions. Artist Alley exhibitor Charles Tait guides you through sourcing the best references and colour palettes for YOU !
Join Moray Rhoda, the Godfather of SA Comics, for a comic creating workshop. The workshop will take you through the basics of how to think when creating a comic, and show you simple methods that will demystify the process. Due to time constraints, the workshop will move fast, and it is recommended that participants already have basic drawing skills. The workshop will cover writing, planning your page layout, lettering, and drawing the comic story. How to register for Artist Alley Workshops: • Before the show: please email info@fancon.co.za • On show days: @ the FanCon booth next to Artist Alley stage
A discussion on our experiences in independent publishing in South Africa, to give people some insight, should they wish to pursue a life as an author. The focus is on speculative fiction such as sci-fi and fantasy novels.
Spotlight guest JOHN ROMITA JR takes centre stage ! We chat to a true legend of the Marvel Universe ! JRJR has drawn probably every major Marvel superhero ever created over the course of nearly 50 years, but of course he is most well known for his depiction of Spider-Man, a character he has returned to multiple times over the years, and giving him a distinctive look and style. So lets hear from a true master of the comic book art form !
International guests Ron Marz and Heather Antos takes the audience through the paces of what it takes to write and edit comic books. Both are seasoned professionals in the field of writing and editing, each having worked for most major publishers in the industry for over 2 decades. In a medium often overshadowed by the visual appeal of artwork, Ron and Heather gives aspiring writers and editors tips and tricks of the trade in an essential part of comic creating ! How to register for Artist Alley Workshops: • Before the show: please email info@fancon.co.za • On show days: @ the FanCon booth next to Artist Alley stage
Remember to bring an item to get sign, if you do not have an item you will be able to select from available prints | Price per item. Arrive 15 before the session. THIS IS AN ADD-ON TICKET - YOU STILL REQUIRE A GENERAL DAY OR WEEKEND PASS NB: Autographs are limited to a maximum of three (3) tickets per person. Should you require additional tickets, a separate time slot will need to be arranged, as priority will be given to individual attendees - please email Rene@comicconafrica.co.za or Nicol@comicconafrica.co.za to enquire. Please note that autographs are signature-only, no long quotes.
Remember to bring an item to get sign, if you do not have an item you will be able to select from available prints | Price per item. Arrive 15 before the session. THIS IS AN ADD-ON TICKET - YOU STILL REQUIRE A GENERAL DAY OR WEEKEND PASS NB: Autographs are limited to a maximum of three (3) tickets per person. Should you require additional tickets, a separate time slot will need to be arranged, as priority will be given to individual attendees - please email Rene@comicconafrica.co.za or Nicol@comicconafrica.co.za to enquire. Please note that autographs are signature-only, no long quotes.
Remember to bring an item to get sign, if you do not have an item you will be able to select from available prints | Price per item . Arrive 15 before the session. THIS IS AN ADD-ON TICKET - YOU STILL REQUIRE A GENERAL DAY OR WEEKEND PASS NB: Autographs are limited to a maximum of three (3) tickets per person. Should you require additional tickets, a separate time slot will need to be arranged, as priority will be given to individual attendees - please email Rene@comicconafrica.co.za or Nicol@comicconafrica.co.za to enquire. Please note that autographs are signature-only, no long quotes.
Remember to bring an item to get sign, if you do not have an item you will be able to select from available prints | Price per item . Arrive 15 before the session. THIS IS AN ADD-ON TICKET - YOU STILL REQUIRE A GENERAL DAY OR WEEKEND PASS NB: Autographs are limited to a maximum of three (3) tickets per person. Should you require additional tickets, a separate time slot will need to be arranged, as priority will be given to individual attendees - please email Rene@comicconafrica.co.za or Nicol@comicconafrica.co.za to enquire. Please note that autographs are signature-only, no long quotes.
Remember to bring an item to get sign, if you do not have an item you will be able to select from available prints | Price per item . Arrive 15 before the session. THIS IS AN ADD-ON TICKET - YOU STILL REQUIRE A GENERAL DAY OR WEEKEND PASS NB: Autographs are limited to a maximum of three (3) tickets per person. Should you require additional tickets, a separate time slot will need to be arranged, as priority will be given to individual attendees - please email Rene@comicconafrica.co.za or Nicol@comicconafrica.co.za to enquire. Please note that autographs are signature-only, no long quotes.
Remember to bring an item to get sign, if you do not have an item you will be able to select from available prints | Price per item . Arrive 15 before the session. THIS IS AN ADD-ON TICKET - YOU STILL REQUIRE A GENERAL DAY OR WEEKEND PASS NB: Autographs are limited to a maximum of three (3) tickets per person. Should you require additional tickets, a separate time slot will need to be arranged, as priority will be given to individual attendees - please email Rene@comicconafrica.co.za or Nicol@comicconafrica.co.za to enquire. Please note that autographs are signature-only, no long quotes.
Remember to bring an item to get sign, if you do not have an item you will be able to select from available prints | Price per item . Arrive 15 before the session. THIS IS AN ADD-ON TICKET - YOU STILL REQUIRE A GENERAL DAY OR WEEKEND PASS NB: Autographs are limited to a maximum of three (3) tickets per person. Should you require additional tickets, a separate time slot will need to be arranged, as priority will be given to individual attendees - please email Rene@comicconafrica.co.za or Nicol@comicconafrica.co.za to enquire. Please note that autographs are signature-only, no long quotes.
Remember to bring an item to get sign, if you do not have an item you will be able to select from available prints | Price per item . Arrive 15 before the session. THIS IS AN ADD-ON TICKET - YOU STILL REQUIRE A GENERAL DAY OR WEEKEND PASS NB: Autographs are limited to a maximum of three (3) tickets per person. Should you require additional tickets, a separate time slot will need to be arranged, as priority will be given to individual attendees - please email Rene@comicconafrica.co.za or Nicol@comicconafrica.co.za to enquire. Please note that autographs are signature-only, no long quotes.
Remember to bring an item to get sign, if you do not have an item you will be able to select from available prints | Price per item . Arrive 15 before the session. THIS IS AN ADD-ON TICKET - YOU STILL REQUIRE A GENERAL DAY OR WEEKEND PASS NB: Autographs are limited to a maximum of three (3) tickets per person. Should you require additional tickets, a separate time slot will need to be arranged, as priority will be given to individual attendees - please email Rene@comicconafrica.co.za or Nicol@comicconafrica.co.za to enquire. Please note that autographs are signature-only, no long quotes.
Remember to bring an item to get sign, if you do not have an item you will be able to select from available prints | Price per item . Arrive 15 before the session. THIS IS AN ADD-ON TICKET - YOU STILL REQUIRE A GENERAL DAY OR WEEKEND PASS NB: Autographs are limited to a maximum of three (3) tickets per person. Should you require additional tickets, a separate time slot will need to be arranged, as priority will be given to individual attendees - please email Rene@comicconafrica.co.za or Nicol@comicconafrica.co.za to enquire. Please note that autographs are signature-only, no long quotes.
Remember to bring an item to get sign, if you do not have an item you will be able to select from available prints | Price per item . Arrive 15 before the session. THIS IS AN ADD-ON TICKET - YOU STILL REQUIRE A GENERAL DAY OR WEEKEND PASS NB: Autographs are limited to a maximum of three (3) tickets per person. Should you require additional tickets, a separate time slot will need to be arranged, as priority will be given to individual attendees - please email Rene@comicconafrica.co.za or Nicol@comicconafrica.co.za to enquire. Please note that autographs are signature-only, no long quotes.
GET ISEKAI-D! Are you a fan of being transported to other worlds? Perhaps you were a modern day thief finding themself in a fantasy realm, walked through a wardrobe into a land of everlasting winter, or found yourself becoming the strongest character in a video game? This day is for you! When: 30 April 2026 Where: Level 1, CTICC 2 Time: 12pm to 1pm
Portfolio Reviews with Heather Antos Have your comic art portfolio reviewed by comic book writer, editor, artist and industry professional, Heather Antos ! Invaluable tips and advice from a comic book pro ! This session is intended for the budding artist and writer, casual fan, and amateur artist, to improve their art and writing skills, and advance themselves. Note, this is NOT a “work for hire” review session.
Learn how artists transform real-life poses into storyboard panels used in animation and film. Sketch from a live model and create a short visual story that comes to life as a simple animatic
All African animation, all the time.
What's happening, where it's happening, and why you absolutely cannot sleep on it. DJ Elliot brings his signature pop culture radar to the Mainstage for a rapid-fire rundown of all things Comic Con Cape Town 2026. Panel picks, floor highlights, special announcements, and the inside track on what fans are buzzing about — all in one unmissable session. Grab your spot early. The weekend starts now.
Session description and speakers TBC
Session description and speakers TBC
Best known to millions as the ethereal and unforgettable Luna Lovegood in the Harry Potter film series, Evanna Lynch is an Irish actress, author, and activist whose impact stretches far beyond the wizarding world. Chosen from over 15,000 applicants for the role that would define a generation of fans, Evanna brought a rare warmth, individuality, and quiet depth to one of the franchise's most cherished characters. Since Harry Potter, Evanna has continued to build a diverse body of work across film, television, and theatre — with appearances in My Name is Emily, Dancing with the Stars, and stage productions on both sides of the Atlantic. She is also the author of The Opposite of Butterfly Hunting, a critically acclaimed memoir that explores mental health, recovery, and self-acceptance with honesty and grace. Off screen, Evanna is a passionate advocate for animal rights and mental health awareness, using her platform to champion compassion, creativity, and authenticity in ways that resonate with fans around the world. Come and meet the woman behind one of fiction's most beloved characters — and hear the remarkable story of the life she's built beyond it.
If you've ever watched anime in English, chances are Christopher Sabat's voice has been part of your life for longer than you realise. A veteran voice actor, director, and producer, Christopher has brought to life some of the most iconic characters in the genre — from the proud Saiyan prince Vegeta and the stoic swordsman Roronoa Zoro, to the world's greatest hero All Might and the lovably tipsy Yami from Black Clover. As the English dub voice director for Dragon Ball Z and the founder of Okratron 5000, a prominent audio production company, Christopher has been one of the defining forces behind the English dubbing landscape as we know it today. Off the mic, he's equally at home on the convention floor — meeting the fans whose support has fuelled decades of work — or embracing what he calls his most rewarding role yet: dad to two awesome daughters. Come join Christopher on the Mainstage for a celebration of a career that has shaped a generation of anime fans. And if you run into him afterwards, feel free to say hello — just maybe hold off on any surprise scream-off challenges. He's saving his vocal cords.
With a career spanning nearly a quarter of a century, Jason Liebrecht is one of the most versatile and prolific voice actors working in the industry today. Based in Austin, TX, Jason has lent his voice to some of the most beloved characters in anime and gaming — from Dabi in My Hero Academia and Zeke Jaeger in Attack on Titan, to Rob Lucci in One Piece, Beru in Solo Leveling, Yato in Noragami, Mob in Mob Psycho, Qrow in RWBY, and Hei/The Black Reaper in Darker Than Black — and that's just scratching the surface. In gaming, he's equally at home, voicing Mordecai in the Borderlands series, Lo Wang in the Shadow Warrior games, Abel in Street Fighter IV, and Beru in Solo Leveling: ARISE, among many others. Beyond the recording booth, Jason is a long-time member of Austin's acclaimed experimental theatre company the Rude Mechs, with whom he has performed at Lincoln Center and developed original works in residence at Yale University. His on-camera credits include appearances in Richard Linklater's Waking Life and Everybody Wants Some, AMC's Fear the Walking Dead, USA Network's Queen of the South, and the lead role in the upcoming indie feature Rearview Cataclysm. Join Jason on the Mainstage for what promises to be a fascinating look into the life and craft of one of anime's most recognisable voices.
Session description and speakers TBC
The Grand Line is closer than you think. Five stars of Netflix's live-action One Piece are here and ready to meet the fans who made it all possible. Steven John Ward (Dracule Mihawk), Martial T. Batchaman (Brook), Jazzara Jaslyn (Miss Valentine), Callum Kerr (Vice-Admiral Smoker), and Nahum Hughes (Bartolomeo) are bringing the world of One Piece straight to the convention floor — and you're invited. Whether you're a lifelong fan of the manga or discovered the crew for the first time through the live-action series, this is your moment. Ask your burning questions, share your favourite memories, and come face to face with the cast who brought these legendary characters to life. No Devil Fruit required. Just show up. Soul King approved. 🎵
TTGE will bring the thrill of sim racing with a twist — the Musical Chairs Format! How it works: • Our MC will select 4 willing fans from the crowd. • Participants to be split into 2 teams of 2 players each. • Only one person races at a time. • Participants will rotate through the sim rigs every 30 seconds! • When the countdown hits zero, the next teammate jumps in. • The team with the fastest time/finishes first wins. Everyone is a winner! • All 4 racers score exclusive Toyota Gaming Engine merch and prizes. • Each person from the winning team, wins a R2000 Takealot voucher.
Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned maker, Cosplay Casuals is your invitation to step into the spotlight and celebrate the art of cosplay in a fun, welcoming environment. This daily showcase on the Comic Con Cape Town Mainstage brings together cosplayers of all skill levels for a casual competition that's all about passion, creativity, and community. Judged by an exceptional panel of cosplayers, creatives, and performers, Cosplay Casuals is the perfect opportunity to show off your costume, soak up the atmosphere, and be part of something truly special. Register at Cosplay Central.
The story of David and Goliath has inspired generations—but you've never seen it like this. Join the creative team behind David, South Africa's most ambitious animated feature to date, as they pull back the curtain on bringing this epic biblical tale to life with a distinctly African lens. Already a phenomenon, David has shattered expectations—outperforming () The Prince of Egypt to become the highest-grossing opening weekend of a faith-based film of all time as well as leaving the SpongeBob Movie in the dust at the Box Office. But the real story isn't just about numbers; it's about how a passionate Cape Town team challenged industry giants by building world-class animation right here at home. Discover the creative decisions, technical innovations, and cultural perspectives shaping this groundbreaking film. From early concept art to character development, hear firsthand how the team navigated the journey from local studio to global success. Whether you're an animation enthusiast, aspiring filmmaker, or simply curious about the future of African storytelling, this session offers an exciting glimpse into a project that's as audacious as its young shepherd hero. Expect exclusive footage, behind-the-scenes insights, and a candid conversation about what it takes to launch a new era in South African animation—and take on Hollywood in the process.
Session description and speakers TBC
Missed your moment in the spotlight at 1 PM? Here's your second chance. Cosplay Casuals: Second Chance gives every cosplayer another opportunity to take to the Comic Con Cape Town Mainstage and show off what they've put together. Whether you didn't quite make it into the first session or simply want another shot, this is your time to shine. Same great energy, same welcoming atmosphere — just another chance to be part of the fun. All skill levels welcome. Register at Cosplay Central.
"Tenno, I'm detecting an incoming transmission from the Origin System..." The Lotus has arranged a special briefing with Rebecca Ford, Creative Director, and Steve Sinclair, CEO of Digital Extremes. For over a decade, these two have guided Warframe's evolution from a vision that nearly didn't survive into a living universe with over 75 million Tenno across all platforms. In this dial-in session, Reb and Steve will discuss the journey of building Warframe, the philosophy behind keeping the community at the center of everything they create, and what lies ahead for Digital Extremes. They'll share insights on sustaining live-service games, ethical free-to-play design, and how an independent studio has thrived by staying true to its players. Expect candid conversation about the challenges and rewards of community-driven development, creative evolution, and the future of the Origin System. "This is a rare opportunity, Tenno. I suggest you take it."
Dragons, wizards, dark lords, and chosen ones — Friday night on the Mainstage belongs to the realm of fantasy. Whether your allegiance lies with Middle-earth, Westeros, Hogwarts, or somewhere in between, Fantasy Friday will put your knowledge of the genre to the test across a full hour of competitive, crowd-fuelled fun. Hosted by the one and only Zaid Motala, expect big laughs, fierce competition, and the kind of energy that only a Friday night at Comic Con can deliver.
Pop-Taku Stage lives at the crossroads of Eastern and Western fan culture — where anime aesthetics collide with comic book craft, Japanese storytelling traditions spark new ideas alongside Hollywood world-building, and somewhere in the mix, a proudly South African voice ties it all together. It's chaotic, it's colourful, it's wonderfully ours — and honestly? We wouldn't have it any other way. Precious Molobye of Japan Language Club South Africa kicks off the weekend with your essential guide to it all: the workshops, game showcases, writing panels, craft sessions, and fan-made exhibitions filling the stage across Comic Con Cape Town 2026. From Cape Town to Kyoto, Soweto to Studio Ghibli, the inspiration on this stage travels far — but it always comes home. Whether you're here to level up your art, finally finish that fanfic, or just figure out where exactly you're supposed to be — Precious has got you covered. Whatever your fandom, whatever your medium, whatever deeply specific hyperfixation brought you here this weekend — you've found your people. Pull up, because things are about to get wonderfully weird.
Think anime subtitles have taught you enough Japanese? Time to find out! Join Japanese Language Club South Africa every day on the Pop-Culture Stage for a fun, fast-paced introduction to the Japanese language — no prior knowledge required. Each session takes you through the essentials: from greetings and everyday phrases to reading hiragana and understanding the basics of Japanese sentence structure. Whether you're dreaming of a trip to Japan, deepening your love for anime and manga, or just curious about one of the world's most fascinating languages, this is the perfect place to start. Our friendly instructors break things down in a way that's accessible, interactive, and — most importantly — enjoyable. Come ready to listen, repeat, laugh at your own pronunciation, and leave with real phrases you can actually use.
Cosplayers often spend alot of time creating or putting together their costumes and plan to take some professional photographs to showcase their work - This panel discussion will cover some tips on posing, getting in character to plan the perfect shot and general information on working with photographers. Join Ludus Cosplay, Amanita Cosplay and It's Leylamoon for a fun and informative conversation about bringing your characters to live on camera.
Author Lydan Francis talks about his experience in building Angelfyre, one of the most ambitious and expansive science fiction fantasy space opera book series to come out of South Africa. He will detail his journey as an independent author, providing insight and inspiration for other potential writers to enter SFF in an effort to bolster a criminally underrated and under-supported sector in South Africa's literary space.
Why finishing is more important than starting. There is no such thing as writer's block, only writer's doubt. Here is how you beat it. Why you shouldn't write and edit at the same time. How to set up a writing routine for yourself to help you finish faster. Resources: books, YouTube channels and online courses that will help you finish writing your book. Free short story for all those in attendance Free bookmark to all those in attendance.
Tell a Story in One Manga Page is a fast-paced, interactive masterclass designed to introduce participants to the core principles of manga creation, with a strong focus on character design and visual storytelling. Guided by JLCSA, AfroTokyo and T.S Zombie, attendees will learn how to communicate emotion, personality, and narrative clearly through expressive characters and well-structured panels, without relying on dialogue or text. Suitable for beginners and aspiring artists of all ages, this hands-on session breaks down manga storytelling into simple, practical techniques that can be applied immediately. By the end of the masterclass, participants will have created their own short manga sequence and gained a deeper understanding of how professional manga artists tell powerful stories through images alone
Session Summary: Genre Film in South Africa – Fear, Fantasy & the Future This session explores the rise, resistance, and radical potential of genre film in South Africa — from horror and thrillers to sci-fi and psychological drama. I’ll speak about why genre storytelling has historically been sidelined in the local industry, how it’s slowly breaking through, and why it remains one of the most powerful tools we have to explore trauma, identity, politics, and social fear without being didactic. Using case studies like Fried Barry and Street Trash, I’ll unpack how South African genre films have gained international attention by fully embracing the strange, the grotesque, and the confrontational — while still being deeply rooted in local realities. These films demonstrate how genre can travel globally, attract cult audiences, and create cultural impact far beyond traditional art-house expectations. Drawing from my own experience and the broader South African filmmaking landscape, I’ll break down how genre allows creators to smuggle big ideas into entertaining, accessible stories — and why audiences are often far more open to this than funders or institutions assume. The session will also touch on practical realities: funding challenges, audience perception, and how South African filmmakers can position genre projects for both local relevance and international success.
The talk will outline the very practical steps I took in establishing a board game day in the Cape, going from 20 attendees at the first to consistently drawing upwards of 100. I discuss what works and what doesn't. How to keep the momentum up, and how to gain the support and help of the community to achieve what may not seem possible at first. I'll also talk about the board game designer community and what that community needs to stay engaged. I'll have some stickers to give away as a momento.
In this session, I’ll take fans behind the scenes of how we’re building Majesty an African epic inspired by both anime and Western comics and what it really takes to create a new IP from scratch in South Africa. I’ll unpack the creative journey from those first messy ideas, to world-building Afrentia, to developing characters like Naledi and Caleb Jr., and the long-term vision of growing Majesty from a comic book into animation and gaming. The session will explore how African mythology, spirituality, monarchy, and modern South African culture can live inside genres like anime, fantasy, and sci-fi, spaces where African stories are still underrepresented. I’ll also share the real challenges of being an independent creator: funding, finding collaborators, building an audience on TikTok, and pitching to studios and brands.
Ready to put your voice-acting skills to the test? Dub It Out is the ultimate showdown for anime and pop culture fans! Step up to the mic and re-dub iconic scenes from your favorite shows, movies, or games—with your own hilarious or dramatic twist. Whether you're a seasoned voice actor or just love to ham it up, this is your chance to steal the spotlight and show off your creativity. Prizes await the most entertaining performances, so bring your A-game and let's see who can Dub It Out like a pro!
Mastering the Shapeshifter: From Script to Shelf This session is a deep dive into the "alchemy of adaptation." We aren't just talking theory; we’re dissecting how to take the internal, sprawling world of a novel and explode it onto a 16:9 screen—and conversely, how filmmakers can use novelist techniques to add literary depth to their frames. The Panelists: Three Perspectives, One Story The Visualist (Director/Screenwriter): Focuses on "trimming the fat." They’ll demonstrate how to translate three pages of internal monologue into a single, haunting cinematic look. The World-Builder (Novelist): The expert on the "unfilmable." They bring the secrets of sensory detail and internal character arcs that give a story its soul. The Hybrid (Adapter/Producer): The bridge. They understand the business of "translation"—how to preserve the heart of the source material while satisfying the demands of a new medium.
Step into the warm, wonderful aromas of the city’s most famous bakery—where the bread is rumoured to be magical and the pastries are worth queuing for at dawn. When the party arrives, they quickly discover those rumours are a little too accurate. A minor magical mishap turns a peaceful morning bake into a full-blown flour-fueled disaster as enchanted dough rises beyond control and baked goods take on a life of their own. What begins as a simple visit for fresh bread spirals into fast-paced chaos, flying baguettes, and a desperate fight to contain a carb-based catastrophe before the entire neighbourhood is overrun. So come and join us to see if our brave adventurers can soothe the savage bread.
International guest Ron Marz, who has written and edited comics and games for over 2 decades, hosts this workshop for beginner writers ! How to register for Artist Alley Workshops: • Before the show: please email info@fancon.co.za • On show days: @ the FanCon booth next to Artist Alley stage
International guest Ron Marz, who has written and edited comics and games for over 2 decades, hosts this workshop for beginner writers ! How to register for Artist Alley Workshops: • Before the show: please email info@fancon.co.za • On show days: @ the FanCon booth next to Artist Alley stage
“In a world in which magical runes determine a person’s fate, runeless best friends find themselves on opposite sides of an epic fight for justice.” Zimbabwean Artist Alley guest Bill Masuku talks about his exciting upcoming original graphic novel, Runeless ! This exciting fantasy graphic novel about friendship and power is perfect for 8-12-year-old fans of Amulet and Avatar: The Last Airbender.
Remember to bring an item to get sign, if you do not have an item you will be able to select from available prints | Price per item . Arrive 15 before the session. THIS IS AN ADD-ON TICKET - YOU STILL REQUIRE A GENERAL DAY OR WEEKEND PASS NB: Autographs are limited to a maximum of three (3) tickets per person. Should you require additional tickets, a separate time slot will need to be arranged, as priority will be given to individual attendees - please email Rene@comicconafrica.co.za or Nicol@comicconafrica.co.za to enquire. Please note that autographs are signature-only, no long quotes.
Remember to bring an item to get sign, if you do not have an item you will be able to select from available prints | Price per item . Arrive 15 before the session. THIS IS AN ADD-ON TICKET - YOU STILL REQUIRE A GENERAL DAY OR WEEKEND PASS NB: Autographs are limited to a maximum of three (3) tickets per person. Should you require additional tickets, a separate time slot will need to be arranged, as priority will be given to individual attendees - please email Rene@comicconafrica.co.za or Nicol@comicconafrica.co.za to enquire. Please note that autographs are signature-only, no long quotes.
Remember to bring an item to get sign, if you do not have an item you will be able to select from available prints | Price per item . Arrive 15 before the session. THIS IS AN ADD-ON TICKET - YOU STILL REQUIRE A GENERAL DAY OR WEEKEND PASS NB: Autographs are limited to a maximum of three (3) tickets per person. Should you require additional tickets, a separate time slot will need to be arranged, as priority will be given to individual attendees - please email Rene@comicconafrica.co.za or Nicol@comicconafrica.co.za to enquire. Please note that autographs are signature-only, no long quotes.
Professionally taken photograph | Up to four people in a photo | Includes 1 x print out of image | Session runs from 12:45 - 13:15 | Arrive 15 before the session THIS IS AN ADD-ON TICKET - YOU STILL REQUIRE A GENERAL DAY OR WEEKEND PASS BUY NOW
Remember to bring an item to get sign, if you do not have an item you will be able to select from available prints | Price per item . Arrive 15 before the session. THIS IS AN ADD-ON TICKET - YOU STILL REQUIRE A GENERAL DAY OR WEEKEND PASS NB: Autographs are limited to a maximum of three (3) tickets per person. Should you require additional tickets, a separate time slot will need to be arranged, as priority will be given to individual attendees - please email Rene@comicconafrica.co.za or Nicol@comicconafrica.co.za to enquire. Please note that autographs are signature-only, no long quotes.
Remember to bring an item to get signed, if you do not have an item you will be able to select from available prints | Price per item. Arrive 15 before the session. THIS IS AN ADD-ON TICKET - YOU STILL REQUIRE A GENERAL DAY OR WEEKEND PASS NB: Autographs are limited to a maximum of three (3) tickets per person. Should you require additional tickets, a separate time slot will need to be arranged, as priority will be given to individual attendees - please email Rene@comicconafrica.co.za or Nicol@comicconafrica.co.za to enquire. Please note that autographs are signature-only, no long quotes.
Remember to bring an item to get signed, if you do not have an item you will be able to select from available prints | Price per item. Arrive 15 before the session. THIS IS AN ADD-ON TICKET - YOU STILL REQUIRE A GENERAL DAY OR WEEKEND PASS NB: Autographs are limited to a maximum of three (3) tickets per person. Should you require additional tickets, a separate time slot will need to be arranged, as priority will be given to individual attendees - please email Rene@comicconafrica.co.za or Nicol@comicconafrica.co.za to enquire. Please note that autographs are signature-only, no long quotes.
Remember to bring an item to get sign, if you do not have an item you will be able to select from available prints | Price per item . Arrive 15 before the session. THIS IS AN ADD-ON TICKET - YOU STILL REQUIRE A GENERAL DAY OR WEEKEND PASS NB: Autographs are limited to a maximum of three (3) tickets per person. Should you require additional tickets, a separate time slot will need to be arranged, as priority will be given to individual attendees - please email Rene@comicconafrica.co.za or Nicol@comicconafrica.co.za to enquire. Please note that autographs are signature-only, no long quotes.
Remember to bring an item to get sign, if you do not have an item you will be able to select from available prints | Price per item . Arrive 15 before the session. THIS IS AN ADD-ON TICKET - YOU STILL REQUIRE A GENERAL DAY OR WEEKEND PASS NB: Autographs are limited to a maximum of three (3) tickets per person. Should you require additional tickets, a separate time slot will need to be arranged, as priority will be given to individual attendees - please email Rene@comicconafrica.co.za or Nicol@comicconafrica.co.za to enquire. Please note that autographs are signature-only, no long quotes.
Remember to bring an item to get sign, if you do not have an item you will be able to select from available prints | Price per item . Arrive 15 before the session. THIS IS AN ADD-ON TICKET - YOU STILL REQUIRE A GENERAL DAY OR WEEKEND PASS NB: Autographs are limited to a maximum of three (3) tickets per person. Should you require additional tickets, a separate time slot will need to be arranged, as priority will be given to individual attendees - please email Rene@comicconafrica.co.za or Nicol@comicconafrica.co.za to enquire. Please note that autographs are signature-only, no long quotes.
Remember to bring an item to get sign, if you do not have an item you will be able to select from available prints | Price per item . Arrive 15 before the session. THIS IS AN ADD-ON TICKET - YOU STILL REQUIRE A GENERAL DAY OR WEEKEND PASS NB: Autographs are limited to a maximum of three (3) tickets per person. Should you require additional tickets, a separate time slot will need to be arranged, as priority will be given to individual attendees - please email Rene@comicconafrica.co.za or Nicol@comicconafrica.co.za to enquire. Please note that autographs are signature-only, no long quotes.
Remember to bring an item to get sign, if you do not have an item you will be able to select from available prints | Price per item . Arrive 15 before the session. THIS IS AN ADD-ON TICKET - YOU STILL REQUIRE A GENERAL DAY OR WEEKEND PASS NB: Autographs are limited to a maximum of three (3) tickets per person. Should you require additional tickets, a separate time slot will need to be arranged, as priority will be given to individual attendees - please email Rene@comicconafrica.co.za or Nicol@comicconafrica.co.za to enquire. Please note that autographs are signature-only, no long quotes.
Remember to bring an item to get sign, if you do not have an item you will be able to select from available prints | Price per item . Arrive 15 before the session. THIS IS AN ADD-ON TICKET - YOU STILL REQUIRE A GENERAL DAY OR WEEKEND PASS NB: Autographs are limited to a maximum of three (3) tickets per person. Should you require additional tickets, a separate time slot will need to be arranged, as priority will be given to individual attendees - please email Rene@comicconafrica.co.za or Nicol@comicconafrica.co.za to enquire. Please note that autographs are signature-only, no long quotes.
Remember to bring an item to get signed, if you do not have an item you will be able to select from available prints | Price per item. Arrive 15 before the session. THIS IS AN ADD-ON TICKET - YOU STILL REQUIRE A GENERAL DAY OR WEEKEND PASS NB: Autographs are limited to a maximum of three (3) tickets per person. Should you require additional tickets, a separate time slot will need to be arranged, as priority will be given to individual attendees - please email Rene@comicconafrica.co.za or Nicol@comicconafrica.co.za to enquire. Please note that autographs are signature-only, no long quotes.
Remember to bring an item to get signed, if you do not have an item you will be able to select from available prints | Price per item. Arrive 15 before the session. THIS IS AN ADD-ON TICKET - YOU STILL REQUIRE A GENERAL DAY OR WEEKEND PASS NB: Autographs are limited to a maximum of three (3) tickets per person. Should you require additional tickets, a separate time slot will need to be arranged, as priority will be given to individual attendees - please email Rene@comicconafrica.co.za or Nicol@comicconafrica.co.za to enquire. Please note that autographs are signature-only, no long quotes.
Remember to bring an item to get sign, if you do not have an item you will be able to select from available prints | Price per item . Arrive 15 before the session. THIS IS AN ADD-ON TICKET - YOU STILL REQUIRE A GENERAL DAY OR WEEKEND PASS NB: Autographs are limited to a maximum of three (3) tickets per person. Should you require additional tickets, a separate time slot will need to be arranged, as priority will be given to individual attendees - please email Rene@comicconafrica.co.za or Nicol@comicconafrica.co.za to enquire. Please note that autographs are signature-only, no long quotes.
Remember to bring an item to get sign, if you do not have an item you will be able to select from available prints | Price per item . Arrive 15 before the session. THIS IS AN ADD-ON TICKET - YOU STILL REQUIRE A GENERAL DAY OR WEEKEND PASS NB: Autographs are limited to a maximum of three (3) tickets per person. Should you require additional tickets, a separate time slot will need to be arranged, as priority will be given to individual attendees - please email Rene@comicconafrica.co.za or Nicol@comicconafrica.co.za to enquire. Please note that autographs are signature-only, no long quotes.
GOTTA CATCH 'EM ALL! Pokémon Celebrate the 30th anniversary of our beloved pocket monsters with us! Whether you are a fan of the anime, manga, video games or any other iteration, let's chat and be friends! When: 1 May 2026 | Where: Level 1, CTICC 2 Time: 12pm to 1pm
Have your comic art portfolio reviewed by international comic book artist and writer, Phil Hester ! Invaluable tips and advice from a comic book pro ! This session is intended for the budding artist and writer, casual fan, and amateur artist, to improve their art and writing skills, and advance themselves. Note, this is NOT a “work for hire” review session. Host : Phil Hester Venue : Phil Hester Booth ( AA--- ) Time : Friday 3.00pm-4.00pm
Date: 1 May 2026 Time: 19:00 till late Venue: Protea Hotel Fire & Ice Comic Con Cape Town Comedy Night with your host international comedian & Star Wars cosplayer Mark Palmer, featuring comedians Kurt Schoonraad, Siv Ngesi, Jam Jam, Carl Weber, KG, Mel Jones, Stuart Taylor, Warren Robertson, plus a number of surprise guest acts… All proceeds to go to charity - The Children Hospital Trust BUY NOW
All African animation, all the time.
Ever wondered how animated characters feel so real? Jump into fun acting and movement exercises to explore how animators use performance to bring 3D characters to life.
What's happening, where it's happening, and why you absolutely cannot sleep on it. DJ Elliot brings his signature pop culture radar to the Mainstage for a rapid-fire rundown of all things Comic Con Cape Town 2026. Panel picks, floor highlights, special announcements, and the inside track on what fans are buzzing about — all in one unmissable session. Grab your spot early. The weekend starts now.
Session description and speakers TBC
Best known to millions as the ethereal and unforgettable Luna Lovegood in the Harry Potter film series, Evanna Lynch is an Irish actress, author, and activist whose impact stretches far beyond the wizarding world. Chosen from over 15,000 applicants for the role that would define a generation of fans, Evanna brought a rare warmth, individuality, and quiet depth to one of the franchise's most cherished characters. Since Harry Potter, Evanna has continued to build a diverse body of work across film, television, and theatre — with appearances in My Name is Emily, Dancing with the Stars, and stage productions on both sides of the Atlantic. She is also the author of The Opposite of Butterfly Hunting, a critically acclaimed memoir that explores mental health, recovery, and self-acceptance with honesty and grace. Off screen, Evanna is a passionate advocate for animal rights and mental health awareness, using her platform to champion compassion, creativity, and authenticity in ways that resonate with fans around the world. Come and meet the woman behind one of fiction's most beloved characters — and hear the remarkable story of the life she's built beyond it.
If you've ever watched anime in English, chances are Christopher Sabat's voice has been part of your life for longer than you realise. A veteran voice actor, director, and producer, Christopher has brought to life some of the most iconic characters in the genre — from the proud Saiyan prince Vegeta and the stoic swordsman Roronoa Zoro, to the world's greatest hero All Might and the lovably tipsy Yami from Black Clover. As the English dub voice director for Dragon Ball Z and the founder of Okratron 5000, a prominent audio production company, Christopher has been one of the defining forces behind the English dubbing landscape as we know it today. Off the mic, he's equally at home on the convention floor — meeting the fans whose support has fuelled decades of work — or embracing what he calls his most rewarding role yet: dad to two awesome daughters. Come join Christopher on the Mainstage for a celebration of a career that has shaped a generation of anime fans. And if you run into him afterwards, feel free to say hello — just maybe hold off on any surprise scream-off challenges. He's saving his vocal cords.
With a career spanning nearly a quarter of a century, Jason Liebrecht is one of the most versatile and prolific voice actors working in the industry today. Based in Austin, TX, Jason has lent his voice to some of the most beloved characters in anime and gaming — from Dabi in My Hero Academia and Zeke Jaeger in Attack on Titan, to Rob Lucci in One Piece, Beru in Solo Leveling, Yato in Noragami, Mob in Mob Psycho, Qrow in RWBY, and Hei/The Black Reaper in Darker Than Black — and that's just scratching the surface. In gaming, he's equally at home, voicing Mordecai in the Borderlands series, Lo Wang in the Shadow Warrior games, Abel in Street Fighter IV, and Beru in Solo Leveling: ARISE, among many others. Beyond the recording booth, Jason is a long-time member of Austin's acclaimed experimental theatre company the Rude Mechs, with whom he has performed at Lincoln Center and developed original works in residence at Yale University. His on-camera credits include appearances in Richard Linklater's Waking Life and Everybody Wants Some, AMC's Fear the Walking Dead, USA Network's Queen of the South, and the lead role in the upcoming indie feature Rearview Cataclysm. Join Jason on the Mainstage for what promises to be a fascinating look into the life and craft of one of anime's most recognisable voices.
The Grand Line is closer than you think. Five stars of Netflix's live-action One Piece are here and ready to meet the fans who made it all possible. Steven John Ward (Dracule Mihawk), Martial T. Batchaman (Brook), Jazzara Jaslyn (Miss Valentine), Callum Kerr (Vice-Admiral Smoker), and Nahum Hughes (Bartolomeo) are bringing the world of One Piece straight to the convention floor — and you're invited. Whether you're a lifelong fan of the manga or discovered the crew for the first time through the live-action series, this is your moment. Ask your burning questions, share your favourite memories, and come face to face with the cast who brought these legendary characters to life. No Devil Fruit required. Just show up. Soul King approved. 🎵
Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned maker, Cosplay Casuals is your invitation to step into the spotlight and celebrate the art of cosplay in a fun, welcoming environment. This daily showcase on the Comic Con Cape Town Mainstage brings together cosplayers of all skill levels for a casual competition that's all about passion, creativity, and community. Judged by an exceptional panel of cosplayers, creatives, and performers, Cosplay Casuals is the perfect opportunity to show off your costume, soak up the atmosphere, and be part of something truly special. Register at Cosplay Central.
Two of the cosplay world's most recognisable names take the Mainstage together for a session that's not to be missed. Whether you're a lifelong cosplayer or just discovering the craft, Yaya Han and Jaremi Carey bring a combined wealth of creativity, community, and pure passion to one of Comic Con Cape Town 2026's standout spotlight moments. Yaya Han has been at the heart of cosplay since 1999, building over 400 costumes across every fandom imaginable and becoming one of the most respected craftsmanship icons in the world. A star of Syfy's Heroes of Cosplay, guest judge on TBS's King of the Nerds, and author of Yaya Han's World of Cosplay, Yaya has spent decades pushing the art form forward — collaborating with global brands like McCall Pattern Company, JOANN Fabric & Craft Stores, Dremel, and BERNINA to put better tools in the hands of makers everywhere. Her influence on cosplay as both an art form and a community is immeasurable. Jaremi Carey brings a unique blend of entertainment and cosplay culture to the stage. A TV personality, gamer, host, and transformation artist, Jaremi has created cosplay-style campaigns for major names including Pokémon International, GrubHub, Fox TV's Alter Ego, HBO's The Nevers, and most recently The Last of Us. His Twitch cosplay competition series CosSLAY was among a select few shows acquired from the platform, and he is a familiar and beloved presence at conventions around the world including New York Comic Con and C2E2. Together on the Mainstage, Yaya and Jaremi promise an engaging, inspiring, and entertaining session that celebrates everything that makes cosplay extraordinary.
TTGE will bring the thrill of sim racing with a twist — the Musical Chairs Format! How it works: • Our MC will select 4 willing fans from the crowd. • Participants to be split into 2 teams of 2 players each. • Only one person races at a time. • Participants will rotate through the sim rigs every 30 seconds! • When the countdown hits zero, the next teammate jumps in. • The team with the fastest time/finishes first wins. Everyone is a winner! • All 4 racers score exclusive Toyota Gaming Engine merch and prizes. • Each person from the winning team, wins a R2000 Takealot voucher.
Missed your moment in the spotlight at 1 PM? Here's your second chance. Cosplay Casuals: Second Chance gives every cosplayer another opportunity to take to the Comic Con Cape Town Mainstage and show off what they've put together. Whether you didn't quite make it into the first session or simply want another shot, this is your time to shine. Same great energy, same welcoming atmosphere — just another chance to be part of the fun. All skill levels welcome. Register at Cosplay Central.
Capes, cowls, secret identities, and world-ending stakes — Super Saturday is the quiz for fans of the extraordinary. Whether you bleed Marvel red or DC blue (or refuse to pick a side), this is your chance to prove your superhero credentials on the Mainstage in front of the biggest crowd of the weekend. Hosted by Zaid Motala, the voice of the fans and Comic Con Cape Town's most electrifying presence, Super Saturday promises to be the most hotly contested hour of the show.
Pop-Taku Stage lives at the crossroads of Eastern and Western fan culture — where anime aesthetics collide with comic book craft, Japanese storytelling traditions spark new ideas alongside Hollywood world-building, and somewhere in the mix, a proudly South African voice ties it all together. It's chaotic, it's colourful, it's wonderfully ours — and honestly? We wouldn't have it any other way. Precious Molobye of Japan Language Club South Africa kicks off the weekend with your essential guide to it all: the workshops, game showcases, writing panels, craft sessions, and fan-made exhibitions filling the stage across Comic Con Cape Town 2026. From Cape Town to Kyoto, Soweto to Studio Ghibli, the inspiration on this stage travels far — but it always comes home. Whether you're here to level up your art, finally finish that fanfic, or just figure out where exactly you're supposed to be — Precious has got you covered. Whatever your fandom, whatever your medium, whatever deeply specific hyperfixation brought you here this weekend — you've found your people. Pull up, because things are about to get wonderfully weird.
Think anime subtitles have taught you enough Japanese? Time to find out! Join Japanese Language Club South Africa every day on the Pop-Culture Stage for a fun, fast-paced introduction to the Japanese language — no prior knowledge required. Each session takes you through the essentials: from greetings and everyday phrases to reading hiragana and understanding the basics of Japanese sentence structure. Whether you're dreaming of a trip to Japan, deepening your love for anime and manga, or just curious about one of the world's most fascinating languages, this is the perfect place to start. Our friendly instructors break things down in a way that's accessible, interactive, and — most importantly — enjoyable. Come ready to listen, repeat, laugh at your own pronunciation, and leave with real phrases you can actually use.
Starting a comic business sounds like a dream – long boxes filled with keys, rare finds and the thrill of the hunt. But behind every exciting sale is a long night of packing, sorting, fixing mistakes, stressing over batches, and figuring out how to turn passion into something sustainable. In this session, I share the raw, funny and deeply honest journey of building 911 Comics from zero followers and no store into a growing side-business. It is a story filled with emotional highs – discovering collections that feel like treasure, making that first sale, earning customer trust, getting to hold and stare at some amazing grail books – and the real lows no one talks about like bad buys, damaged books, scammers, slow sales and the doubt that creeps in when boxes pile up faster than orders. As the founder of 911 Comics and the person responsible for buying, there have been some hilarious moments… like meeting a seller and saying, “I’ll just grab one or two key issues”. Next thing, we’re leaving with two long boxes, a short box, a random statue, three Deadpool variants I don’t even like, and explaining to the kid at the school pickup that’s there’s no space in the boot for his guitar and bag. Beyond storytelling, the session offers practical insights into buying collections, pricing, social selling, inventory management, building community and surviving your first year in the hustle. Whether someone in the audience wants to start selling or simply loves the hobby, they will walk away informed, inspired and entertained. — As a bonus, we’ll weave in a way to have comic giveaways through the talk. Might have some other merch to gift too.
Grading is no longer just about trading cards. Today’s collectors are grading comics, video games, autographed items, and more, but understanding the difference between grading, authentication, and overall collectible value is essential. This session explores the wider world of collectible grading, including how the major companies operate, what services they provide, and how signature authentication fits into the process. We’ll break down PSA, CGC, and BGS, explain what each company offers, and help you understand which may be the best fit for your item and your collecting goals. We’ll also look at how to decide whether an item is actually worth grading, what to check when assessing the condition of your cards and collectibles, and how collectors can research the value of graded items before submitting. Whether you collect cards, comics, video games, or signed memorabilia, this session will give you practical knowledge to help you make smarter grading decisions.
Everyone loves Cosplay and dreams to become their favourite character or characters somehow from Hero, Villain and side character... So Cosplay allows them to live that dream... But with cosplay there is so much that goes into it, from finding the right character, the cost involved but mainly the time it takes to make the perfect cosplay costume... I'd love to Judge and down a breakdown of people that cosplay and what goes into it. As Cosplay is a form of art in itself.
Self-edit, self-edit and self-edit again. Ideal reader feedback and why it is important Listen to your work with an app that reads it back to you. Hire a professional, but only once you have done the following things. Free short story for all those in attendance Free bookmark to all those in attendance.
Tell a Story in One Manga Page is a fast-paced, interactive masterclass designed to introduce participants to the core principles of manga creation, with a strong focus on character design and visual storytelling. Guided by JLCSA, AfroTokyo and T.S Zombie, attendees will learn how to communicate emotion, personality, and narrative clearly through expressive characters and well-structured panels, without relying on dialogue or text. Suitable for beginners and aspiring artists of all ages, this hands-on session breaks down manga storytelling into simple, practical techniques that can be applied immediately. By the end of the masterclass, participants will have created their own short manga sequence and gained a deeper understanding of how professional manga artists tell powerful stories through images alone
Inviting players and Game Masters to step beyond the familiar comfort of Dungeons & Dragons 5e and explore the wider, wildly creative world of tabletop role-playing games. While 5e is a fantastic gateway into the hobby, it’s only one stop in a vast multiverse of systems designed to tell very different kinds of stories. Together we’ll explore why and when it makes sense to try a new system, how different mechanics shape tone, genre, and playstyle, and what you gain by matching the right rules to the story you want to tell. From narrative-first games and rules-light systems to crunchy simulators and genre-specific RPGs, you’ll get a guided tour of what’s out there and how approachable it really is. Whether you’re a curious player, a long-time GM feeling boxed in, or someone looking to expand your table’s creative toolkit, this talk will give you the confidence and inspiration to branch out, experiment, and discover that tabletop role-playing is about far more than dragons.
Join video game narrative designer Rohil Aniruth (Breaking Games’ Infinite Jonathans, Free Lives’ Eat The Rich), visual art educator Chaise Frederick, and special guest artist MONKEEMOTO for a live character design workshopping session. You and your fellow up-and-coming character designers will craft a brand-new original character from scratch, from backstory to visual execution. This workshop explores the interplay between lore, personality, and aesthetics, and how each of these pillars informs the others to produce characters that not only look badass but also connect deeply with audiences. Bring your sketchbooks and markers for a chance to win exclusive art prints! This workshop is for all skill levels and fans just looking to have fun doing something creative!
Authors on Authors An intimate conversation with Alastair Kingon-Daniels & Michael Ferguson Ever wondered what really goes on inside an author's head? Pull up a chair — this one's for you. Inspired by Variety Studio's Actors on Actors, this session flips the script on the traditional author panel. Instead of a formal interview, sci-fi author Alastair Kingon-Daniels and fantasy & horror author Michael Ferguson sit down for the kind of raw, honest, laugh-out-loud conversation you'd overhear at a braai — and you're invited. Two up-and-coming South African authors. Two very different genres. One surprisingly heated debate about whether sci-fi and fantasy are actually the same thing. Expect real talk on the craft — from plotting (or not plotting) to writing battle scenes, crafting the perfect villain, and the eternal question: how do you write those scenes? Alastair and Michael will swap war stories about navigating the South African publishing landscape as indie authors, and dig into what it really takes to build a readership when you're doing it all yourself. But this isn't just a conversation you watch — it's one you join. Audience members get to jump in, ask questions, and shape where the discussion goes. Come ready to participate, because there are bookmarks and book giveaways up for grabs for those who do.
Ready to put your voice-acting skills to the test? Dub It Out is the ultimate showdown for anime and pop culture fans! Step up to the mic and re-dub iconic scenes from your favorite shows, movies, or games—with your own hilarious or dramatic twist. Whether you're a seasoned voice actor or just love to ham it up, this is your chance to steal the spotlight and show off your creativity. Prizes await the most entertaining performances, so bring your A-game and let's see who can Dub It Out like a pro!
The panelists, as well as the interviewer, all have varied experiences and journeys in the publishing industry. This assures that the topic is broad, can cover various skills and requirements, and help any aspiring writers and authors attending the panel to make the decision that best suits them.
Speculative fiction has the power to shape minds while providing a safe means of escapism. Join Tanya Meeson, Jon Keevy, Sam Wilson, Nerine Dorman and Shameez Patel Papathanasiou at "Fantasy for the Future" which will cover the publishing trends expected in speculative fiction in forthcoming years as well why it's important to keep writing fantasy. Tanya Meeson is a self-published author of speculative fiction that combines genres. She is also the co-organizer of Otherworld, a gathering of SFF writers and readers. Nerine Dorman is both an international and locally published author of SFF. She also writes a SFF writing workshop. Jon Keevy is a local traditionally published author of fantasy, as well as a game developer. Sam Wilson is a writer of science fiction and all-round director. He's been traditionally published by an international publisher. And Shameez Patel Papathanasiou who will moderate and guide discussions. Shameez is a traditionally published author of fantasy with a strong romantic subplot. She is also a co-organizer of Otherworld, a gathering of SFF writers and readers. I am sure at least one of two authors will do a giveaway.
Artist Alley exhibitor Subi Bosa runs a workshop aimed at kids age 7-12 years. Subi Bosa’s comic book, Balaclava, is used as the template for this workshop, focusing on drawing character faces and creating fun posters. Paper and pens provided. Book your spot ! How to register for Artist Alley Workshops: • Before the show: please email info@fancon.co.za • On show days: @ the FanCon booth next to Artist Alley stage
The Creating Comics Workshop, organised by Moray Rhoda, a veteran of the local comics scene, is an intense 21 day programme designed to teach artists all the processes of creating comics, from ideation, concept art, story structure and writing, panel layout and producing a comic. The workshop culminated in an anthology comic to be launched at Comic Con Cape Town 2026. Join the inaugural artists of the Creating Comics Workshop for a discussion about their creative journey and get a behind-the-scenes look at the processes and artwork created during the workshop. How to register for Artist Alley Workshops: • Before the show: please email info@fancon.co.za • On show days: @ the FanCon booth next to Artist Alley stage
Panel participants : Andy Mason, Ethan Austin, Liam Davids, Moray Rhoda, Subi Bosa, T.S. Zombie Moderator : Moray Rhoda (To be Loaded) Venue : Artist Alley Stage Time : Saturday 1.00pm-1.45pm Southern African comic creators launch their own independently published comics and graphic novels ! Each creator takes the stage to promote and chat about their recently launched comic book.
A look into the unique writer and artist relationship in the world of comics ! Artists Phil Hester and Sean Izaakse have both worked on stories scripted by writer Ron Marz, and the three panellists reveal the pages they have drawn for Ron’s stories, and chat about the story development from the script to the completed final page with lettering.
Remember to bring an item to get sign, if you do not have an item you will be able to select from available prints | Price per item . Arrive 15 before the session. THIS IS AN ADD-ON TICKET - YOU STILL REQUIRE A GENERAL DAY OR WEEKEND PASS NB: Autographs are limited to a maximum of three (3) tickets per person. Should you require additional tickets, a separate time slot will need to be arranged, as priority will be given to individual attendees - please email Rene@comicconafrica.co.za or Nicol@comicconafrica.co.za to enquire. Please note that autographs are signature-only, no long quotes.
Remember to bring an item to get sign, if you do not have an item you will be able to select from available prints | Price per item | Session runs from 12:30 - 13:30 | Arrive 15 before the session. THIS IS AN ADD-ON TICKET - YOU STILL REQUIRE A GENERAL DAY OR WEEKEND PASS NB: Autographs are limited to a maximum of three (3) tickets per person. Should you require additional tickets, a separate time slot will need to be arranged, as priority will be given to individual attendees - please email Rene@comicconafrica.co.za or Nicol@comicconafrica.co.za to enquire. Please note that autographs are signature-only, no long quotes. BUY NOW
Remember to bring an item to get sign, if you do not have an item you will be able to select from available prints | Price per item . Arrive 15 before the session. THIS IS AN ADD-ON TICKET - YOU STILL REQUIRE A GENERAL DAY OR WEEKEND PASS NB: Autographs are limited to a maximum of three (3) tickets per person. Should you require additional tickets, a separate time slot will need to be arranged, as priority will be given to individual attendees - please email Rene@comicconafrica.co.za or Nicol@comicconafrica.co.za to enquire. Please note that autographs are signature-only, no long quotes.
Remember to bring an item to get signed, if you do not have an item you will be able to select from available prints | Price per item. Arrive 15 before the session. THIS IS AN ADD-ON TICKET - YOU STILL REQUIRE A GENERAL DAY OR WEEKEND PASS NB: Autographs are limited to a maximum of three (3) tickets per person. Should you require additional tickets, a separate time slot will need to be arranged, as priority will be given to individual attendees - please email Rene@comicconafrica.co.za or Nicol@comicconafrica.co.za to enquire. Please note that autographs are signature-only, no long quotes.
Remember to bring an item to get signed, if you do not have an item you will be able to select from available prints | Price per item. Arrive 15 before the session. THIS IS AN ADD-ON TICKET - YOU STILL REQUIRE A GENERAL DAY OR WEEKEND PASS NB: Autographs are limited to a maximum of three (3) tickets per person. Should you require additional tickets, a separate time slot will need to be arranged, as priority will be given to individual attendees - please email Rene@comicconafrica.co.za or Nicol@comicconafrica.co.za to enquire. Please note that autographs are signature-only, no long quotes.
Remember to bring an item to get sign, if you do not have an item you will be able to select from available prints | Price per item . Arrive 15 before the session. THIS IS AN ADD-ON TICKET - YOU STILL REQUIRE A GENERAL DAY OR WEEKEND PASS NB: Autographs are limited to a maximum of three (3) tickets per person. Should you require additional tickets, a separate time slot will need to be arranged, as priority will be given to individual attendees - please email Rene@comicconafrica.co.za or Nicol@comicconafrica.co.za to enquire. Please note that autographs are signature-only, no long quotes.
Remember to bring an item to get sign, if you do not have an item you will be able to select from available prints | Price per item . Arrive 15 before the session. THIS IS AN ADD-ON TICKET - YOU STILL REQUIRE A GENERAL DAY OR WEEKEND PASS NB: Autographs are limited to a maximum of three (3) tickets per person. Should you require additional tickets, a separate time slot will need to be arranged, as priority will be given to individual attendees - please email Rene@comicconafrica.co.za or Nicol@comicconafrica.co.za to enquire. Please note that autographs are signature-only, no long quotes.
Remember to bring an item to get sign, if you do not have an item you will be able to select from available prints | Price per item . Arrive 15 before the session. THIS IS AN ADD-ON TICKET - YOU STILL REQUIRE A GENERAL DAY OR WEEKEND PASS NB: Autographs are limited to a maximum of three (3) tickets per person. Should you require additional tickets, a separate time slot will need to be arranged, as priority will be given to individual attendees - please email Rene@comicconafrica.co.za or Nicol@comicconafrica.co.za to enquire. Please note that autographs are signature-only, no long quotes.
Remember to bring an item to get sign, if you do not have an item you will be able to select from available prints | Price per item . Arrive 15 before the session. THIS IS AN ADD-ON TICKET - YOU STILL REQUIRE A GENERAL DAY OR WEEKEND PASS NB: Autographs are limited to a maximum of three (3) tickets per person. Should you require additional tickets, a separate time slot will need to be arranged, as priority will be given to individual attendees - please email Rene@comicconafrica.co.za or Nicol@comicconafrica.co.za to enquire. Please note that autographs are signature-only, no long quotes.
Remember to bring an item to get sign, if you do not have an item you will be able to select from available prints | Price per item . Arrive 15 before the session. THIS IS AN ADD-ON TICKET - YOU STILL REQUIRE A GENERAL DAY OR WEEKEND PASS NB: Autographs are limited to a maximum of three (3) tickets per person. Should you require additional tickets, a separate time slot will need to be arranged, as priority will be given to individual attendees - please email Rene@comicconafrica.co.za or Nicol@comicconafrica.co.za to enquire. Please note that autographs are signature-only, no long quotes.
Remember to bring an item to get signed, if you do not have an item you will be able to select from available prints | Price per item. Arrive 15 before the session. THIS IS AN ADD-ON TICKET - YOU STILL REQUIRE A GENERAL DAY OR WEEKEND PASS NB: Autographs are limited to a maximum of three (3) tickets per person. Should you require additional tickets, a separate time slot will need to be arranged, as priority will be given to individual attendees - please email Rene@comicconafrica.co.za or Nicol@comicconafrica.co.za to enquire. Please note that autographs are signature-only, no long quotes.
Remember to bring an item to get signed, if you do not have an item you will be able to select from available prints | Price per item. Arrive 15 before the session. THIS IS AN ADD-ON TICKET - YOU STILL REQUIRE A GENERAL DAY OR WEEKEND PASS NB: Autographs are limited to a maximum of three (3) tickets per person. Should you require additional tickets, a separate time slot will need to be arranged, as priority will be given to individual attendees - please email Rene@comicconafrica.co.za or Nicol@comicconafrica.co.za to enquire. Please note that autographs are signature-only, no long quotes.
Remember to bring an item to get sign, if you do not have an item you will be able to select from available prints | Price per item . Arrive 15 before the session. THIS IS AN ADD-ON TICKET - YOU STILL REQUIRE A GENERAL DAY OR WEEKEND PASS NB: Autographs are limited to a maximum of three (3) tickets per person. Should you require additional tickets, a separate time slot will need to be arranged, as priority will be given to individual attendees - please email Rene@comicconafrica.co.za or Nicol@comicconafrica.co.za to enquire. Please note that autographs are signature-only, no long quotes.
Remember to bring an item to get sign, if you do not have an item you will be able to select from available prints | Price per item . Arrive 15 before the session. THIS IS AN ADD-ON TICKET - YOU STILL REQUIRE A GENERAL DAY OR WEEKEND PASS NB: Autographs are limited to a maximum of three (3) tickets per person. Should you require additional tickets, a separate time slot will need to be arranged, as priority will be given to individual attendees - please email Rene@comicconafrica.co.za or Nicol@comicconafrica.co.za to enquire. Please note that autographs are signature-only, no long quotes.
WELCOME TO THE HOYOVERSE Genshin Impact? Honkai? Zenless Zone Zero? Other miHoYo titles? We cannot wait to meet you! Fans, players and cosplayers, assemble, and prepare to geek out! When: 2 May 2026 | Where: Level 1, CTICC 2 Time: 12pm to 1pm
Learn how to transform character concept art into clean, front and side views in readiness for 3D modelling.
All African animation, all the time.
What's happening, where it's happening, and why you absolutely cannot sleep on it. DJ Elliot brings his signature pop culture radar to the Mainstage for a rapid-fire rundown of all things Comic Con Cape Town 2026. Panel picks, floor highlights, special announcements, and the inside track on what fans are buzzing about — all in one unmissable session. Grab your spot early. The weekend starts now.
Session description and speakers TBC
If you've ever watched anime in English, chances are Christopher Sabat's voice has been part of your life for longer than you realise. A veteran voice actor, director, and producer, Christopher has brought to life some of the most iconic characters in the genre — from the proud Saiyan prince Vegeta and the stoic swordsman Roronoa Zoro, to the world's greatest hero All Might and the lovably tipsy Yami from Black Clover. As the English dub voice director for Dragon Ball Z and the founder of Okratron 5000, a prominent audio production company, Christopher has been one of the defining forces behind the English dubbing landscape as we know it today. Off the mic, he's equally at home on the convention floor — meeting the fans whose support has fuelled decades of work — or embracing what he calls his most rewarding role yet: dad to two awesome daughters. Come join Christopher on the Mainstage for a celebration of a career that has shaped a generation of anime fans. And if you run into him afterwards, feel free to say hello — just maybe hold off on any surprise scream-off challenges. He's saving his vocal cords.
With a career spanning nearly a quarter of a century, Jason Liebrecht is one of the most versatile and prolific voice actors working in the industry today. Based in Austin, TX, Jason has lent his voice to some of the most beloved characters in anime and gaming — from Dabi in My Hero Academia and Zeke Jaeger in Attack on Titan, to Rob Lucci in One Piece, Beru in Solo Leveling, Yato in Noragami, Mob in Mob Psycho, Qrow in RWBY, and Hei/The Black Reaper in Darker Than Black — and that's just scratching the surface. In gaming, he's equally at home, voicing Mordecai in the Borderlands series, Lo Wang in the Shadow Warrior games, Abel in Street Fighter IV, and Beru in Solo Leveling: ARISE, among many others. Beyond the recording booth, Jason is a long-time member of Austin's acclaimed experimental theatre company the Rude Mechs, with whom he has performed at Lincoln Center and developed original works in residence at Yale University. His on-camera credits include appearances in Richard Linklater's Waking Life and Everybody Wants Some, AMC's Fear the Walking Dead, USA Network's Queen of the South, and the lead role in the upcoming indie feature Rearview Cataclysm. Join Jason on the Mainstage for what promises to be a fascinating look into the life and craft of one of anime's most recognisable voices.
TTGE will bring the thrill of sim racing with a twist — the Musical Chairs Format! How it works: • Our MC will select 4 willing fans from the crowd. • Participants to be split into 2 teams of 2 players each. • Only one person races at a time. • Participants will rotate through the sim rigs every 30 seconds! • When the countdown hits zero, the next teammate jumps in. • The team with the fastest time/finishes first wins. Everyone is a winner! • All 4 racers score exclusive Toyota Gaming Engine merch and prizes. • Each person from the winning team, wins a R2000 Takealot voucher.
Two of the cosplay world's most recognisable names take the Mainstage together for a session that's not to be missed. Whether you're a lifelong cosplayer or just discovering the craft, Yaya Han and Jaremi Carey bring a combined wealth of creativity, community, and pure passion to one of Comic Con Cape Town 2026's standout spotlight moments. Yaya Han has been at the heart of cosplay since 1999, building over 400 costumes across every fandom imaginable and becoming one of the most respected craftsmanship icons in the world. A star of Syfy's Heroes of Cosplay, guest judge on TBS's King of the Nerds, and author of Yaya Han's World of Cosplay, Yaya has spent decades pushing the art form forward — collaborating with global brands like McCall Pattern Company, JOANN Fabric & Craft Stores, Dremel, and BERNINA to put better tools in the hands of makers everywhere. Her influence on cosplay as both an art form and a community is immeasurable. Jaremi Carey brings a unique blend of entertainment and cosplay culture to the stage. A TV personality, gamer, host, and transformation artist, Jaremi has created cosplay-style campaigns for major names including Pokémon International, GrubHub, Fox TV's Alter Ego, HBO's The Nevers, and most recently The Last of Us. His Twitch cosplay competition series CosSLAY was among a select few shows acquired from the platform, and he is a familiar and beloved presence at conventions around the world including New York Comic Con and C2E2. Together on the Mainstage, Yaya and Jaremi promise an engaging, inspiring, and entertaining session that celebrates everything that makes cosplay extraordinary
Necessity is the mother of all invention. With the changing landscapes of live action films and the dawn of AI, it's become increasingly important to expand one's career and not do just one thing. Furthermore, animation itself has already begun live action series' like The Last Airbender, Winx Club, One Piece and many more. And when times get tough, women are often ones to reinvent themselves either through expanding their skill set, or pivoting into something completely different. This panel guides the audience through things that women need to consider when exploring the animation landscape. What skills are transferable? What are the challenges women face? And what is the importance of creating a vision for this transition? How difficult is it to pivot or expand?
Session description and speakers TBC
Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned maker, Cosplay Casuals is your invitation to step into the spotlight and celebrate the art of cosplay in a fun, welcoming environment. This daily showcase on the Comic Con Cape Town Mainstage brings together cosplayers of all skill levels for a casual competition that's all about passion, creativity, and community. Judged by an exceptional panel of cosplayers, creatives, and performers, Cosplay Casuals is the perfect opportunity to show off your costume, soak up the atmosphere, and be part of something truly special. Register at Cosplay Central.
Session description and speakers TBC
Missed your moment in the spotlight at 1 PM? Here's your second chance. Cosplay Casuals: Second Chance gives every cosplayer another opportunity to take to the Comic Con Cape Town Mainstage and show off what they've put together. Whether you didn't quite make it into the first session or simply want another shot, this is your time to shine. Same great energy, same welcoming atmosphere — just another chance to be part of the fun. All skill levels welcome. Register at Cosplay Central.
Session description and speakers TBC
This is the one you've been building for. The Comic Con Cape Town Cosplay Competition is the headline cosplay event of the weekend, bringing together the very best costumes from across the show for a chance to claim the ultimate title on the Mainstage. Judged by a world-class panel of international and local cosplay legends, this is your moment to showcase everything you've put into your craft — the hours, the detail, the passion — in front of an audience that truly gets it. Applications close 27 March 2026. Don't leave it too late. Apply now at: comicconafrica.co.za/cosplay-champs/
All good things must come to an end — and what better way to close out Comic Con Cape Town 2026 than with a deep dive into the cosmos, the future, and everything in between. Sci-Fi Sunday challenges fans of space operas, dystopian futures, time travel, and alien civilisations to go head to head in the final quiz of the weekend. Hosted by Zaid Motala, this is your last chance to claim quiz glory before the convention draws to a close. Make it count.
Pop-Taku Stage lives at the crossroads of Eastern and Western fan culture — where anime aesthetics collide with comic book craft, Japanese storytelling traditions spark new ideas alongside Hollywood world-building, and somewhere in the mix, a proudly South African voice ties it all together. It's chaotic, it's colourful, it's wonderfully ours — and honestly? We wouldn't have it any other way. Precious Molobye of Japan Language Club South Africa kicks off the weekend with your essential guide to it all: the workshops, game showcases, writing panels, craft sessions, and fan-made exhibitions filling the stage across Comic Con Cape Town 2026. From Cape Town to Kyoto, Soweto to Studio Ghibli, the inspiration on this stage travels far — but it always comes home. Whether you're here to level up your art, finally finish that fanfic, or just figure out where exactly you're supposed to be — Precious has got you covered. Whatever your fandom, whatever your medium, whatever deeply specific hyperfixation brought you here this weekend — you've found your people. Pull up, because things are about to get wonderfully weird.
Think anime subtitles have taught you enough Japanese? Time to find out! Join Japanese Language Club South Africa every day on the Pop-Culture Stage for a fun, fast-paced introduction to the Japanese language — no prior knowledge required. Each session takes you through the essentials: from greetings and everyday phrases to reading hiragana and understanding the basics of Japanese sentence structure. Whether you're dreaming of a trip to Japan, deepening your love for anime and manga, or just curious about one of the world's most fascinating languages, this is the perfect place to start. Our friendly instructors break things down in a way that's accessible, interactive, and — most importantly — enjoyable. Come ready to listen, repeat, laugh at your own pronunciation, and leave with real phrases you can actually use.
African Storytelling in the Age of Animation, Film & Digital Culture In this session, Wandile Abrahamse explores the future of African storytelling through animation, broadcast design, and independent creative production. Drawing from his experience in television, streaming platforms, and grassroots cultural movements, he breaks down how African creators can move from being service providers to becoming IP owners and world-builders. The talk will explore the power of narrative ownership, how to build culturally authentic stories that travel globally, and how emerging artists can position themselves within the rapidly evolving African animation and entertainment industries. Fans will gain insight into: How broadcast graphics and animation shape visual storytelling The process behind building original IP from concept to screen Practical advice on entering the animation and media industry Why African-authored narratives matter now more than ever
Have you ever wanted to make a comic, but never seem to find the time, or don't belive that you're skilled enough? Or are you hitting the wall with terrible art/ writer's block? The two Ray's of SA comics' yesteryears (a fancy way of saying we're a pair of toppies that still make comics) will be presenting a little (big) competition coming to Comic Con Africa 2026, which follows on from Moray's comic-making panel held here at CCCT! We'll be discussing the comic jam format, how it works and why it's a pretty useful way to create your very own comic within a few hours. Moray and Ray have taught various workshops on this tropic, with Ray traveling to various educational environments across Europe (teaching Art teachers and students) and Moray working within local Capetonian community engagement projects.
Where to find well-made professional book covers that will help grab the attention of readers and help sell your books. Get your book noticed and get readers to pick up your book. Why covers make or break the success of a book, no matter the genre. What not to do when designing a book cover What a good book cover needs to stand out To use AI or not to use AI for my book cover? How to do your research into genre and market Why branding is important The visual communication of a book cover and what it tells readers: Images, Fonts and Colours The chance to win Michael Ferguson merchandise as giveaways to attendees. (Signed books, colouring books, totes, mugs and stickers)
Tell a Story in One Manga Page is a fast-paced, interactive masterclass designed to introduce participants to the core principles of manga creation, with a strong focus on character design and visual storytelling. Guided by JLCSA, AfroTokyo and T.S Zombie, attendees will learn how to communicate emotion, personality, and narrative clearly through expressive characters and well-structured panels, without relying on dialogue or text. Suitable for beginners and aspiring artists of all ages, this hands-on session breaks down manga storytelling into simple, practical techniques that can be applied immediately. By the end of the masterclass, participants will have created their own short manga sequence and gained a deeper understanding of how professional manga artists tell powerful stories through images alone
We assume the internet protects our stories. It doesn’t. This talk explores how African folklore, oral histories, and cultural memory are quietly at risk in the age of streaming, A.I and cloud storage. I’ll open with a lesser-known Southern African myth and ask the audience a simple question: why do we know global superheroes, but not the legends from our own rivers and villages? From there, I unpack a bigger issue. Oral storytelling traditions were never designed for digital systems, and digital systems were never designed for cultural preservation. Streaming platforms remove films. Games get delisted. Music disappears overnight. Physical media is fading. Ownership has shifted from possession to permission. For cultures already under-documented, this is dangerous. As a female co-founder of a 2D animation studio rooted in African storytelling, I’ll explore how animation, games, music, comics and film can act as intentional archives, and why today’s creators are the new custodians of cultural memory. This will be an interactive, story-driven session with audience participation and small giveaways. Because if we don’t archive ourselves, we vanish.
When the Villain Is Right: Writing Antagonists Whose Logic Makes Us Uncomfortable explores the art of crafting villains who are morally correct but ethically terrifying, and heroes whose victories can create unintended consequences. Focusing on the unique possibilities of sci-fantasy, this talk examines how morally grey antagonists challenge readers, spark debate, and make stories linger long after the last page. Perfect for fans and writers alike, it asks the question: when the villain is right, what does that say about the hero, and about us?
Ready to put your voice-acting skills to the test? Dub It Out is the ultimate showdown for anime and pop culture fans! Step up to the mic and re-dub iconic scenes from your favorite shows, movies, or games—with your own hilarious or dramatic twist. Whether you're a seasoned voice actor or just love to ham it up, this is your chance to steal the spotlight and show off your creativity. Prizes await the most entertaining performances, so bring your A-game and let's see who can Dub It Out like a pro!
In this live panel, two passionate pop‑culture experts—one a cinephile with a deep dive into blockbuster storytelling and the other an anime aficionado who’s mastered everything from classic 90s series to the newest streaming hits—team up to explore the crossover magic between movies and anime. They’ll kick things off with a quick discussion on specifics specificd series like giving ratings, reviewing stories abd production, and going deep into the metaphorical allegories, then dive into a rapid‑fire trivia showdown: every correct answer earns a quirky prize—think limited‑edition art prints, snack bundles, or a custom‑drawn character sketch. The speakers rotate asking each other challenging questions, inviting the crowd to play 20 questions , guess badly described Anime summaries, or simple general trivia, while a live poll on screen visualizes the audience’s collective knowledge. Between rounds, they break down how cinematic techniques translate to anime aesthetics, debate the merits of live‑action adaptations, and reveal behind‑the‑scenes anecdotes that spark laughter and “aha!” moments. The session ends with a lightning‑round where the fastest hands win the grand prize, leaving fans entertained, informed, and eager for the next pop‑culture showdown.
Join beloved authors Nuhaa Bardien, Lebo Mazibuko, Shameez Patel, and Zayaan Schroeder in discussion with editor, Stevlyn Vermuelen, as they dissect what it is romance offers that has the world divided on either loving or hating the world's best selling genre. Nuhaa Bardien will discuss her journey as self-published contemporary, spicy romance author. Lebo Mazibuko will offer the perspective of being published by a local publisher with a book in a local setting, plus insight into Women's Fiction as a genre. Zayaan Schroeder offers a self-publishing perspective for the subgenre: Paranormal Romance And Shameez Patel (Papathanasiou) is an international traditionally published author of closed door romance and romantasy.
Artist Alley Guest and SA comics legend, Andy Mason hosts this workshop for under 16’s featuring the unique Auto-Bio-Graphix method of comic strip creation ! Learn how to draw yourself in 30 seconds, and how to create your own characters ! Materials supplied. Booking essential ! How to register for Artist Alley Workshops: • Before the show: please email info@fancon.co.za • On show days: @ the FanCon booth next to Artist Alley stage
Andy Mason continues the workshop with the second session, now open to all ages ! Learn how to create a scenario and storyline, and how to mock-up an 8 page mini comic of your own invention ! Materials supplied. Booking essential ! How to register for Artist Alley Workshops: • Before the show: please email info@fancon.co.za • On show days: @ the FanCon booth next to Artist Alley stage
Award-winning comic book editor, writer and artist, Heather Antos, chats about her influential tenure at Marvel Comics overseeing the Star Wars line of comics, and about her role as Star Trek Group Editor for IDW Publishing. She covers the challenges in managing the 2 giant pop culture universes, the similarities and differences of the franchises, and what it takes to put out a successful line of Wookie and Trekkie comic books !
International guest JOHN ROMITA JR takes us through the paces of drawing Marvel Comics Amazing Spider-Man ! JRJR talks us through the process of drawing the web-slinging superhero, and taking the audience through his work process, step-by-step ! A rare treat from a man who has drawn Spidey professionally for over 2 decades !
Aimed at artists and designers, this presentation by Artist Alley Exhibitor Amy Gajjar explores how to turn your personal creative voice into a magnet for the right clients—without diluting what makes your work yours. Through real examples and honest insights, it unpacks how positioning, consistency, and boundaries shape the kind of work you attract. It’s about building demand around your art, not chasing it.
Remember to bring an item to get sign, if you do not have an item you will be able to select from available prints | Price per item . Arrive 15 before the session. THIS IS AN ADD-ON TICKET - YOU STILL REQUIRE A GENERAL DAY OR WEEKEND PASS NB: Autographs are limited to a maximum of three (3) tickets per person. Should you require additional tickets, a separate time slot will need to be arranged, as priority will be given to individual attendees - please email Rene@comicconafrica.co.za or Nicol@comicconafrica.co.za to enquire. Please note that autographs are signature-only, no long quotes.
Remember to bring an item to get sign, if you do not have an item you will be able to select from available prints | Price per item . Arrive 15 before the session. THIS IS AN ADD-ON TICKET - YOU STILL REQUIRE A GENERAL DAY OR WEEKEND PASS NB: Autographs are limited to a maximum of three (3) tickets per person. Should you require additional tickets, a separate time slot will need to be arranged, as priority will be given to individual attendees - please email Rene@comicconafrica.co.za or Nicol@comicconafrica.co.za to enquire. Please note that autographs are signature-only, no long quotes.
Remember to bring an item to get sign, if you do not have an item you will be able to select from available prints | Price per item . Arrive 15 before the session. THIS IS AN ADD-ON TICKET - YOU STILL REQUIRE A GENERAL DAY OR WEEKEND PASS NB: Autographs are limited to a maximum of three (3) tickets per person. Should you require additional tickets, a separate time slot will need to be arranged, as priority will be given to individual attendees - please email Rene@comicconafrica.co.za or Nicol@comicconafrica.co.za to enquire. Please note that autographs are signature-only, no long quotes.
Remember to bring an item to get sign, if you do not have an item you will be able to select from available prints | Price per item . Arrive 15 before the session. THIS IS AN ADD-ON TICKET - YOU STILL REQUIRE A GENERAL DAY OR WEEKEND PASS NB: Autographs are limited to a maximum of three (3) tickets per person. Should you require additional tickets, a separate time slot will need to be arranged, as priority will be given to individual attendees - please email Rene@comicconafrica.co.za or Nicol@comicconafrica.co.za to enquire. Please note that autographs are signature-only, no long quotes.
Have your comic art portfolio reviewed by comics legend and Marvel Comics super artist John Romita Jr ! Invaluable tips and advice from a seasoned comic book pro ! This session is intended for the budding artist, casual fan, and amateur artist, to improve their art skills, and advance themselves. Note, this is NOT a “work for hire” review session.
ARE YOU A HERO OR VILLAIN? "You either die a hero, or you live long enough to see yourself become the villain." - Harvey Dent, The Dark Knight Heroes and villains assemble for the biggest face off in Comic Con Cape Town history! Comics, movies, series, books, anime, cartoons, video games and more: we'll take you all! When: 3 May 2026 | Where: Level 1, CTICC 2 Time: 12pm to 1pm
All African animation, all the time
Paint stylised textures of materials such as wood, stone, or fabric using watercolours, and discover more about how these techniques translate into digital texturing for animation and games.