BFF-39 S.Africa cosplayers flock to African comic convention

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S.Africa cosplayers flock to African comic convention

JOHANNESBURG, Sept 22, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – Clad in an array of capes, masks,
pointy elf ears and spectacular face paint, comics fans gathered in South
Africa’s biggest city this weekend for the second edition of Comic Con
Africa.

Dressed as their favourite superhero, fans of cosplay — a portmanteau for
costume play — strolled around Johannesburg’s Gallager convention centre,
meeting writers, illustrators and fellow enthusiasts.

“It’s the first time I’ve been here. I have heard so much about it so I
wanted to experience it,” said Nishen Deepchand, peering out from a black
Batman mask.

“I’ve teamed up with Tinkerbell as well. It’s a special love affair but
nobody knows about it so make sure you don’t tell Batgirl.”

Sponsors of the four-day event, which opened on Saturday, are expecting
60,000 attendees – a unique opportunity for new creators to showcase their
work.

Guests of honour this year included Loyiso Mkize, the artist behind South
Africa’s first superhero.

Mkize’s three-volume illustrated story of “Kwezi” – a 19-year old boy in
South Africa who discovers he has superpowers – has been a hit in the
country.

“The fan base has grown to now in the tens of thousands,” Mkize told AFP.
“That’s an amazing feat, particularly for an industry in South Africa where
we thought there was no industry.”

Mkize is among a growing movement of African illustrators striving to bring
more diversity to the global comic scene.

Since 2013, Nigerian start-up Comic Republic have created a series of
superheroes referred to as “Africa’s Avengers”by fans.

And in 2015 Nigerian-born Roye Okupe launched the futuristic saga “E.X.O. –
The Legend of Wale Williams”.

Last year, Marvel studios released “Black Panther”, the first superhero
blockbuster featuring an entirely black cast.

“Creating South Africa’s first superhero was the first leg,” said Mkize.
“But continuing that legacy and continuing the story and the narrative along
with our readers has been the journey”.

BSS/AFP/RY/20:28 hrs