Despite a rainy weekend, the Hitex Exhibition Centre in Hyderabad transformed into a vibrant wonderland as thousands of passionate pop culture enthusiasts, decked out in elaborate cosplay, flocked to the Maruti Suzuki Arena Hyderabad Comic Con. This three-day event, held from October 31 to November 2 alongside DreamHack India, buzzed with an electrifying atmosphere, where the energy of anime and gaming fans largely overshadowed that of traditional comic book aficionados.
The convention floor was a dazzling showcase, heavily featuring anime merchandise ranging from iconic Naruto headbands to intricate Jujutsu Kaisen figurines. Vendors struggled to keep up with the overwhelming demand for these limited-edition collectibles. While anime dominated, classic comic book fans weren’t entirely forgotten. Throughout the weekend, a dedicated group of DC and Marvel loyalists proudly displayed their allegiance, with sightings of Batman, Deadpool, and numerous Spider-Man variations thanks to the readily available masks.
Kritika Sharma, 20, who brilliantly cosplayed as Gojo Satoru from Jujutsu Kaisen, playfully observed, ‘I expected more superheroes, but it seems everyone is here for anime. It’s almost as if Hyderabad turned Japanese for the weekend!’
Yet, amidst the global pop culture frenzy, Indian storytelling held its ground. Beloved brands like Amar Chitra Katha and Tinkle captivated steady crowds with their immersive virtual reality experiences, allowing fans to step directly into their classic illustrated worlds. Local Hyderabad illustrators and independent comic creators also showcased their talent, signing books and selling original artwork that skillfully blended nostalgia with unique local flavors.
The event also welcomed international guests, including renowned Lucifer writer and producer Mike Costa, and artist J. Gonzo, celebrated for his work on Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Ghost Rider covers. They drew eager fans for engaging panels and signing sessions. However, the true stars of the show remained the cosplayers. Harish, 24, who impressed with his handcrafted Deadpool-inspired suit, summed it up perfectly: ‘Cosplay has become a culture here. It’s all about creativity, not striving for perfection. Everyone truly understands and appreciates that.’
Complementing Comic Con, DreamHack India marked its sixth anniversary by infusing the weekend with high-octane gaming excitement. Attendees enjoyed retro gaming zones, intense KO Fight Night competitions, and strategic chess tournaments. Gaming personalities like Kaashvi, Scout, Jonathan, and Zgod captivated audiences at the Red Bull Tetris National Finals. Meanwhile, Harun Robert, fondly known as Rob from M.A.D., offered a delightful trip down memory lane for millennials during his popular meet-and-greet.