Where else could Poison Ivy share a sunbeam with Naruto, or a cowboy ride a T-Rex? Only at Comic Con Africa. The 2025 edition stormed onto the Nasrec Showgrounds this past weekend, transforming the area into a playground for fans of every age, interest, and fandom. Cosplayers dazzled, collectors hunted for treasures, gamers battled for glory, and stars lit up the stage—making every moment electric.
Can’t believe it? Check out our Comic Con Africa 2025 Highlights Reel on Instagram for a whirlwind tour of the jaw-dropping cosplay, celebrity panels, epic gaming moments, and all the energy that made this year unforgettable.
The Main Stage crackled with energy all weekend. Misha Collins, beloved as Castiel from Supernatural, captivated fans with cheeky humour, heartfelt stories, and his trademark warmth. Jessie T. Usher (The Boys) charmed the crowd with candid behind-the-scenes tales, while Dan Fogler (Fantastic Beasts) had everyone laughing with his larger-than-life antics (and even an impromptu song or two). Taylor Gray (Star Wars Rebels) jumped in last minute, adding extra sparkle and keeping fans on the edge of their seats with details of how he mastered the force as Ezra Bridger. These panels pulled back the curtain on filmmaking, offering exclusive insights, personal anecdotes, and even direct interactions with the actors. Autograph lines and photo ops buzzed with excitement as fans clutched memorabilia and captured unforgettable moments. Encounters like this continue to prove why the celebrity lineup each year remains so core to the Comic Con Africa experience.
In Pop-Taku Town, Dub It Out (now in its third iteration) was once again a fan favourite. Every day, con-goers of all ages stepped onto the stage, grabbed a script, and gave voice acting a shot. From dramatic anime monologues to laugh-out-loud cartoon lines, the performances were a mix of the hilarious, heartfelt, and surprisingly skilled. This activity showcased what it’s like to be behind the mic in the booth, giving fans a chance to explore the craft of voice acting in a fun, fan-first environment amongst fellow otakus. Watching first-timers light up as they nailed tricky lines or kids bring their heroes to life was a reminder of how Comic Con thrives on creativity and participation—it’s not just about watching, it’s about jumping in and becoming part of the magic. Hosting this segment daily gave me a front-row view of the passion, curiosity, and sheer joy that fuel these fandoms—and I loved every second of it.
On the collecting front, the first 2,000 fans through the gates each day grabbed the inaugural CONllector Guide, hunting deals on Funko Pops, Labubus, gaming consoles, and other rare collectibles. The whimsical Book Nook invited readers to meet local authors, hunt for treasures, and leave wishes on the bookmark tree, while Artist’s Alley expanded to its biggest size yet, buzzing with local creators showcasing their artistry alongside international comic book talent. Fans discovered incredible illustrations, prints, and commissions, and some truly insane comic book deals that could not be missed—this area has truly become the heartbeat of the con, and it shows.
Amidst the whirlwind, we caught up with Babylon 5 star Julie Caitlin Brown. We kicked off with a South African slang challenge before diving into a deep conversation about ubuntu and how this African philosophy has the potential to transform the entertainment industry. Whether you’re a cosplay fan, sci-fi enthusiast, or lover of cultural connections, this interview is a must-watch. (Watch the full conversation on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/p5OLkLaBVm8)
By the weekend’s end, cosplay champions earned crowns to represent South Africa at MCM London, collectors bagged last-minute treasures, and gamers celebrated epic victories. Comic Con Africa 2025 didn’t just happen—it roared to life as a vibrant celebration of fandom, culture, and community, where everyone truly belonged.
