Noidawallahs head to Delhi for some cosplay

While Delhiites arrived to the scene dressed as some of their favourite characters from films, science-fiction, fantasy, and animation at the Delhi Comic Con, Noida’s youngsters had their heart set on shopping. The change in venue from Thyagraj Stadium in INA Colony to the NSIC Grounds in Okhla made the convention more accessible to Noidawallahs. The increased space and more vendors meant that comic book lovers and geeks were spoilt for choice.Thousands of comic book lovers and pop culture enthusiasts from Delhi and neighbouring cities converged at the NSIC exhibition grounds to meet their favourite stars and shop for merchandise, rare collectibles and trinkets sold by over 250 exhibitors. For Noida residents, this Comic Con was a three-day shopping fiesta.
Greater accessibility for Noida fans Jatin Varma, the founder of Comic Con India, told us, “We wanted a shift in the venue because we wanted a bigger space. We were anticipating a bigger turnout. One thing led to another and we ended up having an open-air convention. The number of attendees has increased, which means people are liking the idea. We have had many visitors from Noida because it’s just a 20-minute drive for them.” Ashish Singh, a student from Greater Noida, said, “I’m a huge comic book fan. I had gone for the previous comic cons as well, but since they were in south Delhi, the commute was a major problem. This time, the change of venue to Okhla made it closer for us Noida people. I could stay back till late evening and not worry about getting late.”
A carnival-like Comic Con This is the first time in five years that the Delhi Comic Con is being held in the open. The move also sets it apart from other major comic cons from around the world, all of which are held indoors. Dan Londero, managing director of international sales group at Reed Exhibitions, the company that organizes comic cons globally, said, “The most unique thing about this show is that it is being held in the open. One has to be a little bit more imaginative in a place like India in terms of how you present an event. I really like the vibe here. This is something different, more carnival-like in its appeal.”
Visitors said that the open-air venue made the convention seem more like a fair. Rishi, a resident of Sector 26, said, “It’s a bigger space and there are more stalls. Plus, last year the comic con was indoors. This place looks more like a fair where you can just shop.”
GoT’s Hodor, Cyanide and Happiness cartoonist floor fans There was plenty of action on stage as well on all three days. The main stage saw a number of panel discussions and presentations from publishers, exhibitors, and artists. However, Game of Thrones’ Hodor, played by Kristian Nairn, was the biggest crowd-puller. Fans thronged the main stage area just to get a glimpse of the actor on Day 2 of the convention. On the final day, it was Rob Denbleyker, co-creator of the popular web comic Cyanide and Happiness, who was the centre of attraction. The session turned into one big laugh-a-thon as Denbleyker answered the crowd questions using his trademark dry humour and wit. Actor and comedian Cyrus Broacha was also present at the event.
Phone covers, masks, comics – Noidawallahs’ hottest picks Nitika Jain, a Sector 62 resident, said, “I bought merchandise worth Rs 5,000 here. I bought two Avengers-themed phone covers, a lot of comic books for my brother, and a couple of novelty masks. You’ll find stuff here that you won’t get that easily in the market. It’s a paradise for comic book and pop culture lovers.”
Tushar, a student at a private college in Noida, bought a Star Wars lightsaber and a Game of Thrones sword replica. He said, “I didn’t go for stuff like phone covers because that you can buy online too. I bought a couple of swords so that I can have a mock duel at home with friends.”
Wait till the last day for more discounts Many chose to delay their arrival to the scene till the last day because that is when ‘the discounts start rolling’. A group of students from Noida travelled to the convention with trolley bags to bag all the loot. Akshay, one of the students, said, “You get the best stuff at the convention. Most of it is what wouldn’t get easily even online. Like novelty masks, movie merchandise and rare comics. But if you really want to shop for all this, it’s better to wait for the last day. That is when most of the stalls are clearing out the remaining stock and they give amazing discounts.” Akshay purchased a Game of Thrones sword replica and a bunch of T-shirts and comics for less than Rs 5,000.
Noida loves cosplay! Never mind the heat even at this month of the year, Noida residents indulged in cosplay and showed off their best costumes. Gayatri, a student from a private university here, who came dressed as the 12th Doctor from Doctor Who, said, “I had to wear three layers of clothing with a woollen overcoat on top. I was hoping it’d be a little cold and bearable, but the weather decided to change course. While it’s good for the visitors, we cosplayers are sweating like anything. But then, comic con is all about cosplay, so I don’t mind a little discomfort. The convention happens once a year, after all!”