Khartoum Comic Con Bringing Together Sudan’s Comic Fans

One of the highlights of 2020 in Sudan is the increasing number of international events which the country and its people are taking part in. Whether politically, ecologically, culturally or socially, Sudan is taking a remarkable step into the world’s modern stage, and this time, through a more light-hearted approach.

The Khartoum Comic Con (KCC) 2020 is set to take place from 24 to 26 December 2020. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event is taking place virtually for the first time. ‘We plan to organise a virtual comic-con in light of the ongoing pandemic, to adhere to health and safety protocols. However, we wish to have everyone enjoying their time with all the fun activities in place,’ said Almegdad Saleh, the spokesman of KCC organising committee, interviewer of KCC podcasts series and representative of Art Kanoon, a digital platform hosting and publishing web comics in Sudan.

Comic cons are popular comic book conventions that take place across the world, featuring artworks and comics from illustrated magazines, and celebrating fictional characters and their stories. The event features video games and gameplay characters. In this entertaining convention, many hosts and event organisers pay generously to stand out. Some invite famous actors, who played comic characters in film or TV roles, as well as production studios and companies to meet and greet fans, and give autographs as well as talks.

In recent years, comic cons have gained popularity and international media coverage. Each year, many cities compete to hold the event.

Cosplay or costume play are common in comic cons where individuals dress as fictional characters, some notable effort and dedication can be seen here as well, as many cosplay costumes include brilliant and almost real cinematic make-up, guests are often surprised when they see such realistic zombies and well-crafted super hero outfits.

‘We plan to have more than just costume competitions. We are planning to feature video games corners to battle in PUBG, a battle ground game that can be played in teams or solo; Valorant, a role playing game that is also playable in teams); and League of Legends, also a game playable in teams. We are adding a chess competition as well and the prizes for the winners in each game are attractive’, said Saleh.

Khartoum Comic Con has been taking place since 2018, attracting more than 700 people. In addition to providing a platform for comic book fans to gather, this year’s KCC aims to educate more people in Sudan about the comic book and pop culture, and increase people’s interest in comic books and videogames.

This year’s KCC will see at least 10 different activities including the National Sudanese Comic Competition (NSCC). KCC put out a call for all Sudanese comic artists to compete in Sudan’s largest comic competition for a chance to win a grand prize as well as the title of ‘King/Queen of Sudanese Comics’.

‘More events will be added to event schedule’ added Saleh. ‘Scavenger hunt, comics drawing, photography, voice acting, and sharp eyes competitions will take place also. Podcasts and broadcasts about the event and what it includes are present too’

However, the KCC organising planning committee does not wish to stop there. ‘The aim is to have an inclusive event, worthy of celebration, and to be remembered in the future, putting Khartoum on the map among other global cities is essential for us. We would like for Sudan to be known that it had hosted a successful comic-con event in 2020’

This three-day event is expected to be quite a thrill. ‘Based on the engagement reach and interactions this year, we expect no less than 3,000 active participants,’ said Saleh. KCC 2020 is sponsored by many including Goethe Institute, Art Kanoon, Cloud Aster, Pixel, Sudanese Game Collective, X Group and Warriors.

Tune in to their social media channels to find out more. Find KCC on Twitter @Krtcomiccon, Instagram @Krtcomicon and Facebook.

Tony Malik is a 27-year-old IT graduate of National Ribat University (Class of 2013), residing in Sudan and the UAE. His professional background includes marketing, IT, writing & translation, and business administration. He is a former writer for Sudan365.net and Goethe Institute-Sudan, and a member of German-Sudanese cooperation group.