The second edition of Kolkata Comic Con wrapped up on a high note, attracting over 30,000 visitors across two days at the Biswa Bangla Exhibition Centre. Presented by Maruti Suzuki Arena and powered by Crunchyroll, the event turned the city into a vibrant hub of pop culture, creativity, and fandom.
According to a Comic Con press release, the event reflected Kolkata’s unique cultural fabric, where global pop culture seamlessly blends with its deep-rooted tradition of art and storytelling. The two-day convention saw packed halls, enthusiastic crowds, and a steady build-up of energy, especially on Day 2, which carried forward the excitement with even greater fervour.
One of the standout sessions was an interactive storytelling experience featuring artists Charbak Dipta, Tadam Gyadu, Savio Mascarenhas, and Gaurav Basu, where audiences actively shaped narratives in real time. The format resonated strongly with the city’s collaborative creative spirit. The main stage also hosted high-energy segments, including Kvizzing with KV by comedian Kumar Varun, while the evening peaked with a live performance by EPR, whose fusion of rap and poetry struck a chord with the audience.
Across the convention floor, fans engaged with creators, artists, and cosplayers from India and abroad. Brazilian comic artist Rogê Antônio drew significant attention, interacting with fans and sharing insights into his work. The artist alley and creator booths provided a platform for emerging talent, offering inspiration and industry exposure.
Cosplay remained a major highlight, with participants bringing iconic characters to life, ranging from anime and gaming to cinematic universes. Arindam Paul, who cosplayed as Fatalis Beta Armor, won the Kolkata qualifier for the Indian Championship of Cosplay 2026, securing prizes worth up to ₹50,000 and a spot at the national level. The World Cosplay Summit India Qualifiers also concluded at the event, with Karan Prakash and Karan Desai emerging winners and earning the opportunity to represent India at the finals in Nagoya, Japan.
The event also featured immersive entertainment zones, including the NODWIN Gaming Zone with advanced gaming setups, and interactive brand experiences by Maruti Suzuki Arena. Fans explored themed anime installations inspired by popular titles, along with movie zones celebrating upcoming releases, while racing simulators and dance booths added to the overall engagement.
Shefali Johnson, CEO of Comic Con India, said Kolkata stood out for its passion and deep connection to storytelling, noting how the city embraces everything from literature and theatre to anime and comics. Akshat Rathee, Co-founder and MD of NODWIN Gaming, added that the event felt like an ongoing cultural conversation, reflecting Kolkata’s everyday engagement with stories and fandom.
Held just ahead of Poila Boishakh, the event seamlessly aligned with the city’s festive calendar, echoing the spirit of celebrations like Durga Puja and the Kolkata Book Fair. With its successful run, Kolkata Comic Con has further cemented its place as a key cultural event, bridging traditional art forms with modern pop culture.
Following this, the Comic Con India tour will conclude with its final stop scheduled for May 9–10, 2026, at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai.
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