Hollywood

Comic Connection

Sumedha Deo, Hindustan Times
Mumbai, October 07, 2012

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First Published: 13:40 IST(7/10/2012)
Last Updated: 13:50 IST(7/10/2012)

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A convention goer walks past a poster of Superman during the 2010 New York Comic Con at the Jacob K. Javits Center in New York City.

If you thought fans who throng comic book conventions are pale-faced nerds with IQs over 200 and zero social skills, think again. At the biggest such event in the world, held in San Diego, California, everyone from Hollywood stars to sports icons are in attendance. Now, the fanboys (and girls) of

Mumbai can be a part of this superhero mayhem, as Comic Con India returns to the city for the second time, this time in a new avatar.

Christened the Mumbai Films and Comics Convention, it will be held on October 20 and 21, at the World Trade Centre at Cuffe Parade and will have no entry charge.

Big screen superheroes
With the blurring boundary between comics and films — what with all the major superheroes making a big screen appearance recently — this year’s convention combines the two under one roof, “The event is nearly twice as large as last year’s. And with the film component, we have some special events around Indian and international movies,” says Jatin Varma, founder of Comic Con India.

In addition to interacting with fellow comic-book lovers, visitors will also get to meet the people who make graphic novels. There will be workshops with artists and writers, book launches and merchandise on sale.

For movie buffs, there are previews and panels discussions. “We have actors Rajat Barmecha, Shazahn Padamsee and Nafisa (Jiah) Khan on a panel on youth-oriented films. We also have Abhishek Sharma (director of Tere Bin Laden, 2010) coming for the launch of his comic,” says Varma. Director Rajkumar Santoshi will be there too to discuss his cult classic Andaz Apna Apna (1994) while another panel will see filmmaker Kundan Shah talk about his 1983 satirical film Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro.

Caped crusaders
The biggest highlight, however, is the cosplay (costume play) competition. Cosplays are huge attractions at international comic cons with fans going to great lengths to make their costumes stand out. You can dress up like your favourite character from a comic book or a movie, on both days, and win big prizes. Surprisingly, in a Bollywood-obsessed city like Mumbai, this is the first time such a contest is being held.

With so much on offer, there’s something for everyone. So put on your bodysuit, with your underpants on the outside, and in the words of Obi-Wan Kenobi: ‘May the force be with you.’

Participate in the HT Café and Mumbai Film and Comic Con contest for the funniest pocket cartoons. Draw a pocket cartoon (measuring 8 cm x 8 cm) and send it in to htcafe@comicconindia.com. Winning entry will be featured in HT Café.