The second edition of Kolkata Comic Con 2026 officially wrapped up on April 12, and the numbers are massive. The pop culture festival at Biswa Bangla Convention Centre pulled in over 30,000 fans across two days. From international comic artists to high-energy rap performances, the event turned Kolkata into the ultimate playground for anime, gaming, and superhero lovers.
Here is a look at everything that happened, from the cosplay winners heading to Japan to the special tribute paid to Bengal’s own comic heroes.
Over 30,000 Fans Show Up for the Second Edition
The energy at the venue was high from the moment doors opened on April 11. After a successful debut in 2025, this year’s event proved that Kolkata is now a permanent and important stop on India’s Comic Con circuit.
The crowd included students, working professionals, and families. They filled the halls to check out merchandise stalls, meet creators, and take photos with their favorite characters. Organizers reported that the footfall matched the excitement of the first edition, which also saw more than 30,000 visitors.
Akshat Rathee, Co-founder and MD of NODWIN Gaming, spoke about the city’s unique connection to fandom.
“Kolkata doesn’t just consume pop culture, it lives it. From love, literature, and art to cinema, comics, and fandoms, storytelling is part of the city’s everyday rhythm.”
The event ran from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM on both days. Single-day tickets were priced at ₹899, while the two-day Superfan Season Pass cost ₹2,799.
Cosplay Contest Sends Winners to World Summit in Japan
Cosplay remained the biggest attraction of the weekend. Participants arrived dressed as characters from Monster Hunter, Bleach, Pirates of the Caribbean, and many popular anime series.
Arindam Paul won the Kolkata Qualifier for the Indian Championship of Cosplay 2026. He dressed as the Fatalis Beta Armor from Monster Hunter. He took home a prize of up to ₹50,000 and earned a spot on the national stage.
The event also hosted the World Cosplay Summit (WCS) India Qualifiers. The winning team, Karan Prakash and Karan Desai, performed as Chaos Crusaders. They will now represent India at the WCS finals in Nagoya, Japan.
One attendee shared their excitement on the convention floor, saying it was a dream to see so many skilled cosplayers in one place.
Shefali Johnson, CEO of Comic Con India, praised the local community’s involvement.
“Kolkata didn’t just host Comic Con, it embraced it with heart, creativity, and incredible passion. This is a city that can celebrate everything from Satyajit Ray’s beloved detective Feluda and also is home to one of the most dedicated anime fandoms.”
Tribute to Bengali Comics: Bantul The Great and Nonte Fonte
While international franchises like One Piece, Jujutsu Kaisen, and Marvel were everywhere, the event made sure to honor local roots. Organizers set up a special corner showing early editions of famous Bengali comic strips.
Visitors could see classics like Bantul The Great, Nonte Fonte, and Handa Bhonda. This move was a big hit with older fans who grew up reading these characters. It also introduced younger visitors to the history of Bengal’s own storytelling tradition.
Alongside this tribute, Indian comic publishers like Tinkle and Amar Chitra Katha had dedicated stalls. Indie comic artists also displayed works ranging from daily life stories to reflections on Bengal’s history.
Gaming Zones, Live Performances and Creator Meet-Ups
The NODWIN Gaming Zone was packed on both days. Fans lined up to try racing simulators from Logitech and compete in fast-paced challenges. The Maruti Suzuki Arena Fan Experience Zone offered reflex tests and interactive games.
Anime fans enjoyed themed experiences based on SPY x Family and Suzume. Movie zones celebrated Supergirl, Mortal Kombat II, and The Mummy. A fulldome visual experience and a Just Dance booth kept the energy high.
Day 2 featured an interactive storytelling session with artists Charbak Dipta, Tadam Gyadu, Savio Mascarenhas, and Gaurav Basu. The audience gave prompts, and the artists shaped live narratives on the spot.
The main stage also hosted Kvizzing with KV, a fandom quiz by comedian Kumar Varun. Rapper EPR closed the evening with a powerful set that mixed rap, poetry, and storytelling.
International creator Rogê Antônio, known for his work on X-Men Red and Deadpool, drew long queues. He signed posters and shared stories from his career in the comics industry.
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What Made the 2026 Edition Different
The 2026 edition arrived just before Poila Boishakh, the Bengali New Year. Organizers timed the event to match the city’s festive spirit. This made Comic Con feel like a natural part of Kolkata’s celebration calendar, similar to the Kolkata Book Fair or Durga Puja.
Another unique addition was the Cosplay 101 Workshop held in March 2026 to build excitement. More than 150 fans attended the session at TopCat CCU. Experts taught foam prop crafting, VFX makeup, wig styling, and character performance.
Shefali Johnson explained why Kolkata is special for Comic Con.
“What truly stood out was how deeply fans here celebrate storytelling in every form, from literature and theatre to anime and comics. Seeing this community come together with such energy makes Kolkata a truly special destination for Comic Con.”
The event also supported local artists through the Artist Alley. Young creators got a chance to show their work and talk with industry professionals. This helped build a bridge between fans and the people who make the comics and art they love.
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