Comic Con India Makes Debut Appearance In Chennai

As per a media report, at the age of 19, Akshara Ashok introduced Happy Fluff Comics, initially shrouded in anonymity, leading many to assume it originated from the West. It wasn't until a spontaneous Instagram Q&A session that she disclosed her identity as an artist from Chennai. The response was varied; some welcomed the revelation, while others expressed discontent. Criticism arose particularly for a brown girl addressing topics like body image, sex, and menstruation.

However, as time passed, Ashok garnered a diverse fanbase in Chennai, drawing support for her work. Her comics, provoking laughter, inadvertently shed light on the uncomfortable realities faced by women in contemporary society.

Scheduled for 17 and 18 February at Chennai Trade Centre (11 am – 8 pm), the artist is eagerly anticipating a direct interaction with the city's enthusiasts who have been avid followers of her work for years, as part of Comic Con India's inaugural event in Chennai. She emphasies the unique experience of meeting an artist in person compared to online following, highlighting the importance of showcasing that art can indeed be a viable career option.

Akshara's contributions represent just a fraction of the diverse offerings available at the inaugural Comic Con in Chennai. The two-day weekend event promises engaging sessions with international artists such as Dan Parent, renowned for his work on Archie comics (including the special Archies in India series), and John Layman, the author of various works, including Chew, sharing insights into their processes and techniques. VFX Artist Pramita Mukherjee will also discuss the making of the animated film Kung Fu Panda 4. Comic Con India guarantees face time with over 15 Indian artists who have crafted a wide array of characters, ranging from mythical superheroes to beloved figures from Tinkle and Amar Chitra Katha.

Rahil Mohsin, a comic book artist based in Bangalore and co-founder of Hallubol, the inaugural Dakhni motion comic series, is eagerly anticipating the presentation of Hallubol: Mard Bann, the first installment in the series that addresses issues related to toxic patriarchs and enablers. He looks forward to gauging the reception of his unique and hyper-local series in Chennai and expresses excitement about connecting with a new audience, savoring local meals, and visiting the beach.

In addition to meetings and performances, significant crowds are expected to gather during the evening for the cosplay contests on both days of the festival. During these contests, participants don costumes resembling characters from comic books, vying for daily cash prizes. Brace yourself to encounter numerous Batmans and Jokers amidst the festival crowd.

Jatin Varma, Founder, Comic Con India, notes that the events in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru have experienced significant attendance over the past decade. The Hyderabad event closely follows in terms of popularity. While Chennai has been under consideration for several years, pandemic-related disruptions prompted the organization to finalize its entry plan for the city in 2024. Chennai boasts a robust and engaged fan community, and he believes that the sessions on the main stage will be well-received by enthusiasts. He expresses anticipation for a gathering of fans predominantly aged between 18 and 36.

Regarding the anticipated trends at the event, Varma reveals that there's been a significant surge in interest for anime and manga content, reflected not only within our exhibitor base but also in the growing businesses catering to this market. While there might be a touch of superhero fatigue, he anticipates a similar response to trends and attendance in Chennai as witnessed in other cities.