The second edition of Kolkata Comic Con wraps up with over 30,000 footfall and an unmatched energy
Kolkata : Kolkata, a city that thrives on art, literature, and storytelling, came alive as the second edition of Kolkata Comic Con, presented by Maruti Suzuki Arena and powered by Crunchyroll, took over the Biswa Bangla Exhibition Centre during the weekend.
Welcoming over 30,000 fans across two action-packed days, the event stood testament to how effortlessly global pop culture blends with Kolkata’s deeply rooted creative spirit.
From the moment doors opened, the excitement was electric, and Day 2 carried the momentum forward with even greater enthusiasm. Fans gathered for an interactive storytelling session featuring artists Charbak Dipta, Tadam Gyadu, Savio Mascarenhas, and Gaurav Basu, where audience prompts shaped live narratives in real time, a format that beautifully echoed Kolkata’s tradition of collaborative creativity.
The main stage kept up the fervour with high-energy shows, including Kvizzing with KV, a rapid-fire fandom quiz hosted by stand-up comedian Kumar Varun that kept audiences cheering while competing. The evening reached a powerful crescendo with a live performance by EPR, whose blend of rap, poetry, and storytelling struck a chord with the city’s deep love for rhythm and lyricism.
During the two day event, across the showfloor, fans met artists, cosplayers, and creators from India and around the world. Brazilian comic artist Rogê Antônio drew long queues as he interacted with fans, signed posters, and shared insights from his creative journey. The vibrant artist alley and creator booths offered aspiring storytellers inspiration, mentorship, and a glimpse into the future of comics and pop culture in India.
Shefali Johnson, CEO, Comic Con India, said, “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. 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.”
Akshat Rathee, Co-founder and MD, NODWIN Gaming, added, “Comic Con in Kolkata feels less like an event and more like an ongoing conversation. This is a city where storytelling is part of everyday life, and you can see that in how people engage with pop culture. The response from fans, creators, and gamers has been incredible, and it’s great to see the community grow stronger every year. In a city known for its sweet tooth, we’ve definitely walked away with some of our sweetest pop culture memories here.”
Cosplay once again emerged as one of the biggest highlights, with cosplayers transforming into beloved characters such as Fatalis beta armour, Noelle Silva, Captain Jack Sparrow, Shara, Shara Ishvalda armor set in Monster Hunter World: Iceborne, Senjumaru Shutara from anime Bleach and many more.
Arindam Paul who cosplayed as Fatalis Beta Armor (Monster Hunter) won the Kolkata Qualifier for the Indian Championship of Cosplay 2026, taking home prizes worth up to ₹50,000 and a chance to compete on the national stage.
Over the two-day event, the World Cosplay Summit (WCS) India Qualifiers also took place, where cosplayer Karan Prakash & Karan Desai won the title with their portrayal of Chaos Crusaders and will represent India at WCS finals in Nagoya, Japan.
The convention floor offered an immersive entertainment playground packed with live gameplay, competitive challenges, and interactive showcases. The NODWIN Gaming Zone featured cutting-edge virtual and simulator gaming experiences, while the Maruti Suzuki Arena Fan Experience Zone challenged fans with fast-paced reflex tests and engaging activities. Anime enthusiasts stepped into themed experiences inspired by SPY x Family and Suzume, while blockbuster movie zones celebrating Supergirl, Mortal Kombat II, and The Mummy by Lee Cronin added cinematic flair. A spectacular fulldome experience zone captivated audiences with immersive visuals, alongside racing simulators by Logitech and a lively Just Dance booth that kept the energy high throughout the weekend.
Perfectly timed ahead of Poila Boishakh, the Bengali New Year, Kolkata Comic Con seamlessly joined the city’s festive calendar. Much like the iconic Book Fair and Durga Puja, the event showcased Kolkata’s enduring love for every form of art, bridging heritage and modern fandom in a celebration of creativity and community.
Following the successful conclusion of Kolkata Comic Con, the final stop of the Comic Con India tour will take place on May 9–10, 2026, at Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai.
