[photocredit:Daylin Paul]

Comic Con Africa, the ultimate geekfest (and I say that with love), happened recently.

Thousands of fanboys, fangirls and fanpeople gathered at the Gallagher Convention Centre to enjoy a weekend of Wonder Woman whips, Captain America’s shield, Star Wars Lightsabers, Spider-Man, an array of cosplay outfits, and William Shatner.

Yes, that William Shatner. The one from Star Trek. No not that Star Trek, the original.

This is only the second year that Comic Con has happened on the African continent, but it’s been around for a while.

New Frame with a short history lesson, and some of the photos from the Citizen:

Comic Con started in California in the United States in 1970, when a group of comic, movie and science fiction fans got together to put on the first comic book convention. It made its second appearance in South Africa in September, attracting tens of thousands of visitors with an exceptional programme of speakers, competitions, displays and stallholders.

Photograph by James Puttick

While the protagonists of comic books and their traditional audience have remained stubbornly white, male and straight (as popular American comedy series The Big Bang Theory demonstrates), the diversity of the crowd across racial, cultural and gender boundaries at Comic Con Africa was telling.

That’s great. It’s always good to see South Africa breaking stereotypes.

Photograph by Jacques Nelles

Photograph by Daylin Paul

This guy simply came as YouTube.

Photograph by Jacques Nelles

Photograph by Jacques Nelles

Photograph by Daylin Paul

Photograph by Jacques Nelles

Photograph by Gopolang Thage

Photograph by Gopolang Thage

Photograph by Jacques Nelles

Photograph by James Puttick

Also, this:

On the final day of the event, which coincided with Heritage Day, many visitors chose to come in traditional attire and superhero costumes to display their individual identities on their own terms.

Nicely done.

Photograph by James Puttick

Photograph by James Puttick

Photograph by Daylin Paul

Photograph by Daylin Paul

Some footage of the event, here. Don’t bother keeping the sound on.

Looks like a good time all around.

[sources:newframe&citizen]