Merchandise, gaming section draw crowd at Comic Con

Quirky and colourful boxers, t-shirts and shorts with various cartoon characters, and a big gaming enclosure with Play Station Portables (PSPs) and 3D games attracted a large audience on the inaugural day of Comic Con India here Friday.

Given the large space the gaming zone had, enthusiasts were engrossed in their games, as four screens for 3D games and five LCD monitors for PSP stations were occupied, and many were waiting for their turn.

"This section is extremely good and the best part is that I can play for free," said Ahana Gupta, a college student who was visiting it for the first time.

"I am not much into comics, and I have never played 3D games before. So I thought why not give it a try," she said.

The 50,000 square feet space of the Thyagraj stadium in south Delhi, has given a makeover to fourth edition of Comic Con India, which earlier used to take place at Dilli Haat.

This has not only provided over 100 exhibitors amble space to exhibit their comics, but has also provided enough space for merchandisers to display their products.

"Last year there were only a few merchandise stalls, but this year there are many options. This is something you don't get everyday in your market. And for a comic lover, it is just wonderful," college student Vihan Bhalla told IANS.

From boxers to t-shirts, from toys of superheroes to mobile covers, the merchandisers are offering a sea of products to the visitors.

But many felt the merchandise was "over-priced."

"I am loving the stuff over here but some of those are really too expensive, which I can't afford," said college student Ridhi Shukla.

Another student, Meeta Kapoor, shared similar sentiments.

"These things can be kept as a souvenirs, especially toys. You won't find these things in a regular shop, but one has to shell out sensibly for them. They are heavy on my pocket," she said.

The price of apparel ranged from Rs.399 to Rs. 999 and bags from Rs.500 to Rs.2,000.

Ironically, though the presence of children at the Comic Com was less, there were many college students. Exhibitors hope the footfall will get better on the weekends.

"The day is slow, but I am hopeful it will pick up over the weekend," said an exhibitor.

From this year, the festival has been ticketed. One has to shell out Rs. 100 for the entry pass.

Many have welcomed this move.

"It is a good thing because only those who are interested in comics will visit us. Earlier at Dilli Haat, those who would visit it (haat) would also come along just to see what was happening. So, this ticketing system will restrict that crowd," Avdesh Tiwari, an exhibitor, told IANS.

The Comic Con India will end Feb 9.