Captain Jack Sparrow, Batman, Joker, Sub-Zero and Thor -- characters from comic books, films and TV series seemed to come alive here as fans dressed up as their favourite characters thronged the Delhi Comic Convention that kicked off here this afternoon.
The 5th edition of the three-day fantasy event, which is hosting a total of 250 exhibitors besides national and international icons from the world of comics, gaming, movies and television got off to a start at a bigger venue at the NSIC grounds.
The event is being held here after nearly two years.
Merchandise of the fantasy fiction series "Game of Thrones" and the upcoming "Batman vs Superman" film clearly dominated the sprawling venue that brimmed with stalls selling a plethora of items ranging from T shirts and caps to masks and other accessories.
Major attractions on the opening day included interactive sessions with "Game of Thrones" actor Kristairn Nairn who plays the character of Hodor in the TV series besides Rob DenBleyker, one of the authors of popular web comic "Cyanide and Happyness".
"This is one of the friendliest and the best Comic Con I have ever attended. I can't wait to meet all the fans of Game of Thrones," Nairn said.
DenBleyker said he found the Delhi Comic con at par with the original version of the event that is held in San Diego and felt that hosting the event at city levels across the world widens the popularity of comic culture.
"I think Comic Cons are one of the best things that has happened in the last 10 years. Earlier there was only San Diego, then came the New York Comic Con, but now it feels there is a Comic Con in every city. It is a chance for fans to come together and celebrate their passion," he said.
Fans had come dressed up in costumes and flocked to the celebrities.
Rohan, a 23 year-old came visiting from Mumbai to
participate in the cosplay, a ritual of dressing up as a comic character, which rewards the best dressed character.
"I have been attending the Comic Cons in Mumbai for the last 5 years and just could not miss this one here. I am very excited," said Rohan who came dressed up as Sub-Zero, a character from Mortal Combat a video game.
Wearing a blue jumpsuit with attached padded tabard and shoulder guards, molded armor prices and mask Rohan looked the part.
Another fan 13-year-old Samayk came dressed up as Zombie and was the talk of his friends. There were many who dressed up as "Thor" and "Joker" and one even the ever popular Jack Sparrow.
Organisers are offering prizes including a golden ticket to the Beijing Comic Con apart from other prizes to the best dressed cosplayers.
While the event entry was priced at Rs 350 fans could get a chance to get up close with 'Hodor' and take pictures and autographs by paying up extra bucks.
Comic books that were launched today included 'Amar Bari, Tomar Bari, Naxalbari' by Sumit Kumar, "Eldritch Chronicles" by Vimanika Comics and "World War Two: Under the Shadow of the Swastika by Campfire Graphic Novel and "Munnu - a Boy From Kashmir" by cartoonist Malik Sajad.
For Dalbir Singh of Sikhpark, the animated cartoon strip who attended the convention said, "I think Comic Con is onlyu going to get bigger. You have a lot of celebs coming to SanDieago and maybe in a few years you will get to see stars like Deepika and Ranbir. The only thing I think missing here is the comic element.
