Kolkata Comic Con 2025 – The vibrant heart of Kolkata pulsed with unparalleled excitement this past weekend as the city witnessed the grand debut of the Maruti Suzuki Arena Kolkata Comic Con, powered by Crunchyroll. The event marked a historic moment for the City of Joy, which embraced its first-ever full-scale celebration of comics, anime, gaming, and cosplay with open arms. Enthusiasts turned out in droves, making it the most thrilling weekend the city has seen in years.
The numbers spoke for themselves—over 30,000 attendees and 3,000 dedicated cosplayers transformed the venue into a kaleidoscope of creativity. From classic superheroes like Batman, Wonder Woman, and Spider-Man to anime sensations Toji and Choso (Jujutsu Kaisen) and Nezuko (Demon Slayer), the cosplay scene was nothing short of spectacular. Kolkata’s own creative flair shone through unique interpretations like Bongpool (a local take on Deadpool) and a Bengali Groom Spider-Man, adding a cultural twist to the global phenomenon.
A Star-Studded Lineup Delights Fans
Kolkata Comic Con wasn’t just about costumes—it was a haven for comic book aficionados. Fans were treated to appearances by legendary Archie Comics writer Bill Golliher and New York Times bestselling author John Layman. These industry icons engaged with attendees, sharing their creative journeys and offering insights into the evolving world of comics.
India’s comic scene also took center stage, with celebrated Bengali artists Harsho Mohan Chattoraj and Aniruddho Chakraborthy from Chariot Comics showcasing their work. Other prominent Indian creators, including Abhijeet Kini Studios, Bullseye Press, Indusverse, Bakarmaxx, Art of SAVIO, Corporat, Akshara Ashok, and Sufi Comics, among others, added to the festival’s rich offerings.
Laughter, Music, and Immersive Experiences
It wasn’t just the comic book world that stole the show. The convention delivered a heavy dose of entertainment with some of India’s biggest comedy stars. Biswa Kalyan Rath had the audience roaring with laughter, while The Internet Said So team (Varun Thakur, Kautuk Srivastav, and Aadar Malik) brought their signature humor to the stage. Rohan Joshi, Sapan Verma, and Azeem Banatwalla kept the comedic energy alive, making the event an unforgettable experience.
Music lovers were equally enthralled as The Geek Fruit Band and Desible rocked the stage with electrifying performances, ensuring the event resonated on multiple levels of entertainment.
A Landmark Moment for Kolkata’s Pop Culture Scene
For Kolkata’s artistic community, the debut of Comic Con was long overdue. Graphic novelist Harsho Mohan Chattoraj shared his excitement: “We’ve been waiting for this moment for 13 years! Seeing Kolkata embrace its very own Comic Con with such passion is beyond words. The love for comics, cosplay, and storytelling here is incredible, and this is just the beginning.” Chattoraj launched Ancient Temples of India with Amar Chitra Katha and Algebra Book 2 with Alpha Comics, marking a milestone in Indian graphic storytelling.
Comedians and pop culture icons echoed the sentiment. Biswa Kalyan Rath called the crowd “one of the most energetic” he has ever performed for, while Rohan Joshi noted how Comic Con serves as a ‘geek safe space’ where fans, regardless of location, feel at home.
Brands and Gaming Take Center Stage
Comic Con’s immersive experiences took engagement to the next level. Fans explored cutting-edge gaming setups at the NODWIN Gaming Arena, featuring big names like PlayStation, Lenovo, Intel, Corsair, Logitech, and an exclusive Chandrayaan VR experience. DC fans were treated to showcases from DC Studios’ Superman and WB’s Final Destination Bloodlines, adding a cinematic touch to the festival.
The Future of Kolkata Comic Con
Reflecting on the phenomenal debut, Jatin Varma, Founder of Comic Con India, said, “We knew Kolkata had immense potential, but the overwhelming love and turnout exceeded all expectations. This city has solidified its place on the Comic Con India map, and this is just the beginning!”
NODWIN Gaming’s Akshat Rathee added, “Kolkata proved why it’s called the City of Joy. The passion for comics, gaming, and pop culture here is unmatched. The creativity in cosplays, the vibrant performances, and the electric crowd energy made this edition unforgettable.”
With the debut edition wrapping up on a high note, fans are already looking forward to Pune Comic Con, set to take place on March 8-9, 2025.
About NODWIN Gaming
NODWIN Gaming, a subsidiary of Nazara Technologies Ltd., is a global leader in the gaming and esports industry. Since its inception in 2014, NODWIN has expanded across South Asia, Germany, Central Asia, Singapore, the Middle East, and Turkey. With a valuation of $410 million as of 2024, the company is at the forefront of gaming entertainment, esports leagues, and youth-focused digital content.
About Comic Con India
Acquired by NODWIN Gaming, Comic Con India is the largest pop culture event in South Asia. Hosting multiple events nationwide, it brings together over 200,000 fans annually, with a digital reach exceeding 330 million. From comics and anime to gaming and cosplay, Comic Con India is the ultimate platform for pop culture enthusiasts.
Kolkata Comic Con’s debut has set a new benchmark for India’s pop culture scene. With its perfect blend of nostalgia, innovation, and immersive experiences, the event has cemented its place as an annual spectacle the city can’t wait to relive.
