Comic Con India returns to Hyderabad this year with its 13th edition – a three-day celebration of pop culture running from October 31 to November 2. The event has become a family tradition for many people in the city.
Visitors can expect an extensive line-up that brings together the best of fans – from cosplay and gaming to films, television, anime and exclusive merchandise.
This year’s edition will also feature international guests, including writer and executive producer Mike Costa luciferAnd J. Gonzo, the famous comic-book artist behind titles like teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, ghost rider, aliens And toxic avenger,
The mix includes a strong line-up of Indian artists: Syed Bashar (comedian), Karan Singh (magician), Celinedi Matahari (singer), Vivek Muralitharan (comedian), Geek Fruit (band/podcast), Kayden Sharma (rapper-singer), Mac Maha (rapper-singer), Black Diamond (hip-hop crew) and Team Artista (dance group).
COSPLAY AT COMIC CON | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
“Hyderabad is the first host city of Comic Con this year,” says Akshat Rathi, co-founder and managing director of Nodwin Gaming, owner of Comic Con India. “We are creating deeper, more immersive experiences for fans across India. From global pop culture icons to India’s most passionate cosplay community, from exciting eSports battles to exclusive panels and launches, Comic Con India 2025-2026 will celebrate all that defines pop culture.”
Last year’s Hyderabad Comic Con 2024 saw a record-breaking attendance of over 40,000 people, bringing together gamers, comic book fans, creators and pop culture enthusiasts under one roof.
This year, the line-up of Indian artists includes some of the country’s most recognized illustrators and storytellers: Rahil Mohsin (Halubol), Savio Mascarenhas (Art of Savio), Faisal Mohammed (Garbage Bin Comics), Shubham Khurana (Corporate Comics), Prasad Bhatt (Graphics), Vivek Goyal (Holy Cow Entertainment), and Rajesh Nagulkonda (illustrator and art director), among others.
tinkle stars
Savio Mascarenhas | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Savio Mascarenhas, the artist behind it chime And Amar Chitra KathaWill be in the program. He talked about his journey – from being a fan of these comics since childhood to now shaping the characters he once admired, like Shambhu and Suppandi.
Savio shared that although he has introduced subtle updates to these beloved figures, the essence of their original personalities remains untouched. He said, “With me taking charge, there have been slight changes in the characters, but nothing that distorts their core.”
He spoke warmly of readers’ enduring affection for Shambhu and curiosity about one of Indian comics’ longest-running mysteries – his hidden eyes. “I grew up reading chime in the 1970s and ’80s, and in 1997 I began drawing character sketches from original artist Vasant Halbe,” Savio said. “Around the same time, I also began illustrating Suppandi, with the goal of continuing his legacy while adding my own touch.”
as lifelong chime Savio, a fan himself, once asked Halbe about the secret behind Shambhu’s hidden eyes. Savio recalled, “He told me that the covered eyes made Shambhu unique – it set him apart from other forest rangers.” “Halbe also shared a humorous explanation – that Shambhu keeps his eyes hidden because he is afraid of animals!”.
Maintaining this signature detail is often a creative challenge, Savio said. “Even in the scenes where his hat gets blown off, I have to find clever ways to make sure his eyes remain invisible,” he said, laughing.
talking about chimeSavio takes pride in his distinctive brand of Indian storytelling – stories that blend humour, heart and a deep sense of cultural familiarity that continue to resonate with generations of readers.
Special city-specific poster featuring Hyderabad | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Savio believes that in an era ruled by anime and gaming chime And Amar Chitra Katha Remains relevant because of its roots in Indian storytelling. He says his audience now spans generations – adults who once read comics pass them down to their children as part of a shared legacy.
“It is the Indian story – the subtle messages about gender equality and childhood issues without explicitly stating the values – that sets us apart,” he explains. While the art has evolved with technology, the heart of the stories remains the same: simple, relatable and deeply human.
Suppandi T-Shrita | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Sharing details of upcoming initiatives at Hyderabad Comic Con, Savio mentioned the launch of six Suppandi-themed immersive T-shirts chime Stall, and 45th anniversary bumper issue chime“There will also be special city-specific posters and an interactive comic-making activity for children,” he said.
Comic Con 2025-2026 will take place at HITEX Exhibition Center from October 31 to November 2.
Tickets are available at: https://www.district.in/events/hyderada-comic-con-2025-1-buy-tickets
For information: www.comicconindia.com
published – October 29, 2025 01:36 PM IST