Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM), through its gaming platform The Toyota Gaming Engine (TTGE), returns as an official partner of Comic Con Africa 2026, taking place from 24 to 27 September 2026 at the Johannesburg Expo Centre, Nasrec.

TTGE continues to grow Toyota’s community of young brand enthusiasts through the value it brings to South Africa’s gaming and creator communities, providing access for casual players, competitive gamers and, this year, the country’s cosplay community.

A First For Cosplay

The centrepiece of Toyota’s 2026 presence is the TTGE Cosplay Competition, cosplay but for cars, the first vehicle-specific cosplay category the country has seen. Entrants are invited to design and build original cosplay inspired by any Toyota vehicle, interpreted in any style, from literal vehicle recreations to humanoid, futuristic or stylised designs.

Entries are open at ttge.co.za/comic-con-africa-2026 and will close on 25 September. Participation is open to individuals 18 years and older holding a valid Comic Con Africa ticket, entering individually or in teams of up to four. Every entrant receives a downloadable TTGE Cosplay Starter Pack containing official brand assets, colour references and build guidance.

Live judging takes place on the Comic Con Africa Main Stage from 15h00 to 15h30 on Saturday 26 September, with contestant check-in at the TTGE stand at 14h30. Contestants will be assessed by a panel comprising representatives from TTGE and Comic Con Africa including a professional cosplayer. Judging will be done across five equally weighted criteria: creativity and originality, Toyota interpretation, craftsmanship, innovation and resourcefulness, and stage presence.

The competition has been structured to reward imagination and craft rather than budget, with entrants encouraged to use DIY, recycled and accessible materials.

Prizes

The winner receives R10,000 in cash, a Toyota GAZOO Racing driving experience for two at Zwartkops Raceway, and Comic Con Africa 2027 weekend passes for themselves and two guests. Second place receives a R3,000 eGift24 voucher and third place a R1,500 eGift24 voucher, both including 2027 weekend passes. Additional daily prizes will be awarded across the TTGE stand throughout the four days.

An Expanded Stand Experience

TTGE will also hold a 30-minute slot on the Comic Con Africa Main Stage each day, running its Load The Hilux game on Thursday, Friday and Sunday, and the Cosplay Competition on Saturday.

The TTGE stand will again host free-to-play gaming across sim racing, console and mobile titles, including Gran Turismo 7 on full-motion racing rigs, Street Fighter, EA FC and Brawlhalla on console, and Clash Royale and Subway Surfers on mobile. Daily tournaments, leaderboards, Beat The Pro challenges and prize handovers will run from the stand’s mini stage.

Toyota will also bring a physical version of Load The Hilux, a free daily mini-game on TTGE’s Brake Time platform, to the event’s food court area. Attendees will compete against the clock to load oversized cargo into a full-size Toyota Hilux, with daily prizes for the fastest recorded times.

A custom-built Hilux transformer will move through the show across the four days, serving as both a fan experience and a navigation point to the TTGE stand. Attendees who photograph the character and share the content tagging The Toyota Gaming Engine, or submit names for the character, will stand to win a share in R15,000 in eGift vouchers.

To bring the Toyota brand even closer to the Comic Con Africa audiences, a Drift X activation will be on display for all attendees to engage with. This features a precision drift driving experience with the Toyota GR vehicles around a gymkhana style course, demonstrating the agility of the GR models.

“Through The Toyota Gaming Engine we have spent years investing in South Africa’s gaming community, and this year we are extending that to its makers and builders,” says Glenn Crompton, Vice President of Marketing at Toyota South Africa Motors. “Comic Con Africa is one of the few places in South Africa where gaming, creativity and fandom meet at scale and our role there has always been to open the door wider. A brand cosplay category has not been done here before. It is a genuine creative challenge, and we are looking forward to seeing what South Africans build.”

Full details are available at www.ttge.co.za/comic-con-africa-2026 

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Calling all cosplayers! Telkom VS Gaming is bringing the Next Gen Squad to Comic Con Africa 2026 and giving fans the chance to step into character and compete for a share of R30,000 in cash prizes.

Taking place on Saturday, 26 September at the Comic Con Africa Main Stage, the Next Gen Squad Cosplay Competition challenges fans to bring one of the squad’s four characters to life: S-Tech, Vibey Val, Mobile Mo, or Lucky Lou.

Whether you’re all about S-Tech, match Vibey Val’s energy, see yourself as Mobile Mo or want to try your hand at Lucky Lou, pick your character, put together your best interpretation and get ready to take the stage.

A panel of judges will assess each cosplay on elements including overall look and presentation, creativity, character interpretation, stage presence and overall impact.

The top three entries will walk away with:

• First place: R12,500
• Second place: R10,000
• Third place: R7,500

Registration is free and open to Comic Con Africa attendees aged 13 and older.

Choose your favourite member of the Next Gen Squad and register to take part in the competition.

Participants must have their own valid Comic Con Africa ticket for the day of the competition (Saturday 26 September 2026). Entries are limited, so fans are encouraged to register early to secure their chance to take the stage.

Registration closes at 18:00 on Friday, 25 September 2026, unless otherwise communicated by Telkom.

Ready to join the squad? Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfo5MyYZzutAN9bqJymzT76unrWihgoKV6mBIyOasW7HtpIBw/viewform?pli=1

The Next Gen Squad Cosplay Competition is part of Telkom VS Gaming’s Comic Con Africa 2026 experience, giving fans another way to get involved, show off their creativity and be part of the action.

Terms and conditions apply.

The post Bring The Next Gen Squad To Life and Win Your Share of R30,000 at Comic Con Africa 2026 appeared first on Tech Scene ZA.

This September, Comic Con Africa is bringing the acclaimed American actor Richard T Jones to the highveld of Johannesburg. Born Richard Timothy Jones to African-American parents in Kobe, Japan, from the early 1990s onwards Richard has been a prolific face across multiple high-profile television series broadcast to millions of fans around the world.

Richard’s television roles began in the 90s, and they include parts in many groundbreaking series that still that hold a special place in fans’ hearts to this day. His earlier roles in the 90s include appearances in the shows NYPD Blue, Courthouse, and Dangerous Minds. From 1997 to 1998 he played the main cast member Office Clements Johnson in Emmy Award-winning police drama Brooklyn South.

Richard moved on to acting Matt Griffin in Ally McBeal season two’s recurring cast in 1998, followed by a six-year stint as Bruce Calvin van Exel in Judging Amy from 1998 to 2005. Not one to take a break, Richard’s career did not slow down as he went straight on to become Aaron Waters as a recurring cast member in Girlfriends seasons seven and eight from 2006 to 2007, adding an episode of the beloved CSI: Miami under his belt in 2006. In 2008 to 2009 he acted as main cast member James Ellison in Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles.

Richard kicked off 2010 with episodes in Bones and Grey’s Anatomy, followed by a recurring role as Governor Samuel “Sam” Denning in Hawaii Five-O from 2011 to 2013, a show which was nominated for multiple Primetime Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe, and won at the People’s Choice Awards. Richard also took on the character of Detective Andrew Hahn in American Horror Story: Hotel. He acted in Narcos from 2015 to 2016, and in 2017 became Officer Lionel Wilkins in Criminal Minds.

From 2018 to the present, Richard has been a member of the main cast of The Rookie as Police Sergeant Wade Grey. The show has been nominated for six Primetime Emmy Awards.

Richard T Jones will appear at Comic Con Africa with Capitec from Friday 25 to Sunday 27 September 2026. During his days at Comic Con Africa with Capitec, Richard will take part in interactive live activities and meet fans.

l  Panel discussions live on stage: Richard will answer questions live from the thousands of fans at the con – this is the opportunity for fans to find out what really happens behind the scenes in the big-budget TV series they love.

l  Autograph sessions and photograph opportunities: con-goers will be able to meet the actor in real life. Auto Ops are the chance to have Richard sign fan memorabilia, while booking a Photo Op secures fans a professional photo keepsake with the actor. These opportunities require an additional ticket purchase.

This impressive list of varied and complex characters makes Richard one of television’s most well-known and cherished actors.  Whether a guest star or a member of the main cast, his performances have left an indelible mark on the millions of fans who have followed his career over three decades. Join thousands of your fellow fans at Comic Con Africa with Capitec, taking place from Thursday 24 to Sunday 27 September 2026, 9am to 6pm daily, at The Johannesburg Expo Centre, Nasrec. It’s unmissable.

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Comic Con Africa with Capitec is the continent’s ultimate pop culture and gaming festival, returning in 2026 from 24 to 27 September for its 7^th edition at the Johannesburg Expo Centre, Nasrec. Over four fun-packed days, 70,000 con-goers converge at the festival to celebrate and enjoy all their favourite pop culture fandoms, including cosplay, comics, art and artists both local and international, gaming, tech shopping, anime, licensed merchandise and collectibles, board games and tabletop RPGs, the opportunity to meet international celebs from TV and film, family fun, experience interactions with brands, and create unique memories with their friends and families. With specifics of the activities emerging over the coming weeks, here’s a very quick lowdown on the festival’s main features.

Cosplay

Cosplayers create and wear perfect replicas of their favourite characters from pop culture. Think Marvel and DC superheroes like Spider-Man or Wonder Woman, X-Men’s Wolverine, Star Wars Stormtroopers, anime characters from shows like One Piece and Dragon Ball Z, gaming characters like God of War’s Kratos, or film and series characters like the Addams Family, Sarah Connor, Deadpool, and more. Cosplayers get to enter exciting daily competitions with awesome prizes, or compete in the Cosplay Championships – the winner gets an expenses-paid trip to compete in the UK in 2027! Comic Con Africa is where professional and casual cosplayers get together to show off their cosplays and connect with their people.

Comics and Art

Comic Con Africa brings together 200+ local artists, international artists, and crafters in the festival’s Artist Alley. Here festival-goers can meet artists, buy artworks, and have their comic memorabilia signed by international comic artists who attend the con to meet and interact with their fans. It’s an incredible opportunity to see what’s popping with art in South Africa. Artist Alley has a stage that shares exciting talks on breaking into the art industry, tips on improving skills, and character development, and showcases fun sketch battles with professional artists. Spotlight artists include comic artists Mike Rooth, Mostafa Moussa, Sean Izaakse and others, and street artists Moe Lycaen and Alaster. Comic writer Sam Humphries will also be in Artist Alley.

Gaming and Tech

The convention is the place to experience the latest gaming consoles, watch epic esports tournaments and finales with huge prize pools from the likes of Telkom VS Gaming, support esports players, play the latest games in free-to-play zones, and learn more about beloved gaming brands. Daily free-to-enter competitions and championships from Red Bull, Toyota, and more enable fans to walk away with cash and product prizes. And on top of it all, huge names in computing come to the con to drop incredible tech specials and sell computing hardware.

Anime and Otaku Culture

Anime is HUGE in South Africa. Comic Con Africa is where fans can celebrate Anime and meet other fans of shows like One Piece, Naruto, Demon Slayer, and Bleach , or remember classic Anime films like Ghost In The Shell, and cosplay as their favourite characters. Comic Con Africa has the Otaku Town area which is packed with Japanese retailers and exciting activities focussed on Anime. Here is where fans can find first-to-country merchandise and collectibles, enjoy Japanese food, and immerse themselves in Otaku culture. There are also activations to celebrate 30 years of Pokémon, which is happening now in 2026.

Shopping and Collectibles

An abundance of licensed merchandise and collectibles are for sale at Comic Con Africa. Here is where collectors of pop culture can grow their collections with unique and rare collectibles like figurines, clothing, comics, manga, art, Funko Pops, posters, and more. Top tip for serious collectors: the Capitec Super Fan Pass gets festival-goers access to the show floor half an hour early to snap up the incredible deals and show specials found all over the festival. There are tons of vendors offering unseen products, merchandise never seen before in South Africa, boardgames, rare comics, and more – and many are show special deals that will make jaws drop.

Boardgames and RPGs

Boardgames and tabletop role playing games are growing in South Africa – in an age where screen time dominates, board games and tabletop RPGs are all about re-connecting in real life and face-to-face. They are known for inspiring imagination, encouraging creativity, creating communities, and deepening friendships. Learn about RPG dice games like Dungeons and Dragons and strategy boardgames like Catan from Solarpop and UnplugYourself teachers at the con – no previous experience whatsoever is required. Shop games, grow your collections, and meet up with fellow enthusiasts at Comic Con Africa.

Family Fun with KidsCon and More

There is loads for families to see and do at Comic Con Africa. It’s a completely unique weekend activities for little ones and teens. Craft activities, dress-up, kid-friendly gaming, fun activations, and art and animation workshops abound. The KidsCon Zone brings over 1,200sqm of activates and its own stage to the con. Favourite characters like Mario & Luigi and other well-knowns roam the halls, ready to take snaps with excited young fans. Co-located with Comic Con Africa is the CTIAF (Cape Town International Animation Festival) which brings young folk 12+ the opportunity to learn how to get into animation as a career with educational hands-on workshops.

Film and Series Celebs

Comic Con Africa bring international celebs to the Highveld. This year the show brings the voices behind Rick, Morty, and Summer from the cult-classic animation Rick & Morty – Ian Cardoni, Harry Belden, and Spencer Grammer. Christopher Judge, the voice actor behind the game God of War’s character Kratos will be in attendance, alongside Alison Sealy-Smith who voices X-Men’s Storm. For TV series fans, The Rookie’s Ricard T Jones, AKA Wade Grey, will be at the con. Stars from the live action of One Piece like Jazzara Jasslyn (Miss Valentine), Nahum Hughes (Bartolomeo), and Martial T Batchamen (Brook) and Steven John Ward (Dracule Mihawk) will be attending the con. These titans of film and TV will take part in live Q&A sessions on the con’s Main Stage which all con-goers can attend. For big fans, additional ticket purchases can be made for them to take photos with, or have memorabilia signed by, these stars.

Experiences With Brands

Comic Con Africa brings together big brands to interact with. Capitec brings an immersive and exciting interactive activation to the show in 2026 which will see fans taking place in activities to win great prizes. Disney brings exciting daily quizzes to the Main Stage. Burger King has something exciting on their burners, and Kellogg’s and Sea Harvest  have fun plans up their sleeves. Fanta, Red Bull, Toyota, Incredible Connection, and Telkom are also at the festival – and too many more to mention.

Immaculate Outdoor Vibes

The outdoor festival vibes at Comic Con Africa are immaculate. There is a World War Two LARPing re-enactment zone, axe-throwing (don’t panic – it’s safe!), and outdoor precision driving track from Toyota, two electric scooter tracks from both Xiaomi and Incredible Connection, and lawn games. Three Food Truck Villages offer delicious meals all day long. Outdoor stages feature K-Pop performances and singers, and loads of comfy outdoor seating areas offers places for friends and families to take in the festival while enjoying the Joburg sunlight.

So Much To Enjoy

There is so much to experience at Comic Con Africa. Keep an eye out on the show’s social media and in the press for more information on the specifics of this one-of-a-kind, must-attend festival. In 2026 it takes place 24 to 27 September from 09h00 to 18h00 daily at the Johannesburg Expo Centre, Nasrec. It’s your happy place, and it’s absolutely unmissable.

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Burger King® is gearing up for its biggest presence yet at Comic Con Africa, and the energy is already building.

As one of the official sponsors of this year’s event, taking place from 24 to 27 September 2026 in Johannesburg, Burger King® is preparing an experience built to give fans plenty to look forward to.

The full details remain under wraps, but one thing is certain: something powerful is on its way.

The partnership reflects Burger King®’s ongoing commitment to creating experiences that connect with passionate fan communities and celebrate the creativity, imagination and culture that make Comic Con Africa one of the continent’s biggest pop culture events.

“Comic Con Africa brings together some of the most passionate and engaged fan communities, and we wanted to create something that would feel just as unexpected,” said Inoba Petse, Marketing Executive at Burger King® South Africa. “We can’t reveal too much just yet, but we can promise fans they’ll want to be there when it all comes together.”

Fans can expect exclusive experiences, limited-edition opportunities and plenty of moments worth sharing throughout the event.

Keep an eye out for a few clues in the weeks ahead – something legendary is powering up, and the countdown is officially on.

From interactive fan activations to chances to take a piece of the experience home, Burger King® is set to bring the energy of fandom to life.

Whether you’re arriving in full cosplay, exploring the latest in gaming and entertainment, or simply soaking up the atmosphere, there’ll be a little more electricity in the air.

The wait won’t be long. On 7 September, Burger King® reveals what’s been powering up behind the scenes.

Until then, consider this your first clue.

Something epic is coming.   

The post Burger King® is Bringing Something Epic to Comic Con Africa 2026 appeared first on Tech Scene ZA.

Comic Con Africa with Capitec brings both local and international celebrities to the Johannesburg Highveld. The con takes place from Thursday 24 to Sunday 27 September (the Heritage Day long weekend) from 9am to 6pm daily. Here is a recap of all the epic actors and voice actors from the best games, films, and series shows the world has to offer – including the days they’ll be at the con, and more information on how fans could even get the chance to meet them personally and have them sign memorabilia.

Activities With the Stars

Celebs at Comic Con Africa offer multiple exciting activities at the con.

For all con-goers:

• Live sessions on stage: on each day that the celebs are at the con, they take place in live interviews and Q&A sessions on the Main Stage. During these sessions, a Comic Con host chats to the celeb about their careers and experiences behind-the-scenes, and then fans are invited to personally ask their questions which the star answers live on stage. It is an opportunity for a few lucky fans themselves to ask burning questions about their performances, careers, shows, and films. That means that if you get a turn on the mic, your favourite celeb will hear you ask the question yourself! Get to the stage early to secure your space. This chance is open to all con attendees.

Limited opportunities with additional ticket purchases (available on Howler):

• Photograph opportunities: with an additional ticket purchase, a Photo Op secures fans a photograph with the celeb. A professional photographer shoots the photograph with studio lighting, which is then printed with high quality printers on site. The photo is also provided as a digital copy.
• Autograph sessions: with an additional ticket purchase, con-goers are able to spend a couple of minutes in person with the actor of their choice in an Autograph Opportunity. They can bring their own personal show memorabilia that the celeb will sign, or the con offers professional photos of the celeb for the fan to have signed and take home. Autograph sessions are slightly longer than photo ops.

Fans are advised to visit the con’s website to see each guest’s schedule: https://comicconafrica.co.za/celebrities-and-guests/

Here are all the talent that con-goers can see at Comic Con Africa 2026.

Christopher Judge, Actor and Voice Actor

Appearing Friday 25 to Sunday 27 September.

Key performances: Kratos in God of War, Teal’c in Stargate SG1

Renowned actor and voice artist Christopher Judge has enjoyed an illustrious career in tv series from Sci-Fi to comedy, as well as bringing to life the pivotal character Kratos in the epic video game God of War, a game which received over a dozen game of the year awards when it was released in 2018. For the sequel God of War Ragnarök, Christopher won two prestigious best performance awards, and today, Kratos is considered one of the most recognisable characters in gaming history. Christpher’s best-known performance in television so far was for his iconic portrayal of Teal’c in Stargate SG-1, and he appeared in more episodes in the series than any other cast member. Other shows he has appeared in include the iconic MacGyver, the 90’s classic sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, and Sirens. He also voiced Magneto in the animated television series X-Men: Evolution, based on the Marvel Comics series. The Daytime Emmy Awards-winning series ran for four seasons.

Richard T Jones, Actor

Appearing Friday 25 to Sunday 27 September

Key performances: Wade Grey in The Rookie

Acclaimed American actor Richard T Jones began acting in the 90s, with roles in series like NYPD Blue, Courthouse, Dangerous Minds, and Brooklyn South. In the 2000s Richard appeared in Ally McBeal, Judging Amy, and Girlfriends. He also acted James Ellison in Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles.After appearances in Bones and Grey’s Anatomy, Richard acted as Governor Samuel “Sam” Denning in Hawaii Five-O, a show which was nominated for multiple Primetime Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe, and won at the People’s Choice Awards. He also took on the character of Detective Andrew Hahn in American Horror Story: Hotel. From 2018 to the present, Richard has been a member of the main cast of The Rookie as Police Sergeant Wade Grey. The show has been nominated for six Primetime Emmy Awards.

Ian Cardoni, Voice Actor

Appearing Thursday 24 to Saturday 26 September

Key performances: Rick Sanchez in Rick & Morty

Born and raised just outside of Boston, Ian Cardoni currently stars in Adult Swim’s two-time Emmy Award-winning animated comedy series Rick and Morty as the titular character Rick Sanchez. Cardoni stepped into the iconic role at the start of season 7, with Season 9 currently airing on Adult Swim and another three seasons already planned. Cardoni has voiced numerous roles across adult and children’s animation, video games, TV promos, and commercials, including recent roles in the Children’s & Family Emmy-nominated and Annie Award-nominated Nickelodeon series Rock, Paper, Scissors, in Fox’s animated series Krapopolis, and in the Sony Pictures Classic film Scarlet from Academy Award-nominated director Mamoru Hosoda. In the video game space, Cardoni has voiced roles across various critically-acclaimed titles, including DC: Dark Legion by Warner Brothers Games, CookieRun: The Darkest Night by Devsisters, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 & 4 by Iron Galaxy, and he reprised his Rick and Morty role of Rick Sanchez in the chart-topping game MultiVersus from Warner Brothers Games which has received multiple Game Awards nominations. Most recently, Cardoni can be heard as the villain Magrus in third-person action game Romeo is a Dead Man by Grasshopper Manufacture and legendary developer Suda51, which released in February 2026. 

Harry Belden, Actor and Voice Actor

Appearing Thursday 24 to Saturday 26 September

Key performances: Morty Smith in Rick & Morty

Harry Belden is an American actor and voice actor best known for voicing Morty Smith in the Emmy Award-winning animated series Rick and Morty since 2023. Beginning his acting career at a young age, Belden has built a diverse portfolio spanning television, film, theatre, and voiceover work. His natural comedic timing, emotional range, and distinctive vocal performances have earned him recognition among audiences and industry professionals alike. As the voice of one of animation’s most beloved characters, Belden continues to bring humour, heart, and authenticity to projects across entertainment media.

Spencer Grammer, Actor and Voice Actor

Appearing Thursday 24 to Saturday 26 September

Key performances: Summer Smith in Rick & Morty

Spencer Grammer is an American actress best known for voicing Summer Smith in the Emmy Award-winning animated series Rick and Morty. With a career spanning television, film, and voice acting, she has earned recognition for her versatility and engaging performances across a variety of genres. Grammer first gained widespread attention for her role as Casey Cartwright on the hit comedy-drama series Greek and has since appeared in numerous television and film projects. As the voice of Summer Smith, she has helped bring one of animation’s most iconic modern characters to life, earning a devoted fan following around the world.

Alison Sealy-Smith, Voice Actor 

Appearing Thursday 24 to Sunday 27 September.

Key performances: X-Men: The Animated Series, X-Men ’97

Barbadian-Canadian voice actress Alison Sealy-Smith is best known as the iconic voice of Storm in X-Men: The Animated Series and the recent X-Men ’97. Sealy-Smith has become a beloved figure among Marvel and animation fans worldwide. Her portrayal of the powerful mutant leader has been a part of defining a generation of superhero storytelling and remains one of the most celebrated performances in animated television. In addition to her role as Storm, Sealy-Smith has voiced Gamora in Silver Surfer, and Scarlet in Delilah and Julius, and has appeared in fan-favourite series including Spider-Man and Sailor Moon.

Steven John Ward, Actor

Appearing Thursday 24 to Saturday 26 September

Key performances: Dracule Mihawk in One Piece (live adaptation)

Steven John Ward is a South African actor, producer, and writer best known internationally for his breakout role as Mihawk in Netflix’s live-action adaptation of One Piece. His portrayal of the iconic swordsman introduced him to a global fanbase and solidified his presence in the world of genre television. A graduate of the AFDA School of Motion Picture Medium and Live Performance in Cape Town, Steven has built a diverse career spanning television, film, and producing. With a rapidly growing international profile and a strong connection to audiences worldwide, Steven John Ward continues to be one of South Africa’s most exciting talents.

Alexander Maniatis, Actor

Appearing Thursday 24 to Saturday 26 September

Key performances: Captain Kuro in One Piece (live adaptation)

Born in Pretoria, South Africa, Alexander studied drama at the Pretoria Arts Campus, Tshwane University of Technology. Alexander is known for his role as the devious villain and captain of The Black Cat Pirates Captain Kuro – also known as Klahadore – in the critically acclaimed Netflix live action adaptation of One Piece. His career as an actor kicked off in 2016 and since then has covered a wide range of genres where he portrays diverse roles in drama (Love, Lies and Hybrids), comedy (Asseblief en Dankie) and action (ICEseason 2). Maniatis also works as a voice artist and as a musician who sings and plays piano and guitar.

Jazzara Jasslyn, Actor

Appearing Thursday 24 to Saturday 26 September

Key performances: Miss Valentine in One Piece (live adaptation)

Jazzara Jaslyn is an award-winning South African actress, writer, and director, and a graduate of the University of Cape Town’s Theatre and Performance program. Jazzara has built a versatile career spanning international television, film, and elite stage productions. She is widely recognized for her role as Miss Valentine in the second season of Netflix’s global hit One Piece. Her television credits include starring as Jane Swann in the action-thriller Professionals (alongside Brendan Fraser), Eliza Pendleton in HBO’s Warrior, and Miranda Hugo in the M-Net drama Lioness. On stage, she has garnered acclaim for her performance as Alex Forrest in the adaptation of Fatal Attraction. Beyond acting, her 2024 debut short film, A Knowing, received nine international awards, followed by her 2026 project Strange Dance.

Nahum Hughes, Actor

Appearing Thursday 24 to Saturday 26 September

Key performances: Bartolomeo in One Piece (live adaptation )

Nahum Hughes is a dynamic South African actor whose versatility and strong screen presence have quickly positioned him as a rising force in international entertainment. He recently joined the global hit One Piece, portraying the bold and memorable Bartolomeo in the Loguetown arc, bringing fresh energy to the fan-favourite pirate. Before setting sail on this major role, Hughes delivered a standout performance as the lead in David: King of Israel. His growing body of work also includes appearances in Black Beauty, The Mauritanian, and the historical series Tutankhamun. An accomplished athlete and passionate motorcycle enthusiast, Hughes continues to build a career that spans powerful historical storytelling and high-energy global productions.

Martial T Batchamen, Actor

Appearing Thursday 24 to Saturday 26 September

Key performances: Brook in One Piece (live adaptation)

A Cameroonian-born actor and voice artist who grew up in South Africa, Martial has built a career across international film and television. He has appeared in productions including Redeeming Love, Tali’s Joburg Diary, and Unseen. Martial’s career continues to grow on the global stage with his casting in the hit live-action adaptation of One Piece, where he portrays the beloved pirate musician Brook, a key character whose story ties into one of the most emotional arcs of the series.

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Artist Alley is a vibrant celebration of creativity and the heartbeat of Comic Con Africa with Capitec. It’s a dedicated hall packed with over 200 local and international artists and crafters waiting to meet fans, sign memorabilia, and showcase their art. It is home to the Creators Corner stage which is packed with exiting talks on the creative industries. Artist Alley is also where fans get to meet spotlight guests who illustrate, write, and edit comics both locally and internationally for major publishing houses like Marvel and DC. Comic Con Africa with Capitec takes place over the Heritage Day long weekend, from 24 to 27 September, 9am to 6pm daily, at the Joburg Expo Centre, Nasrec.

Creators Corner Stage

The Creators Corner stage in Artist Alley hosts exciting talks and sessions with artists, educators, filmmakers, authors, and creative industry experts. Fans can participate in audience-driven Q&As with spotlight guests, or watch live draws where famous artists sketch their favourite characters from scratch, enlarged on the stage’s screens. Authors talk about how they broke into the industry to get published or make a career out of editing, while professionals from creative agencies discuss how to merge art and business without killing passion. Filmmakers share tips on thriving in indie filmmaking and making budgets go further, while content creators share tips on making shareable content. There are also practical how-to workshops on creating your own manga characters and book launches.

Local and Indie Artists

Comic Con Africa’s Artist Alley is the ultimate place to meet local and international artists and comic writers, buy artworks, discover new talent, network, and get inspired by the plethora of incredible artworks on the show floor. From paintings in oil and acrylic to limited edition prints, illustrations, pencil sketches, graphic art, comics and manga, and delicate watercolours, every style imaginable can be found in Comic Con’s Artist Alley. Find out more about the individual artists on the con’s website: https://comicconafrica.co.za/exhibitors-and-sponsors/

Crafters

Comic Con Africa’s dedicated Crafter’s Pavilion plays host to 30+ hand crafters, making all sorts of beautiful handcrafts from dice to crochet to jewellery to cute squishy plushies you just can’t leave behind. This is art of the 3D variety. The selected crafters are all dedicated to creating 100% handmade items with their own unique style, and they dedicate untold hours of work to each piece.

Urban Artists and Tattoo Artists

Comic Con Africa with Capitec also plays host to urban artists who create the murals and graffiti that decorate our cities and make them look unique. With tattoo artists on site, fans can get that Spongebob or Morty tattoo they’ve been planning for years to commemorate their Comic Con Africa 2026 experience, and make it an unforgettable con in more ways than one!

Spotlight Guests in Artist Alley

In 2026, Comic Con Africa with Capitec has a ton of incredible Spotlight Guests at the con. Some are super famous globally and others are respected homegrown talents, Here’s the complete list of the 2026 Spotlight Artists at Comic Con Africa, and their bios.

International Spotlight Guests

Dave McCaig

Artist and Colourist

Dave McCaig is an Inkpot and Ringo! award-winning artist and colourist working in comics and animation. He has worked on comics such as Invincible, The Walking Dead Deluxe, The Sacrificers, Low, and Image comics’ new hit Terminal. In animation, he was the colour supervisor on the 2004 animated series The Batman, and has created promotional artwork for the Invincible animated series.

Jim Cheung

Comic Book Artist

Jim hails from the sunny land of Great Britain and landed his first professional pencilling job at Marvel UK in the mid-90s. For 15 years, Jim worked exclusively with Marvel Comics, during which time he created titles such as Young Avengers and Infinity, and characters including Kate Bishop, Wiccan, and Corvus Glaive. His credits include Batman/Wonder Woman and Justice League for DC Comics, as well as numerous Marvel titles including Spider-Man: The Clone Conspiracy, Avengers vs X-Men, New Avengers, Illuminati, and Original Sin. His clients include Wizards of the Coast, Hasbro, Mattel, Amazon, Royal Mail, Blizzard, Dorling Kindersley Books, EPSN, New York Times, and The Folio Society.

Mike Rooth

Illustrator and Comic Book Artist

Mike Rooth is a Canadian Freelance Art Mercenary with an illustration career that spans two centuries! His artwork has appeared in hundreds of publications including board games, role playing games, children’s books, educational graphic novels and textbooks and more since the mid 1990’s. Rooth is best known for creating cover and interior art for comic companies such as DC Comics (Batman, The Swamp Thing), IDW (TMNT, TMNT: The Last Ronin), Dark Horse (Turtles of Grayskull, Usagi Yojimbo) Titan Comics/Heroic Signatures (Conan the Barbarian, Savage Sword of Conan), BOOM! Studios (The Last Witch, House of Slaughter), Image Comics (Rook Exodus, The Deviant, Department of Truth), Dynamite Entertainment (Vampirella, Red Sonja), Archie Comics, Aftershock Comics, Ablaze and many others. Mike tells us he can’t wait to meet everyone at Comic Con South Africa!

Mostafa Moussa

Comic Book Artist

Mostafa Moussa has been a professional comic book artist since the age of 18, and is a multiple Inkwell Award nominee. Over his career he has worked for Marvel, DC, Image, Top Cow, Dark Horse, Hasbro, IDW, Mad Cave, Dynamite, Boom, Action Lab, Coffin, Zenescope, and many other publishers. In recent years he’s had the opportunity to work on high profile titles with Marvel such as: SpiderMan, X-Men, Hulk, Venom, Moon Knight, Wolverine and Deadpool. With DC Comics Mostafa has worked on titles such as: Batman, Superman, Flash, Detective Comics, Poison Ivy, Blue Beetle, Green Lantern and the recent Batman/Wonder Woman: Truth. He resides in Houston, Texas.

Sam Humphries

Writer and TV Host

Sam Humphries is a writer and television host. He has written over 200 comic books, including work in the Harley Quinn, Avengers, X-Men, Power Rangers, and Guardians of the Galaxy franchises. His debut prose work, The Youngbloods trilogy with Gwenda Bond and Kami Garcia, was launched as an Audible Original. For Warner Bros. Digital, he co-hosted DC Daily, an entertainment news show which ran for 450 episodes. For Marvel Entertainment, he wrote the video game Marvel Contest of Champions, which has accumulated over 215 million global downloads. Other work includes the critically-acclaimed original comics Blackbird, Jonesy, and Skate Ali. He lives in Minneapolis with his cat, El Niño.

Local Spotlight Guests

Clyde Beech

Comic Book Artist and Multidisciplinary Creative

Clyde Beech is a multidisciplinary creative generalist and visual storyteller whose work has shaped South Africa’s comic and animation landscape. He served as Art Director and Colourist for the iconic Supa Strikas, co-developed the groundbreaking KWEZI series, and coloured Triggerfish’s award-winning Pearl of the Sea. His animation credits include Lionsgate’s Boy Kills World animated titles, the AfroComicCon award-winning Public Criticism music video, and collaborations with BlackNative Studios and The Hidden Hand Studios. Clyde also co-created SuperScientists Dig In! and produced its animated pilot. His upcoming graphic novel Siklus continues his exploration of resilience, community, and visual storytelling. With over 15 years of experience across comics and animation, Clyde bridges local and international studios, inspiring new generations of African creatives.

Jason Masters

Comic Book Artist

Jason Masters transitioned from working in advertising into a successful career as a comic book artist for major publishers such as DC, Marvel, and Dynamite Comics. Notable works include collaborations with Warren Ellis on Dynamite’s James Bond relaunch, earning widespread acclaim, while his Marvel accolades include work on Guardians of the Galaxy, Wolverines, and X-Men. Masters has also worked on various Batman titles, including Legends of the Dark Knight, Batman Incorporated, Batwoman, and Nightwing. Masters continues to contribute to popular series like Caster, a Webtoon comic featuring Common, and presently illustrates.

Sean Izaakse

Comic Book Artist

Sean Izaakse is a local comic book artist who entered the international comics scene with work for both DC and Marvel Comics. He has illustrated Fantastic Four, Avengers, Deadpool, Captain America, among others for Marvel. His DC work includes Green Arrow, Justice League Unlimited, Worlds Finest, Superman, and the recently released one-shot, DC KO : Superman vs Captain Atom #1,plus a range of awesome covers, including the upcoming Absolute Flash #14.

Local Urban Artists

ZAYL Arts

Muralist and Illustrator

The artist behind ZAYL Arts is Yolo Xulu. ZAYL combines “ZA” – South Africa – with “YL,” representing my names, Yolo Liso. As a South African muralist, Yolo creates bold, expressive and meaningful murals that transform spaces through colour, storytelling and identity. Yolo’s work brings people, brands and communities to life through art. Say Yolo, “I just love painting murals”. 

Moe Lycaen

Writer and Animator

Based out of Johannesburg, Moe has worked in both the Comics and Animation space, contributing to projects such as Kwezi and Captain South Africa, as well as across Pre-Production and Production pipelines on productions with companies such as Triggerfish, Disney Plus Africa (Kizazi Moto) and The Hidden Hand Studios. Currently, he runs LycaenStudios and teaches as a Sessional Lecturer at the University of the Witwatersrand.

Fok Alles

Muralist, Illustrator, and Graphic Designer

Fok Alles is an artist working across illustration, mural work and graphic design. His work is influenced by his passion for animation and comics. Fok Alles enjoys both creating his own original characters as well as creating his own versions of his favourite characters. His passion for drawing and animations came from watching cartoons on a Saturday morning as a kid.

Ali Bate

Toy Designer and Multidisciplinary Artist

Ali Bate is a toy designer and multidisciplinary artist from Johannesburg, South Africa. His work is heavily inspired by music, street and pop culture, and includes collaborations with Adidas, Shelflife, and Jordan. From action figures and statues to unique collectibles, his pieces are defined by an original style, with an emphasis on quality and craftsmanship.

-ENDS-

About Comic Con Africa

Comic Con Africa is the ultimate pop culture and gaming festival, offering fans a four-day experience of cosplay, international celebrities, autograph and photograph opportunities, gaming and tech, shopping, eSports tournaments, fandom-focused merch, tabletop gaming, trading card games and collectibles, anime, manga, interactive sessions, screenings, activations, KidsCon, and more. At Comic Con Africa, there is something for everyone from casual fans bona fide geeks. Tickets are available on Howler. For press enquiries please email press@comicconafrica.co.za. Visit www.comicconafrica.co.za.

Event Details
24 to 27 September 2026 from 09h00 to 18h00 daily
Johannesburg Expo Centre, Nasrec

Resources for Press

Visit https://reedexpo.box.com/s/j2zh4ufg2ui5kym2cyvwrxdvb07zbf8i for pictures, biographies, and more.

Contact press@comicconafrica.co.za

Please join our WhatsApp channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbAliFwJZg48gSqNW12W 

The post All About Artist Alley at Comic Con Africa with Capitec  appeared first on Tech Scene ZA.

Renowned actor and voice artist Christopher Judge will be appearing at Comic Con Africa from 25 to 27 September 2026. Christopher has enjoyed an illustrious career in tv series from Sci-Fi to comedy, as well as bringing to life the pivotal character Kratos in the epic video game God of War.

God of War is based on Norse mythology and received over a dozen game of the year awards when it was released in 2018. In 2022 Christopher reprised the role in the sequel God of War Ragnarok, which saw him win Best Performance for the character at the Game Awards of 2022, and Best Performer in a Leading Role from the 19^th British Academy Games Awards in 2023. Today, Kratos is considered one of the most recognisable characters in gaming history, and one of gaming’s most well-developed, complex, and introspective characters. Christopher’s portrayal of Kratos’ story arc in this narrative-driven action-adventure is part of what has defined the game for millions of fans around the world.

Christpher’s best-known performance in television was for his iconic portrayal of Teal’c in Stargate SG-1, and he appeared in more episodes in the series than any other cast member. Other shows he has appeared in include the iconic MacGuyver, the 90’s classic sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, and Sirens. He also voiced Magneto in the animated television series X-Men: Evolution, based on the Marvel Comics series. The Daytime Emmy Awards-winning series ran for four seasons.

Born Douglas Christopher Judge and raised in Los Angeles, California, Christopher attended the University of Oregon on a football scholarship before pursuing his lifelong passion for acting. With more than three decades in entertainment, he remains a beloved figure among fans across many genres.

Christopher Judge will appear for the first three days of the festival, from Friday 25 to Sunday 27 September. During his days at Comic Con Africa with Capitec, Christopher Judge will take part in interactive live activities and meet fans.

l  Panel discussions live on stage: fans will hear Christopher reflect on his illustrious career, hear how develops and shapes the characters he brings to life, and share stories from his time in the voice booth and behind the camera. He will also answer questions live from the thousands of fans at the con.

l  Autograph sessions and photograph opportunities: con-goers will be able to meet the actor in real life. Auto Ops are the chance to have Christopher sign fan memorabilia, while booking a Photo Op secures fans a professional photo keepsake side-by-side with the legend. These opportunities require an additional ticket purchase.

By bringing Christopher Judge to Comic Con Africa with Capitec in 2026, the festival is offering fans the chance to meet a titan of the gaming, Sci-Fi, and fantasy creative industries. It’s an unmissable moment, brought to you by the ultimate pop culture and gaming festival, Comic Con Africa with Capitec.

The post Christopher Judge Appears at Comic Con Africa 2026 appeared first on Tech Scene ZA.

30 July 2026

Comic Con Africa with Capitec returns to the Johannesburg Expo Centre, Nasrec, in September 2026. The show runs from Thursday 24 September through Sunday 27 September from 9am to 6pm daily. It turns out you don’t have to be a geek to love Comic Con Africa’s content. You could be an art collector or buyer, someone looking to learn about the creative industries and their career prospects, be wanting to upgrade or test the latest tech and gaming equipment, a family looking for a weekend of engaging entertainment, or even someone hoping to build industry connections.

Art Collectors, Gallerists, Art Buyers, and Artists

Art collectors, gallerists looking for artists, and art buyers can meet local artists. Artist Alley is packed with artists showing their original artworks, taking commissions, and even looking for artists to collab with. Pop culture as a theme covers a ton of ground, and the art at Comic Con Africa is not only based in comics and graphic novels. While there is a lot of comic content, art afficionados and those in the business of art will discover artists with their own personal compelling styles. Artists at the festival offer one-of-a-kind original paintings and drawings, prints, digital illustrations, and more across the spectrum of artistic disciplines. The festival gives a platform to local artists who want to build a name for themselves. With tens of thousands of people walking through the con doors every day, it represents an unmissable opportunity for these artists to grow their influence, and to meet up with a massive new audience. For artists, pushing their art on social media is one thing, but meeting buyers and collectors face-to-face in real life and having the opportunity to share what their art is all about and where they’re going, is a whole new dynamic. There are also lots of journalists in attendance at the con, giving artists a chance to publicise their work in the press.

Industry and Educational Content

The con brings together educators, professionals, and industry experts who share their knowledge in panels, talks, workshops, and presentations across a number of stages in the convention. For example the Artist Alley stage specifically features content around artists, and it is a place where con-goers can listen to speakers in the arts talk about how they built their careers, sharing tips for con-goers looking to do the same. Workshops on this stage also teach con-goers how to design their own comics or Mangas. Fans can listen to talks from animators and animation studios talking about their journeys from storyboard to feature length animation. The con also brings exclusive screenings from local animators, giving huge exposure to worthy productions. Other learning material covered by Comic Con Africa’s content includes insights into structuring, writing, and telling stories, information on cyber security, making a career as an actor, turning your story into a TV series, and breaking into Indie film making. Watch out for the release of Comic Con Africa with Capitec’s full 2026 programme.

Tech Shoppers and Gaming Consoles

For those who love tech and gaming, Comic Con Africa’s dedicated gaming hall is filled with tech shopping, gaming activities, and loads of consoles and games that casual players can try out for free. If you’re thinking about buying a new console or game, before making a huge investment, try it out at Comic Con Africa first in multiple free-to-play areas. If you’re keen to upgrade your rig, there are loads of retailers at the con selling parts and accessories at huge show specials. Ever heard of esports? It’s not just for the players. Con-goers can learn about the world of competitive gaming by watching nail-biting national tournament finales with eye-watering prize pools, seeing pros battle it out in daily comps, or even sign up in daily casual competitions to win tech prizes themselves.

Families and Kids

Comic Con Africa is packed with exciting family and kid-friendly activities. In 2026 the festival is bringing back KidsCon, which is a dedicated space within the convention just for kids with its very own Main Stage and kid-focussed content. Think photo ops with Mario and Luigi or YouTube sensations Noodle and Bun, tons of toy retailers with exciting new launches and specials, gaming zones and competitions, lessons on playing fun no-screen-required tabletop boardgames, and getting creative in art and animation workshops. Loads of fun awaits kids and families at KidsCon. It’s absolutely not your average family day out.

Building Connections

Comic Con Africa with Capitec is a key forum for trendsetters, as importers and manufacturers engage in product launch validation at the festival, giving con-goers the opportunity to find out about exciting new products first before they hit mass markets. As a natural consequence of being one of the most creatively fertile and niche gatherings in South Africa, the show brings together likeminded businesses looking to work together. Comic Con Africa has been the birthplace of successful commercial endeavours and joint ventures. Think creators and crafters getting to showcase their ideas to potential investors, inventors of toys and collectibles waiting to go viral, boardgames ready to be developed for a mass audience, video games on the verge of being played by millions, and books with storylines ready to be published or produced as hit series or films. Comic Con Africa also brings JETRO to the con, the Japan External Trade Organisation, which gives local businesses the chance to meet Japanese industry. This creates the opportunity for licensing and importing of Japanese IP, bringing exciting new products to South Africa.

The post Beyond Geekdom At Comic Con Africa appeared first on Tech Scene ZA.

This September, Comic Con Africa with Capitec brings to Johannesburg three voice actors from the animated science fiction hit show Rick and Morty. They are Ian Cardoni who voices the swashbuckling space cowboy Rick Sanchez, Harry Belden who voices Rick’s naive and idealistic grandson Morty Smith, and Spencer Grammer who voices Morty’s sarcastic but lovable sister Summer Smith.

The multi Prime Time Emmy Award-winning show follows the life of the Smith family as they navigate their everyday family dynamics while simultaneously embarking on spectacular interdimensional adventures through space. Since the show’s release in 2014, fans have come to love the show for its fantastical storylines, hysterical humour, signature animation style, and relatable domestic dramas. Packed with self-referential in-jokes, it has achieved both cult status and widespread acclaim.

All three voice actors will appear for the first three days of the festival, from Thursday 24 to Saturday 26 September.

During their days at Comic Con Africa, the actors will take part in interactive live activities.

l  Panel discussions live on stage: fans will hear the actors reflect on their careers, discuss their creative work, share stories from their time on set, and even answer questions from the crowds of fans at the con.

l  Autograph sessions and photograph opportunities: con-goers will be able to meet the actors in real life. Auto Ops are the chance to have one of the actors sign fan memorabilia, while booking a Photo Op secures fans a professional photo keepsake side-by-side with the star. These opportunities require an additional ticket purchase.

By bringing these voice actors to Comic Con Africa with Capitec 2026, the festival is giving fans an incredible opportunity to get up close with the magic of Rick and Morty, and experience a brush with international stardom.

Biography: Harry Belden as Morty Smith

Harry Belden is an American actor and voice actor best known for voicing Morty Smith in the Emmy Award-winning animated series Rick and Morty since 2023. Beginning his acting career at a young age, Belden has built a diverse portfolio spanning television, film, theatre, and voiceover work. His natural comedic timing, emotional range, and distinctive vocal performances have earned him recognition among audiences and industry professionals alike. As the voice of one of animation’s most beloved characters, Belden continues to bring humour, heart, and authenticity to projects across entertainment media.

Biography: Spencer Grammer as Summer Smith

Spencer Grammer is an American actress best known for voicing Summer Smith in the Emmy Award-winning animated series Rick and Morty. With a career spanning television, film, and voice acting, she has earned recognition for her versatility and engaging performances across a variety of genres. Grammer first gained widespread attention for her role as Casey Cartwright on the hit comedy-drama series Greek and has since appeared in numerous television and film projects. As the voice of Summer Smith, she has helped bring one of animation’s most iconic modern characters to life, earning a devoted fan following around the world.

Biography: Ian Cardoni as Rich Sanchez

Born and raised just outside of Boston, Ian Cardoni currently stars in Adult Swim’s two-time Emmy Award-winning animated comedy series Rick and Morty as the titular character Rick Sanchez. Cardoni stepped into the iconic role at the start of season 7 and can be heard as the voice of Rick in seasons 7 and 8 which are available to watch on HBO Max, with season 9 currently airing on Adult Swim as of May 24, 2026. The hit series has been renewed through season 12.

Cardoni has voiced numerous roles across adult and children’s animation, video games, TV promos, and commercials, including recent roles in the Children’s & Family Emmy-nominated and Annie Award-nominated Nickelodeon series Rock, Paper, Scissors, in Fox’s animated series Krapopolis, and in the Sony Pictures Classic film Scarlet from Academy Award-nominated director Mamoru Hosoda which had its national theatrical release on February 13, 2026, and was an official selection at Venice and Toronto international film festivals in 2025. Cardoni’s voice has also been heard announcing for WWE, SyFy Network, Apple TV, and Disney+.

In the video game space, Cardoni has voiced roles across various critically-acclaimed titles, including DC: Dark Legion by Warner Brothers Games, CookieRun: The Darkest Night by Devsisters, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 & 4 by Iron Galaxy, and he reprised his Rick and Morty role of Rick Sanchez in the chart-topping game MultiVersus from Warner Brothers Games which has received multiple Game Awards nominations. Most recently, Cardoni can be heard as the villain Magrus in third-person action game Romeo is a Dead Man by Grasshopper Manufacture and legendary developer Suda51, which released in February 2026.

Outside of his acting career, Cardoni is a proud and active Emerson College alumni who spends his time on philanthropic ventures and educational endeavours. He currently resides in Los Angeles with his wife.

The post Three Voice Actors from Rick and Morty to Appear at Comic Con Africa 2026 appeared first on Tech Scene ZA.