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A bigger stage for pop culture in Hyderabad

Hyderabad will open Comic Con India’s 13th edition from October 31 to November 2 at the HITEX Exhibition Centre, marking the first stop of the 2025–26 season. The three-day event brings together comics, cosplay, gaming, anime, films, television, and exclusive merchandise under one roof. Last year’s city edition drew a record-breaking crowd of more than 40,000, signaling the scale at which the fandom community now gathers in Hyderabad.

Owned by Nodwin Gaming, Comic Con India says it is doubling down on immersive experiences this season, with expanded esports, exclusive panels and launches, and a programming slate designed to cater to first-time visitors and long-time fans alike.

International and Indian headliners

The guest list blends global names with homegrown talent, reflecting the cross-border nature of today’s pop culture.

  • International guests:
  • Mike Costa, writer and executive producer associated with the TV series Lucifer

  • J. Gonzo, comic-book artist known for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Ghost Rider, Aliens, and The Toxic Avenger

  • Indian performers and acts:

  • Syed Bashaar, Karan Singh, Celinedee Matahari, Vivek Muralidharan
  • Geek Fruit (band/podcast)
  • Kayden Sharma and Mc Maahaa (rapper-singers)

  • Black Diamond (hip-hop crew) and Team Artista (dance collective)

  • Indian comics and illustration lineup:

  • Rahil Mohsin (Hallubol)
  • Savio Mascarenhas (Art of Savio; Tinkle and Amar Chitra Katha)
  • Faisal Mohammed (Garbage Bin Comics)
  • Shubham Khurana (CorporatComics)
  • Prasad Bhat (Graphicurry)
  • Vivek Goel (Holy Cow Entertainment)
  • Rajesh Nagulakonda (illustrator and art director)

What to expect on the floor

Spanning fandoms and formats, the Hyderabad edition promises a packed program that blends spectacle with community-driven experiences.

  • Cosplay: Appearances by seasoned cosplayers and newcomers, with opportunities for showcases and community meet-ups.
  • Gaming and esports: Competitive play and spectator experiences, part of the event’s broader focus on gaming culture.
  • Panels and launches: Sessions with artists, writers, and industry figures, plus exclusive reveals and merchandise drops.
  • Artist alley and creator zones: Direct engagement with illustrators, writers, and independent studios.
  • Merchandise and collectibles: Limited runs, exclusive prints, and memorabilia across comic, anime, and cinematic universes.

Tinkle and Indian storytelling take center stage

A notable thread this year is the spotlight on Indian comics heritage. Savio Mascarenhas—longtime artist with Tinkle and Amar Chitra Katha—will headline multiple activities celebrating Tinkle’s enduring appeal across generations. Visitors can expect:

  • Six immersive Tinkle stalls designed for families and young readers
  • A special 45th anniversary bumper issue of Tinkle
  • An interactive comic-making activity for children
  • Suppandi-themed T-shirts and city-specific posters

Savio’s sessions are expected to highlight how beloved characters like Shambhu and Suppandi have evolved in style while retaining their core traits, reflecting a balance between modern production techniques and nostalgic storytelling.

Hyderabad’s role in a growing circuit

By hosting the first leg of the 2025–26 season, Hyderabad underscores its position on India’s entertainment and events circuit. The city’s enthusiastic cosplay community, strong turnout in 2024, and modern exhibition infrastructure make it a natural hub for large-scale pop culture gatherings. For independent artists and small studios, the show offers access to a concentrated audience of buyers, collaborators, and fans.

How to attend

  • Dates: October 31 to November 2
  • Venue: HITEX Exhibition Centre, Hyderabad
  • Tickets: Available via District (https://www.district.in/events/hyderabad-comic-con-2025-1-buy-tickets)
  • Event information: www.comicconindia.com

Visitors planning to attend on peak weekend hours may wish to arrive early for entry and popular sessions, as footfall typically spikes around headline panels and cosplay showcases.

Why it matters

Comic Con India’s Hyderabad edition is more than a weekend diversion; it is a platform where creative industries meet community. The event provides a marketplace for artists and independent labels, a stage for performers and cosplayers, and a recruitment ground for gaming and content ecosystems. For families, it is a gateway to Indian comics and storytelling traditions that continue to evolve alongside anime, gaming, and streaming cultures. For the city, it strengthens Hyderabad’s reputation as a destination capable of hosting high-footfall cultural events that draw diverse audiences and support the local events economy.