Comic Con to Debut in Kochi on February 28–March 1, 2026
Presented by Maruti Suzuki Arena and powered by Crunchyroll, the maiden edition will be hosted on February 28 and March 1, 2026, at AICC Angamaly, Ernakulam.
Kerala: After unveiling Guwahati and Jaipur as its newest destinations, Comic Con India, one of the biggest pop-culture celebrations in India, announced Kochi as the next city to join the list. Presented by Maruti Suzuki Arena and powered by Crunchyroll, the maiden edition will be hosted on February 28 and March 1, 2026, at AICC Angamaly, Ernakulam.
Since its debut in 2011, Comic Con has grown year after year, evolving into one of the most anticipated events in pop culture with the purpose of making the celebration accessible to all. The initiative will assemble some of the top creators and allow them to connect with their fans, exchange ideas, and take mental notes on how to pursue a future in this creative industry.
Akshat Rathee, Co-founder and MD, NODWIN Gaming, said, “Kochi has always balanced heritage and modern creativity in a way few cities can. The same city that grew up on Mayavi, Luttappi, and old Malayalam comic traditions is now also home to thriving cosplay circles, anime communities, and gaming cafes full of young talent. Fans from Kerala have long stood out at Comic Cons across the country, and it is time they get their own platform here at home. Kochi is ready for Comic Con, and we are excited to celebrate a culture that has been growing with so much heart.”
For an entire generation, Malayalam comics served as a core source of entertainment, with books like Chandamama, Champak, and Malayalam editions of Amar Chitra Katha shaping the state’s reading culture. Kerala also has a fanbase for its very own superhero characters like Minnal Murali, a global sensation about a tailor getting lightning powers, and the recent blockbuster Lokah: Chapter 1 - Chandra, another popular Malayalam superhero film introducing India's first female superhero, Chandra, a vampire rooted in folklore.
Today, Kerala has rapidly evolved into a vibrant hub for anime enthusiasts, emerging cosplay communities, gaming circles, and a growing creator ecosystem. This unique blend of rich cultural heritage and a progressive youth culture makes Kochi an ideal destination to host a large-scale global event like Comic Con for the very first time.
Shefali Johnson, CEO, Comic Con India, added, “Kochi has a warmth and openness that makes it a special place for creative communities. Whether you walk through an art workshop in Fort Kochi, a college fest in Kalamassery, or a small gaming cafe tucked into a busy street, you find people who genuinely enjoy sharing ideas and learning from each other. That sense of community is exactly what Comic Con celebrates. Our hope is that this edition becomes a place where Kerala’s fans, artists, cosplayers, and young creators feel supported and inspired to keep growing.”
Kochi’s cosmopolitan identity and centuries of cultural hub, aligns naturally with Comic Con’s ethos of diversity and cultural exchange without boundaries. Fans can immerse themselves in their favorite comics, interact with international and Indian guests, explore the latest anime and manga series, grab fun collectibles, enjoy vibrant gaming arenas, and pose with cosplayers. The event also features engaging panel sessions, live performances, cosplay competitions, stand-up comedy, musical acts, and a range of immersive experiences.
Tickets for Kochi Comic Con 2026, scheduled for February 28 & March 1, are now live exclusively on the District app by Zomato.