Passion, friendship, fun: Super Fan Jason Rip's tips for the best Comic Con Africa experience
Comic Con Africa Super Fan Jason Rip says when cosplaying, the first and most important step is choosing a character you're passionate about.
Comic Con Africa Super Fan, Jason Rip. Picture: Supplied
JOHANNESBURG – Cosplay is a great form of art to express your passion for a character or franchise.
Comic Con Africa Super Fan, Jason Rip, says when cosplaying, the first and most important step is choosing a character you're passionate about.
Rip has been attending the festival since 2018 and is looking forward to showing off his latest costume at this year's event.
“I've been going to Comic Con Africa since the first one in 2018 at the Kyalami race track. I remember early that year when I first heard that Comic Con was coming to Africa, my mind was blown away. I shared it with all my friends, and we were like: 'This is the greatest news of our lifetime,'" said Rip.
Taking place at the Johannesburg Expo Centre (Nasrec) from 26 to 29 September, the event promises to be a vibrant meeting point of art, creativity and fandom.
"And I have been going to every Comic Con that's been happening in Johannesburg and looking back now, reminds me how far we have come as a community on how the shows keep getting bigger and better every year."
He told Eyewitness News that he keeps going back to Comic Con Africa because that’s where he gets to spend an entire week with his friends.
"There are so many things to see and do that are very appealing to me, whether you're interested in video games, comics, movies or anime. Comic Con Africa is an amazing event where you get to meet like-minded people to express your interests and hobbies through cosplay, panel hosting or art. I consider Comic Con Africa to be my Ultra Musical Festival, but it has a cool fantasy/science fiction twist to it."
READ: Comic Con Africa thrusts SA's geek culture into the limelight
Star Wars actor, Anthony Daniels (left), and Comic Con Africa Super Fan, Jason Rip. Picture: Supplied.
Rip shares how when legendary actor, Anthony Daniels, who starred in the Star Wars franchise, signed an autograph for him is a top highlight of the festival.
“Last year's highlight for me was to meet the legendary actor, Anthony Daniels, who played C-3PO in all of the Star Wars movies. Meeting him in person to get a picture with him and getting his autograph on my C-3PO statue that is sitting proudly in my gamer den, words can barely describe the amount of joy I had in those moments I had with him."
Comic Con Africa is a platform that highlights how large geek culture is in South Africa. It offers a world-class experience from top global entertainment brands.
Rip advises newcomers to plan their journeys and familiarise themselves with what is offered, as there will be tons of activities and content around various topics and genres.
"Coming from experience, the best advice I can give to newcomers is to have a solid plan on whom you want to go with, what you want to do and what you want to buy. The best way to maximise your planning is to read the official schedules on Comic Con Africa’s website or app. Listen to some of your friends on where they're going to be and see if you can meet up there to try some activities like cosplay competition, Dungeons and Dragons sessions, Esport activities and where to meet for lunch. But the most important advice is to stay hydrated, so drink lots of water and only water. Also, wear comfortable clothing if you're just going there casually."