Comic Con India returns to Hyderabad for its 13th edition

Comic Con India makes its return to Hyderabad with its 13th edition this year — a three-day celebration of pop culture running from October 31st to November 2nd. The event has grown into something of a family tradition for many in the city.

Visitors can expect an immersive line-up that brings together the best of fandoms — from cosplay and gaming to films, television, anime and exclusive merchandise.

This year’s edition will also feature international guests, including Mike Costa, the writer and executive producer best known for Lucifer, and J. Gonzo, the celebrated comic-book artist behind titles such as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Ghost Rider, Aliens and The Toxic Avenger.

Adding to the mix is a strong line-up of Indian performers: Syed Bashaar (comedian), Karan Singh (magician), Celinedee Matahari (singer), Vivek Muralidharan (comedian), Geek Fruit (band/podcast), Kayden Sharma (rapper-singer), Mc Maahaa (rapper-singer), Black Diamond (hip-hop crew) and Team Artista (dance collective).

“Hyderabad is the first host city for Comic Con this year,” says Akshat Rathee, co-founder and Managing Director of Nodwin Gaming, which owns 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 thrilling esports battles to exclusive panels and launches, Comic Con India 2025–2026 will celebrate everything that defines pop culture.”

Last year’s Hyderabad Comic Con 2024 drew a record-breaking 40,000-plus attendees, bringing together gamers, comic book fans, creators, and pop culture enthusiasts under one roof.

This year, the Indian artist line-up includes some of the country’s most recognised illustrators and storytellers: Rahil Mohsin (Hallubol), Savio Mascarenhas (Art of Savio), Faisal Mohammed (Garbage Bin Comics), Shubham Khurana (CorporatComics), Prasad Bhat (Graphicurry), Vivek Goel (Holy Cow Entertainment), and Rajesh Nagulakonda (illustrator and art director), among others.

Tinkle’s stars

Savio Mascarenhas, the artist behind Tinkle and Amar Chitra Katha, will be at the event. He spoke about his journey — from being a childhood fan of these comics to now shaping the very characters he once admired, such as Shambhu and Suppandi.

Savio shared that while he has introduced subtle updates to these beloved figures, the essence of their original personalities remains untouched. “With me taking over, there are slight changes to the characters,” he said, “but nothing that distorts their core.”

He spoke warmly of the enduring affection that readers have for Shambhu, and of the curiosity surrounding one of Indian comics’ longest-running mysteries — his hidden eyes. “I grew up reading Tinkle in the 1970s and ’80s, and in 1997 I took over sketching the character from Vasant Halbe, the original artist,” Savio said. “Around the same time, I also began illustrating Suppandi, aiming to continue their legacy while adding my own touch.”

As a lifelong Tinkle fan himself, Savio once asked Halbe about the secret behind Shambhu’s hidden eyes. “He told me that the covered eyes make Shambhu unique — it sets him apart from other forest rangers,” Savio recalled. “Halbe also shared a humorous explanation — that Shambhu keeps his eyes hidden because he’s scared of animals!”

Maintaining this signature detail, Savio added, is often a creative challenge. “Even in scenes where his hat flies off, I have to find clever ways to ensure his eyes remain unseen,” he laughed.

Speaking about Tinkle’s timeless appeal, Savio expressed pride in its distinct brand of Indian storytelling — stories that blend humour, heart, and a deep sense of cultural familiarity that continues to resonate with generations of readers.

In an era ruled by anime and gaming, Savio believes Tinkle and Amar Chitra Katha remain relevant because of their roots in Indian storytelling. Their audience, he says, now spans generations — adults who once read the comics pass them on to their children as part of a shared legacy.

“It’s the Indian storytelling — the subtle messaging around gender equality and childhood issues without stating values outright — 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.

Sharing details of upcoming initiatives at the Hyderabad Comic Con, Savio mentioned the launch of Suppandi-themed T-shirts, six immersive Tinkle stalls, and a 45th anniversary bumper issue of Tinkle. “There will also be special city-specific posters and an interactive comic-making activity for children,” he added.

Comic Con 2025-2026 will be on from Oct 31 November 2 at HITEX Exhibition Centre.

Tickets available on: https://www.district.in/events/hyderabad-comic-con-2025-1-buy-tickets

For details: www.comicconindia.com