The wait is finally over for pop-culture enthusiasts in Kerala. Comic Con India, the subcontinent’s largest celebration of pop culture, has officially announced its expansion into the coastal city of Kochi. Following recent announcements for Guwahati and Jaipur, Kochi becomes the latest destination to join the roster, with its maiden edition scheduled for February 28 and March 1, 2026.
The inaugural event will be hosted at the AICC Angamaly, Ernakulam. In line with its massive scale, the event is presented by Maruti Suzuki Arena and powered by the anime streaming giant, Crunchyroll. Since its debut in 2011, Comic Con has evolved into one of the most anticipated events in the country, designed to make pop culture accessible to everyone.
For observers of the Indian gaming and creative sectors, the move to Kochi is a strategic one. Akshat Rathee, Co-founder and MD of NODWIN Gaming, highlighted the city’s unique position.
“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.”
Shefali Johnson, CEO of Comic Con India, echoed this sentiment, pointing to the warmth and openness of Kochi’s 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,” Johnson said.
Local Heroes and Global Fandoms Kerala’s pop-culture roots run deep. The state has a robust reading culture shaped by Malayalam comics and magazines like Champak and Chandamama.
The region also boasts a dedicated fanbase for homegrown superheroes. This includes the global sensation Minnal Murali—the story of a tailor who gains lightning powers—and the recent blockbuster Lokah: Chapter 1 – Chandra, which introduced India’s first female superhero, a vampire rooted in folklore. This blend of rich heritage and progressive youth culture makes Kochi an ideal destination for a large-scale global event.
What to Expect: Gaming, Cosplay, and More The Kochi edition promises a full-spectrum experience for fans. Attendees can immerse themselves in:
Live Entertainment: The schedule features panel sessions, stand-up comedy, musical acts, and live performances.
Gaming Arenas: Vibrant zones dedicated to gaming.
Cosplay: Competitions and opportunities to pose with cosplayers.
Merchandise & Comics: Access to favorite comics, international and Indian guests, and fun collectibles.
The NODWIN Gaming Connection This expansion comes after Comic Con India was acquired by NODWIN Gaming earlier this year. NODWIN, a subsidiary of Nazara Technologies, is a significant player in the global esports and gaming industry, valued at $349 million as of 2023.
With investors including KRAFTON Inc, Sony Group Corporation, and Nazara, NODWIN focuses on building and monetizing gaming IPs like leagues and tournaments. This aligns with their strategy to cater to the youth demographic and expand their Total Addressable Market (TAM) in the digital entertainment landscape.
Ticket Information Tickets for Kochi Comic Con 2026 are now live. They are available exclusively on the District app by Zomato.
For more details, fans can visit the official website at www.comicconindia.com.