Want fun? Toon in to Comic Con

New Delhi: Be it the gentle and loyal Hodor of 'Game of Thrones' fame, or Rob Denbleyker, the creator of satirical webcomic 'Cyanide & Happiness', this December has a lot for comic book buffs to offer. With the fifth edition of Comic Con Delhi starting December 4, pop culture fiends will see the entertainers with the likes of Kristian Nairn of the fantasy series, and Ty Templeton, a Canadian comic book artist, hit the NSIC exhibition complex, Okhla. As this three-day comic-based convention will feature launches, costume play contests, gaming tournaments, special panels, fan sessions and an exhibition of comic book and pop culture merchandise, 'Cosplay' or costume play is set to be a major attraction among children and adults alike; for this is the session where they can dress up as their favourite comic book characters with many taking to professional 'cosplaying'. Gamers can also have their share of fun at Nodwin gaming zone. In the past five years, the event has succeeded in cultivating a huge fan base in different parts of the world, and has grown to house not just comic book-related activities but everything that comes under the genre of popular culture, be it television series or movies."It has grown on many levels since it started. Gradually, it is incorporating a lot more elements from popular culture. And the Delhi chapter of Comic Con India gets a huge response because people here are willing to try out new things," says Jatin Varma, the founder of Comic Con India.The event will feature nine book launches, including various Indie comics and non-fiction graphic novels like the biography of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam and the one that highlights the dark elements in the history of communist movement in India. Workshops on creation of characters and comic strips will also be held. A dedicated artist alley will see fans interacting with artists, illustrators and designers from all over the country. Dinesh Shamdasani, CEO of Valiant Entertainment, will be among the special guests.