Mumbai Film & Comics Convention (MFCC) organised by Comic-Con India received accolades from participants and fans from across all age groups. The three day fest took place at the Bombay Exhibition Centre from December 19-21 2014. MFCC 2014 hosted interactive and experiential 50 hours of programming through panels, launches, gaming, video hangouts and more.
But there is one heart breaking news for all the Comic-Con fans in New Delhi, as the event which was scheduled for February 2015 has been cancelled; the reason being unavailability of the venue leading to a change in both venue and date. Comic-Con Delhi will be held from 4-6 December 2015, couple of weeks before the next Mumbai edition. So in 2015 Bangalore Comic-Con will be held from 3-5 April, Hyderabad from 13-14 June and Mumbai from 19-20 December 2015.
“Mumbai crowd love comics and they showed their love at Comic-Con this weekend. It was an awesome experience for all of us, thanks to all the fans who visited us! We’ll be back next year even bigger and better, with a lot more on offer,” said Comic Con India, Founder Jatin Varma.
Mumbaikars got to witness and meet some of the best international authors and artists who came in especially for this three day convention from across the globe. Nick Spencer, a New York Times-bestselling comic’s writer, best known for his creator-owned hits Morning Glories, Bedlam, and The Infinite Vacation was thrilled from the fans response.
“This is my first trip to India and it just feels great to be part of such an event. I have been giving autographs, getting myself clicked with fans last two days. I wish they invite me next year as well,” expressed Nick.
This was Nicolas Wild sixth trip to India; a wandering French writer and illustrator, and author of the critically acclaimed title, Kabul Disco. “I love coming to India, it’s amazing. It’s very soothing to see Indian people dressed as various comic characters.”
Dan Goldman, writer for graphic novels and illustrator for Ratapallax publication Priya’s Shakti was seen attending and taking special sessions at MFCC. “My new comic on rape survivors – Priya’s Shakti has been getting a remarkable response. But in terms of Comic-Con it looks very similar to the one held at Ney York or San Diego, I was expecting it to be more Indian-ised, I wanted to see people dressed as Indian characters than Superman or Hulk etc.,” said Dan.
For the first time ever Comic-Con India brought in an international actor as a special guest. Mark Gatiss, actor and co-creator of Sherlock (BBC) attended MFCC 2014. He was part of a special panel and took a special fan session on Sherlock. There was also a screening of Doctor Who 50th Anniversary Special – An Adventure In Space & Time that took place as a special treat for fans.
Steven Moffat co-creator of Sherlock and co-writer of the Adventures of Tintin had an exclusive live chat (via skype) with the fans.
One of the major highlights of the event was the Star Wars Experiential Zone by Disney. It was one of its kind experience zone created to enthral the fan boys. The Star Wars zone was designed to resemble the bridge of a star destroyer with snazzy and futuristic display, equipped with Star Wars weapons, character figurines and inspired art. Padawans could feel the Force with the iconic lightsabers and fans seemed really happy and excited getting themselves clicked, as the experience was like never before. Star Wars enthusiasts also won limited edition collectible posters of Star Wars and Marvel.
MFCC 2014 saw over 15 exclusive book launches. The most awaited Priya’s Shakti by Ram Devineni got launched at the Convention. Holy Cow Entertainment launched Aghori Issue 12 whereas Campfire launched Kaurava Empire II and Ganesh: The Wonder Years. Cartoon Network Remix Volumes 1 and 2 by Pepper Script, Train of Thoughts – The Bridge by Crimzon Studios and The Caravan – Blood War Issue 2 by Yali Dreams were amongst the other interesting launches at the convention.
Merchandise was a huge hit too. Awesome Anime & Manga Merch from Japanese Merchandiser IINE Toys, along with the best and limited international merchandise such as Marvel Comics and KidRobot Toys was brought in from across the globe. Also, there was presence of some exclusive Indian merchandisers including Wacom, Chimp, Item Number, Sony DADC, Graphic Curry, F-Gali, Planet Superheroes, Lazy Ninja, Fukwas, Urban Viking, Something Sketchy, Bewakoof.com and lots more.
Fans who come dressed as their favourite comic’s characters stole the show. And this year as always, Cosplayers won tons of prizes. One lucky winner out of the chosen 5 also won a trip to Oz Comic-Con.
“All these trips are sponsored by us, from the money we get from tickets and booth sale. Cosplay has become an important part of Comic-Cons all over the world, so this year we decided that the lucky winner will get a chance to go to Oz Comic-Con, Sydney in 2015,” ended Jatin.