My first Comic Con in Kenya was around 2015—the very first of its kind in the country. I had no expectations; it was just a fun gathering of nerds, and I went to support my bestie, who ended up winning the cosplay event as Lara Croft (a groundbreaking moment). The second con was bigger, with booths, activities, and an even higher standard of cosplay.
Almost a decade later, we now have three recurring cons (MJX, Naicon, and Otamatsuri, with an honorary mention to Coscom), which is impressive progress. Honestly, I wasn’t sure they’d make it this far—hear me out! The cons used to attract the exact same crowd, it felt like consecutive gatherings of the same group of friends. While that’s not necessarily a bad thing, it’s unsustainable. What happens if those core attendees stop coming? The numbers would drop significantly.
Fortunately, in the past couple of years, there’s been noticeable growth. The cons are now promoting outside their usual circles, reaching new audiences. Some have even expanded outside Nairobi, and others have begun targeting kids and teenagers, which is fantastic for keeping the culture alive. These efforts to attract more people are great, but here’s the big question: have the cons themselves evolved? The short answer is not really.
Once you’ve been to one, you’ve essentially been to them all. This is just my opinion and observation. However, other attendees have expressed similar sentiments, along with additional reasons. To understand where things go wrong, let’s take a closer look at the elements that make up these cons.
COSPLAY
Cosplay is the backbone of any good con (according to me), with attendees bringing their favourite characters to life. There are several types of Cosplayers: Casual cosplayers, Gender-bending Cosplayers, Crossplayer Cosplayers, humanisation Cosplay, Canon Cosplay etc. However, at the local cons, you’ll mostly find canon cosplayers—those dressed accurately as characters.
When cons first started, cosplayers had limited options, often crafting their costumes from scratch. Thankfully, skills and access to costume shops have grown, though many still prefer making their own, especially for more complex costumes like armour. That said for cosplay to flourish, we need greater access to materials and more partnerships with professional costume designers. Organizing cosplay classes—ranging from makeup, Cosplay on a budget and costume design to sewing—could also help.
Imagine the potential if more people cosplayed Kenyan characters—ultimate goal unlocked! Con organizers could foster this growth by facilitating these connections and conversations within the community.
Another challenge has been the rise of the “It Girl" group, who would actively put down other cosplayers in an attempt to discourage them. This type of elitism in a small community could have stifled the community’s growth, fortunately, more creative and inclusive cosplayers have emerged to balance things out. I do hope such groups don’t pop up again.
Cosplay competitions need standardized judging criteria, like how well a character is embodied or how polished a costume is. This will deter people from voting for people based on the cosplayer's sex appeal (not a bad thing) and mean that those with better cosplays stand a chance to win. Transparent criteria would ensure fair evaluation and encourage new cosplayers to participate. Also, introducing categories would give everyone, from novices to veterans, a chance to shine.
I’d love to see more cosplayers branch out and experiment with the other categories, like genderbending or mashup cosplays. Asgar (Asgar )does do a couple of genderbending on his page, he does great cosplays (yes! I am shamefully plugging in my faves).
ACTIVITIES/ ENTERTAINMENT
Now that we've covered cosplay and its evolution, let's dive into the heart of any good con: entertainment. Originally, cons felt like reunion events for friends, which was great, but as an attendee, buying a ticket is an investment, and I expect a solid return on that investment (ROI). So let’s look at what the entertainment looks like at cons;
First up, panels - In international cons, these often feature celebrities discussing their passions and answering audience questions. In Kenya, we've had a mix—some cons have brought in animators and comic artists to host panels, which, unfortunately, didn’t gain much traction and were eventually phased out. Other panels have focused on unrelated topics like influencing and YouTube. However, there has been a shift back to the core of cons, with some now hosting panels on the creative industry, offering tips on drawing, and more. I’d love to see more workshops for cosplayers (no hidden agenda here, I promise!).
Next, let’s talk about screenings. Occasionally, you might find a screening room at a con, showcasing new releases or locally made films like Supamodo. It’s a fantastic way to watch something special with people who truly appreciate it. Some cons even feature short film competitions judged by a panel, with the best one winning a cash prize. My only critique of the competition is as always criteria. What are the criteria for judging/rating these films? Can the audience also be included in the voting? such that there will be a film that wins based on the judges' criteria and a film that wins based on being a fan favourite.
Gamers, you’re not left out. Some cons offer mobile gaming competitions, eSports tournaments, and even LAN parties that can run overnight. Over the years, there have also been activities introduced for different age groups, like bouncy castles, chess, and foosball, which is a smart move since kids need physical activities to stay engaged. And let’s be real, adults need things to do too—we need activities that encourage socializing, not just spending money. Tabletop games should be a staple at every con, and I’m not budging on that.
Karaoke and dance activities are sometimes available, with areas for Dance Dance Revolution, K-pop dances, and more. But I think there’s room for improvement—how about a “Finish the Lyrics” challenge for K-pop songs or anime intros? Or a dance-off where participants have to finish a dance move? Kids would probably dominate these!
Trivia is another common feature, though each con handles it differently—some require sign-ups before the event, others do it on the spot, and some include it in the event program. Personally, I think integrating it into the program is best, so people can sign up even if they didn’t know about it beforehand.
Finally, here’s a thought: what if we had a storytime corner at cons? I know it sounds unusual, but hear me out. Libraries here are often more reference-oriented, lacking storytime spaces. Imagine if Cons, with their many participating bookstores, hosted a storytime corner where comics and short stories were read aloud to kids and adults. We could even take it a step further with short plays based on these stories, collaborating with cosplayers to bring them to life.
Are there things I’d like to see? Absolutely. I’d love to see set designers have a space to showcase their craft and lead workshops. Bringing in costume designers would be fantastic, as well as special effects makeup artists sharing their skills through hands-on panels.
VENDORS
Now that we've explored the activities, let's dive into what you can spend money on at a Con.
Memorabilia: Cons are often seen as capitalistic spaces where you can spend a lot of money, but they’re also about building and supporting the community. You'll find a wide range of vendors selling everything from stickers and posters to T-shirts and collectables. If you go without a budget, you could easily spend Ksh. 10K, so it’s wise to plan ahead. However, it's also a great place to make contacts for future purchases. Some notable vendors include Nairobi Otaku Shop, Arraygato, Raim Collection and Sugoiii World.
Comic Books: For those interested in locally made comics, cons offer a unique opportunity to connect with creators. Many booths are dedicated to showcasing and selling these local comics, allowing you to learn about the creators’ processes and even purchase their work. However, some comics could benefit from better editing and more thorough feedback before they hit the market. Personally, I find it off-putting when a comic has too many errors, but I still believe in supporting local artists whenever possible. Besides local comics, you’ll also find random issues from major publishers like Marvel, DC, and Image Comics, although it’s rare to find full sequential collections. On occasion, you might stumble upon graphic novels that follow each other, which are always worth grabbing. Despite the limitations, it is still a great place to discover new comics. Honourable mentions include Avandu Vosi , Shadow Walkers and VX Comics.
Books: If you’re a book lover, cons are a fantastic place to discover new bookstores, especially those that offer hidden gems. While you’ll still find mainstream bookstores like BooksFirst and Textbook Centre, the real treasures are in the thrift book vendors. These vendors often have rare finds like complete Calvin and Hobbes collections, Wicked, and other previously owned books at great prices. Even if you’re on a budget, it’s worth getting their contact information or Instagram handles for future purchases. Take your time to browse their collections—you never know what you might find.
Tech and Gaming: While tech and gaming items are typically on the expensive side, cons offer a great opportunity to explore what’s out there. Even if you don’t plan to buy anything, you can often try out the latest gadgets and sometimes walk away with a goodie bag full of fun trinkets (and who doesn’t love free stuff?). The presence of tech and gaming vendors at cons is important for visibility. By the end of the con, you’ll have several options for where to buy games and tech. These vendors are definitely worth checking out.
Food Vendors: When it comes to food, cons can be hit or miss. While they offer a chance to try out different foods, some cons have limited options, so it might be wise to eat before you arrive, especially if you have dietary restrictions. However, if you have a sweet tooth, cons are a goldmine. You’re almost guaranteed to find vendors selling superhero-themed cupcakes or cookies, which could be great for future themed parties. It’s also a good idea to get the contact information of these vendors for future events.
Are there vendors I'd like to see more of? Yes, thank you for asking! I'd love to see more vendors selling cosplay items—everything from wigs and contact lenses to accessories and materials. Basically, let's give cosplay the attention it deserves. Also, is it weird to ask for frame vendors? Hear me out: if you've been attending cons for a while, you probably have some movie posters. Personally, I have several, but I haven’t hung them up because finding frames has been a struggle. They deserve to be displayed with love, not just stuck on the wall.
FEEDBACK OPPORTUNITIES
When it’s all said and done, some cons have evolved significantly, while others haven't, which is unfortunate. Regardless, every con should have a way to collect feedback. As a data lover, I’d suggest using surveys. They’re a great way to gauge what worked, what didn’t, and to gather attendee suggestions. In fact, all events should be collecting feedback—not just cons—but since we’re talking about cons, let’s focus on that. These are community spaces, so let’s make sure the community feels involved by hearing them out. Be open-minded when reviewing feedback, and don’t let emotions cloud your judgment.
FINAL THOUGHTS
All good things must come to an end. I want to reiterate that these are just my opinions, ones I’ve held onto for years and finally found the energy to share. So, let’s answer the big question: To con or not to con? Before writing this, I might have said no to attending another con. But after reviewing some of the improvements, I’m willing to give it one more shot. There’s still room to grow, but after nearly 10 years, they’re finding their footing (and that’s not shade). I’ll definitely attend one more con this year before taking another hiatus. I also hope organizers let the community in and really take the time to listen.
If you’re planning to attend a con, my advice is to always go with a friend—it can feel a bit intimidating if it’s your first time. Try attending one or two cons and then come back here to share your thoughts. Wear the cosplay, figure out what variation works for you, and go for it.
Do I have any cons I favour? Lately, no. But here are some upcoming cons you might want to check out: Naiccon on November 16th. Also, keep an eye on Movie Jabber for updates on their events (they don’t have any upcoming events at the time of writing). These organizers (Movie Jabber and Naiccon) are leading the way in Geek and Anime conventions, so follow their pages for updates.
Remember to explore ideas one thought at a time, and always stay curious!
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