Comic book conventions, known as Comic Con, began in 1970 when a group of enthusiasts met in San Diego, California, to exchange comic books. Since then, international festivals promoting comic books, pop culture, science fiction, video games, anime, and related films and television series have grown in popularity, attracting thousands of fans to venues around the world.
Now an annual event, Kazakhstan’s Comic Con was held for the first time in 2019. Held from July 25 to 28 at the city’s Expo International Exhibition Center, Comic Con Astana ’24 was one of the most highly anticipated events in the world of pop culture. Tickets went on sale online and at the box office on April 15. The four-day festival sold out quickly, attracting over 53,000 attendees from 30 countries.
Photo TCA: In the spotlight
The festival in Astana included a comprehensive program representing all aspects of the international comics industry. Numerous superstars performed, including Russian actors Ruzil Minekaev and Anton Lapenko, as well as Danish actor Mads Mikkelsen, known for his leading role in the TV series “Hannibal” and as Cliff Unger in Hideo Kojima’s video game “Death Standing”. Over 100 Kazakh graphic novel authors presented their work on the home front.
In addition to the unique opportunity to meet their heroes, actors and authors, visitors could actively participate in various themed events, master classes, autograph sessions and exhibitions. Professionals and visitors added a lot of flair to the event by dressing up as their favorite heroes and competing in a cosplay contest for prizes totaling $27,000.
Photo: TCA: Cosplay participants
The response to the organisers’ dynamic, wide-ranging programme was generally positive, with visitors reporting that the event met their expectations. However, many said their overall impression was marred by the significant inconvenience caused by long queues, lasting up to three hours, outside the building or for popular events.
“The program was great, especially meeting our favorite actors,” a guest named Altair told TCA. “But the lines were just unbearable. We spent almost half the day waiting and it really spoiled our enjoyment.”
Nastya, another visitor, also expressed her dissatisfaction with the control of the flow of visitors: “The festival was cool, but the crowds, which caused some visitors to faint, made our stay not as pleasant as we would have liked. I hope that Comic Con will take this into account in the future and improve the organization.”
Aruzhan, the third attendee interviewed by TCA, added: “I liked everything, it was especially cool to see stars from all over the world, but I think they should have sold fewer tickets so that everyone felt comfortable in the building.”
On the other hand, Comic Con guest star blogger Anastasiz was similarly upset about administrative failings, condemning in a video post the fact that hundreds of people who queued in tight groups for up to three hours suffered fainting spells and panic attacks because the queues were not closed. She was also particularly unhappy that many of her fans were disappointed and even burst into tears because the organizers had not announced that she would not accept gifts.
Photo: TCA Mads Mikkelsen
While admitting that he spent more than twice as much time as planned signing photos and autographs at Comic Con due to a lack of organization, Mads Mikkelsen raved about his visit to Kazakhstan. In a recorded Q&A session, he praised Kazakh hospitality and, referring to his role in the film King Arthur, in which he rode a horse with a bird and bow in hand, announced that he would like to explore the country on horseback next time.
Unfortunately, complaints about overcrowding at Kazakhstan Comic Con are nothing new. In an August 6, 2019 article in the Astana Times, one attendee commented: “My only wish would be that next year’s convention would have free cold water and a limit on the number of guests allowed in the building at one time.”
Given that Comic Con is a global phenomenon that is only growing in strength, one can only hope that the organizers of the next event in Kazakhstan will take into account the comments of visitors and take measures to better ensure their comfort and safety.
