Think back to the first time you saw your favourite superhero. Maybe you were seven years old in front of a fuzzy television screen, jaw on the floor, absolutely convinced that a man in a cape could actually fly. Maybe it was a comic book passed to you by an older cousin, the pages soft from being read a hundred times. That feeling never really leaves us. It just waits quietly until something like Comic Con Africa comes along and lights it right back up.
And now it is coming back.
Comic Con Africa 2026 returns to the Johannesburg Expo Centre in Nasrec from 24 to 27 September, and this year the guest list is an absolute powerhouse. This is not a “maybe you will spot someone famous” kind of show. This is a “bring your camera, bring your cosplay, bring your inner child” kind of show.
If you have ever quoted Rick and Morty at a braai, you are about to have a very good year. Ian Cardoni, the voice of Rick himself, is coming to Johannesburg live, bringing all the manic genius and chaos that made the character a legend. Standing right alongside him is Harry Belden, the current voice of Morty, the anxious, lovable heart of the show. And rounding out the trio is Spencer Grammer, the voice of Summer, who also carries a serious resume beyond the show including her role in Greek. Three core voices from one of the biggest animated series on the planet, all live in Joburg. Let that sink in for a second.
Gamers, you are not forgotten. Christopher Judge, the actor who brought Kratos to life in God of War, is joining the convention too. If you have spent hours in that world chasing Kratos and Atreus through Midgard, standing in front of the man who gave that character his voice and his fury is going to hit different.
And the local talent on this bill is nothing short of incredible. Jazzara Jaslyn, known internationally for playing Miss Valentine in Netflix’s One Piece, joins the Johannesburg leg live. Martial T Batchamen, who plays Brook in the same series, brings his violin wielding, skeleton charm to Nasrec in person. And Nahum Hughes, who plays Bartolomeo, one of the most fiercely loyal characters in the One Piece universe, is also confirmed live in Johannesburg. South African talent standing shoulder to shoulder with international icons, on our own turf. That is something worth celebrating.
Comic Con Africa has grown into far more than a convention where you queue for a photo. Artist Alley brings together over a hundred comic artists and illustrators, many of them responsible for characters you have loved your whole life. There is cosplay around every corner, gaming zones that will eat your entire day, collectables that will test your budget, and panels that let you go deep into the fandoms you love most. Four days, one venue, every corner of geek culture under one roof.
This is your chance to attend
Here is the thing. Reading about it is one thing. Standing in that hall, surrounded by thousands of people who love exactly what you love, watching your favourite character walk past you in the flesh, that is a completely different experience. This is the kind of day that turns into a core memory. The kind of day you tell people about for years.
So here is your chance.
We have three double tickets up for grabs for Friday, 25 September 2026, and we want three of you to walk into Nasrec that day with someone you love by your side.
All you have to do is comment below and tell us who your favourite superhero is and why you love them. That is it. No essay, no gimmicks, just tell us the truth about the character who made you fall in love with this world in the first place.
The competition runs from 19 August to 19 September 2026, so you have a full month to get your entry in before it closes.
Three winners. Three double tickets. One unforgettable Friday at Comic Con Africa. Get commenting, and we will see you at Nasrec.
Spiderman has to be my favourite superhero for thee most cliche reason ever🤪, he’s relatable, he’s clumsy with life ’cause he care for people, and puts his people ahead of himself. We bother save lives, I ragebait boyfriends in Fifa so that they can remember to call their girlfriends, see saving lives in both ways🙂↕️
Hahaha saving relationships one FIFA ragebait at a time – Peter Parker would be proud! Love that you lead with heart just like Spidey. You’re in the draw, good luck Thabang!
My favorite superhero is Spider-Man. I am Spider-Man and he is me, from being broke and depressed and treated badly in life to still doing the best I can and not giving up on those I love.
This is exactly why Spider-Man matters – he’s all of us on our worst days, still showing up for the people we love. Keep going, hero. You’re in the draw, good luck Ashish!
Doctor Strange is my favourite superhero because he is different from the average superhero. I like how he went from being a surgeon to the Sorcerer Supreme. I love the way Doctor Strange’s magical powers are portrayed on screen. The glowing spells, portals, and hand movements make his magic look unique and visually exciting, especially during his action scenes. I also have a special connection to the character because I went to the premiere of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, which made my love for the character even stronger.
A premiere AND the Sorcerer Supreme? That’s dedication! Those portals and glowing spells are pure eye candy, I’m with you all the way. You’re entered – good luck Yashik!
My favourite superhero is Spider-Man because he proves that you don’t need to be the strongest or most powerful to make a difference. With great power comes great responsibility and Peter Parker always finds a way to do the right thing.
With great power comes great responsibility – the golden rule of all superheroes! Couldn’t have put it better myself. You’re in the draw, good luck Bernard!
Spider-Man- he is the most down to earth superhero ever with real human feelings so viewers relate to him. He is our “tragic hero”.
The tragic hero angle is so real – Peter feels everything and we feel it right along with him. Great pick! You’re entered, good luck Laila!
My favourite superhero is Wonder Woman because come onnnn, she’s awesome and that’s that, plus no one is as skilled as she is and that’s a hill I will die on
Haha I fully respect the hill you’re dying on – Diana is an absolute powerhouse and the skills are unmatched! You’re in the draw, good luck Dirhil!
There are so many, it seems like choosing 1 wouldn’t do justice but it has to be Wolverine, his costume, the metal blades, the renegade attitude was just something I found appealing and resonated with. This was over 30 years ago and I still feel the same way 😅
My favourite super hero has to be Batman. To be quite honest I love is aura and passion in solving crimes. I also just love that his doing all that by himself
The aura is real – one man, one cave, zero superpowers and he still outsmarts everyone! Great choice. You’re entered, good luck Keletso!
Wonder Woman will always be my one of favorite superhero’s. She’s driven by love and peace and always stands true to what is right and will never fail to protect the innocent even if it means sacrificing the man she loves.
Love and peace over everything – that sacrifice storyline still hits me right in the feels. Beautiful answer! You’re in the draw, good luck Vladimir!
My favourite superhero has to be Batman. My late grandfather was a big fan of comics, cartoons and movies and the first comic book he ever got me was a Batman/Superman crossover comic and I remember being impressed by Batman’s feats next to this all powerful superhero and I’ve been a fan ever since.
What a special memory – a comic passed down from your grandfather is the best origin story there is! Batman would approve. You’re entered, good luck Itumeleng!
Batman, because he’s the best!
Short, punchy and 100% correct – very Batman of you! You’re in the draw, good luck Dylan!
Icl my fav superhero has got to be Batman. Why? The guys rich and handsome😂. Most importantly,his a man who puts fears in the Gods, even Darkseid paid him his respects. That’s why I love him
When even Darkseid pays his respects, you know the man is built different! Rich, handsome AND feared by Gods – the trifecta. You’re entered, good luck Mechael!
My favourite superhero is Rick Sanchez! 🧪🚀
Because he’s crazy, clever, and always finds a way out of impossible situations. Rick and Morty made me love the weird, unpredictable side of this world. 😂💚
Now THIS is a big-brain pick – and here’s the kicker: Ian Cardoni, the actual voice of Rick, is going to be at Comic Con Africa this year! You’re in the draw, good luck Sello!
My favourite superhero is Batman, I just love that he is a normal guy with cool gadgets, no amazing super powers … just good old brute strength, fighting skills and amazing detective abilities
No superpowers, just prep time, gadgets and world-class detective work – that’s exactly why Batman wins! You’re entered, good luck Tristan!
My favourite superhero is Iron Fist — Danny Rand.
I love his story because, even though he’s a hero, he isn’t perfect. He has flaws, makes mistakes, and has to live with the consequences of his choices.
After being orphaned as a child, he had to grow up in a completely different world, K’un-Lun, where he constantly had to prove himself. Despite everything he went through, he kept fighting, rose above it all, and literally fought a freaking dragon to earn the right to become K’un-Lun’s protector — the Immortal Iron Fist.
For me, Danny Rand’s story isn’t just about having superpowers. It’s about getting knocked down, carrying your mistakes with you, and still finding the strength to get back up and prove who you are. 👊🐉
The man literally fought a dragon to earn his title – how do you top that?! Love a deep-cut pick and the message about getting back up. You’re in the draw, good luck Mojo!
Not big into Superheroes but i have always been an XMen fan!
So i guess i would have to go with Storm… who wouldnt want to control the weather? Imagine being able to turn a freezing cold day into a nice hot one? Or bring in some snow or rain when you feel like snuggling up on the couch with a good book and warm cappucino. Sounds good to me!
Daredevil, without a doubt.
As a lawyer myself, there’s something extra cool about Matt Murdock. I’ve always loved the contrast between the courtroom and the streets , one minute he’s fighting for justice in a suit, the next he’s fighting for it in a completely different way.
I grew up loving the show and the comics, and Daredevil has always felt different from the typical superhero. He’s flawed, relentless and human. No godlike powers, just skill, determination and an insane commitment to doing what he believes is right.
A real-life lawyer picking Matt Murdock – that’s the crossover we love to see! Justice in the courtroom AND on the streets. You’re entered, good luck counsellor!
My favourite is Wonder Woman. She embodies the qualities that every super hero should have – strength and empathy. She is all about justice and compassion. As a woman, it is important to have the type of true representation for women and women rights. And then Gal Gadot playing her is a super win.
Strength AND empathy – Diana really is the blueprint for what a hero should be! Great pick. You’re in the draw, good luck Bronwen!
Spider-Man is my favorite superhero. His whole personality goes beyond his famous motto, ‘With great power comes great responsibility.’ He represents being the only hope left when all else fails. He’s someone who tries and tries again, no matter how many times he falls, and always gets back up to get the job done. That’s what makes him special, anyone can be behind that mask. What truly makes the difference is what you choose to do with the power you have.
Anyone can be behind the mask – that idea gets me every single time! It’s what you do with the power that counts. You’re entered, good luck Njabulo!
Superman has to be my absolute favourite superhero. All powerful and the master of disguise 😂
The glasses! HOW does nobody recognise him?! Greatest disguise in comic book history. You’re in the draw, good luck Rowena!
“I don’t like bullies, I don’t care where they’re from” – Captain America, The First Avenger
And this is why Cap is my all time favourite 💙
Pure ‘I can do this all day’ energy right here! Cap’s moral compass never misses. You’re entered, good luck Chantelle!
My favourite superhero is Nightwing. Tragic backstory. Exceptional athlete and believable crime-fighter. He’s intelligent, empathic, strategic and not overly broody. He’s all the things I love about Batman, Superman and Spider-man in one character.
Nightwing is such an underrated pick – all the best parts of the Bat-family with none of the brooding! You’re in the draw, good luck Michael!
Deadpool for me!!! How can you not love Deadpool 😍 Naina
The Merc with the Mouth himself! Impossible not to love him. Maximum effort on this entry – you’re in the draw, good luck Naina!
Batman… All the way… He is like James Bond in a mask and cape… Whoop whoop… Also… The super-low, gravely voice saying, “I’m Batman.” What is not to love?
Spider-Man is my favorite superhero because even when everything in his life seems to go wrong, he still chooses to do the right thing. He deals with sadness, loss, stress, and personal problems, but he keeps helping people anyway. I like that he is not perfect or always happy—he struggles like a normal person, which makes him relatable and shows that being a hero means continuing to be good even during your worst moments.
My favourite Supe is… technically not a supe, but definitely Deadpool. Whether it’s comic book version, or live action version, Deadpool is hilariously funny, gets the job done, gets the girl and looks badass while doing all of it.
Groot! Three-word vocabulary, still out shines actors with full scripts. so Iconic
Captain America. I’m not even American and I haven’t even been there, but when he walks up anywhere chest puffed up all important like and his theme starts playing I feel instantly compelled to salute and shout ‘MERICUH
Gambit
His gimmick is really interesting without being overpowered or cheesy. It’s a shame he has never been portrayed properly in film.
Captain America’s my pick because of the hard truth baked into his story: being a genuinely good person only gets you so far, without the physical strength the serum gave him, he doesn’t get into the army, and he doesn’t get a second glance from Agent Carter. No sugarcoating, no shortcuts. That honesty is exactly why he resonates with me right now, as I’m putting in the work to build up my own strength.
My favourite superhero is Logan – Wolverine. He spends decades in decades fighting in wars watching people hate on eachother. His own brother turns on him, he spends an eternity trying to find someone to call home,she betrays him and gets killed.
Through all that, he still chooses to do the right thing, even if he doesnt want to.
He eventually finds his family with the xmen and with his daughter and then dies.
I find his story very real and raw and human.
If I had to choose a superhero that got me into this type of stuff, I’d definitely have to go with Spider-man! I know it’s super cliché but hes just too good!! A second would also be Deku from My Hero Academia, hes genuinely such a inspiring character and I feel like I see myself in him a lot!
My favourite Captain America. His greatest superpower isn’t strength, it’s his character. He’s brave, loyal, compassionate and willing to stand up for what’s right even when he’s standing alone. Steve Rogers reminds me that being a hero is about who you choose to be, not what powers you have.
Mystique – been through hell and back but family bonds still keep her grounded. Sisters for life
Rogue from the x-men was my first favourite hero. My brothers and i used to rush to the tv and all shout out ‘who we were’… Boys leaving me in the dust but seeing how rogue could solve that problem with 1 touch is all the ‘kid me’ needed to know!
Now I’m a parent of 3 teens who do the same thing while they watch our old comic shows and read my old comic books! Lets gooo to comic con!!! 🥳
Wanda, her powers were satisfied wtach and love Her enormous power contrasts with her emotional vulnerability. She can be kind and loving but also terrifying when pushed too far.
Has to be Thor…… because Chris Hemsworth (blush) (drool)😅. And for my daughter Spiderman….. ❤️
I’m 26 years old, and I love Spider-Man with everything in me. 🕷️❤️
But not just because he’s Spider-Man.
I love him because, underneath the suit, he’s just a smart kid who suddenly finds himself carrying the responsibility of other people’s lives every single day. He saves people, protects people, makes impossible decisions and keeps showing up, yet when the mask comes off, no one really stops to ask, “Are you okay?”
And somehow, I understand that.
I’m a firstborn daughter, and from a very young age, I learned to go where I was useful, not necessarily where I was loved. It was never something that had to be said out loud. I just somehow understood that I needed to be smart, responsible, hardworking, dependable and always willing to help. I became an overachiever. I showed up. I solved problems. I became the person people could rely on.
Because somewhere along the way, being useful became my understanding of love.
Maybe that’s why I feel guilty when I rest. Why doing nothing can feel like I’m failing. Why my instinct is always to help, even when I’m exhausted. Why I sometimes feel like I have to earn my place by being needed.
That’s why Spider-Man means so much to me.
Peter Parker is constantly expected to save everyone while remaining anonymous. People see the hero, but rarely see the kid underneath the mask who is also tired, scared, overwhelmed and simply trying his best.
As a firstborn daughter, I know what it feels like to wear a mask that says, “I’ve got this,” even when sometimes you wish someone would look at you and say, “You don’t have to.”
So if I could go to Comic Con 2026 as a Spider-Man fan, it wouldn’t just be about meeting characters or wearing the suit. It would be about celebrating the character who taught me that being responsible doesn’t mean I’m not allowed to be human.
Because maybe the real superpower isn’t always saving everyone.
Sometimes, it’s finally remembering that the person behind the mask deserves saving too. 🕷️❤️
Bruce Banner / The Incredible Hulk
I’m a scientist, by profession, and I can identify with Bruce’s struggles. In particular, whenever I have to deal with reviewers of my scientific publications (Reviewer 2, I’m looking at you). That’s when I feel like… Like… THE HULK! SMASH!
CAPSLOCK STUCK ON!
HULK SORRY.
My favourite Superhero is the Flash ⚡ the Flash comics were some of the 1st ones I ever got and as a athlete I became obsessed with his speed and story, it seemed there was nothing he could not accomplish with his speed beside saving.. cough cough 😅
My first superhero-love and one of my faves to this day is Rogue.
1. She isn’t limited to just one skill set, talent or power. How cool is that haha?
2. The soppy emotional reason 🙄😋 I first watched X-Men and was introduced to Rogue at a formative time in my life. Like her, I had the feeling that something inside me was “wrong,” dangerous, or bound to push people away if they discovered it. So, I heavily related to her story. And like Rogue, I feel like I took what society frames as a tragic burden and turned it into pure strength.
Ps. If you haven’t watched X-Men: Days of Future Past – The Rogue Cut, you have to. She’s the real key to the Sentinels strength and she fundamentally saves the day 😋
Venom …. because having an evil alien living rent-free in your body sounds terrible… until you realise you finally have someone to blame for your bad decisions. Plus, he’s basically my intrusive thoughts with teeth, muscles and absolutely no interest in personal space.
My favourite Superhero has to be Spider-man. This is from a very young age where he was just the coolest to now as an adult where his storyline hits home just an ordinary guy being selfless and helping people, especially lately with BND you see the true and relateble version of him
My favorite superhero is Deadpool, this is due to his underlying humour he posseses in between critical and intricate moments, I believe being able to build humour in an intensely tempering situation requires some high level of self discipline and awareness – I’m drawn more into those traits because I’m the alter opposite (emotional and sensitive) and everytime I think of Deadpool it becomes a teachable moment on how I can learn to apply the skill he has of calmninity on my real life experiences and circumstances that I may undergo. In the same breath, through all the humour he is still portraying a retaliative strength through fighting against the bad deed happening in the world; which makes him stand out as a superhero, the vigilance of the tempering situation and still being able to rescue it with humour without losing the punishing trait against perpetrators.
Jessica Jones really got to me when the show came out. Someone so strong is still subject to male abuse and obsession. I love that they committed to a female character with really vivid flaws, instead of soft-serving them.
Bucky Barnes is my favourite superhero, and it’s not because he’s the strongest or flashiest. It’s because he’s one of the most human characters in the MCU.
A few reasons:
He’s a survivor. Bucky has endured an enormous amount of trauma, manipulation and loss, but he keeps trying to figure out who he is afterward.
He’s morally complicated. He’s not a perfect hero. He did terrible things while being controlled, and his story is largely about confronting that past rather than pretending it didn’t happen.
He doesn’t want glory. Unlike a lot of superheroes, Bucky isn’t chasing recognition. A lot of his journey is simply about finding peace and learning how to live for himself.
His loyalty runs incredibly deep. His relationship with Steve Rogers is obviously central, but what makes it interesting is how fiercely he cares about the people he considers his own.
He’s quietly funny. Especially in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, you get glimpses of this incredibly dry, awkward humour underneath all the heaviness.
He’s resilient without being invulnerable. He struggles and doesn’t always know what to do next but keeps moving forward.
I think the biggest reason would be this:
Bucky’s story isn’t really about becoming a superhero. It’s about learning that he’s allowed to be a person again.
There’s something particularly powerful about a character whose greatest victory isn’t defeating a villain—it’s finally believing that he deserves a life beyond his past.
Spider-Man is my number one to be honest. But since I’ll be saying what everyone is saying because I really do relate I’ll go for my second. That is MoonKnight. Because I like the voices in my head too and how sometimes I swear we not the same personalities…but we look out for our body and ourself. And overall cool, funny guy. Lol I was so unprepared for this🙈
Gees…what a question! Got a story to this one, so please bear with me here…
The first time I read a comic was back in 2012. I was a real young kid – barely a 10kg sack of potatoes tall. It was after-school, 14:45 and my dad took me down to “Zed Bees” – it was this crazy comicbook store in Eden Vale. I walked in greeted by this plastic mini frog fountain…to my left was a bunch of comics arranged in these white typek boxes. Shelves were LOADED with figures and these slick looking “Spawn collectables” – It was heaven. The store was like this magical zone separate from the outside world.
The guy behind the counter greeted me with this cheery “Howzit!” – a brown mass of curly hair tied behind in a long ponytail (like he was some kinda guru who was expecting me!)
Anyway, I only had a budget of R90.00 to my name (a small toke for one issue) and so I set to debating with myself. I poured over a dozen different issues. Different characters – whose costumes I liked, who looked the coolest, who was tough, my small hands were working furiously.
What I truly love is that my dad left me alone to just explore you know. He let me go about it, exchanging a few brief words now and then to let me know he was there. After a good hour and a half I settled on two issues – two distinct comics.
“Avenging Spider-man #1” AND “Vengeance of The MoonKnight #1”
I was ABSOLUTELY TORN. I loved spiderman, but man this moonknight cover was so cool – it was an all pencil detailed cover. I was so deep into drawing. But I also loved Spiderman and Wolverine!! And there was a Red Hulk too and a spider woman???
I was floored. But my dad looked at me and said, I kid you not, and this may sound cheesy as heck- “Follow your heart.”
I closed my eyes and pointed to the left.
In the end…I chose Spider-man. My reason was because I wanted to share my comic with my two brothers. They both adored Spider-man and I wanted to share that something special with em.
We drove home and I showed my older and younger brother. We hung out and then later that night I got to watch Tony Maguires Spiderman 1( we hired it from the video spot) with the entire family.
Spider-man isn’t my favorite hero. My favorite hero has changed over the years. Right now I love Nightwing and Wonder woman, but looking back on the days – that Avenging Spider-man #1 – definitely has a special place in my heart.
Zed Bees closed down a few years after. But for a good time, every so often my dad or my brother or my mom would take me. It was the basis of what got me into this geeky, heroic, epic world. What I loved about it all – was that it allowed me to connect with my family and gift us so many memories.
Right now I am still very much into comics, I love drawing and writing. (I’m even working on a manga for university!) And it all lifted off from there.
But yeah that is my Ted Talk.
I didn’t expect to get so into this but it was cool. Nightwing rules and so does every hero that means something to you.
Cheers to the lucky ticket dude and dudettes that win!
Iron man ,he approaches the situation different through all the rapid risk assessment , heavy reliance on data and contingency , he always designs a plan B or plan C anticipating worst case scenarios before the happen ,major decisions are made sometimes on his perspective he always is the smart mind with all gadgets he sometimes does not panic in big situations
Iron man (Mr Tony Stark) he approaches decision making through rapid risk assessment heavy reliance on data and contingency, he always designs a plan B or plan C anticipating worst- case scenarios before they happen major decisions are made mostly by him
My favourite superhero is Spider-Man because I love how relatable and human he is despite having incredible powers. He shows that being a hero isn’t about being perfect or never struggling, but about choosing to do the right thing even when things are difficult. I admire his sense of responsibility, his determination, and the way he continues to help others even when he is going through his own challenges. He also has a fun and playful personality, which makes him different from many other superheroes. To me, Spider-Man represents courage, resilience and the idea that anyone can make a difference.
My favorite supper hero is Iron Man because he is not only smart, he is sassy and has the most witty comebacks when annoyed. I love being able to see the possibilities of new tech being discovered and used in multifaceted ways.
For me it’s Hulk, as you grow older the more you learn to manager anger. When he said that’s that’s the secret cap, I’m always mad. Ain’t er always fighting some kind of emotions as adults, stopping yourself from wanting to throw it all down the drain, it’s a constant fight and some of them we are not waiting just maintain an acceptable state were we can function and appear normal to the outside world just like how hulk stayed human to appear normal
My favorite superhero is Spiderman because he is by far the funniest and most relatable character. Miles morales changed my life
Superman. It’s always going to be Superman. He’s simply the best. He’s my favourite superhero. He’s so cool😎, chilled, strong and awesome.
My favourite is Superman. He’s an upstanding Superhero, defending and protecting the human race with amazing superpowers and integrity and honour. I’ve started a registered Non-profit to uplift the youth and communities in my small way; inspired by the good values of superheroes to make the world a better place for all.
❤️👏
(And how cool I share the same name with One Piece characters – Mother and daughter 😄)
Star-Lord. I love his sarcastic, chaotic personality and how loyal he is to the people he cares about ❤️
My favorite superhero is the Black Widow (Natasha Romanoff). She’s my favorite because she managed to hold her ground, and as the only female in the OG Avengers, she still played a significant role and became a pillar of the group. Her lullabies with the Hulk showed how fearless and vulnerable she can be at the same time.
Luffy is my favourite superhero because the treasure he seeks most is freedom. 🏴☠️
He inspires hope wherever he goes and brings joy, laughter and courage to the people around him. What I love most is that Luffy stays true to himself while inspiring others to chase their own dreams.
That’s the kind of hero I admire. ❤️🔥🏴☠️
#ComicConAfrica2026
Barry Allan/ The flash
He’s simply the best!, he has a big heart and has gone far beyond to save his universe and loved ones😃
My favourite superhero is Professor X. Like, come on? He’s so cool! Also, Homelander! Because I love to hate him.