It all began on December 5, 2018, when my friend Akum excitedly dropped by to tell me that Delhi Comic Con 2018 was happening from December 7 to 9 at NSIC Exhibition Grounds, Okhla. The moment he said “Comic Con,” my mind filled with images of colourful cartoon characters, fantastical universes, and extravagant cosplays. As a self-confessed nerd who had never been to a Comic Con before, I was instantly overwhelmed with joy and a childlike anticipation that seemed to grow stronger with every passing hour.

We had our classes on weekends, so the only day we could manage was Friday—the opening day. I was counting down the minutes, and by the time the day finally arrived, excitement had reached a fever pitch. After a quick lunch at my place, Akum and I set off for our first Comic Con adventure, reaching the venue a little after 3 p.m. 

The Gateway to Geekdom

The path to the entrance was an experience in itself—walls plastered with posters of upcoming movies, iconic heroes, villains, and pop culture giants. By the time we reached the reception, our hearts were already racing.

Two types of tickets were available:

• Daily Pass: Entry for the day, plus one nationally famous comic book and a Transformers poster.
• VIP Pass: All of the above plus a bag and additional posters.

We settled for the basic pack and stepped into what felt like the sacred sanctum of the comic universe.

Welcome to a World of Infinite Fandoms

Delhi Comic Con 2018 was sprawling, vibrant, and utterly overwhelming. Spread across the massive exhibition grounds of NSIC, this eighth Delhi edition was a testament to how much geek culture had grown in India. Comic Cons began in India in 2011, and today the annual editions across five major cities—Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Pune, and Hyderabad—attract over two lakh visitors and host more than 1200 exhibitors.

But nothing prepares you for the moment you step inside.

More than 500 stalls greeted us—each bursting with comics, collectables, art, merchandise, action figures, and fandom memorabilia. Cosplayers were everywhere, striking poses and obliging fans with pictures. From Deadpool and Wonder Woman to The Nun and Bojack Horseman, it felt like walking through a live-action multiverse.

Where Fantasy Meets Experience

Big franchise studios had turned entire zones into giant, immersive installations. The Aquaman zone was particularly memorable. They had set up a green screen arena where we could enact our own underwater action sequences. I flailed, fought imaginary sea creatures, and played out my superhero fantasies, and the edited clip—complete with aquatic effects—looked astonishingly real.

Comic fans, cinephiles, anime lovers—everybody found something that connected with their inner child. Figurines, toys, weapon replicas, anime-themed accessories, and even Indian comic characters brought boundless nostalgia.

And then came the moment that made every Game of Thrones fan’s day: a special session with Vladimir Furdik—the man behind the Night King. To hear him narrate his experiences as a stuntman and performer was an absolute treat. GoT fans (including me, of course) were ecstatic.

Revisiting Childhood at Mattel Zone

A delightful surprise awaited us at Mattel’s Hot Wheels booth. They were celebrating 50 years of Hot Wheels, and seeing those dazzling miniature cars transported me straight back to my childhood. Ghost Rider’s fiery bike stood tall, and for a moment, I was a kid again—wide-eyed and exhilarated.

The Maruti Suzuki Arena & the Hanging Swift

One of the show-stoppers was the Maruti Suzuki Arena, where a bright red Swift hung vertically on a caged wall. The illusion of Superman holding it up had everyone queuing for photographs. It was quirky, imaginative, and a perfect blend of automotive design and pop-culture flair.

A bright red Swift hanging on a caged wall, you surely want to see what’s in there. Maruti Suzuki Arena was possibly the biggest attractions with fans engaging in slew of engagement activities. People were busy clicking photos with the car.

Publishers from DC Comics, Penguin Random House, Viz Media, Darkhorse Comics, Souled Store, Crossword, and many others had set up booths. It was impossible not to lose track of time.

Cosplay: Where Creativity Meets Madness

The energy escalated with the Delhi Comic Con Day 1 Cosplay Contest. Hundreds of cosplayers battled it out—not literally, but through their craftsmanship, character portrayal, and creativity.

Cosplay, today, is a phenomenon with a culture of its own. It was enlightening to learn how it evolved—from “costuming” in the 1930s, to the origins of the term “cosplay” in 1984 when Japanese reporter Nobuyuki Takahashi coined it to better describe the art form.

The winner that day was a Spider-Man cosplayer who had spent six months creating a shrinking eye-lens suit inspired by the films. The dedication was breathtaking.

Little Moments, Big Smiles

In the midst of all this excitement, I came across a booth called Chitra Chaya, which offered photo printing on wood. The concept was too beautiful to pass up, so I ordered two photos of my parents as a gift for their anniversary.

As the day wound down, Akum and I grabbed some coffee, fries, and waffles. After hours of walking, exploring, and absorbing a world of imagination, that small meal felt like the perfect quiet ending.

A Day to Remember

Delhi Comic Con 2018 was more than an event—it was an experience. A magical playground for everyone who loves comics, fantasy, films, anime, superheroes, or simply the joy of storytelling. As a first-timer, I was swept away by the colours, the creativity, the fandoms, and the warmth of the crowd.

It reminded me that no matter how old we grow, the worlds we escape to as children still hold the power to excite and inspire us.

I walked out with tired legs but a heart full of happiness—and a promise to myself that this would not be my last Comic Con.

Until next time, Comic Con. I’ll be back.