COMIC FANS, ASSEMBLE!

(From left) Subash Bagmar, Ahmed Ishtiaq, AKM Alamgir Khan Jamil and Shiplu Rahman Khan. Photo: Darshan Chakma

As you read this, let me remind you, that the date today is November 13, 2014. It's Thursday. The day marks the start of Unmad-JCC Comic Con 2014 at the National Shooting Federation in Gulshan 1, Dhaka. And as you can see, we're literally SHOUT-ing about it.

Read along and let SHOUT be your official guide to this year's Comic Con. We give you details about tickets and offers, what to (and what definitely to) expect and what's new at the biggest comic and pop culture exposition of the year. Also following up with our interview in the last issue, we get words from some more people working behind the scenes.

The tickets for the Comic Con are already available in many spots in the city. If you're not willing to stand in the line at the gate, we suggest you get yours beforehand from Jamil's Comics & Collectibles in Banani, SRK Hollywood in Dhanmondi, Café Hollywood in Banani or from any of the nine Hallmark branches across the city. Tickets cost BDT 200 for each day, but if you want to visit all the three days it's best to get them in a bundle, for BDT 500.

But hey, those aren't just any tickets. Every single purchase guarantees a high quality colour brochure, 4 free comics and 3 free mini posters. Already getting ready with the calculators? Get your measuring tape too. Anyone below the height of 100 cm (3.28 feet) gets free entry. This year the organisers have emphasised on quality over quantity, and focused on making the event more enjoyable for the toddlers.

The venue will be the same as last year, but bigger and with better facilities. As you go past the registration, you'll face the corporate stalls. The field will have the stalls and is set up with JBL speakers, ensuring a good musical atmosphere and no worries about rain as the area has been secured with shades. Intel is setting up its gaming zone for hardcore gamers; Aamra is providing the venue with Wi-Fi so check-ins won't be any hassle. FunFactory has set up a special “Kid's Zone” for the little ones. There will be a bouncing castle, merry-go-rounds and other fun rides. IFAD Group, the main sponsor, also promises lots of activities and prizes for you all.

Thinking about cosplaying? Well, I've got news. This year the cosplay stage and the hall of fame have been located inside the halls. The cosplay will be held in a private setting but the live feed from the stage will be shown to the visitors via high definition projectors on large screens. Apart from you and your selfies with the characters, the venue will also have dedicated photographers. We hope you have your costumes ready and registered through the Facebook page -- the popularity of this competition is growing like wildfire.

Having said all that, no Comic Con is complete without the basic element -- comics. You'll get a chance to meet with the people in the business of making and marketing comic books in Bangladesh -- from Unmad, Dhaka Comics, Mighty Punch Studios to Jamil's Comics & Collectibles (JCC). You can get autographs from your favourite people, like the Chief Editor of Unmad, Ahsan Habib, show them your art samples or get first-hand information on upcoming projects. JCC is giving away 4 free comics per visitor as well as 3 free posters. JCC promises brand new items including new comics released last month, exclusive comics, as well as bargain comics at only BDT 100, including the US reprint editions of classics such as Watchmen #1, V for Vendetta #1, Sandman #1, Dark Knight Returns #1, Justice League #1 and My Little Pony #1. SRK Hollywood will have new t-shirts, merchandises, discounted action figures and a surprise raffle draw which I don't want to spoil for you.
“All I can say is that the Comic Con is one huge event, where one can have fun leaving all inhibitions behind. We have an amazing line up of comics and goodies, so all are welcome,” says Shiplu Rahman Khan, the man behind SRK Hollywood.

Hungry for more? Let's see what's on the menu. The venue will have food from BRAC Chicken, IFAD Agro, Kazi Foods, Bellissimo, Sausly's and many choices of soft drinks and coffee. There will be 50 stalls to cater to the ever-so-growing demand of the fans.

Ahmed Ishtiaq is the guy behind all the creative works at the Comic Con. “This is what I do. Any other work would get me bored but working for the Comic Con and designing all these posters have been immensely enjoyable,” he says. He is a massive Doctor Who fan, so watch out for his special signature in the free posters that you get.
Subash Bagmar is another member of the wonder team; he sends his message too, “We want people to come in groups, people of any age. This will be a festival of people who share the same tastes and passion, hence creating a unique atmosphere overall.”

Safe to say, the Unmad-JCC Comic Con 2014 is the one event I wouldn't miss out on for anything. And SHOUT will be there all three days. Oh and fans of SHOUT will get an additional free poster each by showing the coupon in today's edition. Hurry up comic fans, assemble!