Unmad-JCC Comic Con 2014

(From Left): AKM Alamgir Khan, SM Ahsan Mico and Mehedi Haque. Photo: Darshan Chakma

Following last year's success, Dhaka will see an even bigger edition of Unmad-JCC Comic Con this time. To know more, SHOUT decided to have a chat with the organisers of the event -- Mehedi Haque of Unmad, SM Ahsan Mico and AKM Alamgir Khan of Jamil's Comics & Collectibles, who is better known to all as 'Jamil Bhai'. Here's more.

What would be the definition of a 'comic con' to you?
Jamil: My first experience of a comic con was in Toronto, back in 2004. I had a very small group of friends who were into comics and to me, it was like a cult. A comic convention or 'comic con', to me, is where all -- and I say this in the most positive of ways -- geeks and nerds come together in their own elements.
Mehedi: If I may speak from the Bangladeshi perspective, comic con is a unique gathering of creators, publishers and fans of comics. Local names such as Unmad and Dhaka Comics release their new works, which are displayed alongside the likes of DC and Marvel -- this speaks for itself as to how significant the event is.

How do you perceive the success of last year's comic con?
Mehedi: An achievement for me and for the Bangladeshi comic book scene was that people who draw at home, think about stories and plotlines showed up. It shows that not only are we promoting the culture but also bringing out new talents and hopefully giving them a platform.
Jamil: I am a self-proclaimed 'geek' and to organise and be with people who share the same passion is an immense success in itself for me. Last year, the attendance surpassed our expectations. Our effort has expanded the fan base across Bangladesh. There is definitely a feel good factor about it that carries on to this year's plans.

How do you see the growth of comic book culture in Bangladesh?
Jamil: My story is a bit personal. When I started Jamil's Comics and Collectibles back in September 2010, it was not for satisfying my hunger for comics but to also give back to my daughter, with whom I wanted to share my interest. Now its Facebook page has over 3500 fans and it is helping comic book fans form a network all around the country. Simply put, it has developed a lot since the start.
Mehedi: I should say that even though it might not be a very big market, the demand for comic books is always on the rise. And that reflects in our works. We have published 17 books in the last 5 years. There is a huge interest from the readers as they look forward to improving their collections.

Let's talk Unmad-JCC Comic Con 2014. What's new this year?
Jamil: This year's Comic Con will have three-day bundle tickets for Tk 500 alongside the regular Tk 200 tickets. We're giving away three posters, four free comics and a brochure with each ticket. There will be new, exclusive comics, action figures, free WiFi, free sampling of food and over 50 stalls at the venue.
Mico: This time, we have kids in mind. Many carry this feeling that comics are for children and so we decided to pump up in that department. The venue will have a Kids' Zone. We have teamed up with Fun Factory Rides for this purpose. Also, the field has been set up for stalls, whereas the cosplay will happen inside the building. There will also be a Hall of Fame, food area and lot more.

Speaking of cosplay, what are your thoughts about it playing a major role in comic conventions?
Mehedi: Cosplaying is still a fairly new concept here. There is an industry for it abroad which helps the massive production of clothes, accessories and merchandises. There is no doubt about its growing popularity in Bangladesh but it still has a long way to go.
Jamil: When it first happened back in 1976 in San Diego, it was a new, surreal experience. We know how popular it is and it adds to the occasion without a doubt. This year in San Diego, the theme was “Cosplay is not consent” which shows that the organisers are also keeping the social outlook of these events in check. The amount of cosplaying participation we see in the event shows it has a bright future in this country.

What does the future have in store for Unmad-JCC Comic Con?
Mehedi: Bigger and better. We plan to bring some international celebrities and encourage the comic book community through our ideas.
Jamil: The comic book is a world of wonder. I am extremely happy at how things are progressing. We hope to promote this experience even more in the future.
The Unmad-JCC Comic Con 2014 will be open to all from November 13 to 15 (2pm to 10pm) at the National Shooting Federation premises in Gulshan, Dhaka. IFAD is the main sponsor of the event. BRAC Chicken and Intel Bangladesh are the event partners. SHOUT is the English print media partner.