Pop culture in India didn’t just happen overnight. For years, it was this quiet, underground thing kept alive by small groups of die-hard fans. Whether we are talking about the comic book nerds, or anime lovers, or gamers, these were the people holding it down long before it was ‘cool’. The only problem? They didn’t really have a place to actually hang out until Comic Con India gave them a home. What started as a tiny gathering for comic fans has now turned into a massive celebration. Comic Con is where artists, cosplayers, and creators finally get to be under one roof. But as the event grows and hits more cities, the real challenge is keeping that close-knit community vibe alive without it feeling too corporate.
We had a chance to catch up with Shefali Johnson, CEO of Comic Con India, during the company’s Gurugram event. We talked about why the NCR needed another host city, how fans differ across India, and what the future looks like as they plan to get even bigger. Our chat really dug into how the event is evolving with tech, gaming, and the changing face of Indian fandom. Here are the key excerpts.
For Comic Con India, choosing a new city is not simply about adding another pin on the map. It is about understanding where the audience already exists and where it is growing.
Johnson said the decision to host an event in Gurugram came from a simple realisation; that being said, she added that ‘NCR is huge.’ Holding the event in Gurugram allows the organisers to reach a wider audience. ‘If you look at it geographically, you are technically covering three states,’ she added.
While Delhi has long hosted Comic Con events, Johnson noted that travelling into the capital isn’t convenient for everyone in the wider NCR region. ‘Not everyone would want to travel an hour on a weekend to attend an event, even if they love pop culture,’ she said.
That is where Gurugram comes in. ‘Why not Gurgaon?’ she added, explaining that many residents hesitate to travel to Delhi. By hosting the event in their city, Comic Con can reach a different segment of its audience while also attracting visitors from across Haryana who may find Gurugram easier to access.
For the organisers, the move is less about replacing Delhi and more about expanding the event’s footprint within the same region. As Johnson puts it, Gurugram becomes a ‘core city’ that helps the brand grow without forcing fans to travel far.
Anyone who has attended multiple Comic Con events across India will notice something interesting. While the cities may change, the enthusiasm rarely does. Johnson believes that it is because pop culture naturally creates a shared language among fans. ‘The enthusiasm is almost the same across all cities that we’ve gone to,’ she said. ‘Pop culture is something that unites the crowd.’
Whether it is cosplay, comic books, anime, or gaming, the excitement tends to follow the same pattern. Fans arrive early, explore stalls, attend panels, and spend hours meeting people who share their interests. According to Johnson, what changes from city to city is not the energy but the experiences people are willing to explore.
She further added that ‘we always try to keep something different in each show that we put up.’ Clearly showing the dedication of the hosts towards the returning visitors. At the Gurugram event, one of those additions was a dome installation that created a new kind of visual space inside the venue.
The talent lineup also changes between events, which gives visitors different performances and panels to experience. Furthermore, even when exhibitors return, they often bring new merchandise, activities, or installations.
In other words, Comic Con may carry the same spirit across cities, but it never tries to replicate the exact same show.
Comic Con India’s recent expansion has also been powered by a major development behind the scenes. Johnson clarified that the company is now fully owned by Nodwin Gaming, a major player in the esports and gaming ecosystem. ‘Nodwin invested in Comic Con,’ she explained. ‘Comic Con is a 100% subsidiary of Nodwin.’
That investment has had a clear impact on the scale of the event, as Johnson described the partnership as ‘the rocket power that helped them to go from five cities to eleven cities in two years.’
2026 is being widely described as a year of rapid growth in artificial intelligence. From creative tools to gaming engines, AI is influencing almost every industry. Naturally, the question arises: What does that mean for events built around creativity and fandom? Johnson believes that ‘AI is something that is here to stay.’
However, Comic Con’s relationship with technology is guided by one important principle. The community values original work created by real artists. As she clarified that ‘we pride ourselves on being a place where original content is celebrated.’ That gives us a clear picture that while AI may likely appear in supporting roles, it could never replace creators.
Adding to her previous statement, she said that ‘we will try to use it to our benefit in the best possible way’, hinting that the goal is to use technology in ways that enhance the event without compromising its creative foundations. In practical terms, that could mean improving the experience for attendees while still ensuring that the spotlight remains on human creativity.
Technologies like augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) have changed entertainment everywhere. They let people experience stories in new ways, whether in video games or theme parks. Johnson believes that Comic Con’s core formula remains effective. She says the heart of the event is its focus on community, creators, and shared experiences.
At the same time, she acknowledges that immersive technologies can add new dimensions to the show. As she explained, ‘they all add up to the overall show,’ indicating that AR and VR may appear in various forms, especially through interactive exhibits and installations.
Johnson explained that the Comic Con audience is not interested in just one aspect of pop culture; attendees already embrace a mix of comics, gaming, and live performances. A visitor might come to meet a comic artist but end up spending hours exploring gaming booths, or someone arriving for anime merchandise may stay to watch cosplay competitions or live shows.
Pop culture today is no longer separated into neat categories, and Comic Con aims to bring all those worlds together. ‘There are deeper integrations that we want to do,’ she said, signalling that future shows may combine these experiences even more. While specific plans are still in development, gaming zones, creator panels, live performances, and brand collaborations may become more prominent in future editions. The goal is to reflect the full spectrum of modern fandom.
Another trend in the tech world is the rise of advanced AI systems, also known as agentic AI. These can work more independently, and some experts believe these systems could eventually change how events are organised or experienced.
However, Johnson takes a measured approach, noting that ‘it has not been thought about yet’. She also acknowledges that technology rarely stands still and trusts that if new tools can enhance the fan experience, Comic Con will consider them. When that moment arrives, she promised that fans will be informed.
Comic Con is growing at an incredible pace, and it brings both opportunities and responsibilities. The event needs to keep changing, but it shouldn’t lose the spirit that made fans love it in the first place.
Johnson believes balance can be achieved. She says that if Comic Con expands to more cities, grows at a steady pace, includes new types of entertainment, and keeps connecting with its audience, it can become a bigger platform for pop culture across the country.
She also confirmed that the company is actively exploring new cities. While this year’s roster has already been decided, the next stops on the journey will include Pune, Kolkata, and Mumbai.
When asked whether Tier 3 cities could eventually host Comic Con events, Johnson kept the answer open, saying, ‘It depends on where our audience wants us to be.’
Talking about the plans for next year, she said, ‘We will definitely be expanding.’ If Johnson’s hints are anything to go by, the next chapter could be the biggest yet. With a sly smile, she left fans an encrypted message stating that ‘we will give you the scoop when it comes’.