Attending Comic Con in Delhi this December felt like stepping straight into my childhood memories. Much like my visit in 2024, the first booth that welcomed me was Raj Comics, where I once again met Sanjay Gupta, the visionary behind India’s iconic superhero universe. Reconnecting with him was deeply meaningful; no amount of time ever feels sufficient with someone who helped shape the stories of our early years. I vividly recall being captivated for hours by legendary characters such as Super Commando Dhruv, Doga, Nagraj, Parmanu, Bankelal, Bhediya, Anthony, and many others.

Armed with a fresh collection of comics, I wandered through the venue and found myself surrounded by passionate fans fully immersed in cosplay. Hundreds had transformed into their favorite Anime, DC, and Marvel characters, turning the entire space into a vibrant celebration of fandom and creativity. Beyond my meeting with Sanjay Gupta, witnessing the enduring legacy of Indian comics alongside names like PRAN Entertainment, the creators of Chacha Chaudhary and Amar Chitra Katha, felt like a proud tribute to homegrown storytelling. The experience zones elevated the excitement even further. This year’s NODWIN Gaming Arena was nothing short of extraordinary, spanning an impressive 40,000 square feet, making it the largest yet and a dream destination for esports enthusiasts. From classic Batman portrayals to a turbaned Spider-Man, the imagination on display was boundless.

As I wrapped up my booth-hopping, anticipation built around the main stage for a powerful performance by Yung Sammy. The Nigerian-origin rapper delivered an electrifying set, effortlessly switching between Hindi, Haryanvi, Punjabi, and more. His performance sent waves of energy through the crowd, reinforcing that today’s Comic Con celebrates not only comics but also India’s rapidly evolving music culture. I was fortunate to meet him backstage, where we connected over our mutual passion for hip-hop and rap. Clad in his signature all-black style, he spoke about his inspirations — including Eminem — teased exciting upcoming collaborations, and shared his admiration for Superman, despite not being a hardcore comic enthusiast. His sincerity and commitment to crafting music for India’s youth were truly motivating.

The scale of Comic Con’s evolution was impossible to ignore. Spread across more than four acres at the NSIC Exhibition Center, the event pulsed with the enthusiasm of over 52,000 attendees, celebrating everything from global franchises to beloved Indian icons. While the atmosphere was unmatched, the sheer volume of visitors did reveal some logistical challenges. Food counters and restroom facilities could have been managed more efficiently; better crowd flow and quicker upkeep would have made the long day far more comfortable.

As the event drew to a close, one thing became undeniable — Comic Con in India has transformed into much more than an annual convention; it has become a cultural movement. As CEO Shefali Johnson described, it now serves as a “safe space” for fans who return year after year, often preserving their entry badges as cherished mementos. With new host cities such as Guwahati joining the lineup, it’s clear that India’s love for this world is only just beginning.