Kolkata, Pune, Ahmedabad to get its first Comic Con in 2025. Founder Jatin Varma reveals dates

In a message to 'die-hard fans' in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai, Jatin Varma wrote that he has 'some epic plans' in store for them. (Representational image: Unsplash)

Kolkata is set to experience its first Comic Con on February 22 and 23, 2025, Comic Con India founder Jatin Varma announced on Monday. He also announced that the pop-culture celebration will also make its debut in Pune and Ahmedabad in March.

"I can't tell you how long I've been waiting to bring Comic Con to the City of Joy. Every few years, we’d try and have a false start, but it didn’t happen. Every time I’d meet someone from Kolkata, the first thing I’d hear is 'How can you not be in Kolkata – The city needs its Comic Con.' Well, it's finally happening! Mark your calendars for February 22-23, 2025!" he wrote on LinkedIn.

Varma added that the event in Pune and Ahmedabad will be held on March 8-9 and March 22-23.

"Three new cities, each with its own amazing geek culture that I can't wait to celebrate," he added. "I'll be honest, expanding to three new cities is a huge challenge. But seeing the joy amongst fans when you walk into a Comic Con? That makes it all worth it."

In a message to "die-hard fans" in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai, Varma wrote that he has "some epic plans" in store for them. "This is just the beginning."

"I still remember our first Comic Con in Delhi, how nervous and excited we all were. This is the biggest growth spurt we have ever attempted, thanks in part to Akshat Rathee's vision at NODWIN Gaming, and honestly, it feels surreal. This journey wouldn't have been possible without the fans who've been mailing us, messaging us, reaching out to me directly, going all the way back to 2011!" he added.

In January, Nazara Technologies' esports subsidiary Nodwin Gaming announced that it is buying a 100 percent stake in Comic Con India for Rs 55 crore in a cash and stock deal, to bolster its events portfolio.

Founded in 2011 by Varma and now director-partner Karan Kalra, Comic Con hosts pop culture festivals targeting youth in India. These festivals celebrate various popular culture elements including comics, cosplay movies, television shows, merchandise, and gaming among others.