Geeks rejoice: Icon’s back.

Founded way back in 1992 Icon is South Africa’s longest-running comics and gaming convention and this year’s event is set to prove a real boon to local animators, comic artists, gamers, cosplayers, and general lovers of all things geek.

Taking place at Emperor’s palace on Saturday 20 April till Monday 22nd, Icon will once again play host to tournaments and social sessions for games such as Magic: The Gathering, Settlers of Catan, and Ticket To Ride, while offering attendees the chance to actually play a variety of games themselves at no extra cost.

“Icon has always been about engaging with the games, getting involved, and taking part,” said Icon committee member Grant Charlton. “People can pick up a board game, play it, then head off the anime cinema, play a game of D&D, and then do all their geek shopping.”

With almost 5,000 annual attendees, Icon has also been home to a series of panels on a variety of topics from podcasting, to sci-fi and fantasy writing, and has traditionally hosted top guests including author Raymond E Feist and cosplayer Linde “VampyBitMe” Le. This year’s event will offer a series of events with international author Rob Salkowitz who will speak to the industry side of fan culture, comics, and publishing.

Icon organiser Les Allen said: “Rob is a maven in the industry and if there is one person who can give us all insight into how to build businesses in the geek space, or offer advice on how to get into careers in that field – it’s him.”

Icon 2019 will also see the official launch of the Discomics initiative – a partnership between Lagos Comic Con and Nairobi Comic Con where they’ll be sharing skills and knowledge for animators, comic book artists, and writers and creators of all kinds from across the continent.

“There are other initiatives that are in their final planning stages that will really be big news for animators, so look out for further announcements,” said Allen.

Apart from all the games, the stalls, anime cinemas, and the panels, Icon this year will also include their quiz night, live-action roleplaying events, the World Cosplay Summit (an international cosplay competition), and legendary geeks-only comedy night.

Citizen has four sets of double, full-weekend passes to give away to Icon 2019. All you have to do is email WarrenR@Citizen.co.za with the answer to the question: “Where is Icon 2019 being held?” to enter the draw.

You can also visit the Icon Website for more information.

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