CHENNAI COMIC CON wrapped up a high-energy weekend, attracting more than 45,000 attendees to the latest edition at the Chennai Trade Centre. The event was presented by Maruti Suzuki Arena and powered by Crunchyroll.
Across both days, fans explored artist alleys, panel discussions, gaming zones and stage performances, with many staying on for multiple sessions throughout the show, according to the media release.
The NODWIN Gaming Arena drew steady crowds over the weekend, with attendees trying out new titles, watching live gameplay and taking part in interactive experiences. Experience zones by Maruti Suzuki Arena, Crunchyroll and Full Dome kept the venue lively, as fans moved between booths, challenges and showcases.
One of the standout moments of the weekend was the appearance of internationally acclaimed comic book writer Ron Marz, known for his work on Green Lantern, Silver Surfer, Witchblade and the DC vs. Marvel crossover series. His session, “Creators Across Borders: Ron Marz & India,” drew strong attendance as he spoke about cross-cultural storytelling and engaged with fans on the evolving comic-book landscape.
The convention also featured Indian creators and publishers, including Amar Chitra Katha and Raj Comics, alongside independent artists who connected with readers through signings and conversations.
Adding a pop-culture edge, the K-Wave segment showcased three dance crews and two solo performers, delivering energetic choreography set to fan-favourite tracks that kept audiences engaged until the close.
Cosplay remained one of the most popular attractions. More than 500 fans brought characters from across fictional universes to life. The Chennai Qualifier of the Indian Championship of Cosplay concluded on Sunday, with participants competing for a Rs 50,000 cash prize, while daily winners received Rs 30,000. Professional cosplayer Cosplola, dressed as Masquera Noir Sakizo, won the Chennai qualifier to advance to the national finals.
Live performances kept the main stage buzzing, with audiences cheering along to acts by Louis and Nicole, Célinedee Matahari, Geek Fruit and Kenzo Y2K across the two days.
The energy carried over into the Comic Con Variety Vault, where Kumar Varun delivered his set, alongside stand-up performances from Vivek Muralidharan, Azeem Banatwalla and Daniel Fernandes, bringing plenty of laughs throughout the weekend.
Comic Con India CEO Shefali Johnson said, “In Chennai, celebration has a certain grace. You see it during Margazhi concerts, during Pongal, or during a big film release, and this weekend felt similar. Families came together, friends planned their outfits days in advance, and fans applauded cosplayers and performers like they would at a stage performance. It did not feel like just an event, it felt like Chennai adding Comic Con to its own calendar. The way the city embraced us makes this edition truly special, and it gives us every reason to return each year with more stories, creators and experiences for the fandoms here.”
NODWIN Gaming co-founder and MD Akshat Rathee said, “Starting on Valentine’s Day in Chennai felt symbolic because this city is unapologetic about what it loves. You see it in the first-day-first-show queues, in packed stadiums, in the way fan groups plan and show up together. Over these two days, that same loyalty was visible across the venue. People came early, stayed till the last session, explored every zone and cheered wholeheartedly for cosplayers on stage. That sense of ownership is rare, and it tells us Chennai is not just a stop on our calendar, it is a city we want to keep growing with year after year.”
