Comic Con Arabia (CCA)^[1] is an annual pop culture convention held in Saudia Arabia, catering to enthusiasts of comics, movies, TV shows, anime, sci-fi, cosplay, video games, and various other forms of entertainment. The event serves as a platform for fans, creators, and industry professionals to come together, celebrate their shared passions, and engage in a wide range of activities.

It was held for the first time on November 23, 2017, in Riyadh, and it has brought high- profile guests. The convention later resumed virtually in 2020-2021, and continued its face-to-face engagement on October 20, 2022, at the Jeddah International Exhibition & Convention Center. The latest edition happened last November 30, 2023, at the same convention center.

History

Comic Con Arabia^[2] is the ultimate pop culture festival in Saudi Arabia, organized by THE1 (formerly Panache). It unites fans, creators, and celebrities worldwide, showcasing diverse aspects of pop culture such as comics, manga, anime, film, TV, Sci-Fi, video games, and cosplay. As the Kingdom's largest celebration, Comic Con Arabia brings the dynamic world of the pop culture scene to the forefront.

Comic Con Arabia^[3] 2023, held last November 30 to December 1, showcased the vibrant world of pop culture at the Jeddah^[4] International Exhibition and Convention Center. CCA invited iconic actors Steven John Ward, Mackenyu, Lilani Shiu, Lexi Rabe, and Alex Garfin; comic book illustrators Mostafa Moussa^[5], Hiroshi Kanatani^[6], and Chad Hardin; authors Shaun & Naomi Barrowes and Rachel Litfin; and voice actors Lisle Wilkerson, Dolya Gavanski, Kristi Rothrock, and John Gremillion; in addition to cosplayers Leon Chiro, Elizabeth Rage, Jinxie Cosplay, Sakuraflor, and HarFie; and SFX makeup artists Tanios Hokayem and Rony Yucef.

Comic Con Arabia 2022, held from October 20 to 22, 2022, at the Jeddah International Exhibition & Convention Center, welcomed the actors Georgia Hirst, Luka Perošt, Itziar Ituño, Alexander Ludwig, and cosplayers Taryn Cosplay, Sakuraflor, and HarFie; samurai performances by Tetsuro Shimaguchi; voice actors Lisle Wilkerson, Kyle Hebert, Richard Epcar, and Bryson Baugus; comic book illustrators Hiroshi Nagahama; "The Weapons Master", Tommy Dunne; and wrestler Cinta "Sin Cara" De Oro.

Comic Con Arabia 2020-2021 was a unique edition due to COVID-19 pandemic. It was the first ever virtual CCA that was broadcasted on the Comic Con Arabia YouTube channel. Activities included a master class with Michael "KNIGHTMAGE" and Sakuraflor, a Q&A session with Cavin "Spiderman", and an e-cosplay competition.

Features

Comic Con Arabia offers a comprehensive experience for attendees, encompassing a wide array of pop culture elements. Some of the key features of the convention include: Cosplay Competition: Comic Con Arabia presents the ideal opportunity to showcase all the remarkable cosplay skills, starting from creating the costume to the performance. Meet and Greet with Celebrity Guests: Comic Con Arabia event offers an incredible

opportunity to meet your favorite celebrity guests. Experience the excitement of beingnear stars from beloved movies and TV shows, and capture a memorable selfie!Panel Discussions: Renowned experts and creators will openly share their insights andexclusive secrets during engaging panel discussions. Whether it's analyzing the latestMarvel movie or exploring the profound impact of sci-fi on pop culture, these panels arean absolute must for devoted fans.

Fan Art Gallery: This hidden gem brims with awe-inspiring fantasy and sci-fi artwork. It

allows the fan to explore extraordinary masterpieces, connect with exceptionallytalented artists, and witness live art performances by featured artists across the region.eSports and Gaming: Comic Con Arabia organizes eSports competitions for gamers topush the boundaries of skill and strategy. In the adrenaline-fueled arena, players battle itacross popular titles such as FC24, Fortnite, MWIII, Street Fighter, Mortal Kombat, SuperMario Smash, and others.

Artist Alley: As a vital element of the convention, Artist Alley embodies our commitmentto empowering independent retailers, providing them unparalleled opportunities toshowcase their unique products and build lasting connections with a diverse and apassionate audience.

CCA Village: Comic Con Arabia Village is where fans experience good food and greatmusic as they get serenaded by local and international artists while indulging deliciousfood.

References

External links

• Official website
• Official Instagram Page
• Official Facebook Page
• Official X (Formerly twitter) Page
• Official TikTok Page
• Official Snapchat Page
• Official YouTube Pge
• Comic Con Arabia 2023: The Pop Culture Adventure
• Middle East Film and Comic ConComic book convention

2023

• Embark on an epic journey at Comic-Con Arabia, where fantasy comes to life: https://www.timeoutjeddah.com/things-to-do/comic-con-arabia-2023
• Immerse yourself in the ultimate pop culture experience at Comic-Con Arabia: https://www.visitsaudi.com/en/events/comic-con-arabia
• Discover a world of creativity and fandom at Comic-Con Arabia: https://www.factriyadh.com/saudi-arabia/riyadh-saudi-arabia/events-riyadh-saudi
• Prepare for an unforgettable adventure as Comic-Con Arabia arrives in Saudi Arabia: arabia/comic-con-arabia-2023-is-landing-in-saudi-arabia
• Get ready for excitement as Comic-Con returns to Jeddah: https://whatsonsaudiarabia.com/2023/10/comic-con-is-headed-back-to-jeddah/
• Join the celebration of geek culture at Comic-Con Arabia in Jeddah: https://saudi.deals/upcoming-events/comic-con-arabia-in-jeddah/
• Experience the magic of Comic-Con Arabia in Jeddah, where dreams come true: https://stayhappening.com/e/comic-con-arabia-in-jeddah-EWYL5MBU8V2
• Dive into the world of Comic-Con Arabia, where stars and fans collide: https://www.sayidaty.net/%D8%A8%D9%84%D8%B3/%D8%A3%D8%AE%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%B1/1697716-%D9%83%D9%88%D9%85%D9%8A%D9%83-%D9%83%D9%88%D9%86-%D8%A3%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%A8%D9%8A%D8%A7-%D9%8A%D8%B3%D8%AA%D8%B6%D9%8A%D9%81-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D8%B4%D8%A7%D9%87%D9%8A%D8%B1

History

Inauguration

Inaugurated in 2017, the comic book convention was organised by local company Time Entertainment; it was held over three days in February 2017 in Jeddah. Unusually for an event sponsored by the government's General Entertainment Authority, under the aegis of the Saudi Vision 2030 program to diversify the economy the genders were allowed to mingle and cosplay (albeit crossplaying is prohibited), which is unheard of in a nation where segregation of the sexes is pivotal.

A hashtag denoting it as a "devil-worshipping" festival became popular on Twitter, however, and there were calls for a boycott. Nonetheless the convention was popular, and included both national and international talent: Charles Dance and Julian Glover from Game of Thrones, Giancarlo Esposito from Breaking Bad, Mads Mikkelsen from Doctor Strange, and assorted Saudi producers and actors, including cast members from the upcoming Saudi superhero show Mas'hour (meaning "Bewitched" in Arabic) appeared on panels.^[1]

20,000 people attended the inauguration, and the event was noted both for being a recognition of the importance of anime and pop culture in Saudi Arabia, and for giving a platform to local artists^[2] and the national entertainment industry in the global economy.^[3]

References

External links

• Official website