Jatin Varma, the wizard behind Comic Con India, spills the beans on his pop culture love affair, the ever-evolving convention, and what makes Bengaluru Comic Con 2023 an absolute delight.
Jatin Varma started Comic Con India in 2011. (Supplied)
The pleasure of reading a story and wondering what will come next for the hero is a pleasure that has lasted for centuries.
American comic book writer Stan Lee’s words perfectly capture the essence of Comic Con India’s founder Jatin Varma’s journey.
Since its inception in 2011, Comic Con India has evolved into a dynamic realm that unites fans from diverse multiverses and fandoms, leaving attendees eagerly anticipating what’s in store next.
In collaboration with Maruti Suzuki Arena and CrunchyRoll, the 11th edition of Bengaluru Comic Con prepares to sweep through from November 17 to 19, 2023.
South First takes a peek into the mind of the creator, revealing the passionate pop culture enthusiast within.
Q. How do you feel about the evolution of CCI up to its 11th edition?
Jatin Varma, founder of Comic Con India with guests. (Supplied)
A. Surprisingly, from the very first event in 2011, even though it was relatively small, the response was fantastic. That positive feedback motivated me to expand beyond New Delhi and take Comic Con to other cities.
The inaugural Bengaluru Comic Con in 2012 was also a success, and over the past decade, it has grown significantly. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, Comic-Con has continued to evolve.
Q. Have expectations changed?
A. When we began, social media wasn’t as influential as it is today. Nowadays, we have greater access to information, knowledge, and market trends. We also have access to merchandise, goods, and free content.
Each year, the audience becomes more diverse and isn’t limited to a single interest. (Supplied)
Each year, the audience becomes more diverse and isn’t limited to a single interest. They seek variety. Initially, the focus was primarily on comic books, but now it has expanded into a broader spectrum of pop culture – from manga, anime, and superhero movies. We find ourselves in the right place at the right time, and it’s an exciting place to be.
Q. If you could cosplay as any character at Bengaluru Comic Con 2023, who would it be and why?
A. During my first time at Comic Con, I attempted to cosplay as Jean-Luc Picard from Star Trek. However, I must admit that I ended up looking quite different from the character (laughs). If I were to choose a character from the Star Trek series to cosplay as regularly, it would undoubtedly be my favourite, as it’s my favourite series.
Q. Can you share a memorable moment that left a lasting impression on you?
A. There are so many memorable moments, but let me share two examples. Some of my closest friends are individuals I met at Comic Con.
I’ve formed strong bonds with a group of friends I met there. Another remarkable moment happened last year in Bengaluru when a couple planned to have a special marriage proposal during Comic Con, all while in cosplay.
People meet at Comic Con and discover that it’s not just a place for fandom but also for forming meaningful relationships. (Supplied)
The interesting part was that we had to navigate a surprise, and when the couple arrived, we discovered that both of them had the same idea of proposing to each other simultaneously.
They ended up proposing together! It’s funny how more people meet at Comic Con and discover that it’s not just a place for fandom but also for forming meaningful relationships, sometimes leading to marriage.
For me, one of the most satisfying aspects is how people connect and share their passions. That’s the atmosphere we aim to create.
Q. If CCI were a comic book, what would be the title, and what would the cover art look like?
A. There are a couple of comic books from outside of India created by artists that I find interesting. One series is called Tales from the Con, and another is called Fanboy.
If CCI were to be featured in a comic book, I would title it Tales from the Con.
The cover art for the book would depict a bird’s-eye view of the show floor, capturing the hustle and bustle of the event.
You’d see different types of people engaged in conversations, laughter, and various activities.
The artwork would aim to capture the vibrant atmosphere of Comic Con.
In the past, we’ve attempted to do this with posters, but there’s something uniquely elusive about the experience that’s challenging to capture fully.
Q. As a fan of comics and pop culture, what’s your favourite comic book or graphic novel, and why?
A. Three things truly left a mark on me. Firstly, I possess a collection of Amar Chitra Katha and Tinkle comics.
My passion for them was so strong that I even submitted a story entry to Tinkle once. I even have a letter as a memento — a rejection letter from Uncle Pai (laughs).
The second part of my favourites includes my collection of Tintin and Asterix comics. I was particularly captivated by the artwork in Tintin.
It exudes a wonderful retro charm, especially from the 1950s. Whenever I come across anything that remotely resembles that style of artwork, I can’t resist picking it up.
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These were the materials that I grew up reading, and I’ve devoured every single one of them thousands of times.
Even today, if I chance upon an older Tinkle collection from the early ’90s, I find the work of the older artists more appealing. There’s a certain quality in the way they depicted faces and hands that I still deeply admire.
Somewhat later, I came across a Superman comic, Superman: Red Son, that truly captured my imagination.
It was a limited series, with just three issues, and it offered a captivating reimagining of Superman’s origin story.
In this version, Superman didn’t crash-land in Kansas; instead, he landed in the USSR and eventually embraced communism. This comic became one of my all-time favourites.
Q. If you could have dinner with any fictional character, who would it be, and what would you ask them over the meal?
A. If I were to create a fictional dinner scenario, I’d transport myself to the world of Star Trek and host a group dinner with all the captains from various series, not just Captain Kirk.
I’d be eager to ask them about the most extraordinary planet or species they’ve encountered during their voyages.
I have a deep passion for science fiction, particularly when it comes to the concept of “first contact.”
I’m captivated by the idea of humanity’s first interactions with alien species, and I frequently delve into science fiction books exploring this theme.
Given that Star Trek captains must have come across numerous alien species in their adventures, our dinner conversation would likely revolve around these intriguing encounters. It’s all about satisfying my fascination with the unknown and the possibilities of first contact in the vast universe of science fiction.
Q. Comic Con events often feature collectables. Do you have a personal favourite piece of pop culture merchandise that holds sentimental value for you?
A. Though I founded Comic Con in India in 2011, I had yet to experience the grandeur of San Diego Comic Con, where it all began.
It wasn’t until later, that I finally had the chance to attend. During this visit, I had the privilege of meeting the legendary Stan Lee.
In anticipation of this encounter, I had acquired a special copy of a vintage Fantastic Four comic for him to autograph. I handed him my pen, and he signed it once. However, the signature didn’t quite meet his expectations.
Jatin with Stan Lee. (Supplied)
Without any hesitation, he took his pen and signed it again in a different location, creating a unique and doubly-signed item. “You have the only Fantastic Four item I’ve signed twice,” he said.
I cherish this doubly-signed copy and securely placed it in a vault for safekeeping.
I had the chance of encountering him again in subsequent years, and the interaction allowed for slightly more engaging conversations. My first sighting, meeting, and interaction with Stan Lee and the signed comic is a memory I hold dear.
Q. Comic Con is a place where fans can geek out and express their passions openly. Can you share a moment when you saw someone’s face light up with excitement?
A. Our goal is to create an inclusive space, where you can leave your inhibitions behind and freely share your passions and interests.
It’s a place where you have the opportunity to meet your favourite artists and creators, from India and from around the world. When fans meet these Indian creators and artists, they are often in awe, unable to believe that they are meeting them for the first time.
Even after years of organising these events, the excitement and enthusiasm continue to thrive. Meeting one’s favourite creators, those they deeply admire remains an extraordinary and unforgettable experience.
Bengaluru Comic Con is set to take place from November 17 to 19. (Supplied)
In my interactions with Indian artists and creators, they also express their appreciation. They’re moved by the way people greet and meet them, often saying things like, “I love your work, I’ve been following it for so many years.”
This feeling they experience shows the impact of these interactions on both creators and fans alike.
Q. If you had to create your own superhero alter ego for Comic Con, what would your name and costume be, and what would be your superpower?
A. I’ve given this some thought, and while I don’t have a specific name for my superhero alter ego, there’s one superpower that I’ve always wished for: The ability to fly.
I’m in New Delhi right now and with the low air quality, I don’t particularly feel like flying at the moment. But, the idea of soaring through the skies has always fascinated me.
This desire is deeply connected to one of my favourite superheroes, Superman, who epitomises the ultimate superhero.
He possesses incredible powers, including the ability to fly, and that has always held a special place in my admiration for superheroes!
Q. As the founder, what are your personal goals and aspirations for the future of Comic Con India?
A. As the founder, my personal goals and aspirations for the future of Comic Con India have been evolving and growing, and we strive to keep up with the ever-changing landscape.
One of our key areas is ensuring that we try to serve as many fans as possible. We aim to bring all elements of what fans would love, from making cosplay better to creating a space that would be fun for people who are passionate about gaming.
At Bengaluru Comic Con, you’ll see a long line of booths featuring creators from all across India. (Supplied)
Performance is another important aspect, and there’s a constant drive behind us to do something better each year.
Another focus of ours is creating a space for Indian creators. We invite them to be our guests, set up, and showcase their artwork and comics. It started as an experiment, and it has been growing massively.
At Bengaluru Comic Con, you’ll see a long line of booths featuring creators from all across India. I hope people will stop by and discover all these artworks, and comics.
Q. What does Bengaluru Comic Con mean to you?
A. Bengaluru has a geeky outlook, and they appreciate the way we organise things. They show us a lot of love when we come there, and we have a great show. When we curate guests, we try to bring in people the audience would love. I am excited to be back in Bengaluru and get the show started!
Bengaluru Comic Con 2023 will take place at KTPO Trade Centre, Whitefield, Bengaluru from November 17 to 19. To book your tickets, visit: www.comicconindia.com. Instagram @ComiconIndia
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