Comic Con Astana 2024 is gearing up to be a vibrant showcase of Kazakh creativity and global pop culture. From July 25th to 28th, the festival will host over 100 talented artists, authors, and industry professionals at the Authors' Alley. This dedicated zone offers a treasure trove for fans, featuring graphic novels, anime, books, handicrafts, and unique collectibles.
Which comic book artists should we expect?
Fans can expect to meet established and emerging creators. Among them is Alibek Kozhageldiev, a renowned storyboard artist and graphic novelist. He will present his popular work "We Are Not Superheroes," a heartwarming story about two fifth-graders with unexpected superpowers, now available for the first time in Kazakh.
Another highlight is "The Other Makta Kyz," Alibek's fresh take on the Kazakh folk tale, combining magic, folklore, and a dash of humor.
Rinat Akhmediyar, a manga artist from Uralsk, will showcase his captivating stories "Besqonaq" and "Child of the Ocean." "Besqonaq" follows Kaisar, a memory-loss stricken slave in the 13th century Kypchak Khanate, on a journey filled with mythical creatures and historical mysteries. "Child of the Ocean" presents a child raised by the sea, whose life takes a turn with the arrival of a mysterious figure.
Galym Baituk, a public figure and graphic novelist, brings exciting news about his project "SHOKAN." Inspired by the life of Kazakh scholar Shokan Ualikhanov, the graphic novel is being adapted into a cartoon titled "Shokan. Travelling to Kashgaria," set to air on Balapan channel this winter.
Magira Tleuberdina, known as Magnificum, will present the complete collection of her graphic novel "Mergen," based on Kazakh legends. The story follows Mergen Batyr, a warrior seeking peace who is forced back into battle against supernatural threats.
First-time author Iskander Zhandaulet, also known as Iskander Adal, debuts with "QATYGEZ," a dark and gritty graphic novel featuring Kazakhstan's first anti-hero fighting societal injustice.
Dubbing studio and anime clothing brand
The festival welcomes AT Production, a dubbing studio known for its work on popular anime like "Hell's Paradise" and "Jobless Reincarnation." Fans can be excited about the Kazakh dub of the second season of "Sorcery Battle," with plans for "The Boys," "Avatar: The Last Airbender," and upcoming movies like "Venom 3" in the pipeline.
Akiba, a Kazakh anime clothing brand, will unveil its debut graphic novel at the festival. The story explores the life of an ordinary man struggling with depression and business woes who finds himself transported into the mind of his fictional creation. This unique tale delves into themes of reality versus fantasy, self-discovery, and fighting inner demons.
Comic Con Astana isn't just about Kazakh creativity. The festival promises to be a haven for fans of all things pop culture, with Danish actor Mads Mikkelsen, known for his roles in "Hannibal" and "Doctor Strange," as one of the 2024 headliners.
