Comic-Con has become a popular event in India, with anime and manga gaining increasing prominence. At this year’s Mumbai Comic-Con, anime cosplayers and booths outnumbered those of other pop culture franchises. The event showcased the growing demand for anime and manga in India, with major players like Crunchyroll and Cartoon Network highlighting their latest releases.
The popularity of anime and manga was evident not only in the number of cosplayers and booths dedicated to them, but also in the words of those involved in the industry. Akshat Rathee, the co-founder of NODWIN, which acquired the rights to host Comic Con in India, emphasized the multi-dimensional nature of India’s youth, who embrace various pop culture influences. He noted that Katanas, a type of Japanese sword commonly seen in anime, were among the most sought-after merchandise at the event.
The Indian publishing industry is also taking note of the growing popularity of anime and manga. Deepesh Kothari, the Vice President of Amar Chitra Katha, revealed that the company is adapting to the changing times by creating manga-style comics while still maintaining the cultural relevance of their content. He also mentioned that they are exploring live-action adaptations of their works.
The growing demand for anime and manga in India is likely to continue. NODWIN is planning to collaborate with The Japan Foundation in India to organize an event dedicated solely to the anime community. However, despite the rise of anime and manga, the popularity of traditional Comic-Con elements, such as Marvel and DC comics, remains strong. Fans with diverse interests continue to embrace both genres, showcasing the vibrant and evolving pop culture landscape in India.
