First day of Delhi Comic-Con kicks off with outfits and sales

New Delhi: Dressed up as their favourite comic characters, visitors flocked to the fourth edition of annual Indian Comics Convention, which began here today.The three-day long event includes a a mix-up of different kinds of comics, graphic novels, merchandise, gaming, comic writers, artists and illustrators from world over.[caption id="attachment_1378999" align="alignleft" width="380"] Representational image courtesy IBNLive[/caption]"This is my first time but I'm simply loving it. I am fond of reading Archie comics and have bought several comics from here," Kenyuhi, a student of St. Stephen's College said. Author Sarnath Banerjee's "Harappa Files" and Paulo Coelho's 'The Alchemist' were seen to be quite popular. "These two books have been sold out in considerable numbers on the first day itself," a sales manager of publisher HarperCollins said."We have come here for the first time. The response has been very good so far...its been a discovery to know about people's keen interest on comics here," said Ben Smith, a staff at the 2000 AD stall."The response and sales so far have been decent considering it is the first day of the event. We are expecting more sales on the weekends," said an official manning the stall put up by Orange Radius, an Indian publishing house.Over 100 stalls displayed products by domestic and international publishers like 2000 AD, Comixology, Fanfare,Toynk.com and others. "I'm very happy to have come here. The stuff here are really cool. will come on the weekends too," said a visibly happy Temsukela, a student of Miranda House.A major highlight of the event is a special show on the life of famous American cartoonist Charles M Schulz and hispopular comic strip 'Peanuts'. Titled "Inside Peanuts: The Life and Art of Charles M Schulz" illustrates the journey of Peanuts and Charles M Schulz over the years.Youngsters were seen reading keenly about the American legend. "I'm a comic lover. I have read 'Peanuts'. This (the show) is really interesting. It gives a sneak peek into the life of the characters in the comic strip," said Atu, a student.A gaming section at the event attracted a lot of attention with youngsters vying with each other to play video games.The stall Toynk.com, which offered toys of 'Batman', 'Ironman', and others along with associated merchandise attracted many visitors. Comic Con is set to continue till February 9 at the Thyagaraj Stadium here. Entry tickets are priced from Rs 100 onwards.PTI