What Comic Con Colombia 2025 will bring, according to its director: 180 talks, 95 artists and more

Comic Con 2025 will take place from June 27 to 30, and will feature more than 180 talks and workshops, 33 auditoriums, internationally renowned guests, immersive experiences, and a robust academic agenda. The 2025 edition of Comic Con Colombia promises to be the most ambitious and diverse to date.

Alejandro Caballero, the event's director and founder, spoke with EL TIEMPO about the new events that will transform Corferias, Bogotá, into a celebration for all fans of entertainment, pop culture, and creativity this weekend.

"We always try to have the widest possible variety: of hobbies, guests, and experiences," Caballero explains. This year's international lineup includes figures visiting Colombia for the first time, such as Drake Bell, remembered for his role in Drake & Josh; Christopher Mintz-Plasse, the unforgettable McLovin from Superbad; and Taz Skylar, who plays Sanji in the successful live-action adaptation of One Piece.

The event will also feature Mika Kobayashi, a Japanese singer who has lent her voice to iconic series like Attack on Titan, adding a musical touch to the Japanese animation component of Comic Con.

One of this year's major highlights is the academic program, which has been strengthened with more than 180 training opportunities. From talks about Tolkien's universe and his Elvish language to workshops on homemade special effects, animation, graphic design, and graphic narratives, Comic Con has become a space for knowledge that is as powerful as it is entertaining.

Additionally, in partnership with Royal Films, 11 Studio Ghibli films will be screened in an exclusive movie theater within the venue, as part of a strategic alliance to launch the studio's collection in Colombia.

"We have university professors and experts like César Leguizamón and Guillermo, a professor at UPB in Medellín, who has been teaching comics and fantasy literature for over 20 years," explains the director.

The fair also stands out for offering more than 20 free immersive experiences included in the admission fee. " We want every visitor to disconnect from their routine and experience a unique weekend," says Caballero.

This year, attendees will be able to take photos with a giant Chewbacca, visit the Fantastic Four's laboratory, tour El Chavo's neighborhood, and relive classic scenes from Pinocchio.

Brands like Disney, Sony Pictures, Universal, Cineplex, and Paramount have combined their creative muscle to recreate scenes from Jurassic World, Star Wars, Dragon Ball, Pokémon, and Mario Kart, ensuring that audiences of all ages can find something they can connect with.

The Game On zone expands this year as a universe within the fair, with contests, demonstrations, and the presence of two of Latin America's most influential streamers: Westcol and Mister Steven, invited by the Kwai platform.

Although it was initially planned that they would participate for only a few hours, both confirmed that they will be there from noon until closing time on Saturday and Sunday, enjoying the fair with their followers.

“The industry has evolved. Entertainment no longer revolves solely around comics, and we understand that. That's why we're expanding our offerings to embrace new generations,” says Caballero, who emphasizes that Colombia's Comic Con has become a regional benchmark, with guests who are later replicated at events in Argentina, Chile, and Mexico.

This year's national call for Artist Alley exceeded all expectations: more than 380 proposals were received, and 95 national artists were selected , the highest number in the event's history.

"We want the fair to also showcase our local talent," the director emphasizes. This policy of inclusion also extends to the organizing team, where more than half of the staff belongs to the LGBTIQ+ community.

"We didn't do it because of a quota; it happened naturally. It's part of our DNA and the philosophy of respect and diversity we promote in every corner of the event."

Comic Con 2025 is designed to be an inclusive, cross-generational space. From classic film references to streaming phenomena, including anime, comics, video games, and academic training, this edition promises an experience for all tastes. As Caballero says, "It's a complete disconnect: you arrive in a universe that embraces you with all your passions."

Although there is interest in expanding to other cities, for now Comic Con will continue to consolidate its presence in Bogotá and Medellín, similar to the Bogotá Book Fair and the Medellín Book Festival.

According to Caballero, the high costs of bringing in international talent currently prevent a traveling format, although the possibility of a Caribbean edition in Barranquilla in partnership with Corferias is being considered.

"Colombia earns only one-seventh of what Mexico earns at the box office each year. This directly influences major production companies to prioritize other countries for their releases," explains the director.

Despite this challenge, the organization continues to strive for sustainable growth and strengthen the event's position in the region. With a perfect blend of nostalgia and avant-garde, the fair once again demonstrates that entertainment knows no borders and that Bogotá is, once again, the epicenter of pop culture in Latin America. This event, which continues to strengthen its reputation each year, is a perfect example of how the festival continues to grow.

ANGELA MARÍA PÁEZ RODRÍGUEZ - SCHOOL OF MULTIMEDIA JOURNALISM EL TIEMPO.