Dhaka's pop culture following is not big, but it is not new either. Starting from teenagers to veteran entrepreneurs, there are collectors and ardent followers of movies, comics and video games spread across the capital. Samdani Art Foundation made a wonderful initiative to bring all of them under one roof, and for two days recently, the Bench cafe in Gulshan busded as youth from all around poured in to be a part of the first Dhaka Comicon.

Comicon, short for Comic Convention, is a common happening in the western world, where collectors of comics, action figures and souve-

nirs come together to celebrate their passion. Dhaka Comicon, although rather small in scale, was at no shortage of that enthusiasm and colours. One of the most striking features of comicons across the world, cosplay — or dressing up as characters from movies, comics and video games — was also aplenty.

Scores came dressed up at the festival, ranging from the very familiar Batman to the more hardcore zombie character Hunter from the video game "Left4Dead”. Alfred D' Silva, who came in the gruesome make-up of a zombie and bandages on his leg, termed the festival “a huge leap” for the fans of movies and video games, and strongly

hoped that the festival would get bigger every year. Puly, dressed up as Rogue from the "X-Men" comics, said there is a super-hero in everyone, and it felt good to be dressed as

A number of collectors also put their possessions on display, ranging from action figures of the video game “God of War” to miniature batsignals (from the “Batman” comics and movies). One of the collectors, Salman, said that he has been collecting G.I. Joe action figures for 15 years, and was excited about displaying his prized collection.

The festival also had a fan-art competition, a traders' corner, live cartoon and caricature drawing, souvenir sales and a concert.