Comic Con Astana brings global pop culture spotlight to Central Asia
With Hollywood stars, Netflix premieres, and a Tekken world stage, Kazakhstan hosts region’s biggest geek festival in capital city
ASTANA, Kazakhstan (MNTV)— Comic Con Astana 2025, the largest pop culture convention in Central Asia and the post-Soviet region, has kicked off in the Kazakh capital, drawing thousands of fans from across the globe to celebrate comics, cinema, gaming, and cosplay culture.
According to DKnews.kz, the five-day event, running from July 9 to 13, is expected to attract more than 75,000 visitors, including at least 10,000 international tourists. Since its launch, Comic Con Astana has grown into a cultural landmark, positioning Kazakhstan as a rising hub for global creative industries and mega-events—comparable to the likes of Comic Con in New York, San Diego, or Dubai.
Supported by the Astana city government and Astana Tourism, this year’s festival spans two major venues:
- Barys Arena, which hosts the main show, including autograph sessions, Q&A panels, and the highly anticipated international cosplay contest.
- Astana Arena, an expansive exhibition space with themed installations, a gaming zone, and Pop Asia programming.
For the first time, Comic Con Astana has brought together three major Hollywood names:
- Andy Serkis, renowned for his pioneering work in motion capture in The Lord of the Rings, Planet of the Apes, and Star Wars.
- Esai Morales, known for iconic roles in Mission: Impossible, La Bamba, and Ozark.
- Scott Adkins, a fan favorite for his action roles in John Wick 4, Doctor Strange, and Undisputed.
One of the festival’s highlights is the premiere of La Tregua, a Kazakhstan-Spain co-production developed for global release, including on Netflix. The historical drama, centered on the dark legacy of the Soviet-era Karlag labor camps, is directed by Miguel Ángel Vivas (Money Heist) and produced by Emilio A. Pina (Premios Goya).
The international cosplay competition, a festival staple, boasts a prize pool of 15 million tenge ($30,000) and features a diverse jury of top cosplayers from the United States, France, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and Kazakhstan.
Special guests from the gaming and streaming world include Marmok, Qewbite, Anton Meels, Johan, Eugene Sagaz, and others—bringing together online creators and content enthusiasts.
Adding to the excitement, Astana is also hosting an official stage of the TEKKEN World Tour 2025, where more than 90 competitors will battle in the Tekken 8 tournament for ranking points and a prize pool of 400,000 tenge ($780).
From cosplay and cinema to esports and cultural exchange, Comic Con Astana continues to elevate Central Asia’s presence on the global pop culture map.
Have Your Say!
Have you been affected by the issues raised in this story? Please share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@soundvision.com.
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a Muslim Network TV’s representative. You can also get in touch in the following ways:
Tweet: @MuslimNetworkTV
We must take charge of our narrative. Research indicates that 92% of their Muslim coverage is negative. Help us change that.
