Long before there was Comic Con Africa, FanCon Cape Town Comic Con or even rAge, there was ICON Comic and Games Convention. Considered South Africa’s longest-running pop culture celebration, the geeky gathering has a special focus on tabletop gaming of all kinds (board games, card games, pen and paper role-playing and miniature wargaming).

ICON, which dates all the way back to 1992, has been through several iterations over the years, peaking in scale in the second half of the 2010s (check out our coverage of the 2017, 2018 and 2019 events) when it even spun off into a Durban event for the East Coasters. Like other events, though, ICON fell victim to COVID-19 pandemic regulations in 2020, making 2019 the last time it took place.

Attempts were made briefly last year to revive ICON, before the organisers were let down by their 2023 partner venue. That means that this year – in fact, this weekend, 5 – 7 July – ICON makes its grand return after a five-year hiatus. And it’s a case of back to basics. Taglined ICON 2024 – Old Skool, and taking place for the first time at Crawford International Lonehill in Sandton, Johannesburg, this year’s ICON is channelling past ICONs held at the Edenvale and Jabula Recreation Centres.

What that means is a more intimate event with traditional attractions and a few new additions. Attendees can look forward to board games, competitive card game tournaments, D&D sessions, geeky merch (dice, plushies, figurines, apparel and more), miniatures painting, movie screenings (of A Princess Bride), cosplay, and a Geek Quiz alongside a GUNPLA build meet, escape rooms and mini Magicon experience. You can stay on top of the ICON 2024 offerings and schedule via the event Facebook page.

P.S. No word yet on whether the famous collectible ICON mugs, which entitle you to hot beverages all weekend, will be available.

As for other fundamental ICON 2024 details:

Times

  • Friday, 5th July: 12 pm to 6 pm
  • Saturday, 6th July: 9 am to 6 pm
  • Sunday, 7th July: 9 am to 5 pm

Ticket prices

  • R100 for day passes
  • R250 for a 3-day weekend pass
  • Kids under 6 attend for free.
  • Crawford Lonehill students will receive a 50% discount when purchasing tickets at the gate with proof of ID.

You’ll need separate tickets for additional attractions like the Comedy Night (an ICON tradition) and the various gaming tournaments (for Warhammer 40K, Magic: The Gathering and so on). You can purchase tickets online here or at the event itself.

As we wrap this post, and look forward to a retro-style ICON, it seems appropriate to revisit one of the genuine old school events. Enjoy this blast from the past. Here are some snaps from ICON 2009, which took place at the early-ish Jabula Recreation Centre days.