Power dressing

by VISI BLOGGER Nadine Arendse

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As early as 07h00, recognisable superheroes and their counterparts parade noisily at the Stadium on Main in Claremont, Cape Town, for Free Comic Book Day early in May.

Noooo… not the Geeks, nor the Gleeks (Glee fans), nor the Twi-Hards (Twilight fans), but rather the Darth Vaders, the Spidermen and the Green Goblins. Over a thousand psyched Fanboys – including both guys and girls – compete for Best Dressed and other prizes at the Readers Den Comic Shop.

I talk to Nizar Abrahams, co-owner of the popular store.

Describe yourself…

I’m just a Fanboy who got lucky – I was able to turn a passion into a full-time business. The business itself grew organically over the last 19 years, but it started with a love of reading as a child. I paid R3,000 for a very early issue of Batman. Now my DVD collection includes basic superhero movies, Asian cult movies and some anime films (mostly Miyazaki).

What is the allure of playing superhero costume dress-up?

The allure lies in the pure love of the comic characters. It’s also a chance to do a bit more than just reading about them or seeing them on a screen. The winner is chosen on overall quality, originality, and attention to detail (e.g. make-up and accessories). I’ve seen some really outrageous stuff at the San Diego Comic Convention (SDCC).

What does the planning of Free Comic Book Day entail?

Planning starts four months in advance with the last month being quite hectic with ordering the free comics and promo material to organising the various activities for the day, and getting enough sale products together to keep fans happy. 

It’s said that Batman was missing in action this year….?

Actually, Batman came dressed as Captain America this year and won the Best Dressed prize! I’m sure Batman will return.

Tell me more about the wardrobe at Readers Den.

For now, it includes Wonder Woman and Supergirl costumes. Accessories we’ve added include the authentic boots and also Wonder Woman’s lasso. We’re planning to expand our range.

If Hollywood signed you up to be a villain, who would you play? And which hero would you choose to be?

As a villain, definitely The Joker. As a hero, possibly Wolverine – he rides a motorbike.

If Captain SA was your comic to bring to life, name…

The gender: Female

Her allies: Leon Schuster

Nemesis: Julius Malema, with Steve Hofmeyr hot on his heels.

Powers: I would have to be a crime fighter, so super strength.

Mission: To spread peace throughout South Africa.

Is it possible to take Free Comic Book Day to new heights?

Hell, yeah! But at the moment we’re limited by the location. We’re always looking to add more to the day. Operational cost of this event is also quite high since we don’t have any sponsorship.

About Nadine Arendse

Nadine studied fashion design and feature writing, and has spent most of her career thus far in the retail sector. She notes that she has “a classic personality, with a fair side of quirkiness”. She loves designing, styling and doing all things creative. Her aspirations are to be a fashion editor while continuing to be a driving force behind the fashion label Mi, based in the Cape Quarter. Nadine also showcases her own fashion label, called Rendition, at the You, Me and Everyone We Know market, which regularly takes place at the Labia On Orange theatre in Cape Town.

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