At the end of September, Comic Con Africa 2026 will bring together fans of comics, anime, video games, cosplay and pop culture in Johannesburg. This year, tattooing will also be part of the experience: local Ikigai Studio is preparing a special selection of flash designs, limited tattoo sessions and a gacha machine where, instead of a toy, visitors can get a random Pokémon tattoo design.
Comic Con Africa will take place from September 24–27 at the Johannesburg Expo Centre, Nasrec. Ikigai Studio will be located in Hall 4, stand TA02.
The team will mainly focus on smaller tattoos that can realistically be completed in a convention setting, while visitors will also be able to discuss their own ideas and larger projects for future sessions at the studio.
According to tattoo artist Heath, pop culture works particularly well as tattoo subject matter because these images are rarely chosen at random.
“People get tattoos because something means something to them, and fandom is a huge part of that,” he says. “Whether it's a character you grew up with, a game you love, or a reference that only another fan will recognise, it's cool to turn that into something you can carry with you.”
At Comic Con, the Ikigai team will bring a selection of ready-made flash designs inspired by different areas of geek and pop culture. Visitors can also come with their own ideas, whether that means anime characters, gaming symbols or small references that may only be recognised by people familiar with a particular universe.
Because of the convention format, the studio will primarily focus on smaller pieces that can be completed comfortably within the available time. Larger projects can still be discussed at Comic Con and continued later at Ikigai’s studio in Northcliff.
“Comic Con is such a great space for us because it brings together so many different kinds of creatives and people who are passionate about the things they love,” says Heath. “We're looking forward to meeting people, seeing what they're into, and making some cool tattoos.”
Perhaps the most unusual part of Ikigai’s stand will be its Pokémon gacha machine.
The idea follows the familiar “get what you get” tattoo format: instead of choosing the design yourself, you receive a random one from the machine. Ikigai’s version will feature tattoo designs based on first- and second-generation Pokémon.
For those who grew up with the early games, trading cards or animated series, the format adds an extra layer of nostalgia to the tattoo experience — somewhere between choosing a new tattoo and opening a mystery collectible.
The stand will not be limited to tattooing. Ikigai will also bring Comic Con-exclusive T-shirts, handmade fandom-inspired art scrolls, stickers and temporary tattoos for visitors who are not ready to commit to permanent ink.
Getting tattooed at a convention is very different from having a regular studio appointment. There are crowds, busy schedules, queues, cosplay and limited time for each session, so a little preparation can make the experience much easier.
Visitors who already know they want a tattoo should ideally bring some kind of reference — a character, symbol, image or simply a general idea. A finished design is not necessary, and Ikigai’s own flash will also be available.
Smaller tattoos are the most practical option for the convention itself. If the idea involves a larger or more detailed composition, Comic Con can be used as an opportunity to meet the artist, discuss the project and arrange a full studio session later.
Ikigai will offer a limited number of advance bookings while keeping part of the schedule open for walk-ins.
The usual tattoo-day basics still apply: eat properly beforehand, stay hydrated and arrive well-rested. Clothing should allow easy access to the area being tattooed, which is worth considering in advance for anyone planning to spend the day in cosplay.
Alcohol should be avoided before the appointment. And once the tattoo is finished, proper aftercare is essential — the artist will provide the necessary recommendations.
Ikigai Studio will be at Comic Con Africa 2026 from September 24–27 at the Johannesburg Expo Centre, Nasrec — Hall 4, stand TA02.
A limited number of tattoo appointments will be available, with some slots reserved for walk-ins. Larger projects can also be discussed onsite and booked for a separate session at Ikigai’s Northcliff studio.
More information about the studio and bookings is available at ikigaistvdio.com and on Instagram at @ikigaistvdio.
