Valencia is gearing up to host its annual Comic Fair, through , at the Feria Valencia. This year’s event promises to be the biggest yet, drawing comic creators and fans from across Spain and internationally. Beyond the expected displays of comics, manga, and anime, the fair will also feature contests, exhibitions, workshops, signings, and a dedicated space for board and role-playing games.
The event is expanding its scope this year with the introduction of TCG FEST, a major event dedicated to collectible card games like “Magic: The Gathering,” “Yu-Gi-Oh!”, and “One Piece Card Game.” The festival will include a card exchange and sales area, exclusive products, and appearances by international artists. A large Magic Commander CEDH tournament will also be held, alongside activities for new players and families.
Several Spanish creators are showcasing new work at the fair. José Pablo García will be presenting Palindrotiras, an anthology of palindromic comics – comics where the text reads the same forwards and backwards. The work, published by Autsaider Cómics, is a unique collection that pays homage to a wide range of artistic styles, from ancient Greek ceramics to the work of contemporary artists like Alison Bechdel and Mauro Entrialgo. García’s previous work includes adaptations of novels by Galdós and essays by Paul Preston, as well as Las aventuras de Joselito.
Eduardo Sabio’s graphic novel, Dolores, published by Walden Books, is also generating buzz. The novel tells the story of Dolores Madruga, a preteen who decides she wants to become a star, and the consequences of her plan. The book is notable for its striking visual style, which blends bitone and color with a dynamic panel layout that draws influence from contemporary art and graphic design. Sabio’s work has been compared to that of Chris Ware, Nick Drnaso, and Ana Galvañ.
For those interested in historical narratives, María Castro and Tyto Alba have collaborated on Aquí donde estoy. Un joven en la batalla del Ebro, published by Astiberri. The graphic novel is based on the real-life experiences of Gabriel León Honrubia, a survivor of the Battle of the Ebro, and intertwines his story with that of a modern teenager who befriends him. The book includes selections from Honrubia’s letters and aims to preserve the memory of the Spanish Civil War. Alba previously worked on Whitman.
Pep Brocal’s Caridad del Río. Verdades, medias verdades y mentiras, published by Garbuix Books, offers a biographical account of Caridad del Río, the mother of Ramón Mercader, the assassin of Leon Trotsky. The novel explores Río’s complex life as a communist activist, NKVD agent, and socialite. Brocal’s work presents a nuanced portrait of a woman whose life was marked by political conviction and personal transformation.
Finally, for younger readers, Pau Clua and Marko Torres have created Chorigato. Gatástrofe en el laboratorio del Doctor Croqueta, published by Montena. The series follows the adventures of Chorigato, a character who is half-chorizo (thief) and half-cat, and is designed to entertain and engage young audiences with its humor and dynamic artwork.
The Valencia Comic Fair is shaping up to be a significant event for the Spanish comic scene, offering a diverse range of works and attracting both established and emerging creators. The fair’s expansion into areas like collectible card games demonstrates its commitment to embracing the broader pop culture landscape. Tickets are currently on sale.
