VALÈNCIA, Spain – The Valencia Comic Fair returns to Feria Valencia from to , promising a vibrant celebration of comics, manga, anime, and the broader pop culture landscape. The event, now a cornerstone of the city’s cultural calendar, aims to build on its success by bringing together established and emerging creators from across the globe.
This year’s fair boasts a particularly impressive lineup of international guests. French comic artist David B will present his latest work, El señor Búho y el País de los Muertos, offering a glimpse into his distinctive style. Marguerite Abouet, the acclaimed author of the Aya series, will also be in attendance, representing a significant voice in contemporary African comics. German artist Ulli Lust will showcase her award-winning graphic novel, La mujer como lo humano. Al principio de la historia, which recently received the prestigious German Book Prize for Non-Fiction in .
The fair isn’t limited to European talent. Rosemary Valero-O’Connell (USA), author of the adaptation of Carmilla, and Yudori (South Korea), creator of Hijos del Imperio, are among the international artists scheduled to appear. Italian creators Lelio Bonaccorso (La otra historia del fútbol), Teresa Radice, and Stefano Turconi (El contador de historias) will also be present, adding further diversity to the event. Representing the Czech Republic will be Tereza Drahonovská and Štěpánka Jislová, authors of Calva, thanks to the support of Valencian publisher Andana Gràfica.
The Valencia Comic Fair is also committed to showcasing voices from the developing world. Through a partnership with AECID, the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation, the fair will host Mai Koraiem, an Egyptian multidisciplinary artist whose comics are gaining international recognition. Mohammad Saba’aneh, from Cisjordania, will share his work and experiences promoting Palestinian comics, offering a firsthand perspective on the region. Ejob Nathaniel Ejob, CEO and author of comics, will present Zebra Comics, an app designed to empower African creators, and readers.
The Spanish comic scene will be well-represented, with appearances from prominent figures like Paco Roca, Cristina Durán, Miguel Ángel Giner Bou, Keko, Kim, Miguel Brieva, Ana Miralles, Candela Sierra, Jaime Martín, and the Gallego brothers. The fair will also welcome artists working in the American comic book industry, including David Aja, Guillem March (making his first public appearance since before the pandemic), Jorge Fornés, Daniel Acuña, and Fernando Blanco, author of the series w0rldtr33, an exhibition of which will be on display.
A Dedicated Space for Young Readers
A new “Zona AU-K!” will be dedicated to younger audiences, featuring Raina Telgemeier, a leading author in the juvenile comic book market. Telgemeier will present her new graphic novel, El club de los dibujantes, co-written with Scott McCloud. Kay O’Neill, author of La sociedad de los dragones de té, and Vincent Caut, a French illustrator specializing in children’s comics and author of AVNI, will also participate in this dedicated space.
The Zona AU-K! will also feature Spanish artists Pau Clua (Gatàstrofe al laboratori del Doctor Croqueta), Arkaitz González (Astrid y su familia), and the Malavida collective, bringing works like XCAR Malavida’s ‘Una caca en bicicleta’ and ‘Beatuco y el bisonte mágico’. Luis Orús, creator of the ‘Cebolla tú, cebolla yo’ and ‘Güevo’ series, will present his latest children’s comic, ‘Me encantan los dinosaurios’.
Beyond the Panels: Projections and Adaptations
The fair will extend beyond traditional comic book presentations, showcasing adaptations and related media. Bea Lema, winner of the National Comic Prize in , will present her animated adaptation of El cuerpo de Cristo, exploring the intersection of drawing, embroidery, and narrative. Tyto Alba and María Castro will present the documentary Aquí donde estoy, which is based on their comic of the same name.
With a growing list of confirmed guests and a commitment to diversity and quality, the Valencia Comic Fair is poised to solidify its position as a leading event in the Spanish comic book scene, offering something for comic fans of all ages and interests. The event promises a dynamic and engaging experience for attendees at Feria Valencia in late February.
