This weekend the Angoulême Worldwide Comic Art work Pageant (FIBD) marks fifty years of existence. What began as a small Franco-Belgian affair has ballooned proper right into a world-renowned, lots spoken about event that celebrates and promotes comics from all through the globe – all taking over a medieval French metropolis.
To have enjoyable this anniversary yr, the Beat drew up a survey and requested professionals throughout the comics home – creators, publishers, journalists and additional – to imagine once more to how they may have first heard regarding the competitors, when their first go to was, and their completely different recollections over time.
39 people responded from many different worldwide places -although a steady chunk are UK or US – with numbers of visits ranging from one to virtually forty(!!).
For consolation we have alphabetically sorted our thirty-nine respondents and positioned them into lessons: Comics Creators; individuals who have solely attended as quickly as (One-Timers); people who have attended upwards of 15 events or further (Prolonged-Timers); Journalists & College students; and Publishers.
Scroll proper right down to be taught the tales and recollections – and if you happen to’re feeling that nerdy itch, there is a stat breakdown of our responses.
Take pleasure in!
Elementary Breakdown of Survey Responses
INTERNATIONAL SPREAD OF SURVEYS Declared Nations of Respondents # Phrase UK 12 US 11 consists of Brit based in US France 4 along with an Argentinian based in France Australia 2 Canada 2 along with twin US/Canadian citizen Israel 2 Belgium 1 Canadian based in Belgium Cameroon 1 Netherlands 1 Portugal 1 Singapore 1 Sweden 1 Full 39
“Completely different” included a nationwide promoter of Swedish comics, Columbia Faculty’s Comics Librarian Karen Inexperienced, two comics competitors directors (Australia and Congo by way of Cameroon), a Dutch comics scholar, and worldwide comics activist Paul Gravett.
COMICS CREATORS: Cartoonists, Writers and Artists [14 People]
CHARLIE ADLARD (Artist, British, higher than ten events “For a while, pre-pandemic, I attended often yearly”)
How and when did you first examine Angoulême? From some mutual comic followers/buddies. That was throughout the early nineties.
When was your first go to and what was the experience like? 1994 [I think]. It blew my ideas! I on no account dreamed of a contest choose it.
How does Angoulême study to your completely different experiences of comics-oriented events – every in your own home nation and overseas? It’s TOTALLY immersive. Takes over a whole metropolis… it’s far and wide! And, what completely different current [outside of Japan] can say it attracts over a 100,000 people to JUST comics? And predominantly Bande Dessinée too. Actually it’s the right current on this planet…?
Inform us about your fondest memory of Angoulême FIBD, when did it occur? The early years wandering spherical as a fan with my buddies… Meeting Baru… The yr I was a customer of the current itself… The great treatment I’ve off my publishers there yearly… Points too fairly a number of to say!
Out of your perspective, how has the competitors modified since you started attending? It hasn’t modified that lots, to be reliable. It seems as crowded now as a result of it was once more throughout the early 90s. The construction of town itself has modified a bit over time, which pressured the competitors to adapt – nevertheless it tailor-made correctly. Sadly, now I’m there as knowledgeable, I don’t get the time to wander spherical myself as lots, so sometimes it’s arduous to guage these things.
The friends I used to associate with are coming once more this yr too – so it’ll be attention-grabbing to see what they assume after a power absence.
Any additional suggestions: Must you love comics – you’ll LOVE this competitors.
DERF BACKDERF (Cartoonist, US, 7 events pre-pandemic “Covid broke my string.”)
How and when did you first examine Angoulême? I most likely first heard of it from my French author. “We’ll convey you over for our giant competitors.” I had no thought what the reality of Angouleme was. I anticipated it may very well be not like one thing I’d expert at a US con, nevertheless my ideas was nonetheless blown.
When was your first go to and what was the experience like? 2013. I’d already made my debut e ebook tour in France throughout the earlier Fall, so I knew a bit of bit about what to anticipate from followers proper right here, nevertheless nothing really prepares you for Angouleme. Your full metropolis very cleverly turns into one giant comic con! They don’t have an enormous convention coronary heart proper right here, so 20 non everlasting buildings wind by way of the slender streets. Every venue in town– museums, church buildings, regardless of– which may be reworked to comics, is. The crowds are large, nevertheless unfold out over the city, so that you simply on no account actually really feel overwhelmed resembling you do at, say, New York Comic Con. And there’s lots a lot much less of an organization presence. No Disney Inc.! No Hall H. No investor-collectors working spherical to get Rob Liefeld to sign the CGC case of their copy of X-force. Not lots cosplay each. Angouleme is all about learning and appreciating comics. And the safety of the fest in French media is a stark distinction to the US, the place media focuses on the most recent MCU announcement, and no one offers the slightest crap about comics. Over proper right here, there’s scant level out of film or tv. It’scomics, comics, comics!
How does Angoulême study to your completely different experiences of comics-oriented events – every in your own home nation and overseas? I’ve been to some completely different fests proper right here in Europe. The entire French ones are good. They really understand how to positioned on a comics fest proper right here. These at home like SPX or CXC are comparable on a lots smaller scale, apart from authors aren’t taken care of and feted the way in which wherein they’re at Angouleme. Creators pay for nothing. Journey and lodging are taken care of. Every meal is paid for. The French authorities subsidizes the fest itself, which is ready to NEVER happen throughout the US. It’s firstclass your complete method. I’m going into the media room to utilize the free net all through breaks. It’s this grand baroque room throughout the metropolis hall; extreme ceilings, pretty wall carvings. They transfer out free glasses of cognac! Can you take into consideration this at a US con?
Inform us about your fondest memory of Angoulême FIBD, when did it occur? At my first Angouleme, I gained a prize for My Pal Dahmer. Nothing will prime that.
The awards ceremony is unimaginable. The theater is packed. Standing room solely. And it’s an enormous manufacturing, with a star host, and a band, and a sketches!
However it absolutely’s all in French, in spite of everything, and after an exhausting 4 days of signings and panels and interviews and, in spite of everything, consuming and consuming late into the night time time, I was engaged on fumes. The chairs have been easy, and I dozed off. Instantly my author is elbowing me, “Derf! You gained!”
I groggily ascended the steps to the stage, cautious to not journey and faceplant in my giant second (a future that will have been totally in character for me). I croaked out a thanks they often handed me my Louis Trondheim cat. Then I was pushed off stage correct to a pack of reporters who peppered me with questions.
After the entire awards have been handed out, they herded the entire winners to the stage in a gaggle. The viewers is roaring. There have been about 50 data photogs in entrance snapping footage. Flashes firing. I seen Ted Stearn on the other side, the one completely different American who gained a prize that yr, for Fuzz & Puck. We pointed at each other with giant smiles. We misplaced Ted numerous years up to now. I always take into account him as soon as I recount this memory.
I stood there blinking on the flashes, taking all of it in, and thought, “The place the hell AM I?”
One different favorite memory, from a fanboy perspective. The ultimate fest sooner than the Covid plague broke my attendance string, there was an unimaginable Wally Wood exhibition. Mindblowing. A complete bunch of originals, classics from his EC days correct as a lot as his tragic remaining days.
As I was wandering by way of, I rounded a nook and acquired right here nostril to nostril with a splash net web page from Astonishing Tales #1 from 1970, a Dr. Doom story. This was when Marvel reintroduced their split-feature books, Very good Adventures was the other, that had labored so correctly for them throughout the Silver Age. The titles didn’t work the 2nd time, although that debut yr is full of gems, and Wally’s transient Dr. Doom run is that the very best of that document. It’s a beautiful net web page. It’s not particulrly vital in Wood’s oeuvre… apart from to me.
Astonishing Tales #1 was certainly one of many very first comic books I purchased as a baby! I bought a stack of them to alleviate the boredom on a family journey that summer season season. I fell in love with comics on that journey, and was misplaced eternally. And proper right here I’m unexpectedly confronted with the distinctive art work from a e ebook that triggered my lifelong obsession with comics. I practically burst into tears!
Which have, to me, is what Angouleme is all about.
Out of your perspective, how has the competitors modified since you started attending? In all probability not.
DIOGO CAMPOS (Writer, Portugal, 2-5 events)
How and when did you first examine Angoulême? I don’t have in mind exactly the place I found about Angouleme. It was all the time talked about as being top-of-the-line and greatest comics events in Europe and the world. I seen many buddies and artists I do know going there yearly and sharing books and authors they found there. The thought to go caught with me for years until I had the possibility to affix a gaggle that was going.
When was your first go to and what was the experience like? 2014 – it was excellent. After I arrived throughout the metropolis, I immediately handed by Pat Mills which I believed was a wonderful omen as regards to meeting authors. On the other days I met so many authors, a number of of them I already knew, others have been launched to me by buddies. However it absolutely was moreover a bit overwhelming. Your complete metropolis felt crowded, far and wide one goes there’s a crowd or traces.
Since I wasn’t specializing in getting autographs from authors working totally on the French-Belgian market, the traces have been straightforward. I found that most people isn’t lots fascinated about meeting authors working for the US or UK market or authors from completely different nationalities which made me not waste lots time in traces.
I don’t know French so I ignored lots of the new publications and publishers nevertheless was able to find a complete lot of small publishers from completely different worldwide places. I have in mind Taiwan had a delegation promotingtheir authors and works which was a shock because of they’ve been offering samples from books and I managed to review a lot [about] the native comics scene.
How does Angoulême study to your completely different experiences of comics-oriented events – every in your own home nation and overseas? Angouleme didn’t actually really feel like a comic book ebook con – the kind of event that is 100% enterprise, doesn’t have art work exhibitions, it’s focused on cubicles selling art work, books and merchandise – nevertheless it was much like the comics festivals I usually attend in Portugal and Spain nevertheless bigger, method bigger than I imagined. The primary goal of these events is the art work itself: exhibitions, panels, signings. You might even see the enterprise half is crucial nevertheless it is not the one focus.
In that regard, it was similar to what I knew nevertheless each half dialled as a lot because the utmost.
Inform us about your fondest memory of Angoulême FIBD, when did it occur? The primary time I attended, as soon as I used to be stepping out of the auto on the primary day, I acknowledged Pat Mills which appeared to me like a wonderful omen. It was because of on the next few days I acknowledged so many artists on the streets, well-known or upcoming. It felt a bit surreal rubbing shoulders with some giants who’ve been hanging out within the an identical spots as we did.
The meals me and my group shared the place we’d sometimes invite artists from completely different worldwide places which someone throughout the group knew.
Out of your perspective, how has the competitors modified since you started attending? I’ve solely attended 2 events. The modifications I seen between the 2 editions have been a slight decline on the usual and amount of exhibitions and the amount of small publishers and their choice. I don’t know if it was because of the primary time makes basically probably the most impression nevertheless on my 2nd go to, the variety of small publishers was method decrease than what I remembered and I didn’t convey as lots new books as the primary time.
KARRIE FRANSMAN (Cartoonist, UK – Scot based in London, 2-5 events)
How and when did you first examine Angoulême? On Fb most likely. Probably at a contest?
When was your first go to and what was the experience like? I consider my first go to was with a gaggle of comikers- we stayed 3 to the teeniest of rooms in a motel. The bunk mattress was so close to the ceiling you couldn’t sit up and you might presumably contact all sides of the room!
How does Angoulême study to your completely different experiences of comics-oriented events – every in your own home nation and overseas? It’s undoubtedly the one with basically probably the most £££. In case you’re used to tiny UK based fares it’s fascinating and scary to see how giant the medium will likely be when accurately supported/appreciated. However it absolutely moreover sometimes lacks the intimacy/group/mom hierarchy of my favourite British fests.
Inform us about your fondest memory of Angoulême FIBD, when did it occur? Most definitely the first time I went to the creator’s tent and easily appeared down at miles and miles of fantastic comics from all world wide. My little ideas was blown! It was every inspiring and daunting.
Out of your perspective, how has the competitors modified since you started attending? I was dissatisfied to see the festivals response to the dominance of white males worthwhile their awards some years once more.
Any additional suggestions: Will probably be good to see further of a relentless year-to-year partnership between Angoulême + the British comic scene. It’s nonetheless very lots relying on specific individual artists transferring into groups.
SIMON FRASER (Artist, Brit in US, 2-5 events):
How and when did you first examine Angoulême? Once more throughout the late 80s as soon as I started learning regarding the French comics commerce. That was the huge one.
When was your first go to and what was the experience like? 1999, I consider. My memory is foggy.
How does Angoulême study to your completely different experiences of comics-oriented events – every in your own home nation and overseas? It’s a really fully completely different experience from each different comics event. Your complete metropolis turns itself over to the celebration of the medium of comics. Everybody appears to be involved, every retailer locations comics throughout the window. There are murals and artwork work far and wide. It’s joyous and overwhelming.
Inform us about your fondest memory of Angoulême FIBD, when did it occur? Every time I’ve gone I’ve stayed with the an identical family, The Lafonts, who rent out rooms of their house for the competitors weekend. I’ve launched buddies to stay there some years (Alex deCampi and Frazer Irving ) and I met a gang of Italian Artists who’ve been moreover staying there one yr and I spent the weekend translating for them and their Professor. I met a French lady known as Gladys one yr, who was an aspiring cartoonist and we spent the weekend talking about comics and our respective lives.
I went with a gang of UK cartoonists one yr (Robbie Morrison (my Nikolai Dante collaborator), Charlie Adlard, Roger Langridge, Paul Peart, Brad Brooks et al ) we had a desk and Jean Giraud ( Moebius ) walked earlier. It was like seeing Sinatra, in his prime, in Vegas. The room was electrified.
It’s always the those that go away a very powerful impression.
From yourperspective, how has the competitors modified since you started attending? It’s really grown. I’ve not been in 14 years, nevertheless they rebuilt town sq. to accommodate the competitors increased. The Musee Nationwide De Bande Dessinee merely will get bigger and additional spectacular.
Any additional suggestions: The Comics Pageant format has been copied in numerous cities (Thought Bubble and the Lakes Pageant throughout the UK come to ideas) nevertheless Angouleme is the daddy. It’s on a novel scale. As a English speaker throughout the outdated days you’d spend your complete weekend and see many vastly spectacular and pleasant comics, none of which you’d have seen sooner than. It’s a mainstream French Arts Pageant celebrating the comics medium. It makes you see the world of comics profoundly another way.
SIMON HANSELMANN (Cartoonist, US-based, 2-5 events):
How and when did you first examine Angoulême? Most definitely TCJ throughout the 2000s
When was your first go to and what was the experience like? 2015. It was batshit crazy. Purchased mega fucked up and had the right time ever. Europeans are further gratifying than Folks.
How does Angoulême study to your completely different experiences of comics-oriented events – every in your own home nation and overseas? Actually certainly one of, if not the right comics competitors on this planet. Good variety of exhibitions and exhibitors.
Fondest memory of Angoulême FIBD, when did it occur? Profitable the prize for most interesting assortment in 2018. Various points I shouldn’t talk about…
Out of your perspective, how has the competitors modified since you started attending? I haven’t been as a result of the administration modified as soon as extra… so I couldn’t really say.
Any additional suggestions: I consider I owe the competitors money… come get me, motherfuckers!
GREGORY MACKAY (Cartoonist, Australia, 2-5)
How and when did you first examine Angoulême? I am unsure.
When was your first go to and what was the experience like? 2017. It was an amazing go to as my e ebook was in Official Selection.
How does Angoulême study to your completely different experiences of comics-oriented events – every in your own home nation and overseas? There are bigger events, nevertheless none of them occur in a fortified medieval French metropolis.
Inform us about your fondest memory of Angoulême FIBD, when did it occur? Signing books for a complete lot of readers and seeing how vital comics are to the French people. I stayed with my French buddies and bought to see how native cartoonists keep.
Out of your perspective, how has the competitors modified since you started attending? I’ve solely been twice, nevertheless it appears to be further widespread now. The rivals is always controversial as correctly. The art work exhibitions are one different memorable issue about my visits.
Any additional suggestions: There are a selection of layers to the competitors. There’s the mainstream publishers with large exhibits within the precept tents, the unbiased and group publishers with their very personal areas and an attention-grabbing ‘outsider’ competitors which occurs on the an identical time, which is worth looking for.
JOËLLE EPÉE MANDENGUE (Cartoonist and Comics Pageant Director, Cameroon, 2-5 events)
How and when did you first examine Angoulême? After I used to be youthful, Angoulême was described as a result of the shrine of refuge and visibilité, a spot of good various for artists from all world wide. It was the place to go in any case as quickly as in a lifetime, like going to Mecca. Angoulême was the precise deal.
When was your first go to and what was the experience like? First go to was in 2011. It was like getting proper right into a dwelling fairy story for me. The entire metropolis was grow to be this massive place completely dedicated to comics. It was very spectacular. I cherish that memory.
How does Angoulême study to your completely different experiences of comics-oriented events – every in your own home nation and overseas? Angoulême is strategically distinctive as a consequence of the reality that it launches the yr. And having your complete metropolis grow to be a comic book ebook e ebook truthful is spectacular. The usual and quantity of actions too and the numerous faculty, museums and so forth all that contributes in setting a worldwide regular that many festivals across the globe cannot match.
Inform us about your fondest memory of Angoulême FIBD, when did it occur?
1- Signing my books for the first time was one factor good. I did it first in a monetary establishment, then in Gallery Lafayette. It was a thought of certainly one of kind experience
2- Having my work entering into the museum
3- Being programmed for conferences
4- Getting involved with key profiles to boost the work I do overseas in Congo Brazzaville with my very personal competitors.
Out of your perspective, how has the competitors modified since you started attending? I don’t assume the competitors has modified that lots… clearly points have superior over time nevertheless relating to comic books from Africa, we’re nonetheless faraway from being represented accurately. The competitors does little-to-nothing about that. La Cité Internationale de la Bande Dessinée et de l’image alternatively, has opened the dialogue, survey and exchanges to have a higher knowledge about comics from the continent.
It is principally my perspective that has moreover superior from the sparkles throughout the eyes into one objective: discovering strategies to draw consideration on what’s being carried out in worldwide places from Africa.
STUART MEDLEY (Cartoonist and Chair of Perth Comic Arts Pageant (PCAF), Australia, 2-5)
How and when did you first examine Angoulême? TV. A journey current, from memory.
When was your first go to and what was the experience like? 2012. I took Australian illustration faculty college students there on a study tour. The experience was good. I was in awe of the breadth and depth of comics being celebrated, and of how giant the competitors was. The museum and the cité have been an absolute revelation.
How does Angoulême study to your completely different experiences of comics-oriented events – every in your own home nation and overseas? Its scale is head and shoulders above others I’ve been to or been involved with organising. The setting is an extra delight. The comics focus was an precise plus to me on my first go to, as a result of the Australian cons I had attended have been further ‘pop-culture’ than a pure comics focus. It’s which have, and the experience of being a customer at LICAF throughout the UK that led the PCAF workers to make our competitors all about comics (reasonably than spin-off TV, merch, and so forth.)
Inform us about your fondest memory of Angoulême FIBD, when did it occur? I was in residence on the Maison des Auteurs, Angoulême, throughout the winter of 2013-14 concurrently Lucas Varela, Jessica Abel, Matt Madden and Anneli Furmak amongst completely different large comics skills. That was improbable and culminated in inclusion in a gaggle exhibition (“ancrages”) on the 2014 competitors.
Out of your perspective, how has the competitors modified since you started attending? Between 2012 and 2019 I attended Angoulême 5 events. It grew noticeably though it was already large. There have been some extreme controversies between these years (and as soon as extra this time!). The inclusivity factors look like bettering slowly, slowly.
PAT MILLS (Writer and founding editor of 2000 AD, UK, 2-5 events)
How and when did you first examine Angoulême? By way of 2000 AD. For a publicity drive there.
When was your first go to and what was the experience like? There was a British introduction to Angouleme with a whole group of us attending. It was good. Everyone was very nice.
How does Angoulême study to your completely different experiences of comics-oriented events – every in your own home nation and overseas? Truly increased than UK events! French events I’ve found are the right and Angouleme was good, although it’s a lot to take in.
Inform us about your fondest memory of Angoulême FIBD, when did it occur? Charley’s Battle being recognised by Angouleme was vital. I consider the strongest memory is the British event. The French have been very effectively mannered and tolerant to the British technique which was embarrassing. A line of presumably 12 of us have been stretched all through the stage! The Brits tried a ‘arduous promote’ with creators pushing themselves on the viewers. One British artist held onto the microphone for quarter-hour. It was all very uncool. Nonetheless the French have been very cool and I deeply appreciated it.
Out of your perspective, how has the competitors modified since you started attending? I remaining visited presumably six years up to now to promote some British books translated into French. So I solely seen one nook of the event. All of it felt good to me and I wasn’t prepared to notice any modifications.
Any additional suggestions: Thanks for asking my concepts. The one down side is inns get booked up and the local weather will likely be chilly, nevertheless it was worth it. Last time I acquired to meet Druillet whose work always impressed me.
GARY NORTHFIELD (Cartoonist, England, UK, 8 events)
How and when did you first examine Angoulême? By fellow cartoonist Nick Abadzis in 2002. We put collectively an anthology known as “Sentence” and aimed to convey it out for the competitors.
When was your first go to and what was the experience like? 2003. Eye opening, ideas boggling, thrilling, gratifying, boozy and really inspiring.
How does Angoulême study to your completely different experiences of comics-oriented events – every in your own home nation and overseas? Head and shoulders above all completely different festivals. Some aspire to be Angouleme, all fail. No completely different competitors has the standing, encompasses a whole metropolis, accommodates as many cartoonists, has as many publishers, locations on as many reveals/exhibitions. It really is the right.
Inform us about your fondest memory of Angoulême FIBD, when did it occur? Too many to say. The first in 2003 for the sheer pleasure of being there. 2008 as soon as I attended as a printed customer and bought to sit down down behind a desk and sign for the punters; area ticked! 2004 (?) as soon as I confirmed my portfolio to my (formidable) hero Lewis Trondheim at 3.00 throughout the morning on the Resort Mercure. He flicked by way of reasonably disparagingly, saying my Horrible Histories work was “shit” (he was correct). Then he acquired right here all through my Derek the Sheep strip I’d started engaged on for the Beano. He stopped and punctiliously be taught them, then checked out me and proclaimed them “pretty” and knowledgeable me to ship him copies. Stupidly, I chickened out, my confidence not considerably extreme (a mistake I lose sleep over many events). Happily, Derek was printed as “Norbert le Mouton” in 2008 by way of competitors director Thierry Groensteen’s Model de L’an 2 imprint, my first ever e ebook!
And finally, the prolonged snowball fight between me and fellow Brit, Matt Abbiss, that lasted many hours one night time, taking place all by way of what appeared like your complete of Angouleme.
On a side discover, certainly one of many good pleasures of attending the competitors is the hospitality of the locals whose houses you retain in. Such improbable and generous people!
Out of your perspective, how has the competitors modified since you started attending? I’ve not been for ten years, nevertheless it really hadn’t modified an extreme quantity of from what I have in mind.
Any additional suggestions: I miss you Angouleme! Probably I wish to return for outdated time’s sake.
SOLE OTERO (Cartoonist and artist, Argentinian based in France, 2-5)
How and when did you first examine Angoulême? [From] the tales of various Argentinian cartoonists which were there sooner than me.
When was your first go to and what was the experience like? In 2018. I was part of the exhibition at La Maison Des Auteurs because of all through 2017 I did a 3 month residency there, throughout the metropolis of Angouleme. It was good to see the city in such a novel mood all through the competitors. I have in mind it to be a bit of bit bit overwhelming.
How does Angoulême study to your completely different experiences of comics-oriented events – every in your own home nation and overseas? It’s surprising how most people belongs to a big spectrum of people. I’ve been in numerous festivals (New York Comic Con, Argentina, Spain) which were oriented to a selected kind of public – mainstream, youthful, principally masculine – along with the Colombian or Finnish competitors which were further oriented [towards] the indie group. [Angouleme has] home for each half nevertheless you can also meet older women, lecturers. Everybody in France usually is a comic reader and the competitors reveals that.
Inform us about your fondest memory of Angoulême FIBD, when did it occur? Most definitely the second when my colleague Marcelo Quintanilla gained the Fauve d’or. As he is in my publishing house it was a very emotional second. I moreover meet all of my buddies all through the competitors, and I host a number of of them since I keep there. It’s a second of the yr very intense and full of emotions.
Out of your perspective, how has the competitors modified since you started attending? I haven’t noticed many modifications. My experience may very well be very non-public, since I keep there now, and as well as I’ve expert the ultimate competitors that was a bit of bit bit fully completely different as a result of COVID.
BRYAN TALBOT (Writer, artist; UK, over 10)
How and when did you first examine Angoulême? Sometime throughout the 80s. Don’t have in mind how.
When was your first go to and what was the experience like? 1990 was “British Yr” and dozens of UK writers and artists have been invited and flown over for the event, along with myself.
How does Angoulême study to your completely different experiences of comics-oriented events – every in your own home nation and overseas? It’s my favourite. Not pretty as giant as a result of the Lucca competitors these days nevertheless nonetheless an amazing experience, with good exhibitions.
Inform us about your fondest memory of Angoulême FIBD, when did it occur? Can’t have in mind the yr, nevertheless it was strolling Will Eisner and his partner Ann throughout town. A few years later, I did the an identical for Scott and Ivy McCloud.
Out of your perspective, how has the competitors modified since you started attending? There seems a lot much less sponsorship money being poured into the competitors. There was a free bar for professionals and the staging of the exhibitions was far more spectacular, involving large purpose-built models.
RON WIMBERLY (Cartoonist, USA, 2-5 events)
How and when did you first examine Angoulême? I can’t recall
When was your first go to and what was the experience like? Ought to’ve been sometime after the 2015. Cherished the exhibitions; hated the local weather.
How does Angoulême study to your completely different experiences of comics-oriented events – every in your own home nation and overseas? Angoulême is the right giant convention I’ve attended. Large American comic cons have further in widespread with a PT Barnum circus than the comics medium.
Inform us about your fondest memory of Angoulême FIBD, when did it occur? Any number of dinners with buddies and acquaintances far and enormous… I consider as quickly as Jean-Pierre Mercier walked me by way of the Metallic Hurlant / A Suivre exhibition sooner than attorneys snatched all of Moebius’ work off the partitions.
Out of your perspective, how has the competitors modified since you started attending? An growing variety of the pre-festival parade of political dramas are adopted by gap, deferential concessions… which is presumably progress, I don’t know.
Any additional suggestions: I would like they’d keep it throughout the Summer season! I suppose attendance would endure the roof.
ONE-TIMERS (to date)
LOU CROSBY (Artist, UK, 1 time)
How and when did you first examine Angoulême? By way of LDC [Laydeez Do Comics]
When was your first go to and what was the experience like? 2017 really cherished the ambiance. Though the precept women’s event now we have been associated to was positioned on early throughout the morning in a very small venue which was over subscribed. We’ve been primarily at a women’s ‘fringe event’ all day Saturday which was really good nevertheless not included throughout the competitors.
How does Angoulême study to your completely different experiences of comics-oriented events – every in your own home nation and overseas? Stunning setting, far more enterprise one hall appeared like a extreme highway bookshop, good to see fully completely different work.
Inform us about your fondest memory of Angoulême FIBD, when did it occur? The women’s event on the Saturday. The mirror hall disco throughout the metropolis hall centre – we spent our evenings there after meeting up in native bars. Good worldwide vibe and gratifying seeing who danced to what!
GAREN EWING (Cartoonist, UK, 1 time)
How and when did you first examine Angoulême? Don’t recall – comics press once more throughout the Nineteen Eighties I consider
When was your first go to and what was the experience like? 2014. Overwhelming nevertheless fantastic, very correctly sorted by my author.
How does Angoulême study to your completely different experiences of comics-oriented events – every in your own home nation and overseas? Quite a bit bigger, clearly, however moreover the acceptance of comics as part of the nation’s custom was very evident; large worldwide presence really confirmed the broader scene and made you feel (a small) part of it. Smaller UK reveals have a nicer group actually really feel though.
Inform us about your fondest memory of Angoulême FIBD, when did it occur? The meals and lodging have been excellent (thanks, my author!). Taking a stroll spherical Angouleme and getting a bit misplaced in its quieter streets with a number of Dutch comics creators, merely talking about comics, was thought of certainly one of my favourite moments. Most of the time I was signing, so didn’t get many moments away from the desk.
Any additional suggestions: The journey (travelled alone by trains – 10 in all there and once more) was exhausting – nevertheless worth it.
MIRIAM LIBICKI (Cartoonist, American-Canadian, as quickly as solely)
How and when did you first examine Angoulême? I consider throughout the early 2000s, as soon as I first began self-publishing my comics.
When was your first go to and what was the experience like? 2020. I was in residency at la Maison des Auteurs, so I acquired a free transfer to the current. It was revealing, inspiring, overwhelming.
How does Angoulême study to your completely different experiences of comics-oriented events – every in your own home nation and overseas? I actually really feel like Angouleme is every sprawling and intimate and somehow egalitarian– chances are you’ll’t really inform how large a corporation is by their gross sales house.
Inform us about your fondest memory of Angoulême FIBD, when did it occur?
1. I am buddies with Columbia’s comics librarian, Karen Inexperienced. She has been going to FIBD for a few years and is conscious of everyone. I really was too shy to neighborhood, nevertheless it was so spectacular and thrilling to neighborhood vicariously by way of her, following her spherical on the first day.
2. On the ultimate day of the competitors, my youngsters and I stumbled into the foreign-acquisitions barn, and talked to some publishers. This wasn’t really networking each; I didn’t talk about my comics the least bit. Nonetheless we acquired an unlimited haul of free graphic novels the author didn’t want to cart home, along with a variety of youngsters’ books. Dwelling in France, it was not simple for us to buy our kids books in English, they often have been sooo happy to be taught all these brand-new GNs until they fell apart.
Any additional suggestions: I’ve tabled at many North American cons, nevertheless I actually really feel intimidated (though moreover really drawn to the considered) tabling sooner or later at FIBD. I actually really feel like my French have to be a lot increased, and my pitching style may very well be fully fully completely different. Nonetheless it is undoubtedly a objective to be translated sooner or later and sign at a author’s desk.
CHENG TJU “CT” LIM (Writer, Singapore, 1 time solely)
How and when did you first examine Angoulême? Comics data
When was your first go to and what was the experience like? 2014, good ambiance and comics custom. Truly a metropolis of comics for that few days
How does Angoulême study to your completely different experiences of comics-oriented events – every in your own home nation and overseas? A lot much less enterprise, further art work.
Inform us about your fondest memory of Angoulême FIBD, when did it occur? Good meals, conversations
Additional: CT wrote a weblog submit about his go to and chances are you’ll try it out proper right here.
LONG-TIMERS
PAUL GRAVETT (Worldwide Comics Activist, UK, been “yearly since 1984 apart from one” so…39 events this yr!!!)
How and when did you first examine Angoulême? From learning French BD magazines and Mal Burns’ critiques in UK zines.
When was your first go to and what was the experience like? As co-publishers of Escape Journal (1983-89), Peter Stanbury and I’ve been invited as British press. On the time, Angoulême was not very worldwide and I consider now we have been the one people there from the UK. The experience was exhilarating and scary, and although clearly modest by instantly’s large spectacle, we’d on no account seen a comics competitors on such a scale. The press have been dealt with very correctly, now we have been even given meal vouchers. And the exhibition of Jacques Tardi’s oeuvre was immersive and state-of-the-art, using headsets to change the soundtrack from gallery to gallery. You even walked down proper right into a trench to peek extreme and take a look at Tardi’s WWI distinctive artworks. I wrote a report for Escape and we vowed to return!
How does Angoulême study to your completely different experiences of comics-oriented events – every in your own home nation and overseas? I assume three variations may very well be: the massive and broad public having enjoyable with it, not merely followers, proof of how lots the French love comics; its involvement and presence all through the city, even throughout the cathedral (and by no means cut back off and caught inside some large conference centre), and naturally throughout the CNBDI after which la Cité with its Museum; and its actually worldwide members, so many world friendships and duties have begun proper right here. When Julie Tait was first creating her ideas for the Lakes Worldwide Comic Art work Pageant proper right here throughout the UK, I urged her to come back again to Angoulême and see how a comics event can take over a whole metropolis and be cherished by, and engage with, (principally!) your complete residents. I do comprehend it really impressed her with LICAF.
Inform us about your fondest memory of Angoulême FIBD, when did it occur? One have to be in 1990, so my seventh, when the UK was the customer nation. I acquired the job of Co-Ordinator for invited buddies and exhibiting publishers and I curated ‘God Save The Comics!’. This stays basically probably the most intensive exhibition of distinctive British comics art work I’ve ever come all through, brilliantly designed by the Lucie Lom workers and premiered on the mannequin new CNBDI (‘Centre nationwide de la bande dessinée et de l’image’). I’ll all the time keep in mind standing outdoor, extreme up on the Castro establishing, now the Vaisseau Moebius, as fireworks stuffed the sky to have enjoyable the establishing’s opening. This yr’s competitors is my thirty ninth, so I’ve acquired tons further fond recollections!
Out of your perspective, how has the competitors modified since you started attending? The Rights House, a sort of ‘Mini-Frankfurt’ for comics publishing, was a major progress, exemplified by Ivanka Hahnenberger’s initiative to ask further U.S. and completely different non-French publishers. And naturally the rising internationalism of exhibitors and public. For example, I’m so glad this yr marks the first time any author from the Philippines has exhibited – Komiket and PICOF (the Philippines Worldwide Comics Pageant) have a stand throughout the BD Completely different half and 5 titles shortlisted for the prize.
Any additional suggestions: For me, making the ‘pilgrimage’ to Angoulême and meeting so many buddies, outdated and new, really marks the start of my New Yr. Every time, it reaffirms my passion for the medium and recharges my batteries. This is not some multi-media ‘Comicon’ nevertheless a comics competitors all about comics, the place the medium we love really takes centre stage. Bravissimo for the first 50 – and a toast to the next 50! I’m constructive excellent points are nonetheless to come back again!
MICHEL KICHKA (Cartoonist and artist, Israel, attended over 20 events)
How and when did you first examine Angoulême? Throughout the 80’s.
When was your first go to and what was the experience like? Throughout the early 90’s. It was a strong experience, meeting so many professionals, visiting so many exhibitions and sharing this experience with so many followers.
How does Angoulême study to your completely different experiences of comics-oriented events – every in your own home nation and overseas? It’s basically probably the most worldwide competitors I do know, basically probably the most open to fully completely different comics cultures
Inform us about your fondest memory of Angoulême FIBD, when did it occur?
Two fondest recollections. The first one as soon as I took my faculty college students from Jerusalem to the 1996 competitors and we met [Art] Spiegelman, Chris Ware, Paul Pope, [David] Mazzucchelli and others.
The second was as soon as I used to be invited to sign my first graphic novel [Deuxième Generation] at Dargaud in 2013.
Out of your perspective, how has the competitors modified since you started attending? The competitors is further worldwide and it’s a very constructive stage. It began as a French-Belgian event, grew to grow to be later further European, and now it’s the precept worldwide of all festivals.
RUTU MODAN (Cartoonist, Israel, 10-15 visits)
How and when did you first examine Angoulême? At art work faculty.
When was your first go to and what was the experience like? 1996. It was a life-changing experience.
How does Angoulême study to your completely different experiences of comics-oriented events – every in your own home nation and overseas? My opinion is it’s the right worldwide comics competitors for artists.
Inform us about your fondest memory of Angoulême FIBD, when did it occur? There are quite a few improbable moments I can have in mind nevertheless nothing will ever study to the impression as soon as I first entered the Champs de Mars tent in 1996. It was moreover the first time in my life I attended a comics competitors. Coming from a country with no comics scene and commerce, not one author or a retailer even (points have improved since then) – merely seeing so many books, publishing houses – established or unbiased – and significantly so many comics followers was overwhelming. It was like I was talking gibberish for a decade and immediately discovering there’s a spot the place anyone can understand what I’m saying. It motivated me immediately to take care of doing comics. For me Angouleme FIBD is my expert home.
Out of your perspective, how has the competitors modified since you started attending? It turns into further worldwide by means of exhibitions and awards.
[NOTE: In case you didn’t know already, Rutu Modan was one of those students mentioned in Michel Kichka’s 1996 memory]
LAURENT MÉLIKIAN (Journalist, France, 30 events)
How and when did you first examine Angoulême? Throughout the 70’s.
When was your first go to and what was the experience like? 1990 as a vacationer nevertheless immediately was within the worldwide rights market.
How does Angoulême study to your completely different experiences of comics-oriented events – every in your own home nation and overseas? Angouleme’s program is so broad that it might give the illusion to French those that lots of the comics world is there. Resulting from visits to San Diego, Algiers, Bucheon, I’ve discovered so many alternative views on sequential art work.
Inform us about your fondest memory of Angoulême FIBD, when did it occur? I would level out a complete lot. To me Angouleme is my Mecca. Going there may be kind of a pilgrimage. So each time it’s potential I exploit 4 or 5 days to reach the city with my bicycle. Sadly it hasn’t been potential since I work for ADAGP [French artists’ rights organisation based in Paris].
Most definitely my fondest memory linked to Angoulême occured in Boca Raton in 1997. As I knew that Will Eisner was going to be certainly one of many customer of honor on the upcoming competitors, I secured a double-page interview in a French data journal and flew off to Florida. I had a two hour lunch-interview with The Genius and that’s most likely how I acquired most of my main knowledge throughout the medium. Undoubtedly definitely worth the flight’s worth. I was honored to supply him the journal with our interview that Angoulême.
Out of your perspective, how has the competitors modified since you started attending? Slowly and slowly, it grew to grow to be bigger and higher. Followers slowly modified. Graphic novels acquired further consideration, taking the place occupied by comics albums [the 48-page traditional format of Franco-Belgian comics]. As far and wide, gentrification took over.
The Pageant’s President [Grand Prix] was elected by former presidents contained within the “Acadèmie d’Angoulême “. Now they’re named after an election which seems to me fully disconnected from the French comics scene – within the meantime vital French comics artists in the intervening time are stepping into the precise nationwide art work academies such as a result of the Acedemie des Beaux-Arts in Paris.
FREDRIK STROMBERG (Journalist and Nationwide Promoter, Sweden; 19 visits):
How and when did you first examine Angoulême? Thorough an article throughout the Swedish journal Bild & Bubbla.
When was your first go to and what was the experience like? I first visited in 2003, and favored it. I early on met Bob Beerbohm from the US, who had been numerous events already and took it upon himself to introduce me to everyone. All of it felt very inclusive and welcoming and I felt really at home.
How does Angoulême study to your completely different experiences of comics-oriented events – every in your own home nation and overseas? Angoulême is my absolute favorite competitors, and I’ve visited many all world wide. The exhibitions are wonderful, the combo of professionals is far more worldwide than at each different competitors, the breadth of exhibitors offers you an excellent overview of the French comics market, and the meals and beer is astounding …
Inform us about your fondest memory of Angoulême FIBD, when did it occur? At my very first competitors, Bob Beerbohm launched me to Art work Spiegelman, and as I was carrying spherical a dummy for my forthcoming e ebook Black Photos throughout the Comics, I confirmed it to him and he was really into it. Some weeks later, I acquired an excited mail kind someone at Fantagraphics, not by editor Kim Thompson, who had merely had an impromptu go to by Spiegelman, who had gushed on about my e ebook, and the person at Fantagraphics was very clearly passionate about your complete factor. 🙂
My completely different most interesting memory is as soon as we had a severe exhibition on Swedish comics, which I curated, and Kristiina Kolehmainen, an vital decide in Swedish comics as the highest of the Comics Library in Stockholm and an avid fan of the Angoulême Pageant who had dreamed of a Swedish exhibition for years and years, merely sat within the midst of the exhibition, smiling. She was on the time terminally Sick from most cancers and died numerous months later, so that weak-but-still smile of hers in Angoulême will persist with me eternally.
Out of your perspective, how has the competitors modified since you started attending? It’s embraced the worldwide theme far more wholeheartedly. Even as soon as I started touring to the competitors, they stated that they’d a world theme, nevertheless nonetheless most awards, exhibitions and so forth. centered spherical French comics. This has all modified.
One different change has come relating to the view of ladies in comics. Coming from Sweden, the place we’ve had a vigorous debate on feminism and equality for a few years and equality is sort of constructed into the very foundation of our society, coming to Angouleme throughout the early aughts was a cultural shock. This has slowly modified and instantly I actually really feel further comfortable bringing Swedish female comics artists, as an example.
Any additional suggestions: I merely love the Angoulême competitors, and may try to take care of attending in some functionality for years to come back again.
JOURNALISTS AND SCHOLARS [7 People]
DEBORA AOKI (Journalist, US, 2-5 events)
How and when did you first examine Angoulême? Partly from merely following comics data sometimes, nevertheless largely due to Heidi MacDonald and Brigid Alverson who every attended the current numerous years sooner than my first time (in 2020).
When was your first go to and what was the experience like? I first went in January 2020, merely sooner than COVID pandemic hit. I had beforehand thought that I’d on no account go to Angouleme because of I had heard that it was terribly powerful to get lodging / lodge near the event venue. Nonetheless, Karen Inexperienced from Columbia Faculty had booked a shared house that yr, and Heidi, Karen and I went, and stayed there with 4 completely different people visiting from Israel.
I was so impressed by Angouleme — I had heard that it “primarily takes over your complete metropolis,” nevertheless to really experience it was one factor else. I was most impressed by the variety of comics on present and the way in which correctly organized it was. Moreover, that it was practically comics! Not video video video games or TV reveals, anime or movement footage and even science fiction/fantasy prose novels as you see in US comics reveals. Angouleme is just COMICS, and the love of the artform.
The museum reveals blew me away. The Yoshiharu Tsuge exhibit was most likely basically probably the most full and well-curated overview of his work ever displayed on this planet — not even in Japan have I seen such a complete overview of this vital creator’s work and so many distinctive gadgets of artwork work too. I was moreover thrilled to meet Tsuge-sensei and his son, and to take heed to so many fascinating tales about how the exhibit acquired right here to be.
The Battle Angel Alita exhibit was moreover beautiful. As soon as extra, I hardly see this sort of exhibit showcasing a single manga creator’s work with so many distinctive gadgets of artwork work on present in N. America. I consider I can rely them on one hand over the 15 years I’ve been working as a manga journalist that I’ve seen one thing like this in N. American (Taiyo Matsumoto at TCAF, Osamu Tezuka on the Asian Art work Museum in San Francisco and Naoki Urasawa at Japan Residence Los Angeles. Must you rely the British Museum Manga exhibit, then that’s 4. Nonetheless that’s it, really.)
And the mind-blowing issue is, Angouleme does this practically yearly, and does it with such love and respect for manga. If solely to see these reveals and meet these manga creators in particular person, this alone is worth my time / money to fly to France to attend Angouleme each time I can.
Moreover, the free cognac throughout the press room at metropolis hall? Severely, American comic conventions can barely give journalists a water cooler and an affect strip to plug in a computer — and that’s on the NICE, well-organized conventions.
How does Angoulême study to your completely different experiences of comics-oriented events – every in your own home nation and overseas? Oh, solely a totally completely different world and vibe all collectively. I consider the one N. American current that even comes shut was Toronto Comic Art work Pageant. All completely different N. American reveals are “well-liked tradition reveals,” not celebrations of seen storytelling and comics creators like Angouleme is.
I indicate, that whole enterprise of standing in line and getting someone to paint / draw a full-color murals in your e ebook instead of scribbling their title on the quilt merely blew me away.
The comics reveals I’ve attended in Japan are a completely fully completely different beast. They’re principally for individuals or small groups to level out and promote their independently printed comics or fanzines. And these reveals (Comitia and Comiket) are excellent of their very personal correct, nevertheless they serve a completely fully completely different operate, have a novel vibe than Angouleme.
I consider it makes an unlimited distinction that France treats comics / BD as an artform worthy of presidency assist and respect as “art work and custom,” not solely a method to an end (e.g. a pitch to make a movie or TV current or to advertise toys).
Inform us about your fondest memory of Angoulême FIBD, when did it occur? I assume thought of certainly one of my favorite recollections is meeting Yoshiharu Tsuge and his son, and listening to about how his son wanted to painstakingly re-paste a complete lot of the typeset phrases on the pages because of they’ve been stacked up and untouched for years, and when he picked them up, the typeset phrases merely fluttered off the net web page spherical like moths. They put a complete lot of labor into accumulating his distinctive artwork work and displaying it throughout the Angouleme Museum like they did. I was shocked to take heed to that there hasn’t been (and has on no account been) a gift of his work that was as full and far-ranging as a result of the current at Angouleme.
One different happy memory was as soon as I returned to the current in March 2022 and it as a result of it was later throughout the yr than customary, to see the timber in bloom outdoor of metropolis hall. It was so neat to come back again and be fairly much less overwhelmed than I was the first time I attended, and run into outdated buddies on the highway, like Paul Gravett.
Out of your perspective, how has the competitors modified since you started attending? Properly, I’ve solely attended twice, and solely within the newest years, so I don’t assume I’ve noticed lots change, other than the current was lots a lot much less crowded (nevertheless nonetheless vigorous) in 2022 than in 2020.
Any additional suggestions: I’m not able to attend this yr (to my regret), nevertheless actually really feel assured that I am going to attend as soon as extra, someday shortly.
ROBERT L BEERBOHM (Journalist, US, 9 events)
How and when did you first examine Angoulême? I had been learning about it for a number of years in USA comics press. Alfredo Castelli in Oct 1999 invited me to Lucca to introduce to Europe the official still-earliest-known printed within the USA sequential comic e ebook. It was printed by Benjamin Day Sr as co-owner of Wilson & Co as Brother Jonathan Extra #9 September 1842.
The Adventures of Obadiah Olbuck using the Tilt & Bogue printing plates from yr sooner than 1841. The fun stirred spurred Thierry Groensteen, then vital curator of CNBDI museum inviting me to speak and current my distinctive copy at my first Angouleme 2000.
That was the first time I had seen Robert Crumb when he was competitors president since he and Aline had come by way of my 2nd Haight Ashbury location near nook at Masonic comic e ebook & stay efficiency poster retailer, I was calling Best Comics correct sooner than the moved to France. Met Jean Giraud for first time.
And gave converse on USA’s 1842 Obadiah Oldbuck throughout the museum as every kind of Euro college students moreover readjusted their understanding of Topffer’s comic books he created in Geneva Switzerland. Some always thought Folks boastful re Yellow Baby (so did I), nevertheless none of them had ever seen any reference to Obadiah Oldbuck first displaying up publishing Sept 1842.
When was your first go to and what was the experience like? Jan 2000 – have already expressed an identical in numerous options. Might sound redundant. I might add proper right here on Sunday I was requested by each Thierry Groensteen – may have been Jean-Pierre Mercier – that Claude Moliterni being then in Paris summoned me to his place the day after the competitors. He was delighted to net web page by way of my distinctive copy. I have in mind he had Milton Caniff’s first 1934 Terry and the Pirates every day distinctive art work framed on his wall. My understanding [is] he was certainly one of many vital founders of the Angouleme Pageant and pushing for the establishment of the nationwide [comics] museum there. Turned a really very long time read-about title proper into good friend.
How does Angoulême study to your completely different experiences of comics-oriented events – every in your own home nation and overseas? At age 14 I rode a Greyhound Bus 28 hours from Fremont, Nebraska to Houston, Texas arriving June 15, 1967, for Houston SouthwesternCon June 16-18, 1967. I turned 15 that Saturday. For the first time I felt like I was “home”. Comic e ebook collectors have been coming out of the proverbial closet coming collectively in our fandom cults of making an attempt once more by way of the favored custom of earlier generations. Along with sustaining with new stuff.
Since then, by way of the a very long time, I’ve attended over a thousand (principally) comics reveals principally in America. One other fandom’s current for a while as they sprouted.
Just a few years was organising at 30 to 35 a yr. 100-hour weeks have been common once more then working 7 days per week for months on end for a number of years.
Have talked with a complete lot of lots of from all world wide. As followers with mutual respect. As a vendor who made purchasers into buddies for a really very long time till I wanted to stop.
Organize at my first one in 67, further reveals prepare at in 68 69 as quickly as I acquired my driver’s license and by 1970 a 65 Chevy Impala pulling a U-Haul trailer loaded down with comics to Disneyland Resort in Los Angeles, Phoenix, Multicon Oklahoma Metropolis, Seulingcon NYC July 4th weekend the precept one which yr, San Diego Comicon’s first current, Detroit Triple Fan Truthful a variety of comics. Met Berni Wrightson there for first time. Was thought of certainly one of solely two comics sellers would (gladly on my half) commerce him his art work for my basic EC, Frazetta, Wood, Ingels, and so forth. Good buddies till his end. Miss Berni a lot.
Angouleme is simply further of an identical. Larger scale. Through-out town. I like that a lot. Various completely different retailers. The numerous Pavilions. Met Fred Stromberg from Sweden in Chat Noir. Eddie Campbell. So many names who grew to grow to be buddies in Angouleme is always an beautiful experience(s).
Inform us about your fondest memory of Angoulême FIBD, when did it occur? 1) Presenting America’s 1842 Obadiah Oldbuck in CNBDI 2000 at our first “Plat Lunch” in CNBDI cafe. Then every Friday at noon each Pageant I went to by way of 2007. Eight in a row. Very fond recollections.
2) Art work Spiegelman inviting me and Huib van Opstal to a private tour of his exhibit, he was tasked with being President of the Pageant that yr 2012
Inbetween numerous the reveals are fond blurs. Le Chat Noir at night time time after dinner.
Out of your perspective, how has the competitors modified since you started attending? I went 2000 yearly by way of 2007. Then 2012. Been eager to return yearly since.
KAREN GREEN (Comics Librarian @ Columbia Faculty, US, 6 events)
How and when did you first examine Angoulême? Phrase of mouth throughout the comics group.
When was your first go to and what was the experience like? 2015. Ivanka Hahnenberger had invited me to common a panel of publishers, on comics and education, throughout the Rights & Licensing tent. I was put up in a fantastic B&B, nevertheless it was a bit of bit faraway from metropolis. I had been listening to about Angouleme for years, and it was my dream to go, nevertheless nothing prepared me for the sheer comics immersion of the entire metropolis. I knew by the tip of the first day that I need to uncover an answer to come back once more yearly!
How does Angoulême study to your completely different experiences of comics-oriented events – every in your own home nation and overseas? One in every of many points that struck me forcefully on my first go to was how deep comics have been throughout the fabric of the city’s life and historic previous. The combination of printing historic previous and the size of the city makes it simple and even logical for everyone to hop on the wagon. Every little retailer has some sort of comics present. Buildings have murals by well-known BD artists, or have house home windows painted over and grow to be sketch panels. Your full metropolis pulses with love and respect for the medium. I’ve on no account seen one thing like that wherever else.
One different side that struck me forcibly was the sheer number of publishers! The “Monde des Bulles,” with the massive, further enterprise publishers, is spectacular ample. Nonetheless to enter the “Nouveau Monde” tent and assume you’ve reached the tip, solely to go looking out further…over 100 publishers! It’s humbling!
Inform us about your fondest memory of Angoulême FIBD, when did it occur? Too many to relate, nevertheless one considerably specific experience was in 2017, when Denis and Violet Kitchen attended as part of the Will Eisner Centenary festivities. Jean-Pierre Mercier, from the Cite worldwide de la bande dessinee et de l’image, invited us, along with Mark Bode, Jean-Christophe Menu, and Ronald Wimberly, into the museum’s storage areas and launched out one magnificent piece of art work after one different. Herge, Tardi, Breccia, Herriman, Segar, Foster, Davis, Caran d’Ache: the names passed by practically in a blur. What a privilege to be allowed to see such a spectacular assortment!
Out of your perspective, how has the competitors modified since you started attending? I’ve been going for decrease than a decade, so lots of the modifications occurred sooner than I arrived on the scene. It does seem to take care of on getting larger and in extra venues throughout the metropolis. The brand new consuming locations seem to change from yr to yr. For me, personally, a very powerful change is how lots easier it is to go looking out lodging with the rise of AirBnB!
Any additional suggestions: I am broken-hearted on the closing of Le Pistou, the place I had an annual customized of consuming their pizza canard, tout entier. I would on no account even have gone proper right into a pizzeria in France if I hadn’t been looking out for lunch on my first go to, with good friend of restricted palate. And if I hadn’t, I’d on no account have discovered a pizza with magret of duck, smoked duck, and foie gras. This yr will most likely be my first yr with out it!
PIERRE LEBEAUPIN (Journalist – Senior French Correspondent @ Fleen, France, as quickly as solely)
How and when did you first examine Angoulême? From mainstream media, as shortly as I was able to observe them throughout the 90’s.
When was your first go to and what was the experience like? In 2020; it was magical within the an identical sense that Disneyland is magical: you get to meet people and have experiences (expos, panels, collectible finds, and so forth.) you might presumably solely dream of wherever else, nevertheless they’re always lots too temporary as a result of it’s overcrowded and everybody appears to be overworked, so in observe you end up spending a complete lot of time in traces and going from side to side. And that was with the benefits from the experience of first going to smaller festivals (transportation, lodging, time manangement, note-taking and completely different cell work tooling, and so forth.): attending Angoulême usually is a irritating experience, and with no good planning can merely develop to be a nightmare.
How does Angoulême study to your completely different experiences of comics-oriented events – every in your own home nation and overseas? My experience is with comics festivals and anime cons in France (and one in Brussels). Angoulême, whereas undeniably useful, is certainly a lot much less conductive to thekind of labor I want to accomplish at a comics competitors: concentrate on with and interview creators, examine from panels along with asking questions, get to as many expos as I can, and so forth. This (and Covid) is the precept motive why I keep going to smaller festivals nevertheless have not gotten spherical to returning to Angoulême since.
Inform us about your fondest memory of Angoulême FIBD, when did it occur? My favorite Angoulême memory is the way in which it takes over town: banners throughout the streets, signage, retailer house home windows contributing to the celebration, projections on monuments, and so forth. It provides kind of a “comics satisfaction” vibe that I haven’t seen wherever else: even the second largest competitors in France cannot obtain this in its private metropolis.
NICK NGUYEN (Journalist, Canadian based in Belgium, 13 events)
How and when did you first examine Angoulême? I be taught competitors critiques circa 1997 by way of the [email protected] mailing document.
When was your first go to and what was the experience like? First competitors go to was 2010 (Blutch Presidency). It was exhausting, overwhelming and each half that I hoped it may very well be by means of scale and scope.
How does Angoulême study to your completely different experiences of comics-oriented events – every in your own home nation and overseas? Nothing compares to it by means of scale, scope, focus, attendance. The exhibitions will likely be of assorted prime quality, nevertheless once they’re on, they’re ON.
Inform us about your fondest memory of Angoulême FIBD, when did it occur? In 2012, having dinner at La Palma at a desk with Joost Swarte and Charles Burns, and scoring Burn’s tablemat sketches.
In 2015, throughout the wake of the Charlie Hebdo murders, to experience the tribute exhibition that was unexpectedly put collectively amidst the heightened security measures.
In 2022, the feeling of satisfaction upon listening to the keep announcement that Julie Doucet gained the Grand Prix
Out of your perspective, how has the competitors modified since you started attending? The Grand Prix voting system has modified the politics of the Presidency, which in flip impacts the overall vibe of the Pageant. This has opened up the competitors in the direction of a plurality in comics voices and art work that was restricted throughout the “buddies of the earlier Grand Prix winners” technique.
Stephane Beaujean’s time as a result of the Pageant’s inventive director was a severe success for transitioning in the direction of a further focused technique to the exhibitions (along with the publication of the unimaginable exhibitions catalogs).
The primary change has been the big spike throughout the presence of manga and Asian comics on the competitors (as quickly as sharing home throughout the Important Publishers tent, now having their very personal pavilion in Manga Metropolis).
BARBARA POSTEMA (Comics scholar, Netherlands, 2-5 events)
How and when did you first examine Angoulême? From completely different comics college students, throughout the early 2000s.
When was your first go to and what was the experience like? 2014. It was an eye-opening experience: improbable to see comics embraced by such a cross a part of the inhabitants. Everyone from buses full of school children to aged {{couples}} attended.
How does Angoulême study to your completely different experiences of comics-oriented events – every in your own home nation and overseas? It compares favourably: improbable, top of the range reveals, thrilling distributors. The one barrier for me is the language, which suggests I can’t get basically probably the most out of artists talks and such.
Inform us about your fondest memory of Angoulême FIBD, when did it occur? Meeting up with buddies over improbable meals
(La passe muraille in 2014).
Getting good dédicaces in my books.
Out of your perspective, how has the competitors modified since you started attending? COVID modified points, nevertheless in another case remaining yr was not significantly fully completely different from 2014, as far as I would inform.
PUBLISHERS [10 People]
TONY BENNETT (Author @ Knockabout Books, UK, 37 events)
How and when did you first examine Angoulême? I had study it in French comics magazines.
When was your first go to and what was the experience like? 1984. Exhilarating and overwhelming.
How does Angoulême study to your completely different experiences of comics-oriented events – every in your own home nation and overseas? It is the biggest and most interesting. In all probability probably the most diversified current catering to a wide range of tastes and practically no superheroes.
Inform us about your fondest memory of Angoulême FIBD, when did it occur? Dinner with French, Spanish, and Finnish buddies the place we in distinction palindromes in our quite a few languages whereas consuming cognac.
Various the sooner exhibitions have been spectacular – I considerably have in mind the Bilal, Schuiten, and Goscinny ones.
Shaking palms with the then-French Minister of Custom (M. Toubon) at our stand when R.Crumb was signing copies of his e ebook My Troubles With Ladies, on the an identical day that UK Customs have been seizing copies of the e ebook. A terrific occasion of the worldwide places fully completely different attitudes to comics.
Out of your perspective, how has the competitors modified since you started attending? The exhibitions are sadly a lot much less spectacular, nonetheless good. The presence of Manga has tremendously elevated. Buyer numbers have grown yr on yr.
Any additional suggestions: I adore it and everyone should go in any case as quickly as. The one equal we have throughout the UK is the Lakes Worldwide Comics Art work Pageant.
PEGGY BURNS (Author @ Drawn & Quarterly, Canada, 2- 5 events)
How and when did you first examine Angoulême? On a regular basis have recognized for as long as I have been in comics.
When was your first go to and what was the experience like? The lore surrounding Angouleme was that inns have been extra sturdy to come back again by than San Diego. So we on no account thought of attending, and throughout the early years of me being at D+Q (2023 is my twentieth yr) we did not have the funds for to even think about touring to Europe. Possibly about 13 years up to now Ivanka Hahnenberger reached out to ask us to be part of the worldwide rights delegation. She was an amazing host, and made me perceive what a instrument the current will likely be.
How does Angoulême study to your completely different experiences of comics-oriented events – every in your own home nation and overseas? The Nouveau Monde [tr. “New World”] tent is tantalizing, much like a small press current in North America, nevertheless no t-shirts, Funko, and so forth. Merely all comics. You stroll in and in addition you immediately see L’Affiliation, and perhaps David B signing. And also you then’ll see Cornelius. As you dreamt it may very well be and appropriately. No completely different current has positioned such an emphasis [on] comics as expert enterprise AND ALSO art work like Angouleme has with their worldwide rights tent however moreover improbable fairly respected art work reveals. I consider the precise sticking stage that makes the competitors what it is, is that it has an Inventive Director, and that the Grand Prix is voted on by creative buddies. In numerous strategies, it’s a lot alike, there’s a superhero tent and the French love model comics, and naturally their entire stage is to advertise comics, nevertheless as one thing French it doesn’t actually really feel crass and the one issue. I even have on no account wanted to navigate spherical groups of school youngsters attending a comics current sooner than.
Inform us about your fondest memory of Angoulême FIBD, when did it occur? Meeting Aline Kominsky-Crumb throughout the Nouveau Monde tent as soon as I travelled to the competitors by myself. We went out for a glass of wine at Le Chat Noir and that is when the considered D+Q publishing her work started. My second favorite memory is Seth’s speech on the Fauves in 2019 tied with moreover meeting Tsuge that yr for his exhibit! Moebius was moreover very charming to meet. Lastly, someplace on the net you will discover a video of Tom Devlin arm wrestling the Finnish cartoonist Tommi Musturi the first yr we attended, with everyone late at Le Chat Noir cheering them on.
Out of your perspective, how has the competitors modified since you started attending? It hasn’t modified lots. Please don’t change!
Any additional suggestions: In case you’re educated attending the current, please come to the D+Q spotlight panel on Friday morning 11h throughout the worldwide rights tent the place Bill Kartalopoulos will ask myself, Senior Editor Tracy Hurren and Promoting and advertising Director Julia Pohl Miranda questions on how D+Q has come to be a totally stylish graphic novel agency throughout the twenty first century.
SERGE EWENCZYK (Author @ Editions Ҫa Et La, France, 18 events)
How and when did you first examine Angoulême? After I used to be a baby, by way of the media.
When was your first go to and what was the experience like? The yr I created my publishing agency (2005). It was overwhelming. I was large impressed by the number of publishers and authors attending the event. And by the prolonged traces for signings.
How does Angoulême study to your completely different experiences of comics-oriented events – every in your own home nation and overseas? I’ve been to numerous comics events throughout the US. Notably in NY. I attended the first two editions of New York Comic Con and hated practically each half about it. The reality that the publishers cubicles have been misplaced within the midst of video video video games stands, TV and movies; the small stands with former celebrities selling signings; the entire people cosplaying as Jedi. I found your complete experience pretty depressing. I like MOCCA and CAB [because], even if these are fairly small events, it feels that people going there are attending as a result of love of comics – which is the case of the Angouleme Pageant, nevertheless on a big scale. On prime of that you have all these good exhibitions and the B2B side which has develop to be very significative (market of worldwide rights, conferences with bookstores, distributors, colleagues, authors…).
Inform us about your fondest memory of Angoulême FIBD, when did it occur? Profitable the Fauve d’or with “Hear, Beautiful Marcia” [Écoute, jolie Márcia] by Marcello Quintanilha in 2022, clearly. (The English model of the e ebook will most likely be launched by Fantagraphics in 2023).
Out of your perspective, how has the competitors modified since you started attending? It’s been rising steadily, there are more and more exhibitions, and the enterprise side of the event makes it an event not attainable to steer clear of if you happen to occur to’re throughout the commerce.
Any additional suggestions: I actually really feel terribly lucky to have such an amazing event throughout the nation the place my publishing agency operates.
MIKE KENNEDY (Author @ Magnetic Press, beforehand of Archaia Leisure, US, 8 events)
How and when did you first examine Angoulême? As author at Archaia Leisure; Mark Smylie launched me to the competitors.
When was your first go to and what was the experience like? 2012 — As a customer author, it was a pleasure, and an precise eye-opener to the world of fantastic content material materials and creators which were (and keep) unparalleled throughout the US.
How does Angoulême study to your completely different experiences of comics-oriented events – every in your own home nation and overseas? It isn’t like several typical American convention. Being unfold out in tents peppered all by way of an historic cobblestone metropolis makes it distinctly European and uniquely romantic. Being held in January moreover offers the widespread attribute of being chilly, moist, and gray, which may sound horrible, nevertheless it really is part of the shared experience. Meeting with so many improbable publishing companions and authors makes it a sort of homecoming.
Inform us about your fondest memory of Angoulême FIBD, when did it occur? Too many to kind or rank. Consuming with creative buddies and commerce buddies, speaking in roundtable discussions, meeting excellent experience who I’ve develop to be an unlimited fan of (and later serving to to introduce their work to the US)…
Out of your perspective, how has the competitors modified since you started attending? It has been 3 years since we’ve been able to attend, primarily as a result of COVID, so will most likely be very attention-grabbing to see the way in which it compares to our remaining go to in 2020. Ask as soon as extra in 2 weeks. 🙂
This will even be our first yr with a present desk throughout the Rights Tent, showcasing our English editions and tabletop video video games, so that will most likely be a model new experience for Magnetic Press.
RICKY MILLER (Co-Author @ Avery Hill, UK, as quickly as solely)
How and when did you first examine Angoulême? I actually really feel like I’ve always recognized about Angoulême, practically as some kind of legendary, out-of-reach land that I’d most likely on no account get to go to.
When was your first go to and what was the experience like? I went in 2019 and I favored it lots that I assumed I’d go yearly after, nevertheless getting married, pandemics and a model new baby all put paid to that throughout the following years. The social side of points have been really gratifying and it was good being able to work along with completely different publishers. The exhibitions have been excellent, significantly one with an excessive amount of distinctive Batman art work by way of the ages. Town is beautiful.
How does Angoulême study to your completely different experiences of comics-oriented events – every in your own home nation and overseas? Other than it being highly effective to go looking out moderately priced lodging, it was undoubtedly top-of-the-line experiences. We didn’t have a product sales desk as we’d heard English language books don’t fare that correctly and so I would merely benefit from wandering spherical and chatting with people. It felt far more author focused reasonably than creator led, which is definitely an enormous distinction to lots of the completely different events I’m going to.
Inform us about your fondest memory of Angoulême FIBD, when did it occur? Positively may very well be some very late consuming on the Friday night time time with some well-known UK comics creators, with a great deal of champagne paid for by certainly one of many sponsors. Pleasing night time time!
CHIP MOSHER (Writer and Former Author @ Comixology Originals, USA, 2-5 events)
How and when did you first examine Angoulême? Learning about it in trades throughout the 80s.
When was your first go to and what was the experience like? My first experience at FIBD was magical. It was 2013. Merely seeing how the French packaged and marketed comics in a completely fully completely different method from the US was eye opening and scary. The BD format really opened my eyes to new strategies of keen about the way in which to do comics throughout the US. And the reverence for the material and seriousness of the French about comics as an art work was moreover inspiring.
How does Angoulême study to your completely different experiences of comics-oriented events – every in your own home nation and overseas? It’s further like a extreme end e ebook truthful then a Comic-Con. Full stop.
Inform us about your fondest memory of Angoulême FIBD, when did it occur? After I used to be at comiXology, we did an enormous address Editions Delcourt, and consuming an excessive amount of Cognac with Man Delcourt throughout the bar on the Mercure is a very fond memory!
Out of your perspective, how has the competitors modified since you started attending? It’s gotten bigger since 2013. The exact metropolis of Angoueleme was struggling after the 2008 world crash, and lots of outlets have been shuttered. It’s been good to see the current develop even bigger over the past 10 years after which moreover your complete metropolis come once more in an enormous method.
CORINNE PEARLMAN (Author @ Myriad Editions, UK, 9 events)
How and when did you first examine Angoulême? MANY YEARS AGO – most likely on the UK Comic Arts Convention (UKCAC). [Note: UKCAC was a major UK comics convention that ran between 1985 to 1998]
When was your first go to and what was the experience like? 2012; representing the Myriad document to French and completely different publishers; very worthwhile and good contacts; moreover so impressed by the huge wealth of the comics commerce in France.
How does Angoulême study to your completely different experiences of comics-oriented events – every in your own home nation and overseas? There is no equal commerce truthful choose it, and as a contest for creators and followers, it’s lots bigger than any competitors throughout the UK. It takes over town.
Inform us about your fondest memory of Angoulême FIBD, when did it occur? Meeting specific individual publishers for the first time; it’s so rewarding to meet face-to-face. And easily meeting people on the road and at their cubicles – it is actually convivial nevertheless sometimes exhausting.
Out of your perspective, how has the competitors modified since you started attending? There’s further understanding of assorted art work varieties; French publishers are further open to fully completely different approaches.
Any additional suggestions: Myriad’s protection was to work fully with UK-based authors, nevertheless I may need favored the possibility to have been able to vary this!
CHRIS PITZER (Author @ Adhouse Books, US, 2 events solely)
How and when did you first examine Angoulême? I can’t say for certain when the first time I heard of Angouleme may have been. If I wanted to guess, it could want been when Matt Wagner acquired right here and gave a chat and current on the college I attended. That one presentation opened my ideas to manga, the classics, and European wonders. I merely checked, and that was 1990…so 33 years up to now?
When was your first go to and what was the experience like? 2012 was my first go to to Angouleme. Tom Scioli, my partner and I made the journey to assist the discharge of American Barbarian. It was a dream come true! I met improbable French comic creators, seen excellent art work spherical a beautiful metropolis and ultimately made a life objective happen. I don’t talk French, so I wanted to anticipate know-how to catch as a lot as allow me to make the journey. The one place I would uncover to rent was spherical half-hour outdoor Angouleme. We needed a GPS to help uncover our method from side to side. The one “harmful” memory I’ve was the heavy taxes which were levied on importing American Barbarian into the nation. No person had ever heard of the amount we would have liked to pay. All of us assumed it was due to the AMERICAN title.
How does Angoulême study to your completely different experiences of comics-oriented events – every in your own home nation and overseas? I ponder Angouleme the sort of current you attend to recharge your creative batteries. It gained’t present the monetary awards like an SPX or TCAF (for us small pressers). Nonetheless seeing how comics are dealt with as an art work kind inside an ENTIRE metropolis… correctly, it’s excellent. The closest we have proper right here in North American is CXC in Columbus. Not a comic book ebook CON, nevertheless a FESTival.
Inform us about your fondest memory of Angoulême FIBD, when did it occur? I’ve solely been twice. Our first time in 2012, and our second time in 2019. They every have been specific. Since I mentioned the 2012 already, I’ll say my fondest memory for 2019 was touring the Richard Corben exhibit with Jim Rugg. I actually tried to get Jim to attend in 2012, nevertheless it didn’t work out. So, to have him there and having the chance to take in a Corben exhibit? Heaven. Moreover, once more in 2012, someone at Angouleme expressed curiosity in having Hartley Lin (Ethan Rilly) on the current, so it was good to make that happen in 2019 as correctly.
Out of your perspective, how has the competitors modified since you started attending? Properly, with my solely attending twice, I don’t actually really feel I’ve an accurate perspective to answer this question.
ERIC REYNOLDS (Author @ Fantagraphics, US, 2-5 events)
How and when did you first examine Angoulême? I can’t really have in mind a time as soon as I hadn’t heard of Angoulême, even when solely in a sort of legendary sense.
When was your first go to and what was the experience like? My first time was I consider in 2014, correct after the Charlie Hebdo assault, so it was an odd vibe nevertheless I nonetheless managed to have time, and as well as found what to not do the next time spherical.
How does Angoulême study to your completely different experiences of comics-oriented events – every in your own home nation and overseas? It’s pretty singular. Not merely the current itself, even — which it is — however moreover the environment it takes place inside.
Inform us about your fondest memory of Angoulême FIBD, when did it occur? Meeting worldwide authors for the first time, whether or not or not it is Manuele Fior, Typex, Peter Van Dongen, Antoine Maillard, and so forth.
Out of your perspective, how has the competitors modified since you started attending? I can’t say I attend repeatedly ample to say.
BEN SMITH (Author @ Stand up, UK, 2-5)
How and when did you first examine Angoulême? An Eddie Campbell graphic novel, or just from regular comics custom.
When was your first go to and what was the experience like? 2014 or 2015 I consider. It was improbable, discovering oneself with a Francophone imaginative and prescient ofglobal comics custom – for a non-French speaker – was energising, thrilling and good.
How does Angoulême study to your completely different experiences of comics-oriented events – every in your own home nation and overseas? It’s fairly fully completely different. It isn’t merely fandom-led, nevertheless reasonably everyone accepts comics are culturally very important and the exhibitions uncover how whereas the tents current the commerce of the present day. It is in its favour that film and TV and video video games often will not be essential players throughout the competitors. It is about comics, not comic-book-derived completely different media.
Inform us about your fondest memory of Angoulême FIBD, when did it occur? Visiting any of the reveals I seen, Eisner, Taniguchi, Nury, many others.
Out of your perspective, how has the competitors modified since you started attending? I’ve stopped attending yearly, so cannot talk for now.
Any additional suggestions: The one nation missing from Angouleme’s focus is the UK. The rich comic e ebook historic previous from all through the channel is absent from its showcases, and that may very well be a blind spot in a contest that in another case represents the globe effectively.