Brussels comic strip festival returns in September after a two-year hiatus because of the pandemic. Celebrating comic books since 2010, and features murals, exhibitions by comic book artists and dress-ups for enthusiasts. The festival has welcomed over 100,000 visitors every year, giving fans an opportunity to meet the authors.
From Friday 9 September to Sunday 11 September, comic book publishers will descend upon Brussels. Activities at the festival include book signings and animations for both the young and old. In terms of decoration, the venue will have giant balloons of cartoon characters.
A Boule/Bollie balloon pictured during the Balloon's Day Parade 2011 at the Comic Book Festival / Fete de la BD / Stripfestival in Brussels, Saturday 10 September 2011. Credit: Belga / Nicolas Maeterlinck
This edition of the festival is dedicated to the fictional animal character Marsupilami, created by André Franquin. Marsupilami first appeared in the 'Spirou en Fantasio' comic and later its got its own series. Marsupilami celebrates its 70th birthday this year.
This year's festival devotes a lot time for mangas, with seperate exhibitions for the Japanese hero Naruto, created. Masashi Kishimoto. Naruto is the story of a young ninja who wants to be recognised by his peers and dreams of becoming the Hokage, the leader of his village. Parts of the exhibit will also feature the Japanese manga, the robot Goldorak.
Illustration shows people at the ninth edition of Brussels comic strip festival, Saturday 15 September 2018. Credit: Belga / Hatim Kaghat
Winners of the Atomium comic prize will be announced during the festival. There are a total of nine prizes, at the total sum of €100,000.
Belgium has a strong comic book tradition. "With more than 700 comic writers, Belgium is home to the highest density of comic creators and illustrators in the world," according to the official tourist website of Brussels. Known well beyond Belgium's borders are character's such as trailblazer Hergé's Tintin, as well as the Lucky Luke series and the Smurfs.
A comic book museum opened in Brussels in 1989 to celebrate these characters and their cultural impact.
Signboard with Tintin and Milou (Kuifje en Bobbie), famous character of Herge, on the top of the Lombard Edition building by the Gare du Midi. The signboard was restored thanks to the foundation Raymond Leblanc. Credit: Belga / Herwig Vergult
The Brussels comic book festival will move from Bozar to the Tour & Taxi site. Moreover, it will change its name to 'BD Comic Strip Festival'. More info here.
